appeared but sparks of fire in the air and cantles of armour and shields on the ground If Fulgoran and Prigmaleon charged with violence they felt themselves so closely followed as they wondered at the valour of their enemies nothing was to be heard but horrible blows one part laid on load another was forced to set their knees to the ground In brief this sight might truly be tearmed the most furious that ever had been seen between eight persons Prigmaleon who had one of those of the gilt arms to deal with being mad at the resistance he found from him let his sword descend with such rage on his helmet as he made him recoil two or three paces with the sight of a million of stars at midday but he had not time to glory much of that advantage for his adversary recovering his spirits came and charged him with such force as his shield being divided in two pieces the sword fell so heavy on his shoulder that he was fain to set one knee to the ground to save himself from falling but quickly getting up again he rendered the combat far more cruell then ever it was In the mean time Fulgoran and his adversary intreated one another with the like fury Grandimorâ— and the unknown Knight disputed the victory with very much courage howbeit they were so pressed by their opposites as they had little leisure to think of their consciences neverthelesse desiring rather to die then to shew any signe of faintnesse they fought two howrs without any advantage to their enemies who still resolving to vanquish redoubled their blows and so sharply followed them that these two Pagan Knights after another hours combat fell almost both at one time to the ground to the great content of the conquerours who having made them confesse the victory helped them up and delivered them into the hands of two Chirurgians which Don Florisell had appointed to be ready for the relief of such as should chance to be wounded The misfortune of these two Knights augmented the rage of Prigmaleon and Fulgoran their blows became more weighty then before so as often times their enemies were forced to knocke their chins against their breasts and to set their knâ—es to the ground But they had so good a share in those courtesies that every one was amazed at the sight of so dangerous a combat which every one thought could never be ended but by the â—eath of them all And indeed they were so eager as they continued seven hours without taking of breath or that any one could discerne any the least signe of wearinesse or of advantage in them which so madded them as carried by an unusuall rage they all quitted their swords and grapled together hoping by meer strength to get the victory but little prevailing that way they were at length constrained after they had tumbled on the ground sometimes above and another while below to rise as by agreement and recommence their combat which lasted till night no man being able to attribute the honour of it more to the one then the other Don Rogell who infinitely admired the valour of these Knights perceiving them obstinately bent not to give over for all that it grew dark caused the retreat be sounded But their rage not permitting them to heare it they went on with their businesse and continued battering one another more cruelly then they had done all the day before so that Don Rogell was inforced to discend with Spheramond and intreat them to part for his sake shewing them hat the cause of their contention being so slight their enmity had no reason to be so bitter but they lent a deafe care to all that he could say so as at last he was constrained to put himselfe between them which so much displeased Prigmaleon as turning himselfe somewhat hastily to Don Rogell he said in some choller I would fain have intreated you to have let Fortune work her will but seeing your authority opposes the designe of those that combat before you remember that it shall not be able to hinder me when I shall visit you with an hundred thousand men to require an account of the distaste you now give me Neither will I said Fulgoran who was as much displeased promise them better dealing for I will once more cover your fields with brave and warlike Souldiers Wherefore Princes of Greece receive these words for a defiance and prepare for a war But that you may understand who are your enemies this Knight is Prigmaleon the great Emperour of Ethiopia whom you see in these gray Arms and I am the King of Canabea by which name you cannot chuse but know me Yes said Don Rogel without being any way distempered we have cause not to be ignorant of what you are but it may be time will qualifie this heat and that little you gained before our walls perhaps will keep you from pursuing the second designe But if you be so resolved we have friends enough not to care much for your Armes yet shall not that keep me from intreating you since it is now dark night to take a lodging in our Palace untill you have a little refreshed your selves after the great toyle you have this day endured That is ordinary with us answered Fulgoran so that your courtesie may well be spared wherewith somewhat coldly retiring they went to their friends who with more despight then paine quickly got to horse and notwithstanding they were shrewdly wounded travelled till about midnight that they came to a Gentlemans house where when they had stayed two dayes they left Grandimore and the unknown Knight to be cured of their hurts and the morrow after they parted with a promise of meeting at the end of two moneths in Natolia with each of them an hundred and fifty thousand men to be in one body transported to Constantinople In the mean time Don Rogel and Spheramond who were not much troubled with their menaces addrest themselves to the other Knights and with such curtesie intreated them to let themselves be known as they were content to satisfie them Having then unlaced their helmets they let them see that those two of the Crownes were Lucendus Prince of France and Dâ—rigel King of the fortunate Island The other in the gilt Armâ— were the valiant Russian of Media and the mighty Esquilan of Polonia You may well imagine the contentment which the Greek Princes and especially the Infanta Fortuna received by the comming of these Knights though I do not put my selfe to the trouble of relating it In summe a thousand caresses were not for born amongst so many friends nor any thing forgotten which might serve for the contentment of those Princes who for the present treading all care of their more important affairs under foot passed two or three dayes more in tourneys and all the delights that could be imagined At the end whereof that happened which in the next Chapter shall be related CHAP. XXVI The adventure of the
above five hundred Knights were killed therwith so that the Emperour and the rest were inforced to seek shelter in the neighbouring house to avoyd the fury of the storm which having continued above two houres ceased at the rising of the Sun that presented to their view not the Merchants house whose body was found covered with Serpents that devoured him but a great Tower of Crystall divided into three stories at the foot wherof lay two Lyons so fierce and terrible that none durst come neere it This noveltie having bred a great desire in the Emperour to behold it neerer he 〈◊〉 it seeing the Lyons stirred not out of their place and the first thing he espyed was a Table hanging wherin these words were written Prophecie THe Paradice of Love shall last untill the inchanted Lyons dye by the claws of the strongest Lyon in the world then shall the glorious prisons lâ—se their pleasures the Doves shall be invisible and the anger'd Cock shall burst to vomit his poyson living after the recoverie of his treasure for the glory of an unknown Altar These words too mysticall to be understood having detained him for a while he perceived in the bottom of the Tower as in a Tombe Armâ—lina Orestia and Melia who seemed to slumber in the first stage Palmirenna with Amadis in the second Amplamira with Floridan and above that Archesidella with Lucibel all six in bed kissing each other so amorously and using such other expressions of love as if they had no witnesses of their actions which so enraged him as tearing his hair and beard he cryed out O ye Gods Am I not the unhappiest Prince of the earth I have seen my power abated by three Knights alone this day a greater affront is presented to my view and I am become a spectator of that which I cannot behold without shame who could not be mad and burst with rage at this Come souldiers break me this Tower in peeces and let us be avenged of these robbers and impudent queans in spight of all Inchantments Hereupon thirtie or fortie of the stoutest and most resolute of the company stept forth and with hammers thought instantly to have broken the crystal in pieces but the Lyons forthwith rushing upon them made so quick a dispatch that the rest hoping for no better usage quitted the place to the proud Arastron who having before disdained to pursue those Princes with so much inequalitie and advantage ambitious of glory advanced immediatly towards the Lyons with whom he fought so valiantly that having with a most furious blow strucken down the greatest he was about to have dealt so with the other when as on a sudden three Centaurs of a marvellous bigness issued forth and discharging their massie clubs on him all at once layd him all along on the ground to the unspeakable grief of the Emperour who fell into such a passion of furie and uttered things so extravagant that had not the Kings of Arbales and Grisolia endevoured to comfort him he had undoubtedly become frantick but these Princes gravely remonstrating unto him that it was a signe of their gods displeasure which punished him for the violence he would have offered to his Daughters wills who had just cause to despise such deformed persons he commanded Arastron to be taken up that immediatly came again to himself and retyred to Cardana so exceedingly grieved that death would have been far more acceptable to him then life In the mean time the Emperour hoping by the valour of some excellent Knight the said Inchantment might receive a period he proclaymed throughout all his Territories and the Kingdomes adjacent that whosoever could give an end to this adventure he should have the Crown of Martaria for his reward judging his daughters disobedience a sufficient cause to disinherit them This moved sundry Knights from divers forâ—aign parts to repair thither allured with the promise of an Empire but none could ever approach the Tower with that intent that was not straight-ways torn in peices by the Lyons insomuch that the cruelty of those untameable beasts being no lesse notorious then the Emperours promise no Knight could be found that durst undertake so dangerous an attempt CHAP. XXIV Griolanis arrivall in Corolandaya his combat with the Guards of the Pâ—rt hee is entertained by the Queen and accepted for her Knight GRiolanis carried with a longing desire to see the real beauties of the excellent Princesse of Corolandaya whose Picture he evermore kept about him grew impatient of so long delay but having past five weeks with a prosperous gale and without the least interruption of his intended voyage he at last arrived at one of the Ports belonging to his fair Mistris to the unspeakable joy and contentment of his Conductresse Arlandria who using her wonted freedom said unto him Sir I make no question but the power of your arms will easily prevayl over our ablest Knights yet if you will follow my advice use no other then that of your beauty to captivate our Queen who for your sake will break her wonted custome and will never permit you to hazard your life for to win a place in her favour will you give me leave to advertise her of your arrivall Yes Lady replyed he you shall doe me a singular curtesie to assure her that ever since I first had the honour to behold her Picture I have burned in continuall flames and that I have no greater ambition then to let her know how infinitly I affect her but withall I must desire you not to goe about to hinder me from incountring her Knights the forbearance wherof would convince me of weaknesse and cowardice for should I present my self before her in any other manner then victoriously I should give but her too just occasion to deny me that which must be the sole reward of my vertue wherefore set forward presently if you think good for to morrow I will enter into combat with the chief Knights of the Port I never expected other answer from you said Arlandria neither did I think you would judge my advice honourable and therfore not to molest you any farther by urging my former proposition I shall in obedience to your commands let her know both your merit and affection Having spoken thus she presently got to Horse and used such diligence as the next day â—he came to Agricaâ—t the Capitall Town of Corolandaya where going straight unto the Palace she fell on her knees before her Mistris who making very much of her demanded what wonders she had seen in her voyage Madam said she they are such that should I undertake to give you a particular relation thereof you would hardly be induced to beleeve them I bring you the names of two hundred brave Knights manfully overcome by Silvion and of threescore and twelve Princesses besides over whose beauty yours hath most justly tryumphed but which surpasseth all I have brought with me the fairest stoutest the most courteous and most lovely Knight in the
