the King of Ulster resided she who had béen the unhappy cause of all these Wars which she confidering of and that she might be the cause of her Father's ruine considered also which way to prevent it and therefore sent to her Lover Owen Mac O Brian Prince of Conaught to desire him to lay down his Arms and leave her to the disposal of her Father for if he obstinately persisted she would never have him although frée to dispose of her self and séeing his first taking up of Arms against her Father had béen for her sake to hinder her marriage with Flusteron so she desired him that for her sake he would also lay down his Arms and then she questioned not but her Father would be induced to do so too and a Peace would follow and she hoped then so to order affairs as that she might content him and her self This Prince who was still in Arms in his own Province and only waited the motions of the two other Armies now hearing the desires of his Princess knew not what to resolve on but being willing to oblige her in all he could and not thinking it convenient to lay down Arms till the War was ended he resolved on a third course which was to take past with her Father relieve and assist him against the King and thereby as he hoped oblige him to bestow his Daughter on him and therefore away he marcheth with all his Army towards the City of Dundrom where the King and the Knight of Cupid had besieged the King of Ulster The news of his approach surprized the King neither did the Prince of Ulster know what he intended but he soon sent a Letter to acquaint him that although he had appeared his Enemy when alone in the Field yet now that he saw him likely to be oppressed by the King and his numerous and victorious Forces be would joyn interests with him till he had fréeâ— himself of so potent an Enemy and that then afterwards it would be time enough for them to consider of their own private quarrel which he hoped would be put to a good end and that at least if he would not let him have the happiness of having his Daughter yet he would not compel her against her will to be married to another The Giant Flusteton hearing of this message and supposing it might turn to his disadvantage would not permit the Prince of Ulster to return him any answer but told him that he would take such order that the King of Lemster should soon be enforeed to withdraw his Forces and the way he propounded was this that they being weâ—â— fortified néed not fear any assault in that place and if they â—ould be put to the utmost extremity they might escape by sea but he did not expect any such matters because the Prince of Conaught would hinder the King from procéeding so forwards and he leaving a sufficient Party to secure the Princess left the City of Dundrom and went to his own Country and there raising another great Party he roved up and down and at length entring the Province of Lemster in the King's absence did much mischief burning and destroying all places where he came thinking by this means to force the King to raise his siege and return home to guard his own Country But the King not knowing of this mischief but séeing the Forces of the Prince of Conaught sent to know why he came thither armed commanding him to depart and disband his Forces He answered that he could not indéed deny but that he was his Sovereign and therefore ought to be obeyed but that withal what he did was for self-preservation and to serve a Mistress whom he estéemed above all for he believed that if he should permit him absolutely to conquer his Neighbor the Prince of Ulster and thereby his Mistress would also be destroyed it would not be long before he served him in the same manner and so become absolute not permitting them their antient Principallity to which they had as much right as he to his absolute Sovereignty and therefore the cause why he could not obey him at present was because he was resolved not to sit still and first sée his Neighbors Principallity taken from him and then his own This was the answer he sent whereupon the King sent away to his Brother Mac Guire Prince of Munster and Father to Peter of Ireland to raise what Forces he could and come to his assistance resolving to compel these two Princes to obey him The Prince of Munster knowing of the War and doubting of the events thereof had already raised an Army to be in readiness and therefore was quickly on his way to his Brother before Dundrom but in the mean time the Giant Flusteron had committed many villanies for he had surprized the antient City of Tredagh in Lemster and destroying the Inhabitants very much ruined the City it self and now hearing that the Prince of Munster was ingaged against his Party he marches into his Country and spoils many places there but more particularly the Town of Rabennee which he set on fire and now all the Kingdom of Ireland was ingaged in a War which was very bloody and all occasioned by the wilfulness of this Monster Flusteron who now supposing it necessary makes all haste possible to the City of Dundrom and getting into it gives an account of his villainies By the assistance which he brought the City was so well relieved that it was resolved they would no longer be inclosed within the walls but go out and face and fight their Enemies knowing that if the Prince of Conaught did them no good he would not harm them by assisting their Enemies wherefore he making all the Forces he could marched out of the City and being fleshed and encouraged by the success he had abroad hoped to have the same here in the Field and now being resolved to fight he questioned not but he should conquer and therefore was so bold as to send to the King to defie him and to appoint a pitcht Battle thrée days after or sooner if he would The King hearing of his presumption called his Councel to advise what was to be done And there the Knight of Cupid advised the King to agrée to the Battle to be fought thrée days after and in the mean time to have a Truce so that any single Persons might be frée to visit their Enemies Camp or City All this was agréed on by all Parties and the Knight of Cupid having leave of the King and power to treat as he thought fit was resolved to treat with all Parties and sée if by his prudent management he might put an end to this War without fighting Whereupon the chief occasion of this War being about the Marriage of the Princess Honora he first went to her and there he examining her to every thing found that she had an absolute antipathy against and hatred to the Giant Flusteron her intended Husband and
Picture on his Shield she immediately cried out Ah worthy Knight pattern of all true Valor and Magnanimity much am I bound to you for your great aid and assistance and many thanks have I cause to render you for this so mighty deliverance in this my most extream necessity Having thus said she came near him to kiss his hands but he refused that and kindly embracing her said Madam it is time for us to return back to sée in what condition the Prince your Brother is and if occasion be to lend him my assistance wherefore he caused her to mount on the Giants horse and he mounting on his own set forwards towards the place of the Combat in which time she again thanked him for the aid he had afforded her promising him to do him all the affairs of Love or friendship that she could if he would please to come to the Souldan of Babylons Palace as he had formerly promised telling him that she was now resolved to return back thither and assuring him that the Princess Florisbella her Cousin had an extraordinary estéem for him and expected his coming and she assured him that she would endeavor to increase her good affection towards him Much joyed was Don Bellianis at this discourse and thus they arrived at the place of Combat where the two Giants and all their Knights were either slain or vanquished Thus was this fight happily ended to the eternal honor of Don Bellianis The Damsels of the Princess presently applyed some Remedies to the Wounds of Don Bellianis his Knights and then every one mounting his horse they rid on The Prince Baltasano was very thankful for this assistance and promised Don Bellianis an eternal friendship thus they Rode on together sometime till at length the Princess her brother were resolved not to procéed in their journy with so slight a guard but to go back to Babylon to which place they invited Don Bellianis who made his excuses for the present promising them that within a moneth he would not fail to wait upon them there and thus after many several discourses they coming to a way that went towards Babylon they took their leaves of Don Bellianis and parted thither-wards leaving him and his Knights to travel to the City of Shyraz to méet with the Princess Persiana and Duke Alfiron CHAP. XIV How Don Bellianis and his Knights overtook the Princess Persiana Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Company and how they all entred into the City of Shyraz DOn Bellians and his Knights travelled so fast that within thrée hours after they overtook their company for the Princess and her Husband made but easie marches and had stayed at a Town not far off to dinner When Don Bellianis came before the Duke and the Princess they asked him how he had sped in his enterprize whereupon he gave them such an account that they rested very well satisfied they were now come within two leagues of Shyraz and many of the Nobility had already come to them to give them the welcome which they thankfully received After they had passed the Tapyrian Mountains they came to a great River called Bradamir which watereth the City and afterwards falleth into the Persian Gulph with twenty miles circling about on the land when they came near the City it was the pleasantest thing in the World to behold so stately a Building twenty stately Temples appeared at one time and the Pallace with its lofty Towers made an extraordinary splendorin the eyes of the spectators Infinite was the resort of the Plebeans that came out to behold their new King and Quéen and when they were a mile off from the City the Chief Magistrates came out to do their homage to the King and Quéen and in this manner they entred the City which is one of the most ancient and famous through all that part of the World Here Art Magick was first hatched Here Nâ—mrod after the confusion of Babel lived and was buried Here Cirus the most excellent of Heathen Princes was born and all but his head intembed Here the great Alexander glutted his ambition and drunkenness Here the first Sybilla sung our Saviors Incarnation Hence the Magi are thought to set forth toward Bethelem and here many Kings have swayed their Scepters in fine it is a place defended by nature inricht by trade by art made lovely the Vineyards Gardens Cypresses and Temples ravish the eye and smell in every part sweet and delightful These excellent persons were received into this most delightsome place with a great deal of solemnity and joy and in all the principal places of that City and all other places of the nation