THE Honorable pleasant and rare conceited Historie of Palmendos Sonne to the famous and fortunate Prince Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Translated out of French by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine AT LONDON Printed by I. C. for Simon Watersonne are to be sold in Church-yarde at the signe of the Crowne Anno. Domini 1589. Fortissimo et militiae naualis Peritissimo viro Domino Francisco Draco Equiti Aurato DEsinat Herculeas iam Grecia vana columnas Mirari aut Minyas Dulichiâ—…mue ducens Amphitryoniadem super as fortissime Drace Iasonaque et comites Penelopesque virum Neptunusque suum credit tibi iure tridentem Cedit Sceptra libens imperiâ—…mque maris Palmendos tanto latus tutusque Patrono Audet in innumeras peruolitare manus Zoilus inuideat rumpantur et ilia Codro Palmendos Draco vindice tutus erit It volat et gaudet spernit que minacia verba Nempe soles tumides spernere Drace minas Antonius Mondaius To the courteous Reader HAuing finished this History of Pâ—…lmendos I commit the same to thy fauourable censure And though it bee not floorished foorth with borrowed phrases of eloquence yet hope I thou wilt accept it freendly as thou hast done heertofore my works of the like matter To make any commendation therof to thee I will not first reade thy fill thereon and after iudge as thou findest occasion yet with thy wonted fauour to encourage me in proceeding in translation of 〈◊〉 which by the next Tearme I hope will be accomplished From my house at Cripple gate the fifth of Februarie 1589. Thine in all courtesie Anthâ—…ny Monday The history of Palmendos sonne to the famous Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano Sonne to Tryneus Emperour of Allemaigne Aurecinda Siâ—…er to the Soldane of Persia theyr Kâ—…ghtly deedes of Chiuâ—…e 〈◊〉 aduentures and woorthy resolutioâ—… CHAP. I. Howe Belcar and Tyrendos beeing in the Câ—…urte of the Emperor Palmerin receiued theyr order of knighthoode and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople and of the Câ—…mbat hâ—…e fought in the Realme of Macedoâ—… against tâ—…e three Sonnes of a Knight thaâ—… lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magniâ—…cent and proud Monarchie of the Romaines waâ—… erected a new Empire in Greece which the 〈◊〉 bountie diuine fauoâ—…red with continual happines placing the good Prince Palmerin d'Oliua in the Crowne and lawfull gouernment therof as wel in respect of his great prowesse high and knightlie paradores which with vigilant â—…are he vsed for the defence of such an estate the onely renowne whereof brake the desseigâ—…es of manie that by hostilitie sought to disquiet him aâ—… alsâ—… in regarde of the notable linage posteritie discending from him of whose vertues and heroycall perfections this present Historie of Palmendos his Sonne is contriued and therefore to be placed at the ende of his Fathers trauels In which discourse alreadie extant gentle Readers you haue vnderstood howe the Emperour Palmerin so looued and honored Knights errant that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Courte because yéerelie hee continued a sumptuous spectacle in forme of a Tourney for the exercise of knightly and millitarie discipline and with such religious zeale was this worthy practise folowed as the Court might well be called y t Schoole of Armes and Nursse of ciuilitie For this cause many Kinges Princes and great Lordes sent their Sonnes to bee there educated among whom the good Knight Frysoll King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecana another called Tirendos that they might deserue their knighthoâ—…de at the hand of the Emperor the true mirrour and Idea of manhoode and so consequentlie they to participate some part of his bountie and prowâ—…sse THe time then béeing câ—…me that Belcar Son to King Frysoll shoulde 〈◊〉 his order of knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enioy it at his hand and Tirendos Sonne to Duke Eustace of Mecana desirous of the selfe same honour made like request vnto his Maiestie whereto the good Emperâ—…ur who looued them both with singuler affection knowing hâ—…w well Chiualrie woulde bee imployed by thâ—…m â—…ight willinglie condiscended Héereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigill he knighted these two Princes with great royaltie desiring God to bestow such fauour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous prâ—…decessours And to Belcar â—…mbracing him in his armes he sayd My good Nephewe heauen accomplish in you such perfâ—…ctiens of manhoode as each one may knowe you to be the Sonne of the worthy Knight Sir Frysoll a Prince so hardie and valiant as anie that euer followed Armes The ceremonies béeing ended they all returned to the Pallace where the newe Knights béeing vnarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for greater honour of the feaste which in the Courte at this tâ—…e excéeded But Belcar tooke little pleasure in beholding the diuers occurrences at this assembly because his minde was more busâ—…ed with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commâ—…ne with himselfe Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast recâ—…iued the honorable order of knighthood and that at the hande of the Empeâ—…ur thynâ—… Unckle whom the diuine prouidence hath endued with so manie laâ—…dable vertues nor dooth any thing want in the King thâ—… Father that is required in a man at Armes If then hetherto thou hast liued in pleasure delights hencefoorth thou must bequeath thy selfe to trauaile to shewe that thou doost resemble and imitate in some things thine Auncestors who with great labour and industrie haue attained such fame and renowâ—…e as the memory therof shal remaine immortali And if thou wilt not darcken this honour then must thou hasten thy departure from y â— Court and follow the search of strange aduentures as they dyd in their daies for thine example After many and sundry thoughts that fought together within his spirit he concluded to depart acccmpanied but with one Squire and that so secretly as could be deuised Thence would he trauaile directly towards Macedon to make the first proofe of his valour in y t aduenture of Francelina who was enchaunted in y â— Iâ—…le of Carderia as was declared in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua And at thys time was little talke of any other thing then of the number of Knights that daily sought to winne her in marriage and with her the Kingdome of Thessalie for such 〈◊〉 the promised guerdon and recompence to him that coulde deliuer her out of the enchaunted Castell but hetherto all the Knights lost thâ—…ir labour for no one was able to finish the â—…duenture Belcar béeing earnestly prouoked with the fame of this occasioÌ„ which was generally râ—…puted strange and full of â—…aunger resolued to frame his iourney thether because heâ—… earnestly
youth and very well gyuen who earneâ—…ly intreated his Mother to obtaine so much of the Soldane his Father that after his Sisters mariage he might stay a while at Constantinople which sute at her request the Soldane graâ—…nted and therefore sent him by Sea well aâ—…companied with Knights Abenunco sayâ—…ing along the cost of Thrace mette with Ocurites King of Culaquin who was Sonne in law to the great Turke and reputed the hardiest Knight among al the Turkiâ—…h Nobilitie his Maiestie hauing giuen his Daughter in mariage to this Barbarian shee béeing one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse Ocurites knowing the â—…rate mallâ—…ce betwéene the Emperour and his Father in Lawe the more to please him prouided himselfe 〈◊〉 good strength by Sea and dailie came vppon â—…he Coastâ—… of Greece sending 〈◊〉 with stroÌ„g Brigandines beâ—…ore him to disâ—…ouer what Christians stirred abroade and sundry tiâ—…es tooke many of them captiues as nowe he intended to doo by the Soldans Sonnâ—… When Ocurites by y â— streamers and banderolles heard of the Babilonian Prince and knewe withall that his father was a chéefe Freende to the Emperour in great furie with his Ships he sette vpon him Abenunco with his Knights defended themselues so well as they coulde During this conflicte â—…almendos approched very néere them and of a Galley â—…illed with Christian slaues he demaundeâ—… the cause of this â—…erce encounter Sir answered one of the â—…aues he to whom this great traine of shypping appertaineth is Ocurites King of Culaquin and Sonne to the great Turke that with diuers of his â—…eague faction dailie coastes on Greece to endamagâ—… the Emperour Palmerin enemie to his Father and those he hath nowe mette withal belong to the Soldane of Babilon they sayling as we vnderstand toward Constantinople When the Prince heard what the Christian had said he â—…rauelie encouraged his Cozin Ozalio in aâ—…isting the welâ—…willers tâ—… the noble Emperour so comming to the Kings Ship he thus spake Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince as is the Emperour of Constantinople heerewith he beganne to lay about him valiantlie and Ozalio not one inche behind him made the enemie well vnderstand his inuincible courage Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour gaue him such a peazaunt stroke with the hâ—…lttes of his Sword on the Helmet as made him stagger and at length fall downe wheÌ„ offering to rise againe Palmendos caught hâ—… so strongly by the Helmet aâ—… he pulde it violently froÌ„ of his head kéeping him stil vnder his Sword in such subiâ—…tion as at length he was caryed prisoner into the Princes Cabin and there committed him to the charge of foure trustie Knights In meane while Ozalio fought with the Kings Brother who vnderstanding that Ocurites was taken prysoner did what he coulde to recouer him againe but Ozalio stept betweene him and his purpose still labouring him with so manie hardiâ—… strokes as at length he smote his head froÌ„ his shoulders The rest beholding theyr King taken and his Brother slayne besâ—…e the great massacre made among them and that they were no way able to withstand theyr fortune a number fel hedlong into the Sea rather then they wold die vnder the enemies sword Palmendos séeing no further resistaunce but y â— the Turks were vtterly discomâ—…ted he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure the Ships likewise to bee seazed on as his owne then comming to Ozalio whose forwardnes he commended he willed him to see all things disposed as beséemed such a victory afterward he embraced y â— Soldans Sonne and diuers courteous ceremonies passing betwéen them the one for his happy deliueraunce the other reporting what he had doone was for the Emperours sake at length Palmendos vsed these spéeches My Lorde willingly woulde I beare yee companie to Constantinople but that a voyage of great importance dooth vrgentlie call me to another place yet séeing you are deliuered from the Tyrant Ocurites and all your Knights in sufficient safety let me obtaine this fauour at your hands to take the King with ye to Constantinople and all y â— Christian prisoners deliuered from captiuitie Them shall yee present on my behalfe to the Emperour Palmerin requesting that this auncient Christian enemie may be safelie kept vntill I come to sée his Maiestie which shall bee with all the expedition I can Woorthy Sir aunswerâ—…d Abenunco