Christian Princes which were dead as you have heard in the first Chapter and carryed away those in whom he found any hope of life to that wonderfull Castle appointing them the third division of lodgings the names of whom were The great King Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece enchanted as you have heard Don Silves de la Selva Agesilan Amadis d' Astre Astropolo Fortiman Anaxartes Penthesilea Argantes Florartan Lucentio Falanges d' Astre Arlantes his sonne Arlanges of Spayne Lucidamor of Boetia Floreni Emperour of Rome Filisel of Montespin Zayr Flores of Greece second sonne to Esplandian Filon King of Sibila Artaur his Brother King of Mount Libanus and Lindamart of Rhodes But because there may arise a doubt in this Discourse for that all these which I now have named were inclosed in the Monument that appeared in the field of the battell after the darkenesse was past the Reader may remember if he please that these of whom I now speake were in a posture there diâ—â—ering from theirs who were fully and really dead and that the wise man did so order it to comfort those great Knights after so heavy a losse These Princes then being enchanted with Don Belianis and the Knight of the Sunne though they knew it not Alcander who would not doe a curtesie to halfes first healed them of their wounds And then desiring they should not be lesse happy then the rest presented them a little while after with some of the Princesses they loved whom he had brought from Constantinople to the extreame discontent of those that remayned behinde There was the Queene Oriana the Empresse Niquea delivered not long before of a sonne whose birth was celebrated by an infinity of fires appearing in the ayre and whom at his Baptisme shee named Amadis of Trebisond Diana Axiana the Princesse Oriana wife of Anaxartes Cleosila Sestiliana Radiana Oristila Anaxarea Theodorina Belisaura Claire estoille Sclarimena and Timbria Having then prepared soveraigne baths for them made with a million of rare simples gathered at such time as they were in most vertue he bathed them eight dayes together at the end whereof King Amadis and his wife seemed to bee but forty yeeres old and every man as fresh and lovely as they were at that age the Emperour Amadis of Greece and the Princesse Niquea but thirty five Don Silves Agesilan and the rest not above thirty This done he carried them all into a fayre chamber and thus spake unto them Mighty Princes you perceive by the helpe that you have already received at my hands the desire I have to doe you service I will not therefore excuse my selfe unto you for holding you restrayned in this maner since I have no other end for it but the augmentation of your glory All things must have their course and the malignant influences of the starres must have time to passe over The day will come when you will see your off-spring with more contentment then ever expect it with so much the more patience In the meane time I will go from hence to take care for the affayres of those which concerne you neerely Saying thus hee went out of the doore which shut of it selfe with a strange violence leaving those Princes and Princesses so inchanted as they did not remember any thing without that place whatsoever CHAP. III. Most of the Prinâ—â—â— of Greece die Alcander goes to visit the wise Alquif and Urganda THE newes of the death of so many Kings Princes and Emperours and the carrying away of the Queene Oriana with the rest which were enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was the cause of so much griefe to those Ladyes that remayned at Constantinople expecting what would be the issue of that warre as not able to withstand the violence thereof they yeelded to the necessity of death leaving Christendome a world of sorrow for so great a losse The Empresse Leonine was the first that payd that tribute of nature but followed so close by the yong Princesse of Sardamyra the wife of Sistra that the funerals of the one served also for the other After them died almost at the same time the Empresse Arbra Briolania the Queene of France wife to Lucidor the Queene of Traramate and Mesopotamia Melicia wife to Bruneo of the good Sea Lardenia Laciana Gricelarie Olinde the Queenes of Corinth Saba Bohemia the wife of Guillan the pensive the Queenes of the Garamantes of Pentapoly Galacia and Ireland the wives of Girafer of Vaillades of Don Frisus of Lusitania the Queene of Dacia the Empresse Brisenne Darayde Queene of Cores the wife of Stilpon and the Queene of Rhodes who were all interred in the Emperours great Chapell with so many complaynts and teares that nothing was heard in any part of the City but cries and lamentatioâ—s Now whilest the ceremonies of so many obsequies were performing Alcander who had no care more pressing then the preservation of those Princes went in his Chariot of the Griffons to the unknowne Island whâ—re the wise Alquif was with Vrganda Zirzea and Zirenna but not desiring to present himselfe unto them without some demonstration of his skill he in a moment raysed such horrible flashes of lightning in the aire so great an earthquake as those reverend old folkes seeing so furious a tempest beyond the order of nature beleeved that those thunders were presages of their deaths So that disposing themselves to seeke the mercy of heaven which never refuseth grace to us when with humility we seeke it they fell upon the earth and lifting up their eyes they met with a new terrour when as they espied the fearefull Chariot in which Alcander appeared seated with such a majesty that if they had not beene instructed by the light of fayth that one only God was to be acknowledged they had adored him never so much as dreaming that it was done by art Magicke or that this incounter could proceed from the skill of any mortall man For beleeving that none in the world was more expert in that art then they they could never imagine that any man could finde them out in their Island unlesse they pleased to permit it Alcander reading their amazement in their lookes and motions would not keepe them any longer in payne Most venerable persons sayd he be not dismayd to see me heere at this present and in this maner That almighty God who hath endued you with the knowledge of things above nature for the good of his people hath imparted to mee the same favours which he hath bestowed upon you and made me no lesse zealous of his glory and service I am not come hither now to trouble you as you imagine but indeed to conferre with you about certayne things which shall be necessary for the welfare of the Princes of Greece whose vertue hath begotten such an affection in me towards them as I will not entertayne a thought but for the augmentation of their glory I know that you have alwayes infinitely loved them that
the two Knights were and assailing the two Giants they laid upon them so lustily as they quickly made them dispair of the victory The combat was very hot between these fowr but no whit lesse dangerous on the other side for the two Knights desirous to make use of time charged their enemies with so much fury as they cut them all in pieces except one that was very richly armed who unwilling to die with the rest though he had behaved himself very bravely before intreated for life and liberty You shall have it said one of them provided you let us know both who you are and why you caused us to be thus assaulted It is said he the least that I can do since I am in your power but I could wish that these fowr Knights who are fighting together might be seperated for the death of the two Giants would be very grievous to me with that he stept forward to put himself between them when as he saw them tumble into the sea with two fearfull blows which at one instant they had received See said he with tears in his eies that which I feared more then the losse of minâ— own life but the matter being now past remedy I must have patience remembring the estate wherin I am I will give you an account of what you require of me I am a kinsman to the mighty King of Canabea the Christian Princes capitall enemy and am now come from treating with the great Cariff of Affrica and the King of Coriza to whom I was emploied for to invite them to a war against the Princes of Greece the cause wherof is rather for religion then conquest and my voiage was successefull enough had I not lighted upon you for having obtained all that I desired namely fifty thousand men to fall upon the Empire of Trebisond besides an hundred and thirty thousand more which are already levied in the Kingdomes of Canabea Romeria and Calican I returned extreamly well satisfied in the company of those two Giants which the King of Coriza had given me by whose aid I did not doubt but to see the Crown of Trebisond placed on my masters head the rather for that I knew the principall defenders of that Empire are dead so as the Christians have been constrained to commit the government therof to an Amazonian woman and that those which survive will not willingly quit their own provinces for fear of being invaded by other Pagan Kings Behold what you can expect from me in discharge of my promise it remaineth now that you make yours good and restore me to my former liberty as you have preserved my life The Princes of Greece answered one of the first Knights aretrue of their words and stand in no doubt of their enemies Experience should have made them wiser and so many battels as they have lost should me thinks be able to break that obstinate desire they have to die in this quarrell but since they will not guide themselves by reason they shall not be more gently entertained then they have been heertofore They have reason to say that the bravest Knights in the world are dead but there yet remain enough to trample on the heads of all such as shall dare to provoke them And to testifie unto you that we do not much regard their menaces we will give you leave to proceed on your voiage and you may tell your kinsman that for a beginning of the war you have met with Greek Princes as full of curtesie as courage This said he commanded to weigh anchor and letting them go he turned to the two Knights with no little admiration to see them so yong and so excellent Esquilan having observed them very attentively desired them not to be displeased if his curiosity caried him to demand of them who they were to the end they might the better know to what persons they were engaged for so many caresses and praises wherwith they had rewarded the poor service they had done them We are said one of them too much obliged to you to refuse to let you understand who we are I am Dorigel King of the fortunat Islands and this other is the valiant Amanio d'Astre at these words they redoubled their embraces and continuing their discourse they resolved to take several waies Dorigel commanded to steer for the fortunat Island for to raise some forces in aid of the Greek Princes Russian and the Polack reentred their Bark in pursuit of their fortune and the gentle Amanio took his way towards the Parthian Empire from which he was not then far distant to advertise Spheramond of the Pagans design as he did within a few daies after these news having diverted that great Emperour from his ordinary passions made him give order for the raising of men for dispatching away speedily of certain Gentlemen unto Greece and Trebisond lest they should be surprised by the enemy and sâ—ewing an exceeding affection to the welfare of Christendome he hastned his levies and in person set forward with ten thousand horse and twenty thousand foot On the other side Florisel and Rogel were no lesse carefull and beyond them all Alastraxarea for seeing their estates exhausted by so many former wars they were much grieved to behold their people thus continually subject to alarums but not able to force the destinies they suddenly gave order for their affairs Don Rogel dislodging with thirty thousand men at arms and Don Florisel with fifteen thousand horse and twenty thousand foot In the mean time the ship wherin Russian was having ran two daies without meeting any adventure arrived at the foot of a little mountain which seemed to the Knights so pleasant that they presently landed much admiring to see their horses upon the shore in the same equipage that they had left them in but ceasing their wonder by the remembrance of what they had seen the old man and the damsell do not long before they presently mounted upon them and taking a beaten way that lead up to the top of the mountain they spent about an howr or more at the end wherof they found a Cave whose mouth was stopt with certain pieces of wood which made them conjecture that there was some secret within it their curiosity then not permitting them to go any further without knowing whether there were any adventure within it worthy their courages they alighted and tying their horses to a Tree they thrust away the bars so as with little difficulty they made that entry free for them but that not being large enough for two to passe in front Russian drew out his sword and intreating Esquilan to stay there till his return he went on a pretty way in that darknes not without some apprehension of falling into some precipice out of which he should never be able to disingage himself but then presently espying a lamp he marched with more assurance by the light therof till he came into a vault of about five and twenty or