they were immediately Proclaimed King and Queen of Shyraz Larr and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormus Maqueroon Cermoen Chusestam Sigestan and Farsestan Prince and Princess of the Gulph of Persia and of the Isles there These were the titles and great was the joy and acclamations of all that vast kingdom which reaches above six hundred miles round about If I should recite to you the many shews pageants and triumphant arches that were built and the several congratulatory Speeches that were that day made to their new King and Queen I should as much weary you with the reading and my self with the writing thereof as they were that day wearied with the hearing of them and indeed they were so tedious that although they came to the City by two of the clock afternoon yet was it nine of the clock at night before they came to the pallace whither they being arrived they dismissed most of their subjects and being much wearied they went to take their ordinary repose which through weariness every one enjoyed except Don Bellianis whose desires were wholly fixed on the incomparable Florisbella from whose presence he had been so long absent that he was in great doubt of his reception into her service but the promise that day made him by the Princess Mattarosa did somewhat consolate his disturbed fancy Thus spent he the whole night in continnued contemplations till day appearing he rose and went to salute the King and Queen and humbly besought them since he had seen them safely received into their Kingdom they would be pleased to give him leave to depart about his more weighty affairs This discourse much troubled them hoping thaâ— they should enjoy his company for a longer season but since he was so desirous to be gone they prayed him that he would do them so much honor as to stay ten days longer in whith time they intended to be Crowned Don Bellianis not well knowing how to deny any thing to persons so obliging consented to this Request provided that as soon as the Solemnity was ended they would no longer desire to detain him from his Adventures To which they both engaged themselves and thereupon that day the King issued forth his Commands to all persons concerned to repair to the Court on that day seven night to assist at the Ceremonies
did belong unto Don Gallaneo but however not only the Duke but also the Princess Persiana put great confidence in the promise of Don Bellianis And now Dinner being ended and the Tilting begun Don Brianel who led one of the Dukes Squadrons encountred with a Gyantlike Knight called Pidasto the Cruel who was one of those that Don Gallaneo had charged to kill him and Arsileo but he missed of his aim for he was himself not only overthrown in the Encounter but also Wounded in the Head Many came to his rescue and to fall upon Don Brianel but he was releived by Arsileo and several of Duke Alfirons Knights so that in short time the Tilt and Tournament was turned into a bloody fight and all parties engaged in it where we will leave them to speak of Don Bellianis The Tournament being begun in the place appointed Don Galfeo with five hundred Knights went to the Dukes lodging with intent to murther Don Bellianis but he was up and ready to receive them for being armed in one of the Dukes armours he was prepared to go to the Tournament when Don Galfeo entred the Pallace Don Bellianis seeing so many Knights enter wondring asked their business Don Galfeo answered to see the Knight of the Golden Image he is not to be spoke with said Don Bellianis but Galfeo advancing forwards up stairs was hindred from entring by Don Bellianis who drawing forth his Sword defended the passage in such manner that in short time he had kild Galfeo and severall of his followers and forced the others back again into the Court yard where he pursued them and severall other people saw many fight against one Knight came and assisted him so that all the rest were vanquished and fled only Don Bellianis taking one of them Prisoner forced him to confess the intended treason against him He having discovered thus much taking a lusty Courser and a big Lance rode to the Tournaments Where finding his friends engaged in bloody fight and endangered by Don Gallaneo's practice he was so enraged that he overthrew thirty Knights e're his Lance did break and then drawing his Sword he laid â—o about him that he mightily encouraged the Dukes Knights who before that time were worsted by their adversaries and seeing his Cousin Prime Arsileo dismounted he made way to him and again mounted him on a dead Knights Horse Don Gallaneâ— was by this time informed of the ill success of his Cousin Galfeo bâ— one who had escaped and shewed him the Knight that had dissapointed them wherefore he in great wrath and anger was resolved to be revenged and therefore made towards Don Bellianis who was then fighting with a Grant and in few strokes slâ—w him to the amazement of the Sophy who wondring cryed out what Knight may this be that performeth such incredible deeds wish the Knight of the Golden Image were now here to behold it By this time was Don. Gallaneo come near to Don Bellianis whereupon they quickly made way to meet and Encounter each other but to the great harm of Don Gallaneo who received such a blow from Don Bellianis as felled him from his horse sorely â—â—â—ounded our Knight being resolved to dispatch him alighted and Wounded him agen but was hindred of his purpose by some of Gallaneo's Knights but Duke â—lfiroâ— arriving at that time with a Troop of Knights and seeing how matters passed Rode over him and so caused him to breath his last to the great grief and sorrow of the Sophy who commander them to spare him but to no purpose wherefore he commanded all to fall upon and kill those that had killed his Son which caused a cruel slaughter The Kings of Armenia and â—essiâ—anty with much perswasions caused the Sophy to command the fight to cease but he rested much troubled resolving to be revenged on Duke Alfiron and his Daughter the Princess to disguise her joy did séem to be grieved for the Death of her Husband but her Father believing she dissembled and that he was slain by her consent caused her to be imprisoned in a Tower and to be surely guarded And now the Battle being ended and every one returning to their quarters Don Bellianis that he might not be known left the City and went into the Fields where he was not able to travel by reason of the great loss of blood which he sustained from his many wounds so that he was forced to alight and sit on the ground but it was not long e're he was disturbed by the arrival of two Damsels who came in great hast and fear towards him he asking the cause of their fear and slight they told him they were pursued by a terrible Dragon and they had no sooner finished their Discourse but he saw the Dragon approach whereupon he drew his Sword and assaulted the furious beast who flying against him threw him down and he being under him was cruelly Wounded with his Talons so that he was in great danger but he whose heart was never possessed with fear in short time drawing his Dagger mortally wounded the Dragon in several places to the heart so that he left our Knight and expired for which deliverance our Knight returned thanks and the two Damsels who beheld the fight were greatly amazed and séeing him very much Wounded they disarmed him and dressed his Wounds and leaving his Armor there they travelled towards the City by the Way be discoursed with them and by enquiry found that they belonged to the Princess Floribella who had sent them to hear tidings of her Causin the Princess Aurora and that in their Travels they were met by a Gyant named Fellistone who having twenty Knights in his Company would have forced them but that they séeing twenty other Knights caused them to oppose the Gyants and that in the mean time they had fled from them in this discourse they continued till they again met with thrée of the Gyants Knights who séeing the Damsels would have again forced them but were again hindred by Don Bellianis who unarmed as he was encountred all the Knights and combating with them all clove one of them from the Head to the â—â—â—ist that he fell down in two pieces and the other two he also vanquished but withall he was very much Wounded with a Lance which being run into his Thigh fastned him so to his Saddle that he could not stir it and now without any more Adventures he arrived at the Dukes Pallace where he was joyfully received and welcomed by all but when they saw him so Wounded they were very much grieved for he could not without help alight from his Horse and he was forced to be carried to his Bed where his Wounds were carefully dressed but that in his Thigh was so large and painful that he roared like a Bull. And now he being provided with all things necessary the whole discourse was about his marvellous and indéed prodigeous Adventures which were so admirable especially those of
being come to himself finding that he was in the arms of a Knight he wondred But considering what had lately hapned he rested content but so did not the Knight who beholding his beautiful face was as much surprized and taken in love therewith as he had bin with the Picture of the Princess Florisbella and to that purpose he used many amorous expressions offering his service in all obsequious manner Don Billianis smiled at the Knights mistake but however was resolved to continue him therein thereby make some use of it wherefore he presently desired him to pull of his Helmet and to declare his name and quallity To this the Knight agréeed and unarming his head discovered a very lovely face and that young not being above twenty five years of age and in order to the Ladies request he told her that his name was Don Contumeliano of Phaenicia being Son and Heir to the King of that Country Don Billianis who now further desired a boone of him the Knight granted it and then Don Billianis told him that he lately left a Knight a friend of his in great distress for want of a Horse and Armes being the next day to use them upon an urgent occasion therefore the request he made was that he would so far pleasure him as to furniâ—â— him with his Don Contumeliano readily consented and having delivered the Armes helped the supposed Lady to mount and would have kissed her hand but Don Billianis would not permit it but embracing him very lovingly told him that if he would the next day come into the City he might sée his Arms used and that she would not fail to come again in the Evening to the place and restore them and thereupon he departed leaving the Prince of Phaenicia who not knowing what to do lay down there to sléep till it should be time to enter the City In the mean time Don Billianis traveling through the Wood and coming to a Cave entered there into and putting off his womans Aparrel armed himself as well as he could and hid his Clothes by cutting down some boughs and spread them thereon And the day-light approaching he mounted his Horse and entered the City where he