it greeues me that your iournâ—…y lyes not presentlie to Constantinople because I shoulde thinke my selfe happie in hauing your companie béeing the man to whâ—…m I am continuallie bounde for my life and libertie and â—…eereof I am assured that ouer and aboue your gracious welcome you shall winne the honour of the famous Tryumphe ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my Sister with the Prince of Hungaria And hartilie sorrie am I aunswered Palmendos that I cannot be present in so woorthy an assemblie whereof at this time you may well excuse mee not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay These speeches he vttered his thoughts beeing farre otherwise for so soone as he heard of the Ioustes at Constantinople he determined to goe thether secretlie without making himselfe known to anie but as a strange Knight to aduenture his fortune among other wherefore he departed from Abenunco who offered him manie riche presents for hys great kindnes yet woulde not hee accept of anie Abenunco returned him manie thankes cheefelie for hys promise that hee woulde in shorte time visite the Emperour in personne so after many courteous speeches and sundry familliar farewelles Palmendos commaunded his Pilot to launche into the high Seas for that he intended an other kind of course CHAP. XII Howe Abenunco arriued at Constantinople whose comming greatly reioiced the Emperour but much more his Sister Esquiuela And howe Lynedes Lorde of the Isle of Lique the Countie of Pelada his Cozin came to Ioust against the Knights of the Courte attending the Tourney for the mariage of Ditreus GReatly did Abenunco coÌ„mende his fortune in finding so good succour at a time of such necessitie and all the Knights in hys coÌ„panie held opinion that Palmendos was the only flowre of Chiualrie but aboue all other the Christian slaues accouÌ„ting their deliuerance for a miracle imagined the Author thereof was some great Freende to the Emperour In this ioy they sayled till they came to Constantinople where his Maiestie béeing aduertised that the Soldans Sonne was arriued commaunded Primaleon Ditreus and many of hys best Barons to goe conduct him to the Court. In meane while Abenunco clothing himselfe most sumptuously caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prysoners to be carryed on shore that hâ—…e might not fayle in the charge giuen him by Palmendos so the Babilonian Prince riding to the Courte with all the prisoners going orderlie bâ—…fore him he gaue charge to one of his cheefest Knights that hée should present them to his Maiestie and béeing come into the Emperours presence
often bring his life to very perrillous exigents notwithstanding so did the heauens fauour Pâ—…lmendos and despise the manifold tyrannies of the Gyant as after a long cruell bloodie fight Baledon had receiued so many woundes as hee was constrained to fall at the Princes merâ—…ie for which Palmendos humblie 〈◊〉 heauen boldlie sette hys foote vpon the Gyant saying Coâ—…fesse thy selfe Baledon vanquished by me and let mee enâ—…y the prysoners which thou vniustlie detainest in thy Castell for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the â—…oynt of my Sword When the Gyant behelde his great pompe so ouerthrowne and hee had no meane nowe left wherewith to defende himselfe he breathed forth these sorrowfull speeches Ah angry Gods howe strange and diuers are your iudgments in suffering â—…othe mee and my Sonne to bee foyled by one Knight Now see I well that myne infinite and wicked offences committed against men without desert hath throwne this wreakefull sentence on me Then calling his Seruaâ—…nts hee commaunded them to conduct the Prince into the Castell and to deliuer all his prysoners to him with any thing els hee shoulde commaunde them So went the Prince with his Cozin Ozalio and two of the Gyants Seruaunts to the Castell the rest remayned to bring theyr Maisters deade bodie and when they were entred the â—…ase Courte they met the Gyantesse heaâ—…ilie lamenting and curssing the Knight who was cause thereof But Palmendos made no account of her wordes commaunding all the prysoners to bee presently brought before him which in sooth were very many both Knights Merchaunts and other trauayling Strangers who had long time beene kept tâ—…ere in captiuitie and nowe séeing they were so generallie called they verilie thought to die or endure some cruell torment but finding the contrarie I leaue their â—…oy to the Readers iudgment Then Palmendos called for the Knights Armour that eache one knowing his owne Armour might bee armed therewith for this their happie deliueraâ—…nce they all â—…ell downe at the Princes feete desiring God to reward his honourable paynes But among the prisoners there were two young Knights of comelie staturâ—… béeing both Moores who had not long time béene held in that seruitude and witnessing by their countenaunces that they were discended of royal parentage The one of them was Rifarano Son to Trineus Emperor of Allemaigne and Aurecinda the Soldans Sister as you may reade in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua the other was named Lecefin Son to the Soldane of Persia béeing the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princesse Zephira These two young Lords were nourished together by the Soldane because hee behelde the towarde inclination of Rifarano whom hee euer imagined would prooue a worthie Knight and for he was Sonne to his Sister â—…nd the Emperour Trineus his great fréende he looued him as Lecefin his owne Childe Rifarano comming to the age of tenne or twelue yeres wexed very forward in all commendable exercises and one day reasoning with his Mother desired her to tell him the cause why she went so continually clad in mourning the truth wherof she discoursed to him and how his Father was the Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne When Rifarano vnderstoode that he was Sonne to one of the chéefest Princes in Christendome hee made greater account of himselfe then he did before and dysposed himselfe to matters of higher quallitie so that béeing of yeeres to receiue his Knighthoode he requested the Soldane to honour him therwith which he with right good will performed causing Ioustes and Tournaments to sollemnize that time withall wherin Rifarano still bare awaie the pryze Following Armes and Chiualrie he still continued and with good successe wunne such fame through all Persia as y â— Soldane thought to ioyne him in marriage with the King Maulerinos eldest Daughter But he would neuer harken to such matters for that hee had secretlie vowed first to sée the Emperour his Father whereto his Mother whose dayes long sicknes had new shortened euermore prouoked him that Trineus beholding the fruite of her loue might thinke the better of his acquaintaunce with her After the obsequies and royall funerall as wel beséemed a Princesse of so great regarde and Rifarano lothe to stay his Mother beeing dead hee desired y â— Soldane that he might trauaile to Constantinople to sée thâ—… Courte of the Emperour Palmerin and thence he wouldâ—… goe to his Father in Allemaigne Albeit very vnwilling yet y e Soldane condiscended whereat the young Prince Lecefin who loued Rifarano as himselfe beganne to conceiue great sorrowe wherefore he intreated his Father that â—…ee might trauaile with him in companie perswading him that it would be a cause of his Cozins more speedie returnâ—… The Soldane liked heereof very well and although he was yet verie young he gaue him his knighthoode and so with â—…iuers presents from his Father Zephira as also Letters to both the Emperours accompanied with thirtie hardie Knights they tooke shypping and by meanes of an excéeding rough tempest on the Sea they were driuen perforce into this Isle of Delphos where béeing hemâ—…e in with the chayne and â—…lattered by the Gyant to come on shore without suspecting anie treason they went to his Castell and finding outward freendlie entertainement they were fetched foorth of their beddes and thrust into pryson twentie of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthered the rest were brought into the Dungion to their Maisters and afterward the Gyant tooke the spoyle of y â— Ship at his pleasure But to come to ouâ—… pâ—…rpose Rifarano and Lecefin seeing themselues deliuered frâ—…m this dâ—…llorous liâ—…e much worse then thâ—…t of the slaues in the â—…allies they spaâ—…e to PalmeÌ„dos in this maner Tel vs in courtesâ—…e good Knight by what meanes haue you obtained our libertie for wee meruaile that we 〈◊〉 not the Gyant who brought vs hether by 〈◊〉 â—…reason Gentlemen quoth the Prince I am a Knight borne farre hence and béeing by the angrie Seas cast vpon this Island I determined to come on shore where beeing no waie able to escape the death present before mine eyes I was constrained to Combat with the Gyant you talke of who to allure me the sooner to the battaile promised me securitie from any saue himself But heauen giuing me strength to erect a mortall Trophe of his slaughtered bodie hath thereby giuen you all freedome againe Might we not saide Rifarano knowe your name to whom wee are so much indebted for our deliueraunce as for vs it is necessarie you should knowe of whence what we are that if we should growe heereafter ingratefull for this kindnes the meanest in the worlde might iustlie condemne vs. This young Prince quoth hee is named Lecefin â—…onne to the noble Soldane of Persia and I his vnworthie Nephew issued from Trineus Emperour of Allemaigne brother by mariage to the incomparable Prince Palmerin d'Oliua heereto hee added the whole discourse of their trouble which you haue heard alreadie In happie time came I hether aunswered