enterprise caused eight thousand horse to slip along by the Town without being perceived by the Tamberlan of Moraria put Esquilan in the head of the one moity and sending him to second Spheramond himself with the rest charged the enemy and assisted the Prince of France who then was fighting with Fulgoran with as much courage as force and dexterity these troops having renewed the fight with much cruelty and so continued it a pretty while were about to make their retreat upon advertisement that a great piece of the wall was fallen down and that there was great danger in it by reason of the enemies obstinate pressing on there when as on the sudden a terrible noise and tumult was heard at the sea side which put a fear into both sides the Christians doubting that it was some new succour against them and the Pagans mistrusted as much but it was soon known what it was for presently the Pagans army was seen to be in disorder and a little while after a Knight came up to the trenches that certified Florisel of the arrivall of the brave Amanio d' Astre of Ginoldan the Kings of Dardania and Comagena the Kings Melinda and Olidor his brother with sixty thousand horse and forty thousand foot who knowing in what estate the fight stood had landed with a determination to charge the enemy back As I live said Florisel this is good news Come let us close up our enemies and keep them from putting themselves in array Saying so he advanced with forty thousand horse drawn out of the Towns and treaches and put himself into the field with a resolution to fight but Prigmaleon and Fulgoran as discreet as valiant perceiving the disorder their people were in by reason of this new-come army which made an incredible flaughter amongst them kept their souldiers within their trenches under the command of the King of Thenes and of the Island of Till and running where the Christian Princes were arrived arrested their fury drawing the rest of their men within their works Florisel commending the discretion of Princes so young went to receive his kinsmen with a world of contentment and causing a quarter to be set out under the walls for their forces carried the Kings to the City with him where the entertainments were renewed at their meeting with those beautifull Princesses That done they fell to burying the dead which on the Christian part was found to be nine thousand three hundred Knights and seven hundred foot and on the enemies twenty seven thousand souldiers fourteen Giants and five Kings which so much the more vexed the Pagans as our Princes had cause to rejoice Neverthelesse concealing their thoughts they shewed but little ressentment of it divulging that they were glad of the comming of these troops for that thereby the Greâ—k Princes would be drawn to a set battell whereunto before they had no reason to hearken CHAP. XXXII The Pagans send to present the Christians with battell which is accepted and the successe of it THE discontent of the Pagans not suffering them to be at quiet the Princes assembled together after they had given order for the buriall of their dead and trusting as much in the greatnesse of their spirits as in the multitude of their people sent an Herauld with a bloudy gantlet to require assignation of a day for a generall battell which these invincible Princes of Greece would not refuse them because they would not leave any bad impression of their courages Florisel of Niquea then having accepted it and appointed next morning for the same a truce in the mean time being agreed on all men were commanded to prepare themselves for the fight and the Ladies bestowed themselves in prayers unto God for his mercy and blessing to be powred down upon his people And now all men making ready when as on the second day they descried a Fleet at sea sailing in good order no man knowing in whose favour they were come both the armies expecting them equally affected with hope and fear these forces landed and marching in good order sent to the Pagan Princes to let them understand that they were come to serve them against the common enemy of their Gods under the command of the great Cariffe of Africa the Kings of Tincifroc and Marocco and the Princes of Gamall and Aridamia as also their dear friends the Giant Grandimore and the unknown Knight were with them whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon with great joy went presently to give them thanks for their assistance If this supply consisting of forty thousand horse and thirty thousand foot pleased the enemy you may well beleeve it gave no content to our Princes neverthelesse being uncapable of fear they resolved to submit themselves under the hand of God and not to murmure at his providence Commanding then publike prayers to be made and going to sit in Councell about the approaching battell word was brought them that a mighty Fleet was descried at sea comming thither with full sails Their desire to know who they might be breaking off their former designe they presently repaired to the walls where they had not long been before they discerned a world of colours and flags with white and red crosses which made them quickly come down to go to the Port but in the way thither they met a Gentleman who informed them that in the first ships were the young Prince of France Florisbel of the Star second son to Prince Lucendus and the Infanta Fortuna and Lucibel of France son to Fortanian and the beautious Chireestoille with five and twenty thousand choice Knights That the second squadron came from Trebisond with twâ—lve thousand foot The third from Hungary and Poland with ten thousand horse under the conduct of Gadard and Filadart The fourth from the fortunate Iland with six thousand foot commanded by the brave Cilinda who brought with her her little son Cilindor The fifth from Cathay with eight thousand horse led by Orâ—thea and her husband The sixt from Almayne with six thousand horse under the charge of Alozian eldest sonne of Don Argantes and the fair Scharimenâ— The seventh of twelve thousand Spanish horse whose Generall was Sestilian sonne to Don Arlanges of Spain And the last from Guindaya with seven thousand foot commanded by the Duke of Affarte these newes having given them far more content then the arrivall of the enemies succour had brought them sadnesse the Princes went to the Port where these young Cavaliers and the Kings were entertained with a million of welcomes and from thence conveyed to the Citie to the infinite joy of the Ladies who received them with a world of caresses The welcomes once at an end all these Christian Kings and Knights assembled together to consult of these affairs because the day of battell drew neer but they all referring themselves to the prudence of Don Florizel he ordered things in this manner Their whole forces consisting of an hundred and threescore thousand horse and an hundred
she so cleared their rankes that she easily made way to the Walls where incountring Don Rifantes with thirtie thousand Horse which he had suddenly assembled shee gave him so mightie a blow on his Helmet that she layd him on the crupper of his Horse utterly derived of his senses This blow having terrified the enemies they were ready to have betaken themselves to flight had not the proud Pagan arrived thereupon followed by a great multitude of Souldiers who with a dreadfull cry falling upon our Warriours troups began to make a terrible slaughter in the nick whereof Lucibel comming in charged them a flanke so furiously that he cut off four thousand of them Brizardan seeing the confusion they were in forsook the Wall and went to the succour of his companions but Floridan having surprized his men in disorder put a number of them to the sword nevertheless the Soldan being an excellent Commander quickly reduced the most part of them into order and then addressed himselfe to run against Floridan who observed his comming incountred him so furiously in the carriere that they were both overthrown in the dust where our Knight had been in danger of ending his dayes under the horses feet if the valour wherewith the Gyant that accompanied him arresting his enemies had not given him leisure to remount on his horse which Brizardan could not so soon doe because of the Gyant nevertheless being at length relieved by the assistance of those about him he drew out his sword and began to make so cruel a massacre that all the world flew from before him In the mean time the valourous Corazinda and the brave Prince of France did things worthy of eternall glory they killed they cut off arms and heads they cleft men down to the wast and rendred themselves so terrible that the very glistering of their swords put the most confident in fear howbeit their number being too small to resist the furie of all these troupes which came flocking together for to invest them they retyred in despight of so many enemies after whose example Floridan did the like notwithstanding all that the brave Soldan of Aralafia could doe who understanding that his three Gyants were slain with seven and twentie thousand men and the Kings of Gallona and Urban the Emperour having lost but eleven thousand he would have cast himself in the Sea had not the King of Cabilla wisely remonstrated unto him how it was but a trick of Fortune that often-times opposeth our desires and wil not suffer us to triumph but when she pleaseth making a vertue then of necessitie though it were with marvellous vexation he resolved to determine the businesse with one set day whereunto having perswaded the King of Cabilla he sent accordingly to present the Emperour to battell who relying on the justice of his cause and on the supream valour of the faire Slave and of the Knights of the Flower-de-Luces and Flowers accepted of it to be fought on the third day after but at no hand would yeeld to any Truce during the time and that by the speciall aduise of those Warriours which had undertaken an enterprize whereof you shall see the effect in the Chapter following CHAP. XX. The wonderfull feats of Arms performedina sallie made by Palmirenna's fair Slave with the end of the Generall Battail where all the Emperours Forces were defeated by the unexpected arrivall of the King of the cruell Iland TWo days being impatiently past away by the King of Cabilla's friends who attended but the third for to be revenged of the outrages they had received our Christian Princes considering what advantage the surprise of a carelesse Enemy doth bring resolved to mount on Horse-back about mid-night when as the Moon might facilitate their design and accordingly having each of them made choise of two thousand approved Knights they sallied out at three severall Gates and with very great silence marched even to the enemies Sentinels who drowned in sleep were soon put all to the Sword a free passage being thus opened to the Emperours troops Palmirenna's fair slave entring first with incredible fury made so great a slaughter that in a moment all the field was covered with dead bodies The brave Soldan and the proud Arastron that were fast asleep hearing the dreadfull noyse of Arms and the cryes of thousands which were yeelding up the Ghost lept suddenly out of their beds and finding foure thousand Horse that were ever kept ready in reserve for all occasions began to make head against this invincible Championess who overcame all when as a new uproar arising from the East side arrested them not knowing well which way to take nevertheless being too couragious to bee amazed with any alarm they instantly divided their forces whilst Rifantes and the King of Filzandria separately caused the rest of the Souldiers to be armed and marching bravely on began a most cruell bickering for the Knights of Martaria desiring to imitate their gallant Leaders performed their parts most valiantly and meeting with terrified enemies made havock of them every where On the otherside those two Thunderbolts of warre the great Soldan of Aralafia and the proud Arastron bestirred themselves with mighty loss to their Adversaries but Lucibel arising thereupon flew in amongst them with such fury that above two thousand of their men were layd dead on the ground at the very first brunt and lustily pursuing his advantage hee had cut eight or nine thousand of the rest in peices had not Rifantes come presently in with thirty thousand Horse upon the sight of whom our Warriors that wisely managed occasions rallied themselves altogether and retyring in good order so mightily incensed those three valiant Pagans that in a rage they followed them with all their Cavalrie hoping to thrust in with them into the Citie howbeit the King of Arbales arriving with eight thousand Horse and four Gyants charged them in such manner with the assistance of the three Princes their troops which suddenly turned head against them that rendring their designs vain they forced them to retyre with the losse of nine thousand men having left but seven hundred of their Knights in the place which were slain upon the first incounter whereat the Pagans were so infinitly inraged that they could hardly attend the rising of the Sunne to put their Army into battail array In the mean time our Princes being come to the Town were reserved with strange acclamations and having somewhat refreshed themselves in Palmirenna's Chamber whither the beautifull Amplamira and her excellent sister repaired to them at the break of day for to give them skarfes and to intreat them not to run into unnecessary dangers they went incontinently to the trenches where the Emperour resolved to sight and command the Battail in his own person having learned by his espials that the King of Cabilla had an intention to doe the like His Forces then being by the advice of the fair slave divided into three Bands the Vantguard consisting