had not ridden long before he saw the Prince of Phenicia who awaiting his comming and knowing him by the Armour soon mounting on his Squirs Horse rode along with him till they arived at the Pallace where when they came and Don Billianis was dismounted he knew not to whom to deliver his Horse which the Prince of Phenicia séeing told him that his Squire should doe him that service as being bound to do him any though unknown Don Billianis well enough understanding what he meant kindly thanked him and taking him by the hand they passed on towards the Souldan whom was accompanied by the King of Cyprus and his two Brothers who were then arming themselves for the intended Combat After the usual reverence made to the Souldan Don Billianis told him that he had some busines to impart to him but could not do it untill Duke Alfrion were present Wherefore he was presently sent for and brought thither by the Guards He being come Don Billianis acquainted the Souldan that he was to be his Champion The Duke hearing this did in all obleigeing manner render him many thanks and fréely put his Cause and Life into his hands The Knight having procéeded thus far in his designe desired to sée who was the Dukes Enemy and accuser That am I said the King of Cyprus fiercely thinking to affright him and now you have séen me do you still continue your resolution of fighting Yes replyed Don Billianis I shall now do it to chuse for by your outward appearance I cannot imagine one so monstrous as you are can be Master of no vertues and therefore I beleive your accusation false You may judge if this spéech of Don Billianis did not inrage the furious Gyant who now called out that they might presantly begin the Combat whereupon the Prisoners were sent for into the Field the Duke was there already the Princess was soon after brought But Don Billianis being sent for and the Gaurds séeing him as they supposed lye sick in his Bed they at the request of the Damosel that attended went to the Souldan and acquainted him with the low condition of the Knight he was contented that he might be excused from comming into the Field And all things being in readiness for the Combat and the Princes Don Brianel and Arselio understanding that the Duke was provided of a Champion they were glad thereof and entered the Field their Sheilds were borne by the two Kings of Armenia and Tâ—ssifanta and their Helmets by Duke Gerirano the Prince of Brandalia Don Contumeliano carried both Launce and Sheild of the Golden Image these Knights méeting saluted one another courteously and Don Billianis caused his Armour to be closer buckled on and now did Don Billianis mount his Horse with his usual dexterity but he strained himself so much that his wounds bled afresh through his Armour The two Princess Aurora and Persiana who sat on a Scaffold together seeing that and beleiving it was Don Billianis called to him and so perswaded him that he discovered himself to them The Cerimonies of the Field being performed they all six ran one aginst another Don Billianis undertooke the Gyant and two Princes the two Brothers the last four were by the fury of their Encounter forced to leave their Saddles all were wounded but Don Brianel was in the worst condition having one foot so intangled in his Stirop that he could not rise Most furious was the Encounter of Don Billianis and the Gyant for Don Billianis his arme was run through and fastned to his body with a péece of the Gyants lance that stuck in it and the Gyant was thrown to the ground with great fury Don Billianis was forced to dismount to encounter the Gyant who made up to him but before he dismounted séeing Don Brianel's foot ingaged in his Stirrop and the Gyant his adversary ready to mischief him he threw down the King of Cyprus while he was on Horse-back and then leaping off he went to asist Don Brianel but was hindred by the Gyant his adversary and in short time the King of Cypius being agen on his féet being as much inraged as any Tyger came also and assaulted him so that he was forced to defend himself against two who both gave him many weighty straokes which did so inrage him that he gave the Kings brother who had anoyed him so puissant a stroak on the Helmet that it was cut in two and wounded him on the head so that he was astonished but withall his Sword flew in péeces and he thereby left without a weapon Great was the fear and sorrow of the two Princesse of Duke Alfrian and of the Damsels of the Tower who looked from thence to behold the Combat and of the Prince of Poenicia by the badness of
still so hardy to resist us we have given leave to our noble Son Perianeo our Cousins Carolia a and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace to meet thâ—e and the said Emperor and his Son and any other Knight you shall choose â—o mortal Combat promising that our Army shall not during the Combat hinder you and we expâ—ct your performance of the same condition This if you will do we shall be ready to perform to morrow before our City gates this is all at present from Your Lord the Souldan Great was the amazement of the Duke Alfiron and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and the rest of the Pagan Knights when they understood that the Emperor of Greece and his son and kinsmen were those who they had so long entertained amongst them but they were soon satisfyed when the Emperor Don Bellaneo arose from his seat and spake as followeth KIngs of Armenia and Tessifanty and Duke Alfiron with all the rest of your Companions it cannot be unknown to you how unjustly the Souldan your Master has endeavored oftentimes to take away my life as the undertaking of Don Gallaneo doth sufficiently testifie and I do not conceive but any of you being so wronged would use his utmost endeavors to revenge himself in order to which I came from Constantinople accompanied with these Forces but they have done little yet in prosecution of my revenge As for my Son he came not hither to injure the Souldan but to do justice to the Princess of Aurora who is truly Princess of Antioch and to destroy that Usurper Don Gallaneo who usurped the same Since our arrival many occasions have presented themselves whereby we have lost much blood in your Cause and have wronged none of you and do and do resolve still to cotinue constant to you till we shall cause the Emperor to do you justice and that shall be our satisfaction therefore resolve your selves what Answer to return him for I and my Son will undertake the Combat After the Emperor had finished his spéech the Kings of Armenia and Tessifante thanked him and his son and the rest of the Knights for what they had said and done and resolved that since the cause at present was but to bring the Souldan to do Iustice that they would still continue with them and force him to do it or venture their lives and fortunes in the compelling him thereto And Duke Alfiron who was one of the perâ—ons that was challenged answered that he was of the same opinion with them and thanked the Emperor and his Son and the rest for the assistance they had given him and told them that he was willing to accept the Combat propounded whereupon Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia desired that he might be the other Combatant which was granted and the Messenger was sent to the Souldan to signifie the same accordingly CHAP. IV. Of the Combat between the Eight Knights and of the end thereof NO sooner had the Golden Chariotéer of Heaven set forward on his dayly journey to illuminate the world with the refulgent Beams of his Countenance but all our Combatants prepared themselves for the Combat Don Bellianis of Greece in whose heart was not only revenge but jealousie desired that he might combat with his Rival Perianeo Knight of the Images The good Emperor his Father resolved to try the Valor of Gramalis of Thrace and Duke Alfiron and Contumeliano desired to undertake the two Brothers Caroliano and Boraldo Thus every one having made choice with whom to fight resolved to overcome or die in the place and they only expected the coming of the Challengers out of the City About ten of the clock before noon the Souldan with a guard of forty thousand Knights issued out of one of the Gares with the Champions ready for the Combat The Souldan being seated in a place appointed for that purpose and the Guard placed without one side of the Lists the Challengers with the found of Drums and Trumpets entred the same where they had not long continued but the Defendants likewise entred and the Guard on their side being placed on another side of the Lists the Souldan commanded the Signal of the fight to be given by the Trumpets at whose sound the Knights with armed fury made against each other in such sort that they rather séemed to many sudden flashes of lighting breaking through the airy passage of the Heaven than men and horse met in the midst of the field with so mighty encounters as if so many pieces of Ordnance had béen discharged Don Bellianis thinking himself concerned more then ordinary encountred the Knight of the Images so violently that he caused him to lay hold on his horse neck to save himself from falling and with the shock that he received he lost both his stirrops but they both soon recovered themselves and turning about with a brave grace and courage drew their swords and gave one another such strong and mighty blows that their pure cutting swords soon made the blood to appear through their Armor The Emperor and Gramalis of Thrace encountred each other so furiously that the Emperor threw Gramalis on the ground and disabled his horse and received so great a shock himself that he lost both his stirrops but he recovered himself and drawing his sword went to meet his Adversary who was coming to him on foot which he séeing likewise dismounted himself and came on foot likewise valiantly to meet him but Gramalis being more ready then the Emperor gave him so mighty a blow on the Helmet that it astonished him which made his rage to kindle in his brâ—ast that the very fire sparkled in his eyes and like a hot chased Boar or hungry Lyon bent to his prey wounded Gramalis that had struck him with so puissant a blow on the Helmet that he cut it in two as if it had béen of Paste-board sorely wounding his head resting to astonished that he knew not whether he was alive or dead Grama is in short time recovered himself and séeing what danger he was in by reason of one blow received from his enemy was greatly abashed so that covering himself with his shield he gave the Emperor many wounds which he féeling and resolving to be revenged of gave his enemy so great a blow on the shield that he cut it in two pieces and wounded him so sorely on the head and arm that he in short time fell to the ground which the Emperor séeing he left him and went to Duke Alfiron who wanted his assistance Alfiron and Contumeliano encountring the two Brothers gave to each other so marvellous encounters that they all measured their lengths on the earth but like valiant Knights they soon got on their féet and began an excellent Combat which continued a long time without any great advantage but in the end Garoliano with whom Alfiron fought gave him so great a blow on the head that he cut the laces of his helmet and somwhat wounded his head but
