he was displeased upon that account that one day taking his opportunity in a Forrest he slew him and fled into France Which Murther being laid to the Kings charge who was altogether ignorant of it the Danes under their aforesaid Captain and several others under pretence of Revenge but more out of greediness for Prey and Plunder Landed with about twenty thousand men and after them ten thousand more with which they ravaged and laid waste the Countrey destroying with fire and sword all before them ravishing women and Virgins and then ripping them up alive dashing babes against the ground and all other horrid impieties that can be imagined so terrible they dealt that the people fled before them dreading them worse than a Pestilence the King having garhered together the English Forces had sought several Battels in which he was worsted and thereupon retired with his friends to Winchester a Town then so strong that it was impossible to take it unless by starving Powder that Hellish Engine then lay deep hidden in the secrets of the Earth and was not formed to belch destruction to mankind against which the Danes having drawn all their Forces besieged it almost round there being no passage in or out but at the Western Gate Guy upon this sad News and distress of his King and Countrey thither he makes all speed resolving to raise the Siege or lose his life Nor age detains him but through guarding Foes He Fights his way and deals them stormes of blowes CHAP. XV. How the King being Besieged at Winchester Guy undertook to fight with Colbron a Monstrous Giant Kills him and routs the Danish Army forcing them with great slaughter to fly the Land and then betakes himself to his solitary Cave where he lived many years unknown GUy no sooner entring the Town but he went upon the Walls to veiw the Enemies Forces how they lay Encamped and what their numbers were not in the least making himself known to any Long he had not been there but out from a Tent placed on the Northside came proudly strutting an Armed Gyant of Monstrous size being at least twelve foot in height and eight in thickness he being the man that had so terrified the English and made great slaughter on them in all the Battels that were fought none being able to resist his strength but still fled before him he wearing underneath his high proofed Armour a shirt of Mail and bearing a great two edged Sword Long he had not stalked like a huge Colossus on the plain but disdainfully aloud he called unto the King and thus began for to Revile Athelitone now no more King of England but our Prisoner mued up within these Walls which we e'r long will Level with the ground in vain it is to trust to your defence come forth and try your Manhoods in the field dy here like men and so perhaps you may purchase to your selves the names of Valiant but if like Cowards there you stay till we slaughter you within your walls and roast you in the flaming Town Infamy unto posterity will blot the false fam'd English Renown which has spread wide into the world a report of such doowds as you never durst adventure T is agreed by all the Captains of our Army that if amongst all your Nobles you can find a man that dares to Combate me in which Combate if he remains victorious they will not only raise the Siege but depart the Land and leave you in Peace and quietness so said the proud insulting Foe at which their Armies shouted loud and gave him great applause At which daring affront the King being much perplexed turned to his Nobles demanding if any of them would adventure on the Noble Enterprize Remember said he how great Goliah fell by David's hand and shall this Pagan outbrave us thus for shame my Lords let it not be known T is Heavens cause we fight for the defence of the true Christian Faith as well as for our Countreys honour who can tell but God may have put this offer into their hearts either to free us from distress or to deliver them into our hands If none will undertake it I my self will Encounter with the haughty Foe and if I perish Heavens will be done So said the King but all around stood mute looking on each other who should first Reply which Guy who had stood all that while undiscovered observing with anger groaned and coming to the King most humbly besought his Majesty to confer on him the Honour of the Combate to which the King not dreaming who it was for all supposed Guy then dead by reason he had not been heard of in so long a time made answer â—las poor Pilgrim for so thou seemest to be thou art not able to contend with one so Mighty I had a Champion once whom Death has now snatch'd from me on whose head I would have ventured my Life and Crown Oh Renowned Guy for ever lost thou wouldst not have seen thy Soveraingn thus affronted and abused with that he turn'd and went whose Royal Tâ—ars grieved Guy for to behold still with supplications pressing him that he would give consent Saying Dread Lord though I 'm now unknown to you yet trust my Courage for this once and by Heaven I vow before the Sun descends beneath the Western deep he that has braved you now shall pay his Life for the affront at which Heroick speech the King stood amazed and wondred at the greatness of his saying I have accepted thee thou shalt be the man on whom I 'l venture England and immediately