Rodomart King of Fortan Armositan King of the upper Indies and Tarsides King of Pergazus perished by the swords of Silvan the fair Salvage his wife and Dorigel and fifteen Giants being instaÌ„tly slain by the other christian princes the pagans began to give ground when in the nick arrived Falanzar with the redoubted King of Balivan the dreadfull Tipheus Bucargant Burcandar King of Russia Palamedes King of Cassandria the excellent Knight Artogant and the incomparable Alceus and on the other party Don Florisel of Niquea with his troops who mingling themselves in a furious fight with those Pagans caused on the sudden such a generall confusion that the earth the ayr and the Heavens seemed to be but one and the same thing for the Leaders some of them were no lesse terrible than so many furies others begat an stonishment in those that had the ill hap to encounter them equall to that of thunder and lightning and the Souldiers animated by the example of their Captaines fought with so much courage and cruelty that nothing was to be seene but blood and slaughter Falanzar charged Florisel with an incredible fiercenesse who was no whit behind hand with him in the requitall Roussardan Gorgophon and Braverant threatned such a ruin where they went that the very glittering of their swords frighted the faint-hearted to death neither were Spheramond Prigmaleon and Fulgoran lesse terrible to their enemies than they the Grand Salvage Furiander his son Marmoran Brufaldor and Policastoleon charged the Christians through and through till they scarce left a ranke unranked Silverin of the Desart Russian Brandimanda the Cenâ—phales and Brandimore did as much to the Pagan troops In briefe these mighty Armies sustained by the valour of the Princes that commanded them had as yet gayned little advantage of one another which raysing Bravorant Gorgophon and the proud Knight Arastron to the utmost extremity of rage they fell all three with such a violence upon Don Rogel Florisel and Spheramond that they beat them all down to the ground where they made no long aboad though they were much astonished but be took themselves to their feet again and on the instant made themselves such elbow room that except these three mighty enemies who pressed upon them with a mad kind of fury none durst come neer them neverthelesse divers others of the Pagan Champions comming also to assaile them the three Princes were in danger to have made a glorious end of their days had not Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian and Silverin seeing them in this necessity come in to their ayd and let fly at these three mighty Pagans with such a force that they had almost lost their saddles and so affording leisure to the Christian Knights to supply themselves with the next fresh horses they met they began to cover the earth anew with dead bodies These fearefull blows adding rather anger than feare to the bold Pagans they rose up more furious than ever they had been before and not finding those that had put them into this disperate plight they fell upon Oriander Atletta his wife and Parmenian of Cyprus dealing such marvellous stroaks that two of them were cut in two peeces and the third cleft downe to the teeth so the battell waxing more bloody on every side every thing appeared so full of horrour that the Sun appeared as it were mourning for the expence of so much noble blood obscuring his face behind a cloud The Pagans sounded a retreat and the Christians rallied their disordered troups to the great grief of Gorgophon Bravorant the Grand Salvage Arastron and Roussardan who seeing their own wounds and dispairing of a present victorie retired to their Tents and the Christians part into the Town and part into their Trenches where being at leisure to number up their losses which amounted unto two hundred and threescore thousand men besides the King of the barren Island and his Wife the Kings of Hungaria of Polonia of Licaonia of Moldavia of Sardimira of Cataya the valiant Lady Arletta Parmenian of Cyprus Râ—zafar Quadragant Agrian of Scotland Dardanio of Rhodes and the gentle Armond of Bohemia they had a just cause of lamentation but seeing that their chief Leaders were preserved and that it was in vain to murmure at the chastisements of a mighty God they comforted themselves and causing their wounds to be searched which they found to be dangerous enough they all betook themselves to their beds except the valiant Esquelan of Polonia that was much afflicted with the death of the King his Father Cilindor and the twelve new Knights whose brave feats of Arms performed that day had acquired them an immortall fame On the other side the Pagan Princes had no lesse cause to mourn and repine at their sad fate having lost an hundred and sixteen Gyants Tâ—rismâ—nd Arcilles Celiander Gloridian Celianis Panizell Armelion three hundred and forty thousand men the Kings of Fortan of Gianazana of Salberna of Pergarus the Emperour of Media Polidarchus king of Amazia Bemond king of the lesser Iava the king of Sisiphalta of Zambar of Cartagena of Maramor of Argocana of Zaphotir and almost all the rest were confined to their beds except Falanzar who had received onely one slight hurt in the arm by the sword of Florisel Palicastaleon Fierastrâ—n and Brufaldâ—r but not withstanding these losses they desiring to appeare invincibles they made no shew of discontent in their countenances lest thereby the courage of the Souldiers might be abated and to give a testimony of the care they took for their dead they sent immediately to demand a truce for twelve days which being granted and agreed on both parties every man sought out his acquaintance to performe unto them the last office of a friend The Christian Princes were solemnly interred and the bodies of the Pagans burned as their custome was which being done Falanzar gave Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats a party of fourscore thousand men with order to surprise Goraxa and Zeiden two of the strongest Cities of Ethiopia supposing that the remainder of his horses which amounted to the number of three hundred and threescore thousand was powerfull enough to give an absolute defeat to their enemies And now let us leave them bewayling their losses and devising new stratagems for the ruâ—ing of the Christians and let our discourse return to those Knights which are departed from Corolandaya to goe to the surprisall of the Castle of Treasure CHAP. XLII Rozalmond Alcidamant and their company arrive at the dangerous Forrests of the great Kingdome of Martan the carrying away of the Princesses and the adventures of Rozalmond inextring of the Castle of Treasure ALcidamant Rozalmond and the other Princes that left the Court of Corolandaya to goe to the Castle of Treasure having been three and twenty days upon their way without any adventure that might yeeld them either trouble or content they entred into the dangerous Forrests of Martan and continuing on their Iourney at length they arrived at a place where
would comfort you in your losses and specially for that which hath this day befallen you But knowing you to be every way invincible and that you make little account of fortunes worst attempts against you I will not present you with reasons to mitigate your just resentments though I should be glad that you could reach unto the meaning of these obscure words The Prophecie When the strange Lion shall amaze the World with his roaring and shall meet with him of the Grecian Forrests the fourth of that name shall see the day for to render you presently after the lost Treasure If you did understand these words without doubt you would brave Princes perceive that the counsels of heaven are wonderfull and living with quieter minds give me means to continue my doing you service with more affection then ever See sayd Florisel how the Sunne shines againe after cloudy weather These good Magicians are still living and as far as I can perceive by this scroul though I do not fully understand it we shall not suffer so much as we imagined Let God that governs our actions be pleased to direct them to his Glory for I will neither murmur at his corrections nor grow insolent with his favors This said he went down the stairs mounted on horsback and better cheered then he had been in a long time before went to the forrest where he had not been long but he heard one that lamented not far from him which made him to gallop that way the voice directed him so that within a little while he arrived at a place where under a tree he found a good handsome woman which held in herlap a dead Knight over whom she made exceeding strange moan Gentlewoman said he being moved with pity if your sorrow be capable of comfort I would intreat you to consider that you afflict your self to no purpose that it were fit you should demonstrate your love to this Knight some other way rather then by your tears wherof he is now insensible That which he now is to expect from your hands is a grave Let us I beseech you bestow it upon him and that done we will think of what remains If he be slain by the treachery of any I will if it be in my power work your revenge otherwise it may be a comfort to you that you have seen him die like a good Knight which is the most honourable departure out of this life And if I shall not be troublesome to you I will beseech you to let me know his name and who it is that hath brought him into this estate For being ingaged by my word to revenge it I should be glad to understand if with reason I may do it This afflicted woman then lifting up her eies all drownd in tears beheld him a while without speaking a word but judging by his countenance that he was not a Knight of any mean quality at length she very modestly replied to him in this maner Do not beleeve noble Knight that my complaint is excessive for the valour and fidelity of him whose death I now lament deserves that my tears should be perpetuall and might justly perswade me to lend no ear to any comfort whatsoever But since with so much curtesie you make a tender to me of your assistance I will not be so ingratefull as to refuse you the satisfaction you desire Know then my Lord that this Knight whose head you see divided in two pieces was called Balard of Catabatmon grandchild to the good King Manely who in the time of the Emperour Esplandian was held in the esteem of a brave Knight he some moneths since left his fathers house to be at that great battell where the rest of all Christendome was set up but falling very sick in a Town of Macedon he could not bring his purpose to passe his malady still increasing there was little hope of his life when as his Squire the faithfullest that ever served in that kind remembring that there needed no more to cheer him up but only to speak of me assured him that I was upon the way to visit him having had advertisement of his sicknes as soon as he heard my name his love which yet in the extremity of his disease was still the same made him instantly rayse himself up imagining that I had been come But not seeing me he gently laid his head down again upon his pillow and began to take a little rest In the mean time his Squire not intending to lose the benefit of his invention instantly dispatched a post to me knowing full well that my love was powerfull enough to make me undertake more then a voyage of fowre daies journey And having gives me notice of the estate his master was in he put me in a strange perplexity for loving him to infinity I almost died at the first news of his sicknes but fortifying my self with a couragious resolution I wiped my eies and taking a good pacing nag I made such haste that three daies after I was by his bed side though wonderfully troubled to see him brought so low yet did my presence so work with him that his bloud returning to all the parts of his body he began to shew some signes of amendment To what end should I entertain you with longer discourse of his malady Time restored him to his health and when he found himself able to bear Armes he departed from thence with me who would by no means quit him For I lesse valued the opinion of the world then the obligation wherein I was tied to my affection Having travelled then twelve daies without meeting any adventure his courage coupled with his love made him undertake to guard this passage for my sake and to force all Knights that should passe this way to confesse that I was the fairest maiden in the world This his enterprise though full of danger passed with him very happily and divers were vanquished by him but alas Fortune forsook him this morning For a great Knight in flaming coloured armes arrived heer who not satisfied with the conditions of the combat proposed by him said unto him Knight there are two strong reasons that oblige me to sight with you One is the faith that I ow to my mistrisse much more beautifull then yours and the other an oath which I have taken never to spare any that are enemies to my Religion The device which I see painted in your shield is an infallible argument that you are a Christian and I know you have an unjust cause to maintain in affirming your Mistrisse to be the fairest living seeing then that you are in case to combat I am ready to follow your example Balard who wanted no courage not enduring the arrogance of this Knight presently set hand to his sword and a long time made his party good but alas not having a cask of proof sufficient to bear the furious and weighty blows of his adversary he was in the end brought