in their Iourney towards Shyraz to tell you what befel Don Bellianis who travelled so long with the Damsel that at last they arrived in sight of a Castle seated on a Rock which when the Damsel espied she said Sir Knight this is the Castle where the Gyants and the other company lodged this night and I believe they are not as yet come out of it because he that is Lord of this Castle is of kindred to the Gyant Altifer and therefore I pray let us attend here for their coming forth Don Bellianis therefore advising with himself left two of his Knights to attend there whilst he and the rest travelled on the way the Gyants were to take and there they hid themselves in a thicket of Trees It was not fully an hour before the two Knights came galloping amain to Don Bellianis informing him that the Giants and their company were come out of the Castle and were coming thither-wards with the prisoners The Prince Baltasano they tyed on a horse with his hands behind him and so they did to about twelve Knights more that were prisoners and the Princess Martarosa and several of her Damsels were carried before certain Knights on horseback and did make great lamentation The Knights did likewise advise Don Bellianis not to set on the Gyants and their eompany as yet for that the Gyant of the Castle where they lay was come out with them with above twenty Knights to bear them company a little way and therefore it was best to forbear setting on them till they were gone To this advise Don Bellianis could hardly be perswaded so earnest was his desire to do some signal Service for his Lady the Princess Florisbella but in the end he was over-ruled by the Damsel and promised to attend their parting for an hour or two and if they did not by that time leave one another that he would set upon them all And in this resolution he marched forwards commanding the two Knights to go back give him notice of what should happen which was done accordingly Thus did Don Bellianis march on for one hour in great expectation till at length the two Knights came to him to inform him that now was the time for the Gyants kinsman was departed and there was not above thirty five Knights and three Gyants and ten of the Knights were employed in guarding of the prisoners that were with them Never was Don Bellianis so well pleased in all his life as he was at this instant and therefore commanding all his Knights to be in a readiness the urned back his horse and went to meet the Gyants and their company Don Bellianis had not rid far before he met with them the two Gyants brothers to Altifer riding before the rest on great horses and with Iron Maces hanging on their Sadle-bows Our Knights went strait up to them and some of the Princesses Damsels making a lamentation Don Bellianis enquired what was the cause why they forced Ladies to go with them against their wills to which one of the Gyants proudly answered It were best for you Sir Knight to keep on your way and not to meddle with the affairs of others not being called thereto To which he answered that he and all other Knights were bound to enquire into the affairs of distressed Ladies and to relieve them to their power whereupon one of the Gyants laid hold on his Mace thinking to dash him in peices but he turning his horse on one side couched his Lance and run so fiercely on the other Gyant that he forced him to measure his length on the earth at whose example all the rest of the company did the like and they performed their parts so well that sixtéen Knights and two Giants were dismounted and six were slain out right The Giant Altifer séeing himself so beset presently couched his lance and did some mischief But Don Bellianis soon hindred him from procéeding for he reached him such a stroke that he made his â—oâ—sâ— bend his knées to the Ground and his Master catch hold of his horse neck to kéep himself from falling and then crying Florisbella and Victory he gave two such mighty strokes to two Knights that stood in his Way that he sent them tumbling to the Earth and then coming to the Prince Baltasano he immediately unbound him and gave him a Sword by whose example the rest of his Knights released the rest of the prisoners and then began the fight to be most bloody The Giant Altifer and his two brothers séeing the vallor of that one Knight resolved to set upon him and so they all thrée came with the same resolution but he quickly séeing the danger he was likely to run into if he did not dispatch gave one of them so powerful a blow that he cut off his Arm and forced him to let his Mace fall to the Ground The two brothers séeing this came with both their Maces at once intending to beat him to peices but Baltasano who he had unbound having gotten a Sword Buckler and Helmet received one of them and gave him in return so puissant a stroke that he cut off one of his arms and wounded him in the shoulder the enraged Giants did all they could to revenge the Wounds they had received and Altifer himself séeing that he was like to loose his Mistriss left the Combat and coming to the Knight that had the Princess in guard before him and took her and set her on his own horse before him and did ride away with all the spéed possible at which action the Damsels gave a great scréech which Don Bellianis hearing much wondred and leaving the fight turned himself about but he had no sooner perceived the cause but like lightning he made hast after him and being very well mounted he soon overtook him which the Giant séeing he let fall the Lady and turned about to encounter Don Bellianis being glad that he had gotten him alone and Don Bellianis was no less glad then he not only for that but also in regard that he had let go the Princess fearing much that if he had held her still she might have béen hurt in the combat Thus these two Combatants equally resolved affaulted each other and gave and received many Wounds but Don Bellianis whose valor was not to be equalled â—y any Giant or Knight resolving now in the presence of his Ladies kins-woman to shew the utmost effects thereof gave the Giant two such mighty blows that with the one he cut off his Leg and with the other he quite killed him The Princess all this while beholding the Combat and séeing the mighty blows Don Bellianis gave the Giant could not imagine who it should be and that so much worth and strength should remain in one single Knight but well viewing his arms she remembred him to be the Knight of the Basisisks who had done such brave acts at Babylon for the relief of her Cousin the Princess Florisbella and viewing her
which were accustomed at the Coronation with free liberty for all Knights as well Christians as Pagans to go and come at the same time and during their stay to shew their Valor and Manhood in Tilting Iousting and all other Knightly Exercises This proclamation being sent abroad occasioned many Knights to resort to the Court so that by the time prefixed for the Triumph as well the fields adjoyning to the City as the City it self was silled with Knights so that it was a most delectable sight to behold and most delicious to hear the sound of so many Warlike Instruments as was at that time heard And the King caused certain Rayls to be made on the out-side of the City within which the Knights were to Tilt and perform their Deeds of Knighthood and causes a Throne to be placed there for himself and his Queen and Seats for the rest of the Nobility where they might sit and see the Tournaments and he further ordained twenty Knights of his own who were commanded by one Don Lorino Son to his Brother Don Gorino a young and hardy Knight to resist all strange Knights These things being thus ordained all people with a great deal of impatience till the appointed day for the Solemnity of the coronation was come which day being now come there happened that which shall be declared in the chapter following CHAP. XV. How the Day of the Coronation being come there entred into the Court a Knight who termed himself to be The Knight of the Island of Pearls and demanded the Kingdom of Shyraz as his right and offered to defend his Title in single Combate against any one Knight which Combate Don Bellianis undertook and vanquished him and of his departure for Babylon THe Kingdom of Shyraz whereof the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana were now in possession had for many years belonged to the Souldan of Persia Father to the Princess who had given the same to his Daughter as hath already been declared but wee have not yet told you how the Souldan of Persia came by the same So it was that the Father of this Souldan onely had tribute for the same of one Gozmin a valiant Knight but the said Gozmin for some trayterous enterprize was dispossessed of the same He being executed and his sons for ever disenabled to possess the same for a just reward of their fathers treason and then the Souldan took the same into his own possession and ever after that took the immediate Profits thereof to his own use onely appointing a Governor there whom he placed and displaced as often as he thought fit and in this condition he left it to his Son when he died who as I told you gave it fréely to his Son in Law Duke Alfiron as a Portion with his Daughter Now this Gozmin left two Sons behind him both valiant and stout Knights the eldest whereof lived in an Island in the Persian Gulph called The Island of Pearls The day being come wherein this great Ceremony of Crowning the King and Queen was to be performed every one arose early either to assist at or behold the Ceremony The King and Quéen being ready mounted in a Triumphant Chariot and by four Vnicorns were drawn to the great Temple where they being arrived mounted on a Scaffold prepared to that purpose and then the Chief Flamin of the City after the ordinary Ceremonies placed two Crowns of Gold enriched with many pretious Stones of inestimable value on their heads praying to the Gods to bless them with perpetual blessings and blessing all their friends and true and loyal Subjects and cursing all such as were or should be their enemies This Ceremony being performed they both descended from their Thrones and walking through the Temple remounted their Chariot riding therein through the City with their Crowns on to the Court where they were no sooner arrived but the Tables were spread with all manner of delicious Viands that the Country could afford many Healths going round the Table for the prosperity of the King and Queen After Dinner was ended before any person did arise from Table the Herald at Arms according to custome did after the sound of an innumerable company of Trumpets again proclaim the said Duke and Princess to be King and Queen of Shyraz Larr and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormus Maqueroon Kermoen Chusestan