Hungaria May it be so quoth the Quéene Denisa then is he my Nephew and thinkes hee scorne to be knowne to vs right gladlie would I haue seene him for from our infancie wee were nourished together and well may you assure your selfâ—… Madame Alderina that he hath béene euermore benigne and courteous which makes me not reioyce a little that his fortune in Armes is equall with his other vertue yet séeing he desires to passe vnknowne let vs kéepe the same so secret as we may It were néedles to demaund if Alderina were pleased when she heard that Belcar was issued of so grâ—…at and illustrious blood offering himselfe withall so religiously her Knight wherefore she now beganne extreamelie to affect him and imprinted the remembraunce of him so liuelie in her spirit as nothing might deface it againe Thus hourely raunged loues passions in her harte wherein they tooke immediate ambush so soone as she beheld him at the Fountaine CHAP. III. Howe Belcar fearing to be knowne departed secretlie from Macedon by the way met with a Knight whom he vanquished and how he fought a cruell combat with him that defended the bridge where the faire Francelina was enchaunted SO soone as Belcar hadde ended with Alderinaes Squire hee minded to departe presentlie fearing least the King Florendos would sende for him as indeede he did soone after for hee greatlye desired to knowe the Knight that bare away the honour of the Tourney But hys expectation was greatlie deceiued in that Belcar was alreadiâ—… departed whereof the King coulde not be perâ—…waded but that he missed his presence in the Tryumphe following which hee compared with the pastime of little Children in respect of the former day when the vnknown Knight performed matters of incredible valour And albeit the Quéene Denisa and the Princesse Alderina hearde euery iudgment passing â—…n the Knight yet woulde they yeelde no other aunswer but that hee seemed to bee one of the best estéemed Knights in the Emperours Court. Belcar then hauing graciously thanked his two companions for the courtesâ—…e and humanitie they had vsed towardes him tooke his fréendlie farewell of them fayning an carnest constraint which commaunded his presence in mat ters of importaunce The Knightes lothe to lâ—…ose so gâ—…od a Freende made offer to accompany him in his trauaile but hee excused their requeste with a necessarye dâ—…nyall wherewith they were pleased and hee had libertie to depart And ryding along the way where hee met Alderina he happened into a faire greene Meddow where because no lodging was néere at hand he determined to make his hostage that night but as hee thought to enter a sounde sleepe a suddaine imagination caught hold on his sences presenting them with the rare beautie of Alderina during which passion he was constrained thus to parle with himselfe In sooth Belcar right well maist thou bee charged with discourtesâ—…e ingratitude hauing made so slender shewe of ciuilitie to so faire a Princesse as is the Dukes Daughter of Pontus full well may it beséenie thee to amend this fault and by the dutifull repentaunce fitting a Knight recouer the note of thy former blemishe After many amorous discourses he concluded if hee could finish the aduenture of Francelina to make choyse of thys Ladie onelie as his Wife And in these imaginations a sweete slumber ouertooke him wherin he continued till the next morning when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rydiâ—…g not pâ—…t the spâ—…ce of two â—…iles â—…e mette with â—…â—…night â—…t Arâ—…es who demâ—…unded if hee came from Macedon and if the nâ—…ptials of the Kings daughter were finished Beâ—…car answered thâ—… they were now in performing aâ—… if it liked him to traâ—…aile thether he should there finde mattâ—…r enough to be implâ—…yed in The Knight left Belâ—…ar tâ—…â—…is iourney and so without anie further spéeches they 〈◊〉 But if you be 〈◊〉 to know the man it wâ—… Cardino who departed from Constantinople with Colmelio in search of the Damosell that brought such a â—…daine mâ—…sage to the Emperour Palmerin as you may reade in the last Chapter of his Historie And 〈◊〉 they had trauâ—…led manie Countries to â—…nde her yet 〈◊〉 they not heare anie tydings of her because she presentlie returned to the Castell of Carderia from whence the Fayries sent her to the Court on that occasion the intent thereof beeing no other but onelie to extol and commend the future proâ—…sse of Palmendos Sonne to the Qâ—…éene of Tharsus and y â— Emperour Palmerin and that the Knight who should come to finish the enchaâ—…tment of Francelina might be receiued with greater honour and magnificencs Cardino had trieâ—… his fortune in this aduenture but hee could spéede no better then others had dâ—…ne before him wherefore hearing of the Feaste and open Court held at Macedon he went as one doubtfull to come short to the Tryumphes til Belcar had thereof certainlie resolued him These Knightes were not parted the space of a mile but Cardino met the Damosell who was Sister to the two Bretheren slayne by Belcar in the Woode shée hauing followed him to the Court of the King Florendos was aduertised by a Squire of his successe in the Tourney and howe he rode the common high waie leading to Carderia whereupon shee made good haste after him and mette with Cardino soone after ter their departure to whom she began in this manner I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…et a 〈◊〉 in â—…rcene 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the most trayteâ—…ous and 〈◊〉 all man that thiâ—… 〈◊〉 liâ—…th for my Father haâ—…ing â—…ne him al the honour he could deuise while 〈◊〉 â—…ght he câ—…e lodged at his Caâ—… and on the morrâ—…w 〈◊〉 the more to content him commaunded my 〈◊〉 â—…retheren to accompanie him somewhat on y â— waie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and vnthankfull wretch without anie occasion â—…e we two of them and put the thyrde in great â—…aunger of life And in this iust cause I pursue y â— vylâ—…ine in hope to méete with some worthie man who deteâ—…ing such 〈◊〉 and horrible ingratitude will in taâ—…ing compasâ—…ion on â—…y greâ—…fe reuenge this iniurie So â—…ell could the traytreâ—… couller her spâ—…ches and set such a 〈◊〉 fâ—…le on her rautelous prosopopey as shee imprinteâ—… in the hart of Cardino a dutiful regard to reuenge â—…ch wrong wherefore he thus answered 〈◊〉 if it be so as you say the â—…night cannot excuse himselfe but that he is bothe a Traytor and a fellon nor will the God of Heauen â—…uffer him to escape 〈◊〉 in this world The Damosell with terrible othes protested what shee had saide desiring him to giue her ayde if no other occasions might hinder her sute Right gladlie ê™ Cardino will I 〈◊〉 my duetie héerein for that I am a professed enemie to such offenders and shal cause him to paie déerelie for his trecherie So rode he with the Damosell after Belcar but all that daie they câ—…ulde not ouertake him On the morrowe they gotte â—…ight of him on the edge of a Mountaine whereat
the Damosell not a littlâ—… contented desired Cardino now to rouse his forces against the Tyrant that had so dishonoured her Cardino promising to accomplish her desire gaue the spurres to his horse and galloped after Belcar and in a great brauado thus â—…ried to him Stay Traytour vnworthy y â— name of a Knight and receiue thy guerdon at my hand for slaughtering thâ—…m that entertained thée with all humanitie Belcar hearing himselfe thus iniuried was immediâ—…e prâ—…ked â—…nto choller and turning towardes hâ—… that touched him with disloyallie hee thus sterneliâ—… aunswered But little to thy profite will it bee to pursue mee with such â—…alfe and lying accusations So clasping his 〈◊〉 he râ—…n suriously against Cardiâ—…o who mette him with no 〈◊〉 â—…rage and viuacitis and breaking hiâ—… Laâ—…e brauely 〈◊〉 what scared the â—…kinne of his enâ—…mie â—… but Belcar welcommed him with so sound a salutation as he fell downe with the saddle betwéene his legges â—…o sore astonied wyth 〈◊〉 fall as he was not able to stirre hand nor foote which Belcar perceiuing rode on and there â—…ft him The 〈◊〉 séeing Cardino in such woful plight â—…lighted froÌ„ her Pâ—…lfray and with the helpe of his Squire binding vppe hyâ—… wounds determined to bring him to sâ—…ne place for helpe vsing the greatest shewes of lamentation that coulde â—…ée Ah heauen quoth shee why giue yee strength to wicked 〈◊〉 against the good and vertuoâ—…s suffer not that diâ—…oiall 〈◊〉 to doo anie further daunger but rather 〈◊〉 some misâ—…rable ende to his vnworthie life By this 〈◊〉 the Squire had â—…unted Cardino on his Horâ—…e so they returned the same way they came happening to the place where Belcar had broken his faste the morning bâ—…fore There they vnderstoode by the Hoste that he was gone to proue the aduenture of Francelina whether the Damosell would gladlie haue followed him yet was she lothe to leaue Cardino in such daunger and therefore abode therâ—… with him thrée daies vsing all the meanes shee coulde to heale him because for her sake he was so wounded where we will leaue them and returne to the oâ—…ely thred of our â—…istorie So long rode Belcar that hee arriued within halfe a daies iourney of the Castell where Francelina was thyâ—… Fortresse appertained to a Ladie y â— was a widdâ—…we who had two fayre Daughters and a Sonne already knighted of no lesse valour in feates of Armes then learned and wel sâ—…ene in â—…ers â—…r disciplines In this place was hee meruailouâ—…â—…ll entertained the Lady of the Castell beeing a Womaâ—… of great honour and her Daughters of veris Courtlie aâ—…d ciuill behauiour After Supper Belcar entreâ—… into 〈◊〉 with them and among manie other thingeâ—… enquâ—…ed thâ—… cause that mooâ—…ed so many Knights to 〈◊〉 the aâ—…ture of that Isle when the Ladies Sonnâ—… who was named Lypes answered him in this sort 〈◊〉 me Sir I haue euermore accounted the man but â—…lis councelled that takes such paines to trauell hether séeing it is so long time since any Knight arriued here who returneâ—… not without dishonour because the action and expâ—…oit of thiâ—…â—…chauntment so wonderfully compaâ—…d by the thrée Fairies is of such 〈◊〉 as it behoueth hym that shall finish the same to bee of most rare and exquisite perfection But tell mee then quoth Belcar the state of this adueâ—…ture and wherein consisteth the greatest perill thereâ—… oâ—… 〈◊〉 as yet haue I not met with anie one that â—…uld tell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to satisâ—…e my long and earnest desire Better thâ—…n aâ—…y other aunswered Lypes 〈◊〉 I dysceurse the â—…me vnto you because I haue often accoÌ„panied Knightes trauailiâ—…g the ther as you nowe doo and séene many Comâ—…t with him that deâ—…endes the entraunce on the Bridge 〈◊〉 to their great disaduantage Know then gentle Sirâ—… the Isle of Carderia stretchetâ—… in diameter very farbeeinâ—… on the one side enclosed with the Sea and on the other are most wholesome Bathes and 〈◊〉 which hinder the falte â—…ters from câ—…mming néere the Castâ—…ll at the foote whereof is builded a merâ—…ilous artiâ—…cial 〈◊〉 heeretofore accessable for all Knights errant but â—…nce thâ—… time that Fraâ—…celina was enclosed witâ—…in the great Dunâ—…ion there might not enter anie straunger those oâ—… y e Isle â—…elie coâ—…e and goe but others not Upâ—… this Bridge are erected thrée Turrets one of them béeing iâ—… thâ—… middeâ—…t â—…nd the other two at eyther ende In thâ—… 〈◊〉 is a Knight surpassing the common stature and proportion of men so â—…erce hardie and couragious as since the time of this enchauntment hee hath not beene dealt withall by any one that coulde in ought disable his prowesse onely the Lorde of the Isle of Lique excepted Son to him whome the Emperour Palmerin â—…anquished when in the Tourney hee conquered the Sagittarie He béeing named Lynedes was so resolute and magnanimious as hee fought against the Knight of the Bridge from morning til night and though the Comâ—…at was fierce and cruell yet coulde no want of courâ—…ge be discerned in him which fel not out so with the gardant of the Bridge because the losse of his bloode so weakened him as his hart began vtterly to dismay But â—… huge ill fauoured Dwarffe who neuer styres from the Beacon of the first Turret to discouer such Knightes as come along the Fielde by winding an enchaunted Horne that hunge about his neck therwith so reuiâ—… y â— Knightâ—… strength again as though he had â—…ut eâ—…en then â—…ntred thâ—… Combâ—…t In thys sorte the fight continued till Sâ—…e setting wheÌ„ Lynedes perceiuing hiâ—… enemie to were féeble again and that the Dwarffe as yet blew not his Horne brought the Knight of the Bridge into such extreamitie as hee fell vppon his hands to the ground Then running nimbly ouer the Brydge he came to the Turret in the midst 〈◊〉 the Gatâ—…s whereof béeing open before clapt togetâ—…er at his arriuall wyth such a fearefull trembling of y â— who le buylding as Lynedes fell to the earth in a swoune In this traunâ—…e hee remayned a great whyle that hys Squires 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 dead indeede bemoned 〈◊〉 Maister with wiâ—…â—…ery gréeuoâ—…s lamentations but when hee came to hâ—… former feeling they saâ—…e he was so cruelly woundedas they caryed him into his Tent where three daies he remained to reobtaine his health and on the fourth feeling himselfe able to sit on horseback and not williâ—… to make any further proofe of thys aduenture hee departed thence sorrowing for his bad â—…ortune And this I tell ye â—…ir for â—… certaintie that when the Dwarâ—…fe â—…its as â—…entinel in the Lanthorne of y â— first Tower perceiuing the Knight of the Bridge to haue the worst of the Combat with the sound of his Horne he renus his strength which is the cause that no man is able to â—…le with hâ—… Seeing then thys â—…terpryse bryngeth such daunger and oftentimes death withall I could wysh that heereafter no man would attempt his owne ruine 〈◊〉 tâ—…ll me matter of meruaile answered Bekar and