of his sight leaving our new Knight much astonished at that he had seen and extreamly pleased to understand that his parents were of such eminent quality although as yet he knew them not Going on then very joyfully he intertained his thoughts with infinite designs when as he heard a great clashing of arms in a forrest that was not far from him wherupon clapping spurs to his hors he entred the wood where at first he spied a Coach wherin were two Ladies wofully weeping and a little beside them three fearful Giants amongst fifteen or twenty Knights who as was easie to be conjectured disputed with them the liberty of those women Fulgoran having a while beheld them and seeing that as often as the Giants Curtelaxes lighted upon any of them some of those Knights fell dead to the earth couched his launce with so good both addresse and fortune against one of them that having pierced him clean through he laid him dead in the dust This happy blow the first essay of his chivalry having added to his courage he set hand to his sword which he emploied so gallantly that he staid the fury of the second leaving the third in the midst of fowrteen Knights who did extreamly trouble him But he was therwith so enraged that as many as he fully lighted upon he laid on the grasse so that having dispatched eight of them all the rest betook them to their heels saving one who being richly armed and obstinately pursuing his revenge received so furious a blow upon his helmet that he fell from his hors voiding bloud at his nose and ears That so cruell a blow having extreamly affrighted the women who were before somwhat cheered upon the comming in of the burning Knight made them shrike out so lowd that Fulgoran hearing it gave his opposit so forcible a thrust as having run him clean through the body he laid him on the ground in the same estate his companion was in Turning him then about he perceived that he which survived was going to unbuckle the Knights helmet whom he had overthrown which was the cause of the womens lamentations this put him in such choler as instantly running to him and not giving him leisure to rise for he had one knee upon the ground he strook him so just on the neck that he laid his head at his feet This execution done he drew to the Ladies and began to comfort them telling them that their enemies being dead they had now no more cause to fear But one of them who appeared beautifull in perfection although her sorrow and tears hindred in some sort the discerning of her excellencies interrupted him saying Good Knight the time doth not now give me leave to render you condign thanks for this happy relief you have given us for the fear I am in lest the King my Lord be dead doth so transport me as I scarce know what I speak Continue if you please your assisting me and help me presently to alight that if there be any remainder of life in him I may preserve it with such help as in this necessity I may give him Fulgoran who was naturally very curteous took her instantly in his arms out of the chariot and led her to him whom the last Giant would have killed and pulling off his helmet he used such means to him as he brought him to himself again being much amazed to find himself in that estate Clairangia for so was that beautifull Princesse called seeing her husband breathe recovered somwhat both her colour and courage so that perceiving a yong Squire whom the Giant had bound behind the chariot she presently caused him to be freed and commanded him with all diligence to seek out those Knights who by flying had sought their safety and will them to return unto her In the mean time Fulgoran held the King in his arms perswading him not to be dismaid with his wounds which would easily be cured The Squire having gladly undertaken this charge immediatly ran into the wood but meeting them returning with a resolution to lose themselves with their master since he would not save himself with them he staid his pace and having informed them of the issue of the businesse he brought them to the King where full of shame for the cowardise they had shewed they began to frame an arm litter in which they took up Dardanâ—r so was the King named Fulgoran going into the Coach with Clairâ—â—gia who much wondring to find such valour in a Knight so yong and lovely did gently enquire of him what good fortune had brought him into that Country for to bind her to him in so eternall an obligation That Madam said he which doth ordinarily bind such Knights as without defign do go about the world seeking strange adventures But if you marvell at my comming hither in so seasonable a time beleeve it I am no lesse amazed to have found you in so much danger For your beauty and the greatnes of your estate were in my opinion likely to have kept you from any sinister accideâ—t although I well know that fortune doth not alwaies consider either the merit or the quality of those with whom she means to make her self sport For this cause Madam I would gladly know of you provided my request heerin may not be offensive by what mischance you fell into this mischief I am too much engaged to your valour said she to refuse you any thing you shall desire Know then myâ—â—ord that Dardanâ—r and my self being possest of the Crown and Scepter of Romerie which is but two easie daies journey from hence did live happily together in our match for it is but two months since we were joined in mariage and had nothing to complain of but that we could not free our Court of one of these Giants which now you have slain for being passâ—onately in love with the Princesse Alixea my sister whom you see heer we were extreamly discontented at his pretension which yet we durst not but under hand oppose For knowing that his brothers were our neighbours and exceedingly redoubted by all the provinces thereabout we very much feared that a refusall would so enrage them as they would make a war upon us and so peradventure dispossesse us of the estate of Romerie And indeed we could by no means have avoided that misfortune without your aid considering the estate wherin you met with us for Bracandor my sisters amoroso not able longer to endure the violence of his desire one day took the boldnesse to move the King therein after this fashion Sir you are not ignorant of my descent and you also know for you have been a witnes of my valour that I am able to purchase Principalities to my self and when I please can set a roiall Crown upon my head I will not therfore fear to discover my intentions unto you wherof I make no doubt but you have had some conjecture already I have long loved your sister Alixea and
had not hitherto permitted him to ask Wherupon calling for pen and inck he wrot these lines to discover his love unto her not being confident enough to do it by word of mouth Fulgorans Letter to his Lady the faire Clairangia Madam I Beleeve you will think me very rash in acquainting you thus with my thoughts but when you shall consider your own power and my weaknesse without question you will hold me excused and say that I have reason being sick to seek for recovery which is in your hands and the content of my life depends upon your favour Do not I beseech you refuse it to the passion of a lover who never knew what it was to sigh but for you nor desires any greater felicity in the world then the honour of your service Your eies in which shines so much beauty promise me no lesse make not them then the authors of my despair as they have been of my captivity but let your sense of my suffering give me ease to blesse my good fortune so shall you put new life into my courage and my arms shall make all the earth to know that it is your beauty alone which deserves to command the burning Knight who doth not wish a condition more eminent then to be Your Servant This Letter being by the means of Silesia the trusty secretary of her privatest thoughts cunningly conveied into Clairangiaes hands was read with some perturbation but unresolved as yet to declare her self she returned no answer unto it leaving the burning Knight in such disquiet as his humor before so pleasing and sociable became altogether untractable he was seldome seen in the Court little in his chamber but commonly in the woods and unfrequented places where he entertained himself with the sad consideration of his miserable estate in which being denied the happinesse of knowing his parents he was now also refused the enjoying the first thing that ever he had loved Unfortunate Knight said he what dost thou now dream of or what canst thou think of that gives thee not occasion to complain Thou canst not be happy only because thou art not worthy of so much glory Retire then in time and rather blame thy boldnesse then the cruelty of thy Mistris she is not guilty of thy misery it is thy destiny that thou must accuse for it But alas what counsell is this thou harknest unto Is it likely that thou canst leave her and love her so dearly Thou must either die or vanquish this hard heart of hers women do not so easily yield themselves they will be entreated and do often times feign themselves cruell to trie our constancy If thou shouldst possesse her without pain her caresses would not be so sweet nor thy contentment so compleat Wherefore thou must not be weary of serving her since the recompence well deserves thy labour This Knight thus losing himself in his meditations made all the Court to wonder at this change of his The King was much troubled with it as admiring his vertue but Clairangia much more For knowing that she only was the cause therof she participated with him in her grief and suffering which much amazed Silesia who not approoving this reservednesse of hers did one day thus speak to her I wonder at you Madam and cannot imagine why you afflict your self in this maner when you may live contented You love Fulgoran he adores you and you have often told me that you would not be ingratefull to the good offices he hath done you His valour beauty love and the infinite respect that he serves you withall fill you full of desire why then do you not seek for the accomplishment therof and to what end is this modesty seeing it is so troublesome unto you Madam it is not well done you tyrannize your life to no purpose occasions are to be laid hold on when they present themselves This Knight hath too many perfections to be despised open your arms to him since he offers himself to you and as he hath not been spâ—ring of his bloud for your preservation deny him not your favour for the conservation of his life which cannot be long if you continue this course with him his death could be no pleasure to you but condemning your rigour you would say that you had committed an irreparable fault Ah! how dangerous it is to meet with one that will push us on when we have our foot upon the precipice Clairangia whom the respect of her greatnesse and the consideration of a husband did as yet contain beleeving that her weaknesse might be somwhat warranted by Silesiaes reasons soon yielding up her self promised this wench no longer to reject Fulgoran and permitted her to tell him that she would the next day go to Celâ—bana a house of pleasure that she had some three leagues from thence where she thought she might have more liberty to confer her favours on him then amongst a thousand observers which are ordinarily in Court This office Silesia willingly undertook for as soon as she had her commission she past three or fowre times before Fulgorans chamber door till she found an opportunity of meeting him to let him know how all things were disposed for his content how her Mistrisse desired to see him at Celibana that there she might give some asswagement to his sorrows and that he was happy if he could manage his fortune with discretion This advertisement made him to change his countenance as the fear of being ill used had altered his humour he became more jolly then he had been in a good while before and at last went to bed with lesse unquietnesse then before CHAP. X. The Queen Clairangia going to Celibana is twice surprised and rescued by Fulgoran THE Queen departing with the Kings consent under the guard of the Earl of Clina and twenty Knights Fulgoran who had not forgotten Silesiaes directions went out armed as he was accustomed to do and seeming to be caried by his ordinary fancies followed a way a little wide of that which the Queen with her train had taken meditating upon the good fortune he was to have in finding his Lady more gentle then she used to be to him She on the other side went with no lesse contentment thinking on the caresses she was to receive from a lover of such perfections But her joy was quickly turned into sorrow for she espied a Giant comming out of the wood of a goodly proportion and not of any monstrous greatnesse but every way so handsome that notwithstanding the trouble she was in by the appearance of such an object yet took she some pleasure in beholding his gallant demeanour howbeit considering that such kind of persons are for the most part cruell and uncurteous she began to say O ye Gods how much I doubt the meeting with this great Knight and I am much afraid that the death of our enemies will be revenged by this incounter Sister we are unfortunate and can expect nothing from