Sigestan and Farsestan Prince and Princess of the Culph of Persia and of the Isles there These words he pronounced twice and at the end of every such Proclamation he said if any one had any right to the same or any part thereof he bid them come forth and declare the same This had been done twice and the Herald was about to begin the third time when a Knight armed in an azure Armor commanded him to hold his peace which he obeyed and then the Knight going up to the place where the King and Queen sat spake as followeth Duke Alfiron for by no other name shall I own you It is not unknown to most of the people here present that my Title to this Crown of Shyraz and all the Territories thereto belonging is just and good when they shall know that I am Son to the famous Gozmin sometimes King of this place I had long since expected that the Souldan would have restored me to my undoubted right but since I see that he hath been so unjust as to give it away I am to tell thee that if thou wilt enjoy it I must first be dead and therefore I will thee presently to appoint at thy Champion to defend thy Title and to enter into the Lists with me immediately not questioning but the Gods will so far do me justice that I shall be enabled to destroy thy Champion Having thus said he held his peace This Spéech gave a wonderful astonishment to all the persons there present and gave the King and Queen a sensible trouble to be thus interrupted in the midst of their Solemnity The King answered That he was so well satisfied in the Iustice of the Quarrel that he was ready himself to enter the Field to vindicate his Right but the Queen diswaded him therefrom not questioning but that they should find some other Champion Many Knights presently arose and desired the King and Queen that they might have the Honor of the Combate but the King was resolved not to venture his Title in the hands of any but such a one as he should be very confident of his worth Don Bellianis thinking himself obliged to do somewhat was resolved to undertake the Combate and therefore arising from his seat desired the King and Queen to admit him to be their Champion and to put the tryal of their Cause into his hands The King would willingly have excused it by reason of the many Obligations which he had already received from him but Don Bellianis who vvas resolved not to be denyed pressed them so hard that at length they condescended Whereupon he desired that the
a Charriot and coming near our company they all made the most pitiful complaint in the world The Souldan taking compassion on them demanded what was the cause of their so great complaint To which spéech the old man replyed that he being travelling to Babylon with those two Damsels and his Daughter two Knights séeing his Daughter of admirable beauty desired her company to abuse her which she not consenting to they endeavored to force her and in the end notwithstanding all the resistance they could make they drew her out of the Chariot intending to execute their lusts upon her but she resolving rather to dye than loose her honor so long resisted them that one of them most inhumanly drew his Sword and gave her so great a wound on the head that she immediately fell as dead to the ground which they séeing immediatly mounted there horses and departed leaving my poor daughter stretehed along the grass strugling for life In this manner we all remained making excéeding lamentations when an old Matron coming by and being told the accasion of our complaint commanded us to bind up the wound and lay her in the Chariot telling us that she was not to be cured but by one single touch of the fairest hand in the world now sir we are going to Babylon to sée if we can finde the person that shall cure this Lady The Souldan and his Daughter having heard this discourse and séeing the Lady lie stretched along in the Charriot presently were desirous to sée where the wound was given for which cause they both entred the Charriot at which time the old man whipped his horses to make them go on but they stirred not one jot at which he much wondred and the Princess coming to the body of the extended Lady and touching her wound she presenly lifted up her head and opening her eyes heartily thanked the Princess for her cure for by her touching the wound she was immediately cured Much did the old man wonder that not withstanding all he could do to the horses that drew the Chariot he could not get them to move one foot but they stood as if their feet had been fixed to the ground and as much was the Princess and the rest of the company pleased with the finishing of the adventure and therefore the Princess seeing there was nothing else to be done descended from the Chariot which she had no sooner done but the horses that drew it immediately fell a running in a very violent maner not giving the Emperor leave to come out which the Ladies and Knights seeing were greatly abashed thereat and the Empress commanded many of the Knights who were best mounted to follow the Charriot and bring back the Souldan but all their hast availed them nothing for the horses that drew the Charriot ran with incredible swiftness till they vvho pursued them quite lost sigh thereof Great vvas the lamentations and sorrovv of the Empress the Princess her Daughter and all the rest of the spectators not knovving vvhat was become of the Souldan but they still hoped that some of the Knights would overtake the Chariot but though all the company stayed there six hours and all the Knightâ— were returned yet no news was brought of the Souldan onely that the Chariot was gone out of their sight Great was the sorrow of the Empress and her Daughter and all the rest of the company but it growing late they were forced to go back to the City in much dolor by the way as they went a Damsel came and meeting the Empress gave her a Letter and immediately departed which she greatly wondering at caused the same to be immediately broken open wherein was read as followeth The Letter of Bellona to the Empress Silviana MAdam although it hath for many years been my greatest study and care to do all that I might for the preservation of you and your family yet this late adventure could not be helped by me and had not your Daughter been possessed of the Ring which she sometime since received at the hands of the Knight of the Basilisks she had fallen into greater danger of her person then is now be fallen her Father who is carried to such a place that it is impossible to release him but by the best Knight in the world Therefore Madam rest your self contented and be assured that he who gave your Daughter the Ring â—â—most capable of finishing this adventure It will not be long before he arrives at your Court and then if he travels to the Caspain Sea he may give you and himself the satisfaction you desire Subscribed Bellona Much content and satisfaction did this Letter give to the Empress and much more to her Daughter considering the good she had received by your meanes when she accepted of the King and in this satisfaction they entred the City and went to the Pallace where they presently fell into consultation about what was necessary to be done Some were of advice to expect your coming to the Court according to the tenor of the Letter from Bellona but the Empress and her Daughter were too impatient to attend your coming and therefore the Princess Mattarosa having sometime before that given them an account how you had rescued her they were vety destrous to know which way you took when you parted from her To which question she quickly answered that you were then gâ—ne to Shyraz but intended not to stay there long wherefore they immediately hearing that I knew you by your Armor commanded me in company of these two Knights to séek you out and this Sir Knight was the occasion of my journey Don Bellianis rested much perplexed and amazed at the discourse he had heard perplexed that his Lady was in so great sorow but withal he was very glad that fortune still pointed out something for him to do whereby he might in part express the zealous love and affection which he had towards his Princess not estéeming any thing that he could do though with the extreamest hazard of his life a sufficient merit for the last favor that he should receive at the hands of his Lady This discourse had held them a good part of the way and they being come néer Babylon they resolved to reach thither that night wherefore they made the greatest haste they could so that before Sun-set they arrived in the City and rode presently to the Court where they were received by the Empress and her Daughter and other great personages as shall he delated to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XVII How Don Bellianis arrived at the Souldan of Babylons pallace and how he was received by the Empress and Ladies and of his discourses with the Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa BEfore I tell you how Don Bellianis was entrtained at the Pallace it will be necessary to tell you what was become of the Souldan The sage Fristone freind to Pâ—rianio and enemy to Don Bellianis being desirous to use the utmost of his Art to
near the Ship they heard the voice of a Woman who made great lamentation At which noise Don Bellianis wondring caused them to call aboard to them when presently two great Gyants armed at all points but their heads demanded what they required The Numidian answered That they desired to know the cause of the lamentation that they heaed â—he Gyants séeming very angry at his demand replyed That they might meddle with their own affairs for that did in no wise concern them Don Bellianis hearing these proud spéeches commanded the Ship to go néerer to the other and grapple with her which was done accordingly the Gyants clapping on their Helmets drew their mighty Symitars to hinder the entrance of the Knights who by the example of Don Bellianis were all pâ—ovided to assail the Gyants in their own Ship but our Knights so layd about them that one of the Gyants was soon laid along the Ship At this noise ten well armed Knights who were below came up drawing their Swords went to assail our Knights who defended themselves very bravely and Don Bellianis so stoutly laid about him that he soon dispatched four of them and threw their bodies into the Sea which the Gyants seeing made up to him and gave him so firce a bloow on the Helmet that he was astonished forced to lay both his hands on the side of the Ship to raise himself up but he was no sooner got on his séet but he buickly revenged that blow and gave the Gyant such a return that lighting on his head he cut he Helmet quite in two pieces and also his Head was cleaved down to the Iaws Thus this Gyant being dispatched he turned him about to help his Companions but he saw they had behaves themselves so well that they had either killed or vanquished all the Gyants Knights wherefore he puting up his Sword commanded the Mariners to conduct him to the place from whence they heard the noise which they did acordingly and