ordered his own Armour to be brought which Guy retiring put on least he should be known and girding on a massy sword came to the King to take his leave which the Nobles seeing began to offer their services but the King would not permit them now but embracing Guy unknown said Go thou worthy man and Heaven direct thy hand to quest thy Foe at which Guy returning humble thanks departed whilst on the walls all stood for to behold the Frey No sooner was he come within call of Colbron's Camp so was the Giant named but he cryed aloud Come forth presumptuous Dane who durst so late put base affront upon Majesty behold me English born that am come to chastise thy insolence at which the Dane rousing from his Couch whereon he was laid came forth where no sooner beholding Guy but frowning and dreadfully glared on him with his fiery Eyes and thus disdainfully began And could the King amongst his Lords find out no youthfuller for the Combate fit but to send an old man ready to drop into the Grave who weary of his Life growes desperate and fears not death as knowing by course of Nature a few moments more would put a period to his dayes t is sure he sent thee to mock me and maâ—e me more enraged bâ—â— be it how it will thou never shallt return alive perhaps so â—aid Guy if you can hinder it but as
all sides endeavoured to fly and had left their Duke to shift for his safety amidst his fo rs had not pure shame restrained Guy observing how they fell into disorder and began to shâ—ink together pressed them the more and having made a wide gap with infinite slaughter of his foes at last came where the Duke of Lorain fought who no sooner beheld all smeered with blood and what havock he had made but by retreating amongst his own Squadrons of horse he thought sit to avoid his sury and finding shortly after that the battle went against him he caused a Retreat to be sounded so that in much confusion he withdrew leaving about ten thousand of his men dead upon the place whiles Guy and the Lovanians charged upon the flying remains t ist they stiled the ditches and fields with the slain and wounded even till Guy out of compassion stayed the souldiers from pursuing and with the spoil of the Enemies Camp marthed hack in trumph to the town where Guy was received under a Canopy and a Trophy raised in memory of his matchless valour as their chief deliverer After the Ceremonies were overpast Guy taking the Duke into a private retirement demanded of him that if after this victory he would make a League of amity with Lorain to which he joyfully replyed he was content why then said Guy I shall he more proud to establish a firm friendship between two such potentates than in innumerable victories for I hold it not convenient for Christians to war with Christians and must each other to glut the jaws of slaughter but that we rather unite our forâ—es and dend our Arms against the raging Infidels who now tiranize over the Eastern world late by Vsurpation taken from the Roman Empire Sir replyed the Duke if you will favour me so far as to conclude this friendly League what ever you shall propose I willingly will sign unto Guy thanked the Duke and with a thousand Armed men marched towards the hill where the Loranians broken forces lay Encamped or rather scattered and no sooner coming to the foot of the said Hill but he sounded a Parley at which the Duke sent down his Lieutenant General to know the cause to whom Guy â—ade known his undertaking and withal desired a personal Treaty with the Duke giving him to understand who he was this being no sooner known but the Duke mounted and attended by some of his choice Commanders came riding down towards the Plain the which Guy no sooner perceiving but giving order to his men to stand in battel array he set spurrs to his horse and hasted to meet him and in the midway they aâ—lighting embraced each other after which Guy thus began Great Prince against whom in our own defence we fought and heaven favouring the righteous cause commanded Victory to attend us which has adorned our Conquoring Arms with spoiles yet forgetting laying aside all farther enmity or Quarrels I from Lovains Great Duke here bring you terms of Peace for why should Christians war and Christians Arms shed Christians blood then let it be no longer so great Sir embrace our offered friendship and no more let us be foes we impose no difficulties as Conquerors use but desire for to embrace with equal Arms what though your Nephew was by accident slain as the Duke himself confesses much against his will which was the cause begat this war your Highness must forget it nay moreover when you consider that thirty thousand lives have made sufficient Attonement to his silent Ghost let us henceforth war against the Pagan powers to drive them back to their distant Asia and rid Europe of such a curb so said Heroick Guy to whom the Duke replyed Most honoured man whose force in Arms no mortal can resist though I am much grieved for my Nephews death by Segwins hand bereaved of life and more for these shameful overthrows yet at thy request it shall be Peace and hence forth horrid war in Janus Temple shall be locked up fast whilst bound in chains on impious arms she sits complaining with a hundred bloody mourhs Go worthy English man go tell my