mind and all his actions being full of jollity made men judge that joy was more predominant in his heart then fadnes so that every man wondered at this strange alteration in him The Count of Clina observing him more narrowly then the rest because he had a particular design upon him soon discovered the secret and was confident seeing the Queen so often to eye him that the metamorphosis proceeded from some speciall familiarity that was between them which made him infinitely discontented For being somewhat in love with the Queen wherof nevertheles he never durst make any shew it madded him to see another more happy then himself What said he all enraged shall a stranger gather the roses whilest I feel the prick of the thorns It is unreasonable I must at leastwise have a share in her favours since I cannot wholly possesse them and she cannot refuse me that seeing she gives her self to another but say she should be so vain as to slight my affection I have the means to be revenged of her and make her fâ—el the effects of an incensâ—d spirit Being carried then by this heady resolution he went directly to the Quâ—ens Chamber where by chance she was alone and with a low reverence said unto her I am come Madam to put my life into your hands and to acquaint you wtth a secret which I scarse dare trust my self withall I am over-rash it is true but who would not be so when so great a reward is proposed I love you Madam and the consideration of your greatnes or my duty could ever divert me from it though in so doing I have as it were foreseen my ruine but who would be loth to die for so excellent a cause No I will fear no punishments that it may appear I am not insensible of the force of your beauty my sighes do testifie rather your power then my insolence and from my passion can nothing redound but your glory Consider me Madam I beseech you as this great light of the world beholds all creatures and remember that the least and meanest of them is as much obliged to him as the mightiest Monarks The Gods that have made you so fair for the contentment of a King have never forbidden you the conferring of a like grace on such as have not scepters but yet many vertues so that it lies in your power to make one happy think me then worthy of that favour and let my vow of an eternall fidelity give me a place in your good opinion I will never passe by the respect that I ow to your greatnes and the humility of my services shall so content you that you shall more esteem the possessing of me then regard the satisfaction of another though greater yet lesse vertuous then I. So kneeling down before her as if he would have demanded some further grace he attended not the answer which he hoped for but that which in all reason he was to fear What â—n insolence said the offended Princesse is this And how shall I ever endure to look on thee again after so enormous a crime Get thee gone wicked man and do not force me to shew thee how much I am displeaâ—â—â— my cariage I am sure could never put this boldnesse into thee and thy duty should have restrained this affrontednesse If you must needs have passion let it be for one of your own rank they that resemble me cannot behold such as you are but with contempt howbeit I will excuse the love which you say forceth you in this sort provided my gentlenes do not puffe you up and that I may see you reduced within the tearms of your duty I shall then forget your folly and forbearing to question you for it will say that you have erred after the ordinary custome of other men withdraw your self then with this testimony of my clemency and never abuse my patience again if you mean not to feel the punishments which use to be inflicted on those that remember not their own condition With these words shutting her self into her cabinet she left him mightily grieved to see himself despised which he resolved either to revenge or lose his life Retiring therefore to his lodging he began to plot the villany wherwith I will acquaint you in the Chapter following CHAP. XI Clairangia and Fulgâ—ran are betraid by the Count of Clina The Queen iâ— imprisoned Fulgâ—rans adventures after he had left Celibana THE Count of Clina's spite being greater then his love he went away full of infinit discontent I am said he all transported with choler slighted for a stranger and my boldnes in discovering my self is threatned with punishment but I will make it appear that I am sensible of affronts The Queen abusing the easines of the King doth give her self over to the Knight ardant and refusing to let me share in her caresses gives me just cause to resent it and discover this secret I will do it then but with so much safety for my self that without any hazard I will tast the pleasure of a sweet revenge I will accuse these adulterers and putting them in the Kings hand will not give this Knight leisure who trusts in his valor to make use of his courage his arms for the Law doth not allow any man the combat in his own quarrell And if the remembrance which the King owes to his precedent services or the respect of the Queen do draw him to dispense with the Law and permit him to combat himself I will confront him with the redoubtable brothers of the two Giants that he last slew who will be right glad to meet such an occasion to be revenged of their enemy They are three and able alone to defeat a whole army I do therefore perswade my self that he will not stand long before them what companion soever he gets to assist him His choler then keeping him from considering how dangerous the issue of his enterprise might be he instantly sent a messenger to Bracandors three brothers giving them notice of his design wherewith they were so pleased as without further delay they came presently to meet him in the wood where their conspiracy being contrived and agreed upon the Count returned to the Castle to write a letter to the King the tenor wherof was as followeth The Count of Clina's Letter to King Dardanor SIR It much grieves me that in performing the office of a good subject I must give you occasion to afflict your self but since I cannot fail in this duty without being a traitor I have resolved to passe by all considerations whatsoever rather then have that spot stuck upon me The Knight Ardant whom you have so graced beyond his merits not being so sensible aâ— he should be of your favours changes the respect which he owes you into ingratitude and forgetting how much he stands indebted to your goodnesse hath ingaged the Queen to love him with all the most agreeable services he is able to do her which have
already so gained upon her as she hath wholly given her self unto him reserving nothing for you but the appearances of her affection They are ordinarily together their countenances do but too much discover their thoughts and their actions are so little concealed that only those who will not take the pains to observe them cannot frame any sinister construction of them I have indeavoured as a faithfull servant ought to do to divert the Queen from this course remonstrating unto her the quality she is of the estate of the Knight Ardant and withall her duty to your Majesty But my advice hath been entertained with such coldnes or as I might better say with such choler as in stead of the thanks which I expected for my fidelity I received nothing but menaces so that unable to endure this wrong to your Majesty I have been constrained to advertise you of it that you may take present order for your quiet by the resentment which you are to have of so grievous an offence What extreams will not the choler of a King run into that beleeves himself â—ffronted Dardanor having read this letter suffered his passion so to transport him that not considering what he owed to the reputation of his wife and Fulgorans services he dispatched away immediatly fowr hundred Knights having first written a ticket to the Count of Clina and commanded them to be at Celibana two howrs after midnight and obey the Count in all his directions Thus was all in disorder except our lovers who lived so contented amidst their ordinary delights and not imagining they were subject to fortunes power did study nothing but how to caresse one another to the infinit vexation of the Count of Clina who tore his hair for despite but his pain was of no long continuance For seeing in the Commission the King had sent him what means he had to be revenged his grief was turned into joy neverthelesse not intending to discover his thoughts he kept the same countenance as before till his succour were arrived This while Clairangia who dreamt not of the mischief that was to fall upon her head having not forgotten the place where she met with such delight was lying upon the grasse with Fulgoran striving to make her caresses more pleasing to him with a world of dalliance when as all on a sudden she heard a great noise of arms in the Castle Sin ordinarily makes the guilty fearfull and we often see that fear doth discover a bad design The Queen guessing at the cause of all this hurly-burly instantly arose and shewing the Knight Ardant a place of the wall commodious for him to get out she besought him to save himself rather then to lose his life out of too much courage Dear friend said she to him you may much better relieve me having the liberty of the fields then fettred in irons void of all power to make use of your valour against our enemies Time presseth us and forbids us any long discourse wherefore I will take my leave of you with this kisse then joyning her lips to his she speedily retired by a secret pair of stairs up to her chamber where she found Silesia neerer dead then alive with the affright of hearing the Count bouncing at the door and threatning to break it open The escape of the Knight Ardant having rendred the Queen somwhat confident she freely opened the door and seeing the Count come in attended by a number of soldiers she said to him with a countenance that testified her displeasure What is it disloiall as thou art that thou intendst to do and what means so many men at arms at this unseasonable howr when every one should be at rest If you had Madam replied he with a like confidence continued still in your virtue I should be bound to render you an account of my actions but that now being wanting in you I will not tell you the reason why in the Kings name I arest you as his prisoner being assured that your offence tels you what is the cause therof Prisoner by the Kings command said she then all amazed Oh traitor this mischief comes not but from thy villany If I would have given ear to thy base praiers I should not have received this affront but the Gods which never forsake the innocent will deliver me out of thy hands and from this unadvised King who gives so much credit to thy slâ—nderous reports I will go to prison then since it must be so but remember that chastisement alwaies followes the offence and that thy crime will not remain unpunished Saying so she was going out to take her Coach when as she espied the Knight Ardants Squire in the custody of thirty or forty souldiers who intreated him with such indignity as she could not forbear saying to the Count Base man Is this poor gentleman also guilty with me Oh heavens what injustice is this and how is it that you do not punish such enorm iniquities I would replide the Count without being any whit abashed that his master were in his room we would make him know that strangers cannot defile a Princes bed without danger but perhaps he may fall into our fingers heereafter Yes said Clairangia or els thou into his but I will not wish thee that honour for thou deservest no better an executioner then a hangman With that these speeches serving but to put the Count into further choler he presently thrust her into the Coach with Silesia the Squire and the Knight Ardants arms and so took his way to the Court not a little vexed that he carried not with him the principall piece of his busines The Giant Grandimore who was become Fulgorans true friend did not approve of this proceeding and had it not been that he was not as yet thorowly recovered of his wounds so as he was not able to wear his arms he would never have suffered the Queen to be entreated with so much cruelty but he was constrained with patience to expect the issue of this affair resolved neverthelesse either to lose his life or to defend the Knight Ardants right who on the other side was no lesse troubled For seeing himself without arms without hors and not dâ—ring to shew himself for fear of being made a prisoner he was so transported with grief at he was almost beside himself What said he all inraged and looking toward the town whither they were carrying away his mistris is it possible that I should leave my Lady unrelieved and can I be satisfied with shedding of tears in stead of spending my bloud for her service It is not possible that I should be so base My love is the cause of her misfortune my resenting it must also be the cause of her preservation I have a sword yet left me that is enough for courage cannot be wanting to me in this occasion I will break through these armed troops that convoy her and make it appear that I am more sensible of her misery
desired dispatched presently a servant of his to Bracandors kinsemen advertising them of the conditions of the combat and what day they were to be in the City for the finishing of their enterprise being so confident of the victory as he made no doubt of being revenged to the full since Fulgoran appeared not to take upon him the defence of his own honour and his Ladies who amidst the grief to see herself in captivity had no other recourse but to her tears howbeit judging it fit to give them over for to think of some means for her delivery she dispatched away Silesia with a command to seek the Knight Ardant where ever he were and to acquaint him with the resolution that was taken concerning this combat but all her labour was in vain for having emploied two daies in that search without any news of him she was ready to make her self away determining rather to die so then to return to her mistris with so little satisfaction Great Gods said she lifting up her hands can you suffer so beautifull a Queen to be lost for want of succour and what may be heerafter expected from any man when the Knight Ardant not only fails of his promise but is also wanting both to the life of his Lady and his own honour Is this the recompense of all her love and how can he excuse so great a basenes If he have not feared the hazard of his life for the relief of privat persons why doth he now refuse to employ his valour for a matter that so neerly concerns him Truly I know not what to say and am extreamly amazed to see him thus abandon us without any sense of that affection which lately was so violent in him But alas it may be he is not still in this country and so is ignorant of the resolution is taken concerning this affair wherfore I may blame him wrongfully and yet not so but I have just cause for the fear of all the tortures in the world should not have made him quit this kingdome before he knew whether his presence heer were necessary or no. He is guilty and my complaint of him not unjust but what shall I say to this afflicted Princesse Shall I carry her the certain news of her ruine by the default of her Knight Or shall I perswade her to save her life by yeelding to the desires of this Traitor that accuseth her Neither of them for so should I be either guilty of her crimes or of her punishment and be the destruction both of her honour and her life die I must then for without her I desire no happinesse in this world and declare by a generous resolution that I loved her more in my death then whilest I lived Die then Silesia and let the sacrifice of thy bloud appease the Gods and make them look upon thy mistris with an eie of pity With that she took a little knife that hung at her girdle with a purpose to sheath it in her bosome when as on the sudden she espied hard by