being come thither saw a Damsel who made great lamentation but he demanded of her the cause of hdr Complaint she arose and seeing him knew him by his Armor when falling on her knées she said Ah most courteous Knight I now know that I am released from the slavery and bondage I was going to having met with you Don Bellianis knew not the Damsel wherefore raising her from the ground he demanded of her how she knew him To which see replyed I am confident Sir Knight that I am not mistaken in my knowledge of you for without doubt you most néeds be the valiant Prince Don Bellianis of Greece of whose Prowess and Vertue I am sufficiently acquainted wherefore know Sir that I belong to the sage Bellona our very good Friend who understanding of the Enterprize that you were going about to release the Emperor and knowing that all the skill and art that your Mariners could use would not be to any purpose 〈◊〉 for it is impossible to find out the place where he is kept without her help she therefore sent me to conduct you thither and commanding me to go towards the Court of the Souldan of Babylon to meet you I being on my way thither was met by these two Giants and Knights whom you have happily dispatched who seéing me alone forced me to go aboard with them and wither they would have carryed me I am uncertain but thanks to your valor I am released from that peril Don Bellianis having heard this Relation was very glad that he should now be able to find the place whither he was to go and therefore thanked the Damsel very kindly for the pains and peril she had undertaken for his sake and thereupon he caused her to go out of that Ship into his own where she was no sooner come but she espying the Numidian Prince began to renew her lamentations at which they all wondring asked her the cause of her sudden sorrow to which she replyed Ah Sir Knight when I came from my Mistriss she gave into my custody a Sword which she commanded me to present to her Couzin Baltasano which she told me he would ere long stand in need of for it had so hidden a vertue that it would make its way through any Armor though it were enchanted and told me that next to the Sword which you had it was the best in the world and these two Giants when they took me forced the Sword from me and what they have done with it I know not The Numidian Prince hearing of this was much troubled fearing lest it should be lost or thrown into the Sea with some of the dead Knights wherefore he and the Damsel immediately went into the Ship to search for it so after a little search they found it in one of the Cabins of the Giants at which he was very glad and so returning into the Ship of Don Bellianis they shewed it to him and the Sword was very plain only the Hilt vvas made of entire Emerald This being done they desired the Damsel to direct them to the place where the Souldan remained but she told them that if they would take her directions they must first sayl to the Mouth of the River Araxis and being there she then knew how to conduct them They having heard this commanded the Mariners to obey her command which they forthwith did and set sayl for the River Araxis In few hours they came thither and having informed the Damsel thereof she advised with the Master of the Vessel and told him that he must sail cross the Sea directly northwards which he accordingly did thus they leaving the Gyants Ship behind them sayled cross that great Sea Don Bellianis being very impatient of their delays thinking that every day he had bin absent from his Princess to be a year and therefore he discoursed with the Damsel of many matters during the Voyage that he might pass away the time the better And she told him that her Mistress had given her no account of the particular dangers that he was to undergo in that Adventure but said that it was the most perilous that he ever undertook for the sage Fâ—â—stone who had placed the Souldan there had used his utmost skill in his Enchantments that he might still continue him there a prisoner but she said that you with the help of the Numidian Prince should be able by your great skill and valor to put an end to all the Enchantments and deliver the Souldan CHAP. XX. How Don Bellianis and the Knights his Companion landed on an Island in the Caspian Sea where the Souldan was kept prisoner by Enchantment and how Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia after they had fought with many monstrous Gyants and Serpents ended the Enchantment LOng had they not sayled before they descried Land and coming near they found that there were close by several small Islands in one of which they saw a fair Castle wherefore Don Bellianis supposing that to be the place
least accompany thée in death Having thus finished her Lamentation she with extream grief fell down to the ground but bethinking her self that she was a Christian and therefore was bound to preserve her life so long as she could she arose and sought about for a place at present to ly down more conveniently to repose her self till the morning after some travel she found a place near the water side that was somewhat commodious for that purpose being encompassed with great Réeds where she laid her self down expecting the morning which being come she not having taken any rest arose and not knowing what to do nor whither to go being in a great Wood at length with much difficulty climbed up a Trée and being come to the top looked about her to sée if she could discover any Houses or People At length she saw some People afar off walking being glad of that descended the Trée and went forwards to that place which was a Common Road and séeing people coming she retired into the Wood a little way to consider with her self what was necessary to be done Then she resolved not to go home to her Father but rather to travel towards Ireland the Countrey of her dearly beloved Knight believing that if he escaped with life he would go thither and thither she intended to go and expect him but the habit she was in being very gorgeous and costly she knew that it would be very inconvenient to travel in and therefore she resolved with the first conveniency to alter her Apparel she quickly had the opportunity of putting this her resolution into execution for the next woman that went by was a Pilgrim to whom she went and desiring her to come a little out of the way they retired into the Wood where the Princess told her that she had a request to make to her which she desired her to grant and that it could not be in the least to her prejudice The good woman séeing her in so rich Apparel thought that it would be ill manners in her to deny her any thing and therefore she consented to her Request Then the Princess told her that she desired her to exchange her Apparel with her The woman at first was unwilling but at length she consented and so changing their Habits the Princess likewise gave her some money and so they parted The Princess being thus accoutred desired to know the way to the next Port Town to which she travelled and being come thither she desired to embarque her self and enquiring for shipping she found one going for England into which she embarqued her self resolving never to return to her Father but still to travel in search of her Knight The Ship in short time arrived at England and there she was exposed to a new travel through that Countrey and then taking shipping again she went for Ireland where when she arrived she travelled towards Wexford the place of her dear Knights Nativity At length she arrived there and enquiring for the Earl his Father found him and all his Family in much discontent for the absence of his Son Thus being arrived here and resolving to abide in this place she caused Workmen to build a small Monastery with the Money she brought from her Fathers Court and when it was builded she Dedicated it to the Honor of Saint Peter the Holy Apostle in memory of her dear Knight In this place she enclosed her self resolving to live a religious Life all her days in expectation of the return of her dearly beloved Knight Here she got an acquaintance with the Earl and Countess Father and Mother to the Knight of the Keys who séeing her of so Religious a Life and Conversation acquainted themselves with her delighting much in her Society and likewise did very much countenance her in her Vndertakings and oftentimes invited her home to their Habitation to which place she sometimes went otherwise she never departed from her Monastery still entertaining poor sick Travellers therein Thus did she shut up her self from all the world while he was much afflicted for her absence and was in continual care and trouble for her Loss CHAP. XXIII How the Earl of Munster and his Wife the Countess did believe their Son Peter to be drowned and how they informed the Holy Magdalena thereof and of the great Sorrow they all made THus continued these Personages the Earl and his Wife and the Holy Magdalena in continual care and fear but they were all continually in hopes one day to hear of the safe Return of their Son and Friend but they were much perplexed at an Adventure that hapned one day which was in this manner Certain Fisher-men having béen abroad at Sea a fishing amongst other Fishes which they caught one hapned to be a very fair Sturgeon at which they wondred and at their return to Wexford they went to the Earl and presented the Fish as a great Novelty to him the which be thankfully received and shewing the same to his Countess she caused it immediately to be cut in pieces But oh strange Accident in the Belly of this Fish she discouered somewhat that was red which having taken out they found it to be a red Purse of Cloth and having opened the same there was in it thrée Iewels which she earnestly beholding knew to be the same she had delivered to her Son Peter at such time as he departed from her when he first began his Travels This sight gave her great astonishment and she going immediately to the Earl her Husband shewed them to him and he knowing them was as much troubled and then they certainly concluded and saw that all their hopes of the Return of their Son Peter was in vain for they verily believed that he had béen east away at Sea and the Fishes had devoured him and in this opinion they remained making great Lamentations for the loss of him never more expecting to sée him Then they immediately put themselves and all their Family into Mourning Apparel and hung all their House in Mourning and ordered every thing as if he had béen certainly dead and they had séen him buried so confident were they of the truth of this adventure And thus continued they in geeat and private mourning for many days being séen of none but their own Family So soon as the Countess went abroad she went to the Monastery to visit the Holy Magdalena where when she was arrived she expressed by her outward looks and habit the inward sorrow of her minde The Holy Maid being desirous to know the occasion of this believing it to be some extraordinary matter desired the Countess to inform her of the cause of her immoderate sorrow the which she did with many tears and the Holy Maid accompanied her in her tears verily believing this to be true and that now she should never more sée her dear Knight Peter The Countess supposing that she shed those tears out of affection to her loss thinking to be consolated by her was