bodie of the Image flewe a very strange Byrde all blacke gyuing such fearefull shrykes and cryes as the Prince was thereat amazed and follâ—…wing her out of the Temple he beheld a great many more such like Birds with her they flying altogether with that noyse the same way where Ozalio and the Knights attended whereat they like wyse meruailing were certified by the men of the Islande that this prodigie sigmsted Palmendos entrance into the Temple for they had heard beâ—…ore by sundry learned Nigromancers that these were certaine infernall spirits which should be chased forth of the Countrey when the aduenture of the Temple was fâ—…nished Rifarano Ozalio all the Knights glad of these newes went where they beheld the monstrous wilde Bore and thence to the Temple where Ozalio first found y â— Prince opening a great chest which contained the Priestes principall Treasure consisting of such rare and inestimable Iewelles as it was thought the like was neuer séene before Palmendos beholding his fréend Ozalio ranne and embraced him meruailous kindlie the like did hee to Rifarano Lecefin and the rest all of them extolling the happy starre that guided the Prince and he acquainted them with all things since his departure from them sauing his conference with the Damosel because none of them shoulde suspect his looâ—…e TheÌ„ intreated he Guillador to send for some skilful man who might vndertake to deuise and build the Monastery in short time the greater part of the Clergie was sent for and among them to a vertuous maÌ„ of special knowledge he gaue the charge and superintendaunce of the worke as also bountâ—…full storâ—… of Gold and Siluer which was taken out of the Priestes welthy Chest. All things hee committed to the trust of Guillador that the Temple Monasteriâ—… and waies thereto shoulde be doone in decent order but he whose hart was onelie dedicated to the Ladies beautie which appeared vnto him vnder forme of a bodilie illusion tooke small delight in any thing els but in her gracious and diuine remembraunce Now did he hasten the daie of his departure desiring Rifarano Lecefin to make speede to the Emperour and present the Gyantesse her Daughter and the other prysoners to him as also all the Treasure was found in the Temple from a strange Gentleman religiously vowed to his seruice who in respect of great affaires that called him elâ—… where coulde not comâ—… to kisse his Maiesties hand which he wil doo with all spéed possible Rifarano and Lecefin were lothe to lâ—…aue PalmeÌ„dos but séeing it must needes bee so they sâ—…e after conâ—…aied the Gyantesse and her Daughter on shipboord they making great mone to bee carried from the Ifland In the same Shippe was the Crowne Scepter Imagâ—… 〈◊〉 and all the other Treasure carryed and in an other Ship the prisoners found in the Castell on y â— promontorie with all things els expcdient for the voyage then Rifarano and Lecefin taking their leaue of Palmendos Ozalio went on boord where the Gyantesse the Treasure was commaunding their Ankers to be weyed and theyr sailes hoysed the winde then seruing fitte and faâ—…ourable and so are they sayling toward Constantinople As yet abode Palmendos in the Isle of Delphos to sée what Guilladors workmen would compasse in so great a worke as he had giuen them charge of CHAP. X. Howe Rifarano and Lecefin with all theyr trayne arriued in Constantinople where they were honourablie receiued by the Emperour and them of the Court greatly meruayling at the newes hee hearde of Palmendos and what afterward followed AT what time Rifarano and Lecefin should arriue at Constantinople there were assembled manie great Lordes and Barons in honour of a sollemne Feaste which the Emperour made for the marriage of the Hungarïan Prince Ditreus sonne to King Frysoll and twinne Brother to 〈◊〉 Dytreus so sooâ—… 〈◊〉 he was armed Knight went to the 〈◊〉 Court where hee was woorthilie welcommâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…lbeit he was his Maiâ—…ies Nephew yet he looâ—…ed 〈◊〉 â—…th a particuler affection his courtecus and â—…iuill maners ioyned with his forwardnes in Armes gaue hope that he 〈◊〉 prooue a valiâ—…nt Knight heerafter Hée 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 long in the Emperours Court and thorowâ—… 〈◊〉 with euery onâ—… but hee grewe â—…namoured with the 〈◊〉 of Esquiuâ—… Daughter to the Soldane 〈◊〉 Babilon Alchidiana so that béeing one day in y â— Chamber of his Cozâ—… Philocrista eldest Daughter to the Emperour deuising with her and her Sister Melicia hee got such apt time and occasion as hee made his intent knowne to Efquiuela she mâ—…destlie answering him that if he faithfully meâ—…t to make her his wife shee woulde settle her choyse vpon him onelie Dytreus who was thereon resâ—…lned defired the Emperoâ—…r and Empresse to graunt that marriage they béeing willing to gratifâ—…e theyr Nephewe as also to preferre the young Princesse with the consent of King Frysoll affianced them together and Dytreus fearing the mariage would be deferred too long sollicited the Emperour in such sort as hee sent with all spéede to make the same known to the Soldane In meane while his Maiestie snmmoned the cheefest Lords of the Empire to prepare a Tryumphe in honour of this Feaste for the accomplishment whereof nothing wanted saue onely the Embassadours returne that went to the Soldane But nowe are Rifarano and Lecefin entred y â— Hauen of Constantinople intending to lande before the Emperour should knowe any thing of them because they came not in such equipage as happilie he woulde expect Béeing then all Armed except with their Helmets they rode through the Cittie but with two Squires onelie that bare theyr Laâ—…nces and Helmets they béeing wonderfullie noted of euerie one and reputed for some strange Lordes of great â—…irth and in this sort they came to the Pallace wher very boldlie they woulde haue entred but the Guarde stayed them to vnderstand the cause of their comming We are quoth they two Knights of Countreyes far hence distant and hether wee come to sée and serue the Emperoâ—…r Pâ—…lmerin You must then leaue these offensâ—… Armes aunswered the Guard if you meane to goe where his highâ—… is or els declare your proper names to vs that wee 〈◊〉 goe sée if it be his pleasure you shall come in this sorte bâ—…fore him Our Armes we will not leaue said Rifarano because it ill beséemes an honest Knight to doo so but you may goe certifie his Maiestie that heere is Lecefin Sonne to the Soldane of Persia the Princesse Zephira in whose companie is Rifarano Sonne to the Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne who huÌ„blie desire to kisse his highnes hand His Maiestie had no sooner notice of their names but 〈◊〉 excéeding contentation he sent his Sonne Primaleon witâ—… diuers other Knights to entertaine theÌ„ as beséemed anâ—… the Moore Princes séeing euery one giue place to him that came formost immediatlie they reputed him to be y â— Emperours Sonne whereupon they allighted when Primaleon courteously embracing them said My Lordes you are
as I thinke aunswered Rifarano notwithstanding he well vnderstandeth this language and such is his braue constitution of bodie as I thinke a more gallant Gentleman was neuer seene But may it please your Maiestie to sende for the Wife of Baledon and her Daughter as also the rich present abyding in your Porte The Emperour requiting them with manie thankes sent for the prisoners to be brought on land commaunding the two Princes to bee vnarmed and sent them two costlie Turkish â—…obes which his Sonne Primaleon and Dytreus saâ—…e effectually executed with all things els necessarie for men of such calling in meane while he sent for y â— Empresse and his Daughters to behold the rare and precious Treasures sent by Palmendos When the Empresse and her Daughters were come into the Hall they entertained the strange Knights excéeding courteously but Lecefin regarding y â— beautie of Phylocrista grew into such conceite of her singuler feature as she stoode in his thoughts beyond all compare Shee wyth her Sisters Flerida Bazilia and Melicia for so were the Emperours Daughters named gaue them a Maydens welcome to the Court such as beséemed them towardes Knightâ—… errant aâ—… also because they were Princes of so honourable birth After that the Gyantesse her daughter and the rest of tâ—…e prysoners through a mightie throng of people were brought to the Pallace one of the Knights in behalfe of all the rest knéeling before the Emperor thus spake Mightie and inuincible Monarche the hardye Champion â—…lowre of Knights named Palmendos who deliuered vs from cruell Baledon in the Iâ—…le of Delphos hath sent vs with this inestimable Treasure vnto your Maiestie as to the onelie Lorde and Prince of the worlde of whom he caryeth most humble and religious opinion that you â—…hould take compassion on our miseries and graunt vs accesse to our owne houses Good fréendes said the Emperor your honest report of this Knight to whome I am so much beholding doth make mee more earnestlie long to sée him in our Court whether you all for his sake are so hartily welcome as ye shall well perceiue the same before yee depart aâ—…terward in Gods name goe when ye please And these were not wordes alone but déedes did confirme the same the Emperor rewarding each one of them with such liberall gifts as they eâ—…éemed his largesse munificence equall with that of Xerxes Iulius Caesar or Alexander the great Afterwarde hee sent for the Gyantesse and her daughter and to theÌ„ offered very honourable kindnes but their harts were so swollen and confounded with gréefe as they wâ—…uld make no aunswer at all whereupon he appointed them a conuenient place in the 〈◊〉 â—…th proâ—…ision of all thinges for their necessarie vâ—…s but the Gyantesse falling into an extreame lunatie 〈◊〉 soone after thereof yet her Daughter became a Christian and lyued long time in the Emperours fauour Now are all y â— sumptuous vtensilles brought before his Maiestie the Idolles Chaire the Crownc the Scepter Booke and the râ—…st which béeing well and aduisedly regarded were iudged the like to be neuer séene before whereupon his Maiestie tooke the Booke labouring with al his strength cunning to open the