her a maid that thus spake unto her Damsell do not persist in this furious design which you are about to execute upon your self The Gods would rather be highly displeased with the effusion of your bloud then any way reconciled to your desires by such a heady violence They are to be humbly intreated and not provoked by our desperation Leave then this course which would be to no purpose and ere long you shall meet with a Knight that will be of much use to you in your businesse He is full of curtesie and will not refuse to be a second therein touching the rest never trouble your self for the first being found a third will appear in so due time as these tears will be converted into joy This said she so suddenly left her as Silesia had not leisure to reply being very much grieved that she understood not the meaning of her speech neverthelesse taking a little better heart upon her promise she forgot the nymphs advice but went into the thickest of the wood where she had not gone far before she found a yong Knight sleeping under the shadow of certain trees He was so lovely and seemed so handsome asleep as she could not chuse but behold him with passion Oh heavens said she to her self how liberall hath nature shewed her self to this Knight if he be as brave and valiant as the nymph would make me believe I do not think that any one in the world can match him except it be Fulgoran who is nothing behind him in those perfections which I observe in him and me thinks he looks very like him or if there be any difference it is that our Knight is somewhat fairer and hath a more majesticall aspect Shall I wake him to judge a little better of his excellencies in observing the gracefulnesse of hâ—s motion that were somewhat uncivill But alas I am as it were bound to do so for besides my desire the businesse about which I am sent doth presse me unto it and doth not permit me to trifle out the time in this maner I must then interrupt him to procure mine own quiet but it must be done in such sort as I may not be taxed of incivility Wherupon retiring a little aside she began to lament so lowd that the sleeping Knight awaked and not well come to himself laced on his helmet took his sword in his hand and drew directly to the place whither the voice called him She that saw him coming in that fashion presently arose and throwing herself at his feet embraced his knees without any other speaking then by sighs which made the Knight take her up by the arm and say unto her Gentlewoman be pleased to rise and tell me if you have any occasion to use me that I may dispose my self to do you service For having taken arms for no other end I shall hold it a glory to be emploied in drawing you out of that affliction wherin you seem to be at this present Noble Knight replied she the Gods reward you for this so generous an offer I am indeed afflicted and perhaps you shall never meet with an occasion more worthy of your arms and valour then this to which you have presented your self I belong to the beautuous Queen of Romeria one of the compleatest Ladies on the earth who for slighting the affection of the most treacherous man that lives is falsly accused to have forfeited her honour and the King himself more heady then discreet hath adjudged her to the fire if some Knight do not undertake her defence See heer the first and principall cause of my grief and the next is for that I cannot find a Knight whom I have sought these two daies for I am assured that he would not fail us at our need and that with your assistance our enemies would come much short of their reckoning But if we do not meet with him we shall not find any in the
touched answered him modestly Vertuous Knight I should be very sorry to lift my sword against a person to whom I am so exceedingly obliged but if for the quiet of your conscience you desire the combat I will not refuse you These words would without question have embarked them further if they had not at that instant spied a maid come riding towards them as fast as she could drive who without other ceremony said to Fulgoran Knight Ardant take this way presently with the Prince of Canabea your Cousin and by the command of the Lady of the inchanted rock follow three damsels that are in the hands of an horrible Giant and you gentle Silvan prepare your self for an affair no lesse dangerous then that and let the fair Savagesse accompany you for she will be of much use to you therin These Ladies shall in the mean time withdraw to this house which you see heer by and my self will watch for the safety of all The earnestnes of this woman having quickly put them in readines each one took the way that was shewed him and so they seperated themselves Being gone a little way Silvan heard a noise behind him which made him turn suddenly about thinking he had been among his enemies but seeing no body save that one woman whom he had lately left he staid and said unto her Gentlewoman you follow us I perceive wheras I thought you had been otherwhere imploied is it your pleasure that I take any other way No replied she I only come to salute you from the wise Vrganda who sends you word that you should not be troubled that you are not in combatting with the Knight Ardant for that could not have been done without an irreparable losse Keep on your way till you arrive in the Parthian Empire with this beautuous Queen your presence will shortly be necessary there In the mean time I will advise the other Knight to travell no further in vain for the adventure which I told him of proceeded wholly from my own invention Saying so she turned about her horse without tarrying for any answer and went to the Knight Ardant to whom she made the like discourse informing him that her Mistris would not for some reasons which she would one day let him know suffer him to fight with Silvan and giving him no time to speak a word she left him with such speed as Fulgoran presently lost sight of her infinitly grieved for that he had not asked her his fathers name But hoping to meet her again some other time he passed on with Florimond whilest the fair Savagesse and Silvan followed their way intertaining themselves with an infinity of pleasing discourses CHAP. XIV The adventures that befell Fulgoran and Florimond of Canabea after their departure from Silvan LOve is bred by occasions and a familiar conversation doth oftentimes force our inclinations Silvan did not believe he could possibly be enthralled again by the power of any beauty whatsoever after the losse of his dearest moiety and had taken a resolution to passe the rest of his daies in the exercise of arms but he was soon taught that our designs are ineffectuall when that proud deity will not authorise them and that the will of men doth alwaies depend on his power for being ordinarily in company with the fair Savagesse who had charms sufficient to make her be beloved he could not preserve his liberty but was constrained to revive the same flames wherwith he had been so sweetly consumed before in the love of his Licina evermore sighing then and becomming much sadder then he used to be he made this Lady wonder at it it who not thinking her self to be the cause of this change one day she spake thus to him My Lord I am much amazed to see you in this humour and cannot conceive how you should be transported with your passions in so weak a maner What are these sighs good for and to what end is this silence Do you still think of the losse you have endured Hath not time as yet wrought its due effect in you And have you not obeied the advice of your reason which ought to represent unto you that tears do no good at all in any misfortune and that we are not to make use of them but only to ease nature a little cast your eie upon me I pray you and you shall see that I have more courage you have lost a lovely and beloved wife it is true neither shall I any more behold a worthy Husband such as my Lord the King of Lidia was I have then as great cause to complain as you and in me it would be more pardonable to afflict my self in regard such strong resolutions are not expected from my sex as from yours yet I restrain my tears I smother my sighs and do cary the same countenance which I did in my prosperity Imitate then this patience and give me not occasion to say that my company displeaseth you I speak both for your content and mine own for seeing you lesse disquieted then before I shall be much the merrier Alas said he casting an amorous eie upon her now I perceive you have noâ— the gift of Prophecy or that you rightly understand my grief fair Queen I do not sigh for the dead althogh my losse be ever present before me for I know well how we ought to bear an affliction and that heaven forbids an excesse in our mourning but feeling a new grief I cannot forbear venting some part of my sorrow in sighs since my discretion forbids me to do it in words howbeit I might with reason condemn my self as long as I lived and ascribe all my misery to my own cowardise if the way to my preservation be opened I should not passe on for fear of meeting with thorns in it Madam I must unlock my bosom to you since your self hath given me the occasion to do it I have not been able to refuse that to your beauty which all the men in the world do render it and my grief proceeds from my not daring to hope that you will receive me in to your service for knowing that such an ambition becomes none but the prime Knights of the earth I have alwaies feared to beg that grace of you My ill humour doth not please you it is in your power to change it my sighs and tears are troublesome to you you may quickly stop the currant of them and if you have no lesse pity then you have attracting charms you will presently command me to live at more quiet heerafter by telling me that I shall not love ungratefully This fair Amazon that was not infensible of Loves power considering the merits the perfections and the birth of this Knight who had made no difficulty to expose himself to danger for her succour that she could hardly passe the rest of her daies in widowhood and that she knew not where to find a man more agreeable to her humour or better suited
any Knight to passe without trying this adventure Now you know the losse that I have endured and the onely cause of my tears in regard whereof I demand some Knight who by punishing this offence may make me as joyfull as now you see me afflicted Your desire said Spheramond appears to me so just as I will gladly do you service in it if you will but give me time to take my arms Certainly it seems my Lord said Russian then that you intend to have all the glory of the world to your self alone Have you not honour enough already Or will a petty adventure adde any wâ—it to the praises that are now given you Not at all your name doth sufficiently fliâ— abroad iâ— every mans mouth noâ— is there any need that you should labour to purchase more fame Leave I beseech you the care of this affair to me and permit me to seek occasions to imitate your vertue You shall do as you will said Spheramond nor will I ever oppose so brave an ambition Go then when you please but remember to return I pray you and not suffering your self to be carried away with any new fansie think that ere long we shall have occasion to imploy you Be assured said Russian extreamly glad with the leave he had gotten I will not but upon necessity go far and that our enemies shall see me the first in the field with that doing reverence to all those Princes he leaped on horsback and left them all much grieved at his departure For remembring a number of surprises wherewith they had been otherwhiles caught themselves they with reason feared he might be carried somewhither where the danger might be greater then to incounter one Knight alone Neverthelesse retaining the same greatnesse of courage which they ever carried in all their actions they made no shew of any sadnesse but committing the care of his good fortune to heaven they setled themselves to behold the justs where Tristor shewed so much valour as he was commended of all men In the mean time Russian meditating more of his new passion which he felt for the fair Agriclea then of the affair wherein he waâ— imployed â—ravelled with some discontent to the Damsell who not approving that silence of his as if it had testified a kinde of faintnesse in him she thâ—â— said I will not condemn your humour before I know you better but I would gladly understand the occasion of your sadnesse to the end I might serve you with as much freenesse as you have shewed courage iâ— undertaking the revenge of my wrong You must impute it to time answered he which doth not give us leave to be alwayes of one temper and not to any ill disposition of nature It is a fault I confesse for you have enough to divert a troubled mind but I shall desire you not to be offended with it since I fail not out of malice and that I am ready to make aamends for my errour It was not to constrain your actions that I set this discourse on foot replied he but knowing that the withdrawing one from melancholy thoughts doth many times oblige a man I took the boldnesse to call you that you might do better to be merry then thus to lose your selfe in such cogitations Riding on then in this sort they past away the day with many pleasing discourses and the night in a sound sleep though they had no other covering then the trees But the Sun having waked them they pursued their former way and travelled till noon when as they came to the tree where the Damsell hoped to finde her gallant and to make him give an account of the Armes that he had taken from her howbeit she was extreamly amazed when she saw neither the sword nor the helmet hanging on the boughes I am most certain said she looking Russian in the face that my griefe as great as it was did not take my understanding from me and that this tree is the witnesse of the wrong which the robber did me of