not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you but to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever since I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a Person not only fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his mind herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefore they all wished for an end of the war In these tâ—arms they were when a Knight armed at all poines came into the presence of the Souldan and doing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupon the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words written The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord Since my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for alrhough your Forces did rather diminish than encrease yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Soldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavours we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Soldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Soldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take Prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I sind my self capable for any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that he himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given me a very sensible trouble not for any thing of difficulty I found therein but for my absence from your Divine Presence but now thanks to the Gods we have put a Period thereto the Justice of your Cause commanding no less for we have not onely sacrificed the lives of many of of your Enemies to your just Anger but I have in my custody the persons of two of the most considerable the Emperor your Grand Enemy and the King of Georgia one of his Alliance I beg an Excuse for my not giving you a particular account of our Battel and Victory doubting the tediousness thereof would displease you I shall bring the Emperor my Rival into your presence but I suppose he will not be so impudent as to persevere in his wilfulness of having your Divine Person at his dispose nor at the least discontent you if I thought he would I should hinder him there from by bereaving him of his life It was my intention to have sacrificed his life long since to your just displeasure and thereby have rid my self of a Rival but
Princess Magdalena and thereupon he gave her a King before the Damsel as a pledge of his faith and as a token of the promise he made her and then sending out the Damsel to sée if any body were in the Garden he took a solemn farewel of her and the Damsel returning and telling him that the coast was clear he lest his Lady and departed to his Lodging And now our Lovers had procéded thus far they were more inamored of each other then they had béen and during the time of his stay he spent all the nights with her and the fatal day being come of their separation they both séemed to be very much disturbed but she being resolved to put a project she had in her head into exâ—cution was the better satisfied and made provision accordingly He again promised to obey her in all things and not to fail in any thing he had promised her and now the very hour of his departure being come and that he had taken his leave of the King and Quéen and also of her telling her that he should within one hour set sail and so he left her She in prosecution of her intention having put all things into readiness before discoloured her Face and made that somewhat brown that was before very fair and clear and putting her self into a Suit and Coat habited like a Page and turning up her own Hair which was as yellow as the Gold or rather as radiant as the Sun-beams she put on a Periwig of another colour and so disguised her self that she was hardly knowable to her self and putting a parcel of rich Iewels and some Coin into her pocket and a Letter which she had written into her hands she went to the Sea-side where she had not waited long before he came She had so perfect a confidence that he did not at all distrust her but she coming up to him delivered a Letter to him which he opening read these words The Letter of the Princess Florida to the Prince Clarineo Sir AS a trial of your Love and an effect of your Promise to obey me in all things I make bold to request this of you to entertain this Donzel into your Service I dare warrant his Fidelity And although you are supplied with a faithful Servant already yet I pray accept of this from me who hath commission from me only sometimes to put you in mind of Your faithful and constant Friend FLORIDA Don Clarineo having read the Letter looked stedfastly on the Messenger and she as firmly upon him but he made no discovery but thus he said Most amiable Youth how welcome you are to me my usage of you shall testifie and you shall always find that in me as if my beloved Princess were presenâ— Good Sir replied the disguised Lady your only acceptance of me into your Service is all I desire and if I can serve you in any thing assure your self of my Fidelity to my utmost ability This discourse being ended he presently went aboard and carried his Page Florello with him for so had she named her self and the wind serving they hoysed up sails and departed When night came the Prince not only caused his Page to lie in the Caâ—in but also in the same bed with him he was very unwilling at the first but it being the Princes absolute command he obeyed But although they lay together all the term of the voyage yet did not the Prince suspect his sex and quality but he passed with him and all others in the Ship for a Boy And thus did they travel up and down all those Seas and searched several Islands but to no purpose till at length to Ireland they came as shall be declared in the next Chapter CHAP. VI. How the Knight of Cupid travelled into England went to the famous City of London and from thence to Windsor where a Combat was to be fought for that a Countess was accused of Adultery by one of her Damsels who was hired thereunto by the Countesses Brother in Law The King ordering that the Damsel should provide a Champion to fight on her behalf she had a fierce Giant and the Countess being unprovided of a Champion the Knight of Cupid undertook the Combat on her behalf he fights with and kills the Giant and thereupon the Damsel confessing the accusation to be false is burnt and the Countesses Brother in Law is banished How the Knight of Cupid had in vain sought for the Princess Magdalena in England and taking shipping at Westchester travelled into Ireland THus did the Prince Clarineo travel from one Country to another in searchâ—ng for the Princess Magdalena wishing by all means to find her that he might return to his beloved Princess Florida who although she was very near him yet he was ignorant thereof but it was great joy and comfort for them Loâ—h in regard she did always sée him and converse with him and their discourse being for the most part about her And now our Prince having sailed to the western parts of the World he arrived at England and there he landed resolving to visit most of the considerable parts of that Kingdom and therefore he caused thrée Horses to be disimbarqued for himself his Squire Florello and his Dwarf and ordering his Vessel to sail about most part of the Island and méet him at Westchester which is the nearest Sea-port Town in England to Ireland whither he also intended to travel and sée if in the Country of his Friend Peter of Ireland he might hear any news of the Princess Magdalena He and his Attendants being thus mounted on horse-back they rode on towards the great and famous City of London where the King of that Country kept his Court being come thither the King and all the Court were just then removing to the antient Castle of Windsor for the trial of a Cause that was there within few days to be ended by Combat the occasion of which Combat was this A Countess of that Kingdom having thrée Children by her Husband he died leaving her a Widow and she seized upon the Estate for the use of her Children they being as yet but young The Earl her Husband had a Brother who was very desirous of having the Children in his kéeping because he might under that pretence receive the Rent of his Brother's Lands but to this the Countess would in no wise agrée Wherefore her Brother in Law was so angry and being of a wicked and perverse nature being ambitious of Honour and covetous of the Estate of his Brother he had contrived a way how to gain all the Estate to himself wherefore he by great presents in hand and many fair promises of greater matters drew into confederacy with him a Damsel who had lived many years with his Sister in Law and her he caused to give out that the thrée Children of her Lady were not begotten by the Earl her Husband but by another who kept her company by this means proving her Lady to
Scaffold All things being thus ordered at the sound of several Trumpets the Giant entred the Lists he was mounted on a mighty Horse and armed with an Armor made of the Shells of several Fishes which were harder then any Diamond his Helmet was carried by one Knight on foot and his Lance by another He being entred the cause of the Combat was proclaimed and the King's award thereupon that done the Iudges demanded of the Damsel If she would still justifie what she had said She replied Yes and thereupon produced the Giant for her Champion The Counfess was then called to and asked Whether or no she was guilty of the fact wherewith she was charged She replied Not guilly And her Champion being demanded she told the Iudges That her chiefest Champion was the God of Justice from whom she expected and hoped for Justice but for any humane Champion she was unprovided The Giant hearing this began to prance about and boastingly to say What is it that deters these cowardly Knights that they come not forth to the Battle surely they all conclude her guilty or else are fearful of my presence but if that be the cause if any be so bold as to undertake her cause I will ingage with any two three or four of them That shall not need proud Monster replied the Knight of Cupid who was now entred the Lists for I my self if the Lady please will undertake you alone and I question not but the justice of her cause assisting me to make you in this place repent these arrogant speeches Young Dastard replied the Giant what madness possesses your brain to be so bold to come into my presence whose very looks have vanquished twenty such Knights and made them run away like sheep You shall find it much otherwise then you expect replied the Knight of Cupid as I hope ere many hours are past and therefore Madam said he to the Countess I hope you will admit me for your Champion and then I will do my utmost devoir to vindicate your Honour