same and aâ—…er deliuered it so hiâ—… Barons to trie what they could doo but all their labour béeing lost he said I thinke this Booke can bée opened by none other then him onelie that conquered it let it therefore bee carefullie kept till his comming Nowe call I to minde the Damosels wordes that departed so suddainlie without aunswer and verilie I am perswaded this Knight is the man shee spake of who hath sent vs this Treasure from the Isle of Delphos With these spéeches of the Emperour diuers of his Knights grew somewhat offended to heare such commendation passe on him who was vnknowne wherefore they intended if euer he came thether to make such proofe of his valour and prowesse as the Emperour shoulde perceiue he spake but by affection Not long after his Maiesty sent one of his cheefe Knights to Delphos and with him such a trayne as beséemed the expedition there to sée all thinges ordered to his highnes vse and to preuent insurrections if anie were like to grow giuing y â— Knight charge if he found Palmendos there to request him with al spéede to visite the Emperour But the Knight came to short of his intent for he had sette faile towarde Constantinople according aâ—… you shalâ—… heare heereafter notwithstanding the Knight was very gratioâ—…sly welcommed thether and the possession of y â— who le Island â—…urrendred to him which in the eâ—… was transâ—…erred to one of Palmendos Sonnes beeing a 〈◊〉 fayre and opulent Countrey nauigable for all passengers whatsoeuer CHAP. XI Howe Palmendos sayling in the Aegean Sea recouered the Sâ—…ldanes Sonne of Babylon from Ocurites King of Culaquin who rode along that coast of Greece And howe after he had ouer come his strength hee tooke â—…im 〈◊〉 and sent him to the Emperour Palmerin with dyuers Christians which he delyuered from his captiuitie RIfarano and Lecefin beeing no sooner set froÌ„ Delphos but Palmendos followed y â— spéedy building of the Monasterie causing religious obseruations to bâ—…e vsed in the Temple for the people of y â— Island were good Christians although the Gyant Baledon was a Pagan The Monasterie being stored with faire Uirgins he would haue them called the Sisters of Francelina and manie Ladies of great byrthe resorted thither to liue religiouâ—…ly in seruice of the worldes Creator Palmendos much delighting to behold the Christians Religion meaning when time and place serued to be further instructed therein Hauing ordered euerie thing to his own contentmâ—…nt and placed Guillador in Iustice till the Emperour sent some other hee with Ozalio tooke shipping sayling sire daies with prosperous windes towardâ—… Constantinople yet first he determined to lande in Thrâ—…e 〈◊〉 â—…ee woulde heare some newâ—…s of the Emperours Courtâ—… and of Francelina if possiblie he could Ryding thus with the fauour of Aeolus and Neptune he came within sight of the â—…wo destroyed Townes Sestus and Abydos when one of the Pyloâ—…s certified him that he sawe diuers Ships and Foystes eager lie â—…ghting together which made PalmeÌ„dos to coâ—…e vp on the decke to sée if he could difcerne what they were Hâ—…aring the great tumult and cry made in the vessellâ—…s especiallie in two that séemed better prouided for warre then the other hee was desirous to goe more neere them wherefore he commaunded the Maister so to doo that thâ—…y might helpe them which too much were oppressed Nowe to acquaint ye with the cause heerof it is so that when the Soldane oâ—… Babylon and Alchidiana vnderstoode the mariage intended by the Emperour betweene their daughter and Dytreus Prince of Hungaria they were very ioyfull of so great alliance and tâ—…erefore would sende them great store of ryches by their youngest Sonne who had not yet receiued his order of knighthood This young Prince was named Abenunco a gentle
the Knight deliuâ—…red these spéeches High and mightie Monarche of the world bâ—…hold héere the King of Culaquin Sonne to the great Turke who keeping the Seas with a stronge power to endaunger your Empire our Maister the Prince Abenunco and wee â—…ell into his â—…aunger from which â—… woorthy Knight named Palmendos by deedes of rare and hautie Chiualrie deliâ—…ered vâ—… in a time most needefull and therefore hath sent bothe vâ—… and hiâ—… to your excellencie â—…esiring that Ocurites should be safely kept till he come himselfe These sundry good turneâ—… receiued from a Knight vnknowne droue the Emperour into wonderfull admiration and for hee could not imagine whence they should proccede therefore he was the more desirous to beholâ—…e the Knight wherevppon hee committed the King into a strong Towre commaunding hee shoulde haue all thinges necessary for hys health and a Page to attende on him least he shoulde offend himselâ—…e But nowe is Abenunco by Primaleon and the other Princes brought to the Emperour who embracing him very honourably in his armes gaue him such entertainement as beseemeâ—… his estate for hee was not yet knighted he willed he should be beâ—…fellow to his Sonne Primaleon which vnited a faithfull league of amitie betweene them hoping one day to trauell as companions in Armes together Abenunco hauing likewise tolde the Emperour of his good successe and wonderfull deliueraunce by the meanes of Palmendos gaue no little contentment to Rifarano and Lecefin who imagined themselues as mnch beholding to the Prince as anie Afterward he was conducted to the Empresse Chamber where she and her Ladies graciously welcommed him but especially the Princesse Esquiuela his Sister because hee came to confirme what she most desired My Lord and Brother quoth she nothing coulde happen to my greater contentment then to haue your presence in the honour prepared for me whereto séeing our gracious parents coulde not come they haue for my sake sent you in their place and doubt not but your â—…ntertainment shall be such as shall agrée with theyr expectation and your owne woorthines Faire Sister aunswered Abenunco the Soldane our Father â—…earing what honour the Emperour intended by giâ—…ing you in mariage to the Prince Ditreus his Nephew hath sâ—…t me to thaâ—… the Emperour on his behalfe offering for this contract to articulate with his Maiestie in all such thinges 〈◊〉 with honour hee shall demaunde As for our gracious Mother Alchidiana she hath sent ye by me Iewels 〈◊〉 Treasurâ—… beséeming your degrée that on your mariage â—…y yee may witnes the royall race from whence you are discended not doubting but before you depart this Courte to make the magnificence of the Babilonian Prince so famous as thâ—… most opulent Lorde of Asia shall not compare therewith Diuers other spéeches passed betwéene the Brother the Sister till the Coffers of Treasure were brought and deliuered to the Princesse which when Ditreus behelde hâ—… iudged them to excéede the limits of all frugalitie might full well beséeme the greatest state in Christendome Now did the Emperor cause the Tourney to be openly proclaimed and the fift day following the mariage was solemnized great store of worthy Knights resorting day by day to the Court that all y â— field appointed for Tryâ—…mphes was couered ouer with Tents Among other came thether Lynedes the Lorde of Lique he that hazarded himselfe so farre in the aduenture of Francelina béeing in sooth reputed one of the most valiant men at Armes in all Greece and the renowne of thys mariage drew him from his Castell accompanied onelie with the Countie of Pelada his Cozin who albeit hee was younger then Lynedes yet was he thought little inferiour to him in Chiualrie This Countie had espoused a Ladie of great parentage and louâ—…d her with such singuler affection as hee brought her in company to sée the Ioustes at Constantinople Béeing there arriued they woulde not enter the Cittie but sette vppe their Tent far distant from all the rest and afterward sent a Squire to the Courte to publish that whosoeuer would haâ—…ard himselfe in y â— Tourney shoulde â—…nde two Knights there ready in the fielde that woulde Ioust with anie one durst enter the Lystes such therefore as were minâ—…d to make prâ—…ofe of their valour might be entertained for thrée or foure courses These spéeches béeing heard by the Duke of Pera he stept to the Squire and thus answered You may my Freende returne to your Maisters and say that such as are minded to â—…oust will not stay long ere they enter the Fielde then turning to the Knights of the Court he proceeded in this manner Doubtlesse these Knights are valiant and hardie that are lothe to she we themselues â—…othfull in any veruous exercise With this aunswer the Squire went backe to the Tent and the two Cozins béeing satis-fied there with prepared â—…rong Launces at the entraunce of their Pauilton for all such as shold come to â—…oust against them but the Countie intreted Linedes to suffer him make y e first triall of his fortune which he did in regarde of his loue to his Ladie who had causâ—…d the Tent to be so commodiously placed as shee might at pleasure beholde all the pastimes decking hâ—…rselfe in most gorgious attire and brauelie attended on by hâ—…r waighting woman to out countenance such as came against her Lorde and Husband The Emperour vnderstanding what mâ—…ssage y â— Squire had brought imagined that these two Knights were Palmendos and his Cozin Ozalio for when one thing continuallie beateth on a mans conceit hee imagineth â—…uerye thing conformable to the same Wherefore hâ—… tolde his opinion to the Prince Rifarano who could not think thâ—…m to be the Lordes of Tharsus yet to satisfie the Emperâ—…urs minde he mounted on horsebacke and accâ—…mpanied with other Knights of the Court râ—…de to the Tent where the two Cozins 〈◊〉 Saluting the Squirâ—…s hee â—…ntred finding Lynedes vnaâ—…ed but his Cozin was prouided at all pâ—…ints except his Helmet whereuppon he demaunded if they were the Knightes that sent the challenge to the Court to whom the Lord of Lique aunswered that they were thâ—…n Rifarano proceeded thus Gentlemen ye haue attempted a thing in mine opinion but little for your ease but I thinke you did it to this ende that you might meete with â—…me one to abate your pride and presuniption When that comes to passe aunswered Lynedes wee shall but accompanie manie other who vnable to effect their hautie enterprises haue remained frustrate in theyr disseignes in vaine therfore shal ye take any further care for our affaires but if you wil goe Arme your selfe return and prooue what this Knight can doo who is more destrous to fight with his Sworde then his tongue other wise you offer iniurie to the order which euery noble minde preferreth as his proper life Rifarano some what moouâ—…d wyth these words tooke his leaue and returned to the Emperor assuring him that these Knights were not Palmendos and Ozalio not withstanding