Brother for now enmity is banished that 's the name that a Royal Tent shall on this Plain be pitched in which an everlasting Peace shall be concluded for thy sake upon which Guy thanked the Duke and returning to the City declared to Segwin what had passed who embraced Guy and payed his labour with rich presants and a thousand thanks and then issuing out in pompous attire attended by all his Nobles Guy being placed in his Chariot on the right and Herauld on his left they drove to the Tent or Pavillion of State where Sigbert Duke of Lorain in splended Equipage attend their coming where allighting they embraced each other with such fervecy as if enmity had 〈◊〉 a stranger to them and sumpruously feasted each other for the space of six dayes so that the noise of war was turned into Ioy and delight caused by all manner of noble pastime and at last friendship so far prevaiâ—ed that at the earnest reanest of Guy Duke Sigbert of Lorain gave Segwin Duke of Lovain his eldest daughter fair Miranda in Marriage which doubly crowned the joy on all sides the which being somewhat abated Guy impatient of ease requested forces of the â—oon Dukes to go against the Sarazens who had then broke in upon the Greek Empire and laid great part of it wast to which moâ—â—on they were very unwilling to condescend desiring him out of all love to stay with them and not to hazard himself in such dangerous enterprizes but they finding him to persist in his resolution and that they in vain perswaded him to the contrary entreated him to draw out what Forces he thought sufficient and that they would furnish them with all things convenient for the war at which Grant Guy returned them thanks assuring them that he would so employ them to the honour of Christendome that after Ages should wonder at their prowess and thereupon he selected two thousand of the choicest soldiers presant one of Loranians and the other Lovanians who were willinger to goe under his command then can be imagined so he having Embarqued them upon ten ships of war took his leave of the two Dukes with promise to visit them at his return and bring them such Trophies as the fortunes of war should deal him whereupon they accompanied him to the shoar and departed not thence till his ships were quite sailed out of sight So much he honoured was where e'r he came And looked upon as the Eldest son of Fame CHAP. IX How Guy being furnished with two thousand men and ten Ships of War marched to the Relief of Bizantum then besieged by the Turks and Zarazens and being scattered from the rest of his Fleet is set upon by 3 Pirates two which he destroys and forces the third to fly Relieves the City kills many of the Pagan Champions and in his Return fights
was best to do till the Duke of Lorain burning with Emulation pricked forward his proud steed and coming towards Guy said Sir Knight to me unknown whom Fortune has hitherto been pleased to favour think not to bear these Trophies of honour hence for they of right belong to me so saying he couched his Launce but Guy met it with his sword and at one blow cut it in sunder like a Reed then charged upon the Duke who strait began to stagger beneath the waight of his fierce Arms making but weak resistance so that at a fifth blow Guy broak his Helm and bruised him sore at which he cryed for quarter saying hold dread Champion for I yield nor is there mortal power that can resist thy force I will no more with thee contend for woman-kind whose strength is so much more then man I yield and do confess thou art my Conquerour this said his servants bore him thence After this Havock made among the French and German Peers none durst approach the List nor talk of Comâ—ating with Guy which the Emperour pereerving sent a Knight for him with whom Guy went and humbly saluted the Emperour and the fair Printess who sate under a Canopy of State on his right hand to Guy the Emperour thus began Renowned Knight tell me what place was first made happy with the birth for sure that Countrey must he proud of such a worthy man to whom Guy made answer May it please your Imperial Majesty your faithful servant first in England drew his breath England my Native Soyl from whence I long have been detained in toiles of War surely said the Emperour that place must he impregnable that has such a Bulwork as thou for to defend it great Alcides thou hast sure undone Hector's Arms could not with thine compare thou ever hast deseeved my praise redoubted Knight nor canthe breath of Majesty enough proclaim thy worth take there the Virgin thou hast won accept her though she is unworthy of so brave a man and with her ask except my Diadem ought in my Empire and sle freely grant to whom Guy bowing low returned all humble thanks and excused the praises that he breathed upon him at which the Emperour gave Guy a Jewel and departed leaving him and the beauteous Lody to discourse of Love alone when Guy after due reverence done addressed himself in this manner Fair Angel in whom Natures chief Perfections shine on whom not without besert the has bestowed her choicest savours most worthy to be abored and admired command your servant to try his obedience in whatsoever your Princely thoughts think fit to which with a modest yet Majestick Grace the Princess thus replied Renowned Sir these