Alas Sir replied she I must and do accept of you and if you have but as good success as my cause deserves you may though as yet improbably expect the better in the Combat He made his reverence to her and then went to the Iudges who accordingly admitted him He had hitherto béen bare-headed and thereby discovered one of the most manly but withal the most pleasant countenances that had béen séen and he did somewhat resemble that blind god Cupid that was pictured on his Shield so that all the Spectators did much pity that one so young and handsome should indanger himself against so monstrous a Creature He having now made his reverences to the King and Quéen rode to the end of the Lists and took his Helmet from his Squire Florello and his Lance from his Dwarf and buckling on his Helmet he putting his Lance in his Rest expected the sound of the Trumpets which beginning he spurred on amain and encountring his Enemy on the brest made him bend backwards and he himself had such an encounter on the Shield that it much bruised it and so they passed on but both of them finding that their Lances were yet whole and that they had not much dammaged one another they again began another carere which was performed with such violence that the Giant fell from his Horse and the Knight of Cupid was dismounted with his saddle betwéen his legs The Giant who was fallen soon got on his féet and being inraged at his misfortune drawing his Sword came up to the Knight of Cupid who was hardly ready to receive him he was so incumbred with the saddle so that he received a mighty blow on the Helmet that he thought all had béen fire but he coming to himself returned the Giant so mighty a blow on the arm that finding the way where the shells were closed it much wounded him He who had never found so weighty a blow from any Knight or Giant in all his life was now so inraged that séeing his blood come he roared like a Bull and lifting up his mighty Sword in the Air intended to cleave the Knight in pieces which he séeing avoided but not so well but that he was wounded in the leg And now they being both wounded gave and received several blows which made the blood to issue out of their wounds Great was the wonder of the Spectators séeing the Knight of Cupid hold out so valiantly against the Giant who being so assured as he thought of the Victory before he began and now kept off so long was grown mad with anger and let fall so many blows and so fast that he was out of breath This the Knight of Cupid saw and only warded them with his Shield or stepping aside avoided them The Giant although he was near tired with the continual pains he had taken yet believing by the Knights only defending himself and avoiding his blows that he was near vanquished laid on the faster and that so long that he was forced to retire for breath which the Knight of Cupid séeing he made up to him and now being in good heart and lusty he poured so many blows upon the Giant that he wounded him in several places he being so unweildy that he could not turn away with that nimbleness the Knight of Cupid had done and now all were in good hopes that the Knight of Cupid would have the better of the Combat for the Giant was so tired that he could hardly defend himself much less offend his Enemy and the smart of his wounds much more tormented him He was now therefore so much inraged that he fell in upon the Knight and desperately wounded him though he received one himself but being now near one another the Giant advanced his Sword and intended to have cut the Knight in twain and much hurt it must of necessity have done him had it hit him fully but however he was much prejudiced by the blow for their Swords méeting the Giants Sword cut the Knight of Cupid's Sword in two Thus was our poor Knight distressed being thus disatmed and he had no way to help himself but only by avoiding the blows of the Giant who now forced him about the Field at his pleasure Much was the sorrow of all the Assembly but that of the Countess excéeded them all but the Page Florello at this killing spectacle had fallen down in the Field if the Dwarf had not catched hold of him The Knight of Cupid séeing the condition he was in like a valiant Knight did not despair but watched all opportunities to close with the Giant and dispossess him of his Sword but that was not only difficult but dangerous wherefore he séeing a Battle-ax hanging at the saddle-bow of the Giant resolved to possess himself of that wherefore he retired thitherwards and being now near the Giant 's Horse he threw the Hilt and that part of his own Sword that remained in his hands at
to the Guard there crying out Stop the Traytor who hath outraged us The Guard which consisted of six Knights and above twenty Halberdiers at this cry put themselves in a posture to seize on him and one who was holder then the rest reaching out his arm to seize on his Bridle for his presumption had it cut off near the shoulder for the Knight of Cupid having already lost his Lance had now only his Sword with which he did such execution that although they pressed all forwards together yet he made them stand further off and those that came within the reach of his Sword were either killed or maimed 〈…〉 in short time all this Company were so routed that they 〈…〉 the City Gate for refuge and shutting it too kept him from 〈◊〉 He séeing this was forced to be content and wait there to consider what he had to do but he had not waited long ere the Gate was opened and a large power was ready to receive him 〈…〉 the middle of them was one who séemed to be their Chief 〈◊〉 who indeed was their King Owen Roe O Neale who hearing of the wonderful valour of this single Knight was himself come in person to sée him But he not taking notice of the great quantity of Men or the presence of the King made his way towards them who now having their King in their company laid lustily about them and he defended himself very couragiously but however being overpressed with the multitude that assaulted him on all sides he could not hinder his Horse from being slain He finding that his Horse was killed leaped from him and again put himself in a posture to withstand his Enemies and as his Horse had served him living so now he was serviceable to him being dead for he leaving him behind him hindred his Assailants from injuring him that way The King all this while séeing the mighty valour of the Knight of Cupid was agast but he had so great a power with him that he was sure to kill him if he pleased but being desirous to have him alive he cried out Sir Knight cease this fruitless exercise of your valour for in the end you must cerrainly be slain and surrender your self to me who on the word of a King promise that no harm shall be done to you Our Knight hearing this replied I cannot believe any one in a Country where I have been so discourteously used and therefore I shall stand upon my own defence and I hope before I die yet to send a great number of your discourteous and villa nous Subjects to the other World and thereupon he still so laid about him that the dead he had killed lay on heaps about him The King now séeing the death of so many of his Subjects before his eyes and finding his mercy sleighted commanded a fresh party to fall on him and hew him to pieces Iust as the King gave this command the Squire Florello who had béen all this while wéeping at the sad condition of his Master made way up to them and throwing himself from his Horse fell on his knées before the King desiring him to stay the execution of his commands but for one minute while he sâ—â—ke with his Lord. The King by his gestures to his People commanded them to stay And then Florello approaching his distressed Master fell on his knées before him Increating him for Heavens sake and for his dear Lady Florida's to yield to the King who be know would be merciful By this tune the fury of the Knight of Cupid was asâ—waged and considering that if 〈◊〉 should procéed in fight he must néeds miscarry it being impossible for one single Knight to oppose an whole Kingdom â—e therefore said to Florello For her sake you named I shall be ruled by you and thereupon he advanced towards the King and taking the point of his Sword in his hand he presented the shell of it to the King saying I who never yet submitted to any Person throughout the whole Universe do now commit my self into your hands and power advising you to make such use of it as that no other Knight-errant for my sake may have cause to complain of your breach of promise The King accepted his Sword and commanded he should he guarded to the Castle when he was come thither he demanded Why he had disobeyed his first commands of being brought before him he intending no more to him then to all others who arrived in his Coasts which was to impose a reasonable Oath The Knight of Cupid replied But it seemed to me to be unreasonable to be compelled to any thing I being willing of my self to do all reasonable things therefore Sir continued he if you please to let me know what the Oath is I am to take I shall then resolve you whether I think it reasonable and if so I shall willingly subscribe to it but if it be otherwise and that in point of honour I cannot do it I will die before I yield to it Although said the King the loss of so many of my Subjects by you slain calls to me for justice and vengeance against you yet I shall as a lover of justice to you a Stranger pardon that so as for the future you do not disobey me Know then said he that the Oath I would have you to take is this That you will not without my leave take up Arms for any other Prince in this Land and there is but justice in the case because it is owned by all that I am the Supreme Governor in this Kingdom I do not contradict what you say replied the Knight of Cupid but however I desire before I take an Oath to be further satisfied in the meaning and reason of it The King being very willing to-gain this Knight to his party told him that although the relation of the full cause was somewhat long yet he would relate it to him and thereupon began This Kingdom of which I am principal King and Governor is also governed by three other Princes under me whereof one is my Brother and the other two though allied to me yet are at this time somewhat disobedient for contrary to their Allegiance to me their Sovereign they have made War against one another to the disturbance of my whole Kingdom and although I have sent to them to desist yet they are so obstinate as to proceed and now I being intended according to my duty to force them to theirs and to that end intending to raise Forces to go against them have thought fit to take order That no strange Knights that come into my Dominions shall assist either of them and so prolong the War and to that end I impose this Oath I do believe Sir replied the Knight of Cupid that you have reason on your side but yet I am not fully satisfied of my taking any Oath unâ—il I know the cause why these two other Princes make War That you may so I am willing to