they seemed good hardie Champions discended of some great birthe in that they were so woorthilie accompanied with women of choyse and singuler beautie as also Gentlemen of câ—…uill behauiour Héerevpon many Knights â—…ousted with the Countie who styll bare away the honour of the â—…elde Lynedes all this while not arming himselfe for the woorthy successe of his Cozin deserued high commendation wherof his Lady was not a little proude to sâ—…e her husbande performe such Chiualrie Rifarano and Lecefin enuying the Counties glory intended to see how they shoulde spéed in the â—…oust yet they desired â—…o defer it til the last day when they vanquishing the Countiâ—… and Lynedes his Cozin might beare away the whole praise of the Tryumph but others came in meane while and altered their intent as you at large shall perceiue heereafter CHAP. XIII Howe Arnedes Sonne to the King of Fraunce and Râ—…inde his Cozin Sonne to the King of Castile came to Constantinople where Arnedes vanquished Lynedes and his Cozin in the Ioust by which occasion they were greatly â—…onoured of the Emperour THe King of Fraunce Father to Lewes Duke of Burgundie bâ—…eing at y â— extreame poynt of his life among other things remeÌ„bred that when the peace was concluded betwéene the Emperour Palmerin and him they determined vpon an alliaunce by marriage if God graunted them issue wherby to doo it to the end that in the heroycall house of Fraunce Sonnes and daughters might be nourished procéeding from such worthie auncâ—…ers as the like might not be found thorow the whole worlde For this cause when the time likewise shoulde conueniently agree therewith he commaunded his Sonne to remember the Emperour of his promise which Prince Lewes promising his dying Father to performe with excéeding sorrow accomplished his funeralles and making â—…hoyse afterward for his owne fancie in hope to fulfill his Fathers desire in his issue hee maried with the daughter to the King of Castile by whom hee had thrée Sonnes and two Daughters that were borne at a byrth His eldest Sâ—…nne was named Arnedes whose minde was euermore giuen to Armes and Millitarie discipline wherein time and vse made him so expert as he was estéemed the oneliâ—… Champion of Fraunce It came so to passe as the King of Fraunce marryed one of his Daughters with the Kyng of Scicilie at whose marriage Arnedes wunne such fame by his Chiualrie as the report of him was blazed thorowe manie prouinces To this marriage likewise came one of his Cozins Sonne to the King of Castile and named Recinde who conceiued so good liking of Arnedes behauiour that they swore an inuiolable league of amitie betweene them twain neuer to forsake eche others companie in matters of Armes where with the Queene was â—…ighly contented because shee looued her Cozin Recinde with intire affection King Lewes seeing his Sonne Arnedes of yeeres to haue a Wife and fearing he should els where dispose hys lyking one day called him into his Chamber and thus conferred with him My Sonne such is the naturall inclination of my looue towards thee as I would not wyshe anie thing to thee but to haue thee as well contented therwith as my selfe to this end I vse these speeches for that our late kinglie Father of famous memorie at the verie shutting vppe of his latest dayes gaue me charge to ioyne thee in marriage with the Emperours Daughter of Constantinople that such issue as no doubt shall procéede from you botâ—…e may some what resemble their famous auncesters Wherefore I am determined right soone to send an Embassage to him to sollicite this mariage which I hope he will like well of and this I can assure thee if Fame tell no leasings that the Princesse Philocrista nowe aged sixteene yâ—…eres is a Ladie of such rare singuler beautie as Nature hath not framed the like vnder the moouing of these eyght Spheres When the Prince Arnedes saw that his Father talked so courteously with him about these affayres he humlye intreated him not to trauaile any further in y e matter for there was time enough heereafter to deale in such occasions wherwith the King paciâ—…ed him because he saw his Sonne so colde as he thought in matter of marriage nor would he trouble him any more therewith afterward But the young Prince wise and aduised in concealing his owne desires hauing long before heard faire Pilocrista coÌ„mended beyond compare as also the deedes of the Knights in the Emperour Palmerins Court he had no leysure now to forbid them his remembraunce so that fayne would hee compasse a secrete iournâ—…y to Constantinople intending if the Princesse pleased to demaunde her of the Emperour in marriage and if his Maiestie would not consent thereto hée intended to doo such exployts in Greece as the honourable prayse of them should compassâ—… his loue Thys was the proiect of Arnedes resolution which in secrete he imparâ—…ed to his Cozin Recind who with mighty perswasions annimated him heerein vowing that till death they would loyalliâ—… 〈◊〉 freendly companions and so well gouerne themselues by disguâ—…ng theyr persons and contrarying their languages in these affayres as the moâ—… skilfull head shâ—…ulde not searche the depth of their intent When the two Cozins were thus determined Arnedes imagining it no wisedome to iugle with his Father went and requested a fauour at his highnes hande the effecte whereof was thus Gracious Lorde and Father quoth hee my desire is without your displeasure that I may got â—…ee the Princesse Philocrista as well to like as loue before any motion of marriage and for my Cozin Recinde will beare me coÌ„pany I wold haue your Maiestie so perswaded y â— in secret disguiâ—…ng we wil passe vnknowne of anie much lesse giue occasion of suspect what we are not doubting but by our vertuous behauiour to yeelde you content by our â—…oyage and our selues good report Beside the worlde is well acquainted therwith that this Emperour of Constantinople had not wâ—…nne such fame and renowne but onely by the innumerable Trophes erected in diuers Regions of hys youthfull trauailes which are examples sufficient for Knights of high desire not to desist from worthy enterpryfes for the obiect of death who without regarde of time or place pursueth in ambush the steppes of the woorthiest Nor let doubt of our stay in Greece hinder vs good father for as we goe not to build any dwelling there so is y â— hope of our returne to be expected more spéedie It greatlie dyspleaseth mee answered the King that I haue promised to myne owne dyscontentment and which much more wyll redownde to your disaduantage but seeing I haue past my worde and in thys sorte you meane personally to vysite Greece goe in Gods name who guyde and sende you safely home agayne els will your stay more hurt mee then you can imagine Humbly taking his leaue of the King because he wold not haue his departure knowne hee secretly gotte him to Marseilles accompanied with none but his Cozin Recinde his
was excéeding braue bothe in attire and countenaunce for the hope he had to sée faire Philocrista to whom he hadde religiously dedicated hiâ—… hart Nowe set they forwarde in order to the Temple the Empresse with Phylocrista and her other Daughters accompanied the Bryde with al the Ladies of blood royal in the Courte so that iâ—… one shoulde sitte downe to decipher their sumptuous attire or els in speeches to coÌ„mende theyr surpassing beautie it would ouer-trauaile the eloquâ—…nce of Demosthenes or Cicero But Philocrista was the fayrest starre among them all which drewe the Prince Arnedes minde into such admiration as hadde not his eyes beene witnesses of the same hardlie coulde report haue induced him to beleeue it For euen as the Sunne the most excellent of all the Planettes she wing it selfe in the Horyzon dooth confounde the brightnes of all the starres together and dazels theyr eyeâ—… which long gaze theron euen so resembled the Princesse Philocrista whose celâ—…stiall portrature disgraced all the other Ladies and altred the iudgement of Arnedes in such sort as he reputed her far beyond the 〈◊〉 that appeared to the Sheephearde Paris on the Mountaine of Ida when of him she was iudged to bee fayrest of the three The Empresse and her Ladies all mounted on theyr Palfrayes with such pompe and state as was neuer séene the like Primaleon on a lustie Courser of Barbarie wyth rich caparisons after the Turkishe manner conducted the Bryde and Abenunco her Brother rode with the Princesse Philocrista Lecefin who looued her more aduisedlie rode on her other â—…e for coÌ„panies sake but Arnedes whoÌ„ loue impatiently ouermaistred vsed such meanes by managing his Horse as he gotte the Prince of Babilon out of his place mooued thereto by earnest desire that he might contemplate her beautie more easilie whereat Lecefin waâ—… meruailously offended conceiuing a mortall hatred â—…gaint him perceâ—…ing he had a ryuall in his loue Recind accompanied the Princesse Melicia who in his eye séemed bothe fayre and modest Rifarano telling her by the way that this Knight came with him which conquered the Countie and for his laudable vertues deserued estimation wherupon she began to conferre with Recinde which she coulde doo with singuler regarde in respecte of the rare gyfts bestowed on her by nature In breefe thys royall trayne is come to the Temple and there is the marriage sollemnlie effected returning to the Pallace with selfe-same maiestie they went thether What should we waste time in speaking of the Feaste when there is none so simple but considereth that the Feastes of Emperours exceede common repetition then may wee repute this sollemnitie aunswerable to that of the Gods made at y â— nuptialles of Peleus with the Goddesse Thetis After Dinner the Lordes and Ladies fell to dauncing a fitte occasion sor Louers to commune with theyr Ladies yet dyssembled with such cunning modestie as the eye and action were chéefe messengers of the hart eche Ladie holding such opinion of her beloued as their seuerall hope was for the honour of the Tourney The time béeing so passed ouer aâ—… the newe married couple must to y â— place of amourous contentation the Empresse with her Daughters brought Esquiuela into y â— briâ—… Chamber leauing her in bedde attending for the comming of the Bridegroome who was soone after honourably conducted thether by the Emperour and so committed to enioy her whom he had so long desired Now are y â— Knightâ—… close in their Chambers when Arnedes thus communed with Recinde What thinke yee Cozin of the beautie of Madaâ—…e Philocrista did you euer sée a more rare perfect creature right soone must I giue end to these vrgent affaires and ease the burthen of mine oueâ—…-charged spirit therefore wil I presentlie dispatch a Courrier to the King my Father that he may with spéede send honourable Embassadors to the Emperour whereby this desired mariage may be concluded Meane while I wil sound the bottome of this amorous floode and trie if the iudgement of fayre Philocrista bee aunswerable to her exeelling beautie and if the inward vertue agrée with the outward singuler perfections I may repute my selfe the happiest Knight in the world in compassing the looue of so inestimable a Iewell In sooth my Lord aunswered Recinde great cause haue ye to commend the Lady and I desire that the like fortunate successe may befall mee as I doubt not but will speedilie happen to you for on mine owne behalfe the grace and courtesie of Melicia hath giuen me a fauourable entrance which if it procéed not to my harts desire much better had it beene that I neuer had séene her With these wordes Arnedes embraced his Cozin saying Howe sweetlie dâ—…o these spéeches sound in mine eares séeing thereby thou art my trustie companion in all thinges lette this hope perswade thee that he on whom all actions doo depende wyll by his diuine bountie so direct our course as we shall enioy a