praises are not mine t is I must serve you now seeing your Sword hath won me since such is my Fathers pleasure therefore forbear these Exrasies least your words should make me blush and so betray the weakness of our loving Sex At which Guy half o'rcome with Love a while stood mute and had been surely conqueâ—ed by her prevailing eyes had not his vows to Phaelice made come fresh into his mine whereat he reassumed his manly vertue and drove assayling passions headlong â—ach and after reâ—ollecting thus he answers Fair Lady in whom is lively stampt the Image of my Love in thy fair face my Phaelice now appears although my sword has purthased thee with wounds pet all I can do is but to be your servant for know my hearte'r I beheld your beauty in England was linked too fast for any separation except by the Tyrant Death that Enemy to Love I have said he a beauteous Lady not unlike to you to whom my vows are passed never to be recalled I had not thought that earth could have afforded such another but in beholding your perfections I acknowledge my mistake for her I roam the world about to search where Mars's Tents are spread in bloody Battels and in Combats great and hazardous to venture all the slock of life that Nature lent me so that if I through danger can escape her promised Love is the fair Lawâ—el that must crown my toyl at which he ended And the Princess fetching a deep sigh thus began I see said she that Vallour dwells not in thy brest alone but thereby Vertue Reigns which makes thy worth the more sure most happy must that Lady be to whom such vows are made and your constancy appears so just and sure I shall not dare to break the sacred by of Oathes that link your distant souls though I could with at which the stopt and turning sighed while blushes dyed her Rosy Cheeks and all the Lillies were quite put to slight then turning again she said most honourable man here take these Jewels and presant her with them from me who must enjoy a bliss I dare not think upon Icast prevailing passion should too great a Conquest gain over my frailty so saving she after having received Guy's humble thanks departed the place not longer being able to surpress her Love Guy after leave taken of the Emperour to whom he made his Love to Phaelice known and the cause of his undertaken-travels and hardships was by the Emperours command attompansed to the Sea-side by all the Nobility of the Court where imbarquing he set Sail for England as now hoping Phaelice would open her willing arm to receive the Hero that had bought her Love so dear Where Landing he as swift as Eagles fly Speed to behold the Center of his Joy CHAP. VII How Guy at his Arrival was Received by Phaelice and all the Nobility how he is sent forth again to seek new Adventures but e'r he goes kills a monstrons Enchanted Cow upon Dunsmore Heath and is Knighted by the King and many favours bestowed upon him Phaelice having received the News of Guy's Approch and by the sound of Fame heard all the Warlike Deeds his hands had done and the Chevalerous Exploits of which by this time England rung she prepares to receive him at so pleasing a rate as might become his worth and Greatness yet woman-like resolving to stifle as much as possible her powerful passion thereby to make him the more sond cager in the chase of Beauty Guy now arrived at Warwick Castle where he heard the price of all his toyl in dreadful battel there remained who at the inward gare carrended by her Damzels stood ready to receive him whom Guy no sooner saw but bowing low he thus Salutes Fair Phaelice from whom I have too long been absent how thy bright face refreshes now my soul and feasts my gazing Eyes with beauty most transplendant as when a long benighted travellour suâ—counded with dark terrours in a pathless maze from the Orient sky beholds the comfortable dawn of Light which usâ—ers in the Sun 's refulgent beams so to invest the drowsy world with day for Madam in the midst of War when Death was rageing round me the thoughts of you inspird me with double force and gave
wicked heads to which they scoffingly replyed what would this vain-glorious fellow have he thinks tries another to get a name by desperate folly and that for being slain in hopes of rescuing this Lady the world will pitry and lament his fate a third declared that he was surely mad which so enraged him that bidding the Lady be of good chear for that he came to fetch her back unto her Lord he drew his dreadful sword well known in war and with it laid about so furiously that scarce a stroke fell but he kill'd or mortally wounded one or other of them bruising their Helms and Heads breaking their Armour at such a rate that in an hours space ten of them lay gasping on the ground which the trembling Lady observing fell upon her knaes and entreated Guy to hold his Conquering hand and shed no more blood for her sake at which Guy moved with pitty put up his Sword commanding the remaining sir to ask the Lady forgiveness and â—o thank her for their lives the which they durst not refuse so that Guy giving them two or three lusty knocks a piece with his sword in the â—eabard dismissed them bidding them tell their treacherous Lord that his name was Guy and that he hoped ere long to meet him in Arms and render him the reward of his