succes-full ende If I spéede according to my harteâ—… content in thy cause will I endeuour my selfe to the vttermost therefore let vs continue our resolute courage and make the Grecians vnderstand that Fraunce yéelds as good Knights as anie Countrey els and thus concluding they slept for that night On the morrowe the Emperour the Empresse the Bride and the young Princesses went to the Scaffoldes richlie prepared for tâ—… sight of the Tourney where no boyde place was left but euery where filled with Lords Ladies and Gentlâ—…women Wonderfull was the resort of Knights and harâ—…ie Champions eche one in Armour verie costlie and curious hauing their fethers pendents and fauours deckt with the deuises and coullers of theyr Ladies as it was a most beautifull spectacle to beholde them yet héereon consists not the substance of our Historie Now stryue Lynedes and the Countie his Cozin like two furious Lyons to recouer the foyle they sustained by Arnedes who perceiuing this was the time teâ—…winne him honour when the Goddesse of his thoughts sate to beholde him welcommed the challengers as hee had doone before In like sort did Rifarano behaue himselfe for he vnhorsed euerie Knight that ranne against him But by this time iâ—… Ozalio got in through y â— thronge and he begins to deale with the Courtiers very roughlie which made the Lordes and Ladies wonder what hee was And then Palmendos séeing his Freende well wearied comes brauely prauncing into the fielde so disguised as Abenunco and Rifarano could not knowe him A while hee stoode regarding the Emperour his Father so honourably placed with his noble Lordes and Barons on the Scaffoldes then viewing the Empresse with her gracious traine of Ladies he wondred at such pompe and magnificence thus speaking to himselfe Soueraigne Creator and director of all thinges hâ—…w 〈◊〉 I bounde in duetie to thy Maiestie hauing made me the Sonne of such a Father as not 〈◊〉 is reputed the best Knight vnder heaueÌ„ but also is the mightiest Prince on the face of the earth Seeing then thou hast
him but all was in vaine shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe-willed therein Wherupon the Quéene hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded vnderstanding the obstinate refusall of the Damosell she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Quâ—…ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court But these prayers and requests nothing auailed to mooue any pittie in this inexorable Damosell which the Quéene perceiuing and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie she made a sollemne othe that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and flaunderous that her selfe should die a most shamefull death The Damosel séeing the Queene so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina wherfore she alighted from her Palfray and falling at the Quéenes féete desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to y â— King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Maiesties sake shée was coÌ„tent to pardon both y â— Knights The Queene embraced her in signe of thankâ—…s sâ—…nding word to Recinde that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace and bothe the Champiâ—…ns acccmpanied the King who bringing them to their Chambers commaunded that his cheâ—…fe Physitions and Chirurgions should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed Dailie woulde the Queene accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter come to visite them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amitie and shortly after the Queene in regarde of her promise caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married when Belcar made her openly confesse that her accusations were mâ—…st false and vntrue in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Bretheren before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell But leaue we these and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio were embarqued for Turkie they landed at a port neere the Cast ell of Albayzo where the King of Thessalie was kept prisoner and howe Palmendos intended to bee at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captaines sonne and what was his successe AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Quéene of Thessalie her daughter Francelina they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship the Marriners hauing in the time of their abode there happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame sâ—…cknes wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arriuall he had verie wâ—…ll recouered his health He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie desired to graunt him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenes hee would direct him whether hee pleased because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the 〈◊〉 and most of the Citties and Townes on the land Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patrone and without concluding to what place they would first saile hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tubant demaunding of the Turke if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place My Lord quoth the Turke I will conduct ye if you please into a straight of the Sea which is verie secret where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels and no other place of lodging is néere at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant and thâ—… like from the Castell of Albayzo where the great Turke at this present kéepeâ—… the king of Thessaâ—…e and all his treasure vnder the charge of a good â—…night who is the Captaine of the Castell and this plâ—…ce hee reputeth aâ—… the strongest holde in all the Countrey Moreouer this I â—…are 〈◊〉 Sir that there is no part so little in all that Coâ—…ntrey but I knowe it as well by night as by day â—…uen as perfectly as the porte whereof I tell ye there may you abide in 〈◊〉 and dâ—…e what best your selfe shall please vncontrouled by any this wyll I make good for â—…e gâ—…eat 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 found Palmendos seing how Fortune faâ—…oured him coâ—…mitted his conducting to the Turke who was named Orycano when at length they came to the porte neere Tuâ—…ant then Oricano went on shore with the Knightes to take some order for their good entertainement but â—…nding not his father at home entreated his mother 〈◊〉 two bréethren who were not a little glad of his â—…afe return to vse those Gentlemen so curteouâ—…y as might be expressing what kindenesse hee hád found at their hands Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret and â—…éere Albayzo Castell where the Kâ—…ng of Thâ—…ssalie was detained in captiuitie yet kept he on his rich black Armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia his good sworde likewise hee had by his side wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion most artiâ—…cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds the whoâ—… sheath béeing composâ—…d of one the mosse-barre and pomell of an other and the handle of the crost raâ—…e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde in bréefe the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde By this time Orycanos father was come home who reioycing to beholde his Sonne shewed very louing 〈◊〉 to the princeâ—… for his sake wheâ—… among other talke Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came â—…o late whereto the poore man humblie 〈◊〉 answerâ—…d I come Sir from a Town not far hence whether I went in the morning to sell fish becauâ—…e greatâ—… number of Knightes are assembled there againâ—… thâ—… mariage of the Lordes daughter with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and I staied the longer â—…o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister who is reported to bee the fairest woman in the worlde By manie great Priâ—…ces she hath béene requâ—…sted in mâ—…riage but â—…he hath refused euery one saying she will neuer be marriâ—…d but with him that can winnâ—… her by Martiall prâ—…wcsse for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third daye of the feast haue appointed a Tourney for her loue the resort being so great to sée this Ladie as iâ—… the great Turke with all his Bassaes aâ—…d 〈◊〉 kept Court there Palmendos attentiuely noting this tale conâ—…idered
a false Traitour my life shall presently followe thée at the héeles to accomplishe thy obsequies with more selemne po mpe and ceremonies Herewiâ—…h she offered to râ—…n her he ad against a marble piller but Palmendos came staied her when shee béeing greatly offended there at raging against him thus spake Thou cruell false anâ—… disloyall Knight séeing thou â—…ast slaine my Father and his chiefest friendes why doest thou not send me to beare them company Tell me thou blooddie Barbarian what mooued thée to repaye my saythfull loue with such extreame rigour How durst thou deceiâ—…e me so trecherously considering what fauour I shewed thée on so small acquaintaunce with guâ—…lefull and dissembling spéeches thou secretly sayâ—…st thou wast a King but if thoâ—… bee one it is of robbers and théeâ—…es and art come hither to steale the great Emperours treasure Miserable and vnhappie that I was in giuing credite to such false perswasâ—…ons the ende whereof sorteth to such monstrous effect If such as heretofore haue knowen me imagined mâ—… wise and discréetlye inclined hencefâ—…rth they 〈◊〉 well tearme me a disloyall Daughter being the onely cause of my fathers death but though vnwittingly I haue béene deceiued yet will I complaine oâ—… Fortunes instabilitie that by the report of I know not whaâ—… 〈◊〉 and vain ostentation should so easily change my heart 〈◊〉 what will the mightie Emperour of Turkie say â—…en 〈◊〉 â—…hall vnderstand the trueth of this slaughter wrought onely for the stealing hence of his treasure Foolish and â—…iserable 〈◊〉 that I am why did I not remember the suâ—…dry iniuriâ—…s his Maiesties brother â—…ustained by thâ—… Eâ—…perour Palmerin of Constantinople when he traâ—…ailed the worlâ—… aâ—… a Knight erâ—…ant had I but remembrâ—… thâ—…se 〈◊〉 they would haue for warned me from affecting this stranger yet if the fatal decrée made me so soone sâ—…biect to him why could he not fauour mee with my fathers life Palmendos litle regâ—…ding hâ—…r 〈◊〉 spéeches deâ—…red 〈◊〉 to be better 〈◊〉 promising if she 〈◊〉 dâ—…part 〈◊〉 with him to sette the Crowne of Thâ—…rsus vppoâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which he woâ—…ld giue to his Cosin Ozalâ—…o anâ—… ioyne her iâ—… mariage with him if she pleased Moreouer â—…e assured her that he would not take 〈◊〉 thing out of the Castell 〈◊〉 the King of Thessalie 〈◊〉 deliuerance could not bee compassed by any intreaâ—…y 〈◊〉 therefore he ransommed him with the liues of so many O Mahomet cried Iffida at these wordes why sufferest thou Christians to make such incursions on thy people Countries Why didst thou creat and appoint women so néer to men séeing that for them they passe thorough innumerable â—…orments The brother to our great Emperor the 〈◊〉 was cruelle murthered by the meaâ—… of a woman and now by me is his Captaine my father brought to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his prisoner likewise the King of Thessaâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…liuered