trechery after which Guy caused the Lady to mount behind him so they cid to the place where they left the Earl who seeing them riding towards him faint as he was came supported by Herauld to meet them where falling down he embraced Guy's knees readring him a thousand thanks with â—nexpressible joy saying He should be proud to dye fighting in his cause So much renown in Arms the Hero won That his great deeds through Europe now had run CHAP. XI How Guy and Herauld went with the Earl to relieve his Father who was besiged by Duke Otton and how Guy Raised the Seige routed the Dukes Army and kill'd him in single Combate NOw night had cast her Sable vail over the earth and left only the imperfect brightness of the Moons silver beams to chear the drousy Globe when Guy Herauld Terry and Oslil his fair spouse had through the Forrest vast and wild to travel many a mile before they came to any house or place of entertainment but being so good company they passed on joyfully till coming to a tuft of broad spreading trees that cast a horrid shade blacker then night it self they heard a hideous noise and roaring caused by Beasts of Prey who having left their Dens followed the scent of blood as Lions Bears Wolves Tigers Panthers Leopards and the like when casting their eyes round they espied two Armed Knights standing with their swords drawn on their Guards and listning to the self same eryes who Guy and his associates coming up to found to be two Kinsmen of the Earls at which Terry embracing them asked the cause that brought them into such a place so full of dread and danger to whom they with a sigh reply Alass my Lord to tell you news you would not gladly hear your Princely Father in his Castle is beseiged by raging Ottons Power begirt with fifteen thousand men the incensed Duke swearing to lay it level with the ground and take your Fathers life in revenge of your taking away his Love Alass said Terry with a countenance that witnessed a thorow sence of grief I take his Love just heaven knows my innocence speak Osâ—i tell this Renowned man if I at any time procured thee to break thy Faith or ever tempted thee to act ought against thy will never said the beauteous Lady thou hast been just in all that cruel Duke has wronged thy innocence indeed he did make known to me his horrid Love but his design when I withstood to yield was to have Ravished me by force but Heaven alwaies pittying the distressed prevented his black intent thine I am and ever will be till death shall make a seperation Well spoke fair Lady said Guy in whose brest are such sparks of Virtue now I find that I must truly praise thy worth t is for Love of a fair creature far distant from this place that I wars dreadful task first undertook and through a Sea of blood have waded to obtain and whom ere long I do intend to see and lay my Trophies gained by Conquest at her feet since I have found your constancy in perfect in their beings fear not worthy Lovers cease your cares Alass my Lord said Terry how can I be void of care and grief when my dear Father dear to me as life must unavoidably be ruined for my sake if any guilt there could be in the case surely I must be innocent come then life or death I le through the Leaguer break and free my Father or else perish in the brave attempt Grieve no more said Guy nor let restless thoughts disturb your peace these Arms shall force the daring foe to leave the seige or like to thundring with death hâ—â—â—l ruine on their guilty heads I in my Vissage bear the cripple fates and where so â—â—e I look severe destruction marks my frowns and death a waights to execute my will long have I wished to meet the Duke in Arms and now have found an opportunity unlooked for and with as much joy go to this war as I would go to see my well pleased Phaelice smile At these words the Earl revived and put on thearfulness whilst he and his fair spouse fell at Guy's feet and would in humble thanks have kissed the ground but that he taking them up in his arms would not permit such reverence for to be done to him a mortal man c. So they marched on till they came within sight of the Castle the which stood upon a rising hill no sooner had Fame conveyed the sound through the Army that Guy was approching but the Commander that had heard the dreadful exploits his warlike hand had done fled and left the Duke and some of his perticular friends to order the Forces the Duke seeing himself in this plight grew the more desperate vowing to continue the siege though ten thousand Devils were approching to give the besieged aid Guy after having dispersed some few that lay against the Eastern Gate with the Earl Herauld and the rest entred the Castle where finding the old Earl in much perplexity Guy comforted him as likwise Terry Herauld Ossil and the rest relating what adventures had befel at which the old man somewhat revived Guy desired him to permit the Soldiers under his Command to sally out upon the Fee for said he now fear has made half the Conquest I in a minuts time will finish it which said all with loud shouts cryed lead on lead on to Victory when on a suddain the Gates on groaning hinges opened wide and out they marched against the Foe Guy in the Front began the Battel with such courage and fury spurred on by keen Revenge that the