how can I but loath and despise my life â—…ing hemmed in on euere side with such monstrous 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is it now to remeÌ„ber mortal incombrances or to thinke on the warres which Hesione and Helena caused betwéene the Greekes and Troyans Lauinia betwéene Aeâ—…eas and Turnus or Deianira betwéene Hercules and Acheolus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Centaures for those which will spring by these newe occaâ—…ous erâ—… long tiâ—…s bee speâ—…t I â—…eare will bee so horrible and infamous as they will â—…face the memorie of them doone so long agoe Afterward the mother and her daughter ran furiouslie on Palmendos labouring to do him what iniurie they â—…ld but he vnwilling to hurt them suffred their violence til Ozalioes Squiâ—…â—…ing their impacience fearing with their kniues they would in the end murther him 〈◊〉 vp one of the Guardes hatchets and therewith depriued thd mother of her life Iffida extreamely râ—…ging at this gréeuous spectacle â—…nt her hairâ—… from her head and with her nailes cruelly â—…tyred her â—…ire face then â—…ing suddainly supprized â—…th a raging apâ—…plexie preâ—… died without 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more 〈◊〉 The Page grâ—…uing to behold this woâ—…ul accident determined not to liue any longer after her but first vpon the wall he wrote certaine dolorous versâ—…s which afterward weâ—… 〈◊〉 to a 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 in this 〈◊〉 DEad is the bud of Beauties cheefe delight The fairest flower wherâ—…n the Sunne did shine The choyce belou'd of many a famous Knight The pride of honour precious and diuine The louely Maid of whome the Nimphes did sing That Nature neuer fram'de so rare a thing Had Paris seene this wonderous peece of art Proud Venus had not caried beauties prize Pallas and Iuno would haue stood apart To see their gifts one Uirgin royallize In euerie point surpassing curious Had Fate and Fortune beene as gracious Ungentle starre that domineerd the day When first my Lady Mistres breath'd this 〈◊〉 What angry obiect stood theâ—… in the way To crosse the course that was begun so faire You lowring heauens why did ye oppressâ—… The Saint whâ—…e you so many waies did blesse But wretch why stand'st thou charging these with guilt And art thy selfe the Authour of this ill Thou haplesse Boy thy Ladies blood hast spilt Thy Maister and his seruants thou didst kill When first thou trauaild for this trothlesse 〈◊〉 Euen in that howâ—…r these miseries begâ—… But Soueraigne Loue immortal and diuine Whose gracious name did shaddow this abuse Canst thou permit before thy holy eien This hainous deede exempt from all excuse O mightie Loue what will thy Subiects say If foule offence goe vnreueng'd away Stand I expostulating this or that When on my backe the weightie burthenlies Waste no more time with vaine and idle chat But for this fault be thou a sacrifice Faire Iffida thy Page doth follow thee The onely engine of this tragedie These verses fixed on the wall by the Squire hee ran hastily and caught vp a Sword from one of the slaine Knightes and setting the point thereof against his heart said If you Madame by my meanes haue receiued this harde fortune reason requires that for your sake I should endure asmuch and with these wordes hee fell vpon the Sworde This was the second act of the tragicall comedie begun at Prissa thus after coÌ„tinued in the Theater of Albayzo where all they of the Castell miserably ended their liues except thrée or foure Damoseiles and their waiting women who likewise were so amazed at this lamentable spectacle as they thought them selues halfe depriued of life Palmendos béeing stricken in a dump by these accidents stood a good while not able to speake a word which his Cosin Ozalio perceiuing and marueiling at his alteration he came and comforted him in this sort My Lord you must now abandon all dumpish musing and reioyce for your good successe in this attempt neuer trouble your thoughts with other imaginations but let vs determine our departure hence before the matter bee further manifested otherwise we may fall in daunger a hundred times more to be feared then were we enclosed in the inextricable Labyrinth
as our further assuraunce of our mutuall agreement Sundry other speeches passed betweene the two young Ladies in meane while Marencida looking about her and remembring the great pompe state and riches of her Father shée made but slender account of the Emperours Courte which was not at this time so well-stored with Knights as it was wont to bâ—…e whereupon shee gyâ—…ing a great sigth thus vttered her minde You knowe Emperour of Constantinople that the sumptuous royaltie of my Fathers Courte dooth exceâ—…de the greatest Princes in the whole world as also howe manie mightie Lordâ—…s serue him with homage and fidelitie because heeretofore you haue seene the same where if yee were so aduenturous and hardie to kill without feare of them as the whole worlde knoweth the mightie Emperour mine Unckle thinke I pray you what miserable case the Ladie is in so traitâ—…rously brought from her owne nâ—…tiue Countrey and now deliuered captiue into your custodie wherein me thinkes in respect of the renowne spread abroade of you you should take example by my aduersitie and rather greeue then glorie therin as I sée you doo considering that inconstant Fortune is still variable and doth not alwaies allowe men felicitie This I speake not whereby to gaine y â— more fauour or honour in your Court because death would be much more welcome to mee then to liue in the vexation of mind I dâ—…o wherfore I intreate ye againe if intreatie may besâ—…eme an aduersarie heereafter to conserue your reputation in such sort as I may receiue no impeach to mine honour and you shall comfort mee better therein then all the coÌ„mendation oâ—… your fame can doo To thesâ—… wordes shee added many rufull complaynts as the Emperour beeing therewith mooued to compassion replyed in this manner I â—…derstande Madame full well what ye haue said and knowe beside that the feminine choller which gouerneth your spyrite maketh you vse such kinde of language as is cleane exâ—…mpt frâ—…m all the rules of womanlie modestie nor aâ—… I now to learne that the strength of earthlie Kinges and Potentates is lesse then nothing when God is bent repugnaunt against them whereby we are all to resolue that we can doo no good acte without his assistaunce According to his diâ—…ection came I to your Unckles Courte before â—…hom I protest and craue no mercie in the day of vengeaunce if I â—…we him or euer thought to doo it beeing too farre caryed away from minding anie such intent by the honour I had before receiued at his highnes handes Yet was I priuie to his forcible detayning of the Ladie and laboured to restore her to her Lorde and Husbande shee béeing Daughter to the renowned King of Englande and Wife to the nowe famous Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne heerein mee thinkes I committed no osfence hee keeping her moste vniustlie profaning thereby the sacred Lawes of royall equitie And because the wyse haue euermore patiently endured their fortune beeing either good or badde I verilie perswade my selfe Madame that you wyll forbeare to complaine and lament in this vnseemely manner knowing your selfe to bee conquered by the most courteous and debonaire Knight that this daie lyueth in Europe euen he that in Hellespont ouer-came the King Ocurites your Husbande These newes so greeued Marencida to the harte when she heard the Emperour say that the King her husbande and shee herselfe were taken bothe captiue by one Knight as frantick-like shee coulde haue eaten her fleshe with anger but the young Princesse Philocrista conducting her to her Chamber appeased her furie with diuers freendly speeches and curteous behauiour But let vs nowe returne againe to the Prince Palmendos who in this time vnarmed himselfe that the Emperour might at more pleasure beholde him CHAP. XXXI VVhat courteous conference Palmendos had with the Emperour the Empresse and Primaleon And how beeing afterward baptized hee was affianced to his Lady AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour hee thrâ—…we a rich Turkish robe about him imbrodered all ouer with oriental pearls which he brought from Tharsus with him according to the moderne customâ—… vsed among the most magnificent Kings of Asia intending to were it when he shold come in the Emperours presence Beeing returned into the great Hall and eche one couetous to vnderstand his originall Primaleon tooke him by the hande and sate downe when the Emperour began in this manner My noble friend Palmendos longer must ye not conceale your selfe your renowne being so lanishly brutâ—…d thorow all Countries tell me then I pray yâ—… of what parents ye are issued as also what yee thinke els conuenient to acquaint vs withall Gracious Lord answered Palmendos with you whome I so reuerence by honour I maye not dissemble in anie point for that I were vnworthie your presence if I shold deale double with so great a state Knowe then mightie Emperour that I am Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus the affectionate seruant and vowed friend to your Maiestie forsaking my Countrey by a strange occasion so soone as I vnderstoode where my father remained which long before was concealed from me The cause of my comming into your highnes Court was the same praises I heard of Francelina to whose seruice the fatall â—…â—…ned me at my very essence in that I neuer affected any other Ladie yet reputing my selfe vnwoorthy her grace and fauour or to be séene in this honourable Court. To this he added the discourse of the olde woman that appeared to him in the Pallace at Tharsus and how she blamed 〈◊〉 for his idle and slotâ—…full life yet hiding how she â—…red him to bee his Sonne because further opinion should passe till that were discouered But quoth he as hithertoo I haue liued according to the law of Mahomet so now would I willingly receiue Christian Baptisme which I faithfully promised for my good successe wheÌ„ heauen made me able to deliuer this woorthy Princeâ—…e When the Emperour heard these thinges hee presently iudged Palmendos to be his Sonne by the suddaine and summarie supputation he made of his age and of the time he was in Pasmeria where the Quéene his mother came subtilly acquainted with him Bashful her of he was when he looked on the Empresse as his vermilion colour plainly discouered yet did he discréetly shadowe the same notwithstanding the Empresse misdoubted somewhat remembring her dreame of the Quéene of Tharsus and what the Emperour himselfe had told her before yet made she no shew of any such matter wisely gouerning her thoughtes from outward suspition whereupon the Emperour thus began againe In sooth my especiall good friend Palmendos I nowe loue and estéeme yee much better then before vnderstanding that you are Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus who did mee so great honor in her Countries her very namâ—… maketh me remember my trauailes in those parts so that I know not howe to expresse my ioy hearing your selfe so well resolued to forsake the Ethnicke paganisme of your blasphemous Godâ—… Wherefore I am thus aduised