whom I now complain as well as of the oathes which he swore to tarry eight dayes for me here No I am not mistaken for see where the grasse is pressed down with the weight of his body This is the bough whereon that pretious sword hung and these the same stones upon which he sate down to try if the helmet would fit his head yet I wonder he should be gone considering how he boasted of his valour neverthâ—lesse to speak truth I have no great reason to think it strange for could I hope that a thiefe would stand upon respect of honor and that he would prize his faith above his profit people of that metall use to promise any thing and perpetually fail he is gotten away to hide his booty and keeping out of my sight beleeves that he shall never be forced to restore it again But I am resolved either to lose my selfe or to be revenged wherefore if you please let us go on and seke him so long till we heare some newes of him I am ready said Russian to do as you shall command me since your enemy is not heer let us go and learn what is become of him Being about then to depart they spied a Dwarse so little that the grasse whereon he lay covered half of his body It may be said the Damsell laughing that we may have some notice here of what we seek let us enquire sir of this little ugly fellow what is become of the Knight As I live said the Dwarf rising up in haste I would not so much as open my mouth to give you the satisfactâ—on you desire did not the worth of this Knight perswade me to it as much as your injuries disswade me from it wherupon turning to Russian Knight said he will you command me any service I desire answered Russian that you would be pleased to tell us where we are and if you have seen any Knight under this tree You are said the Dwars in the Kingdome of Macedon this Oke is called the tree of adventure because that ordinarily here falls out one novelty or other and the Knight after whom you enquire is this morning gone away at the request of a damsell who hath carried him to the guard of the castle of Love from hence I am said Russian satisfied in few words but my friend you may adde one greater obligation yet to that wherein I stand already indebted unto you by giving me information of the Castle you speake of I would replied he if it were in my power to satisfie you but truly sir my curiosity did never stretch so far onely my opinion is that it is called the Castle of Love because there is to be seen in an inchanted room there that proud Deity which triumphs over the hearts of lovers seated upon a throne of Marble at the end whereof are two Arches whereinto no living man could ever yet enter Now if you be not contented herewith and
a Shepherd which within these few dayes he hath assumed though with a purpose far different from mine for I wear it to exempt my self from the câ—res of the world and to seek for pleasures in these woods and he without doubt to make me beleeve that he loved me in this change of condition as that of his affection made me hold him inconstant and perfidious He was worthy of my love I do confesse for his fault shall not keep me from giving him his deserved commendations but his light and sickle humour hath made him incapable of so good a fortune He saw me and finding as he pretended charms in my eyes came to present his service to me with so good a grace that from that time forth it was impossible for me to approve of the resolution I had taken never to love again for fear of being once more in the danger of the misfortune which had made me complain so long howbeit good manners obliging me not to accept him at the first tender of himself nor my affection permitting me to reject him with too much rigour I made him an ordinary answer which yet might let him perceive that I had no inclination to neglect his good will To what end should I spin out my discourse with delivering the particulars of the beginning of our passions Our love did so increase that every body held our marriage for concluded and that it would be consummated as soon as the yeer was expired which the modesty of the world allows to the mourning for the dead and indeed I had resolved upon it â—â—s I told you but now had not his inconstancie put him by that fortune The faithlesse man seeing among the Ladies which my quality had made my friends and that often bestowed visits upon me a maid called Cloria beautifull indeed and of parts to make the most insensible feel the power of love could not refuse to yeeld her that which she was able to command from all those that looked on her and did in such sort become her slâ—ve as he scarce remembered that ever he had sighed for me If he came into my company it was with a ceremonious respectivenesse now he no longer besought me to quench that fire which I had â—indled in his soul his lips where unto he was wont to rivet me did no more meet with mine our looks no more incountered together I was no more acquainted with his minde though I did clearly let him see what was in my heart In brief his discourses being of a strain clean diffrent from what they had been before made me suspect not any ill in him for I was too full of love to think him a villain but that some mishâ—p had caused this change What â—il you Filismond said I to him and why do you appear so cold Hath any man told you tales to the prejudice of the good opinion which you had of me Or do you not think me as beautifull as for these three moneths past you have done If it be repentance that you have loved me which doth trouble you and that you hold me unworthy of your affâ—ction you are yet in your own power to make a fair retreat for I will never force your humour but rather do my best for your content nor will I be displeased with the liberty you shall take to ingage you other where so as the cause thereof may excuse this mutability in you Now if you have heard any mis-report in me give me leave to clear your minde of any doubts may be in it and I make no question but you shall finde me without â—aint or shame for any fault I have committed I should wrong my judgement as well as all theirs that know you answored he if I should think you other then discreet that is not the cause Orâ—stea of this change in me no more then my being sorry for that I have loved you for you deserve to be served by a more accomplished and eminent man then my self but I must accuse mine own weaknesse and by confessing my fault lâ—bour to obtain your parcton I love but alas it is not you 〈◊〉 posseâ—â—es me with an absolute power and that Deity which disposeth of our affections is not pleased that I shall have any content in this world but in enjoying her Iudge I beseech you what my misfortune is that cannot move but by the impulsion of another and that am constrained to crave favours of Cloria by your mediation Verily I blush for shame and know well that it were better for me to seek them in your imbraces but I have not power to dispose of my self and can think of nothing more conducing to my happinesse then your assistance which you promise me But alas I fear you are not so minded My promises are inviolable answered I without any shew of discontent for his bâ—sâ—nâ—sse and it may be Filismond Cloria will love you sooner at my intreaty then for your services wherefore I will go presently to her to begin the making good of my word Gâ—ing out thâ—n exceeding full of grief I went to Cloria unto whom I discovered the desires of my waverer praying her to have respect to his meâ—iâ— and to the advantage that his affection might bring her This discourse of mine sâ—emed a fiction to her at first for she was not ignorant with what passion Filismond had wooed me but seeing that I spake seriously and withall found some other pretences for cause of our separation she answered me that time and my advice should resolve her of this businesse and that in the mean while she would entertain Filismond at my request This good news I delivered to my Turn-coat and though displeasâ—d with the office the next moâ—nâ—ing carried him to his new Mist is to whom and in my presence he made the same protestation of love that at other times I had received of him O ye Gods said I when I heard him What traitours are men and what fools are we to give any credit to their promises Hark if these be not the very same speeches that Filismond hath used a thousand times to me all which the wind hath blown away as without doubt another puffe will do these he swears only that he may be perjured whereof I am to make my benefit grow wise with my losse never trust any but my self and draw my fuâ—ure content out of the knowledge of Filismonds treacherie Entertaining my self in this fashion whilst these lovers were laying the first foundations of their affâ—ctions the day insensibly slipt away and night comming on made me return home in a strange distâ—mper for not to dissemble all my resolutions could not keep me from wishing that these new fansies had never come into Filismonds Head but being as then fuller of despâ—ght then love I determined to live no more in the wâ—rld since the lives of those of quality were subject to so many mutations and from hence orth onely to frequent the
Dwarf made to shew his agility Prigmaleon returned to his thoughts where we will leave him to follow the course of our History CHAP. XXXIX A Damsell arrives at Constantinople with the head of the great Marandâ—r slain by the Knight of the Savage EVery one seeking diversions from their cares the Court seemed not to ressent the absence of the Princes that were inchanted because they hoped to see them delivered ere it were long When as there came into the Hall a Damsell reasonably handsome carrying in her hand the head of a Giant who beholding the company a good while with wonder to see Knights of so brave a presence and Ladies of such beauty enquired very modestly which was the Emperour of the Parthians Gentlewoman answered Russian to whom she then spake he hath been absent from hence some few dayes but if your affairs cannot permit you to attend his return and that you stand in need of his aid I will willingly supply his place and with a free heart do you service I am said she much bound to your curtesie but God be thanked I have heer in my hand an occasion of rejoycing rather then of complaining nor am I come hither to crave the help of any whatsoever but to present to that Excellent Emperour the head of the greatest enemy he had brought to this passe by the incomparable valour of a Knight that bears a wilde man in his shield whom I may justly vaunt to be one of the valiantest men upon the earth and the Phoenix of those that this day bear arms This Knight meeting with me in the confines of Macedon could not passe by me without enquiring after the cause of some tears which he saw me shed I freely told him that the villany of a Giant who had ravished me did wring them from me and that I was going to Constantinople to crave reparation of that wrong knowing well that the Princes of Greece did never refuse their assistance to Ladies in distresse and that particularly I intended to addresse my self to the Emperor Spheramond both for that he holds the reputation of surpassing all Knights of this age and that the Giant had told me how all the villanies which he then committed were done by him in some sort to revenge the death of another Giant whom the Emperour had slain when as a Knight errant he followed adventures abroad in the world Without doubt then answered this courtâ—ous Knight you could not make your revenge more certain then by referring it to the hands of that brave Prince who hath with all reason acquired those praises which the woâ—ld doth give him But if you be pleased to make use of me I shall most willingly imploy my self in your service It is a long journey from hence to Constantinople your enemy may finde occasion to get him further off you will take a great deal of pains in vain and not be satisfied in your desire On the other side I do passionately long to demonstrate unto that valorous Prince how I do love his vertue as much as other men do honour his birth and that I will labour so long as I live to ruine his enemies To what end should I trouble you with our discourse This gentlenesse of his so wrought upon me that after I had thorowly considered him and judged him fit for any great attempt I carriâ—d him straight to the Giants Castle where to be short he did wonders For not satisfied with laying that foul masse of flesh on the earth in a very dangerous combat he defeated thirty or forty Knights who were seldome out of that Robbers company it was to me an unspeakable delight to see some arms flie to the ground some men cut asunder in the midst others cloven to the girdle the boldest of them stoutly scattered and the gallantry of this Knight did so please me that if I had not acquainted him with the misfortune that by the Giant had befallen me I had endeavoured to make him love me but feating to be slighted I passed from love to the resentment of his good will vowing to serve him upon all occasions and to that end intreated him to lay some command upon me I would not have you said he give me so many thanks for a thing whereunto I was bound by the laws of Chivalrie but since you will needs oblige me take the head of your enemy and for a further satisfaction of your minde carry it to Constantinople present it to that warlike Prince and render your grief the lesse by publishing the revenge you have had for it I shall with a good will replied I undertake that journey but then Sir will you be pleased to tell me who you are to the end I may know to whom I am so infinitely indebted See heer my name in my shield said he shewing a Savage pourtrayed thereupon for a more perfect knowledge of me at this present I may not give Follow on your way whilst I go some other where to seek occasion of imploying my arms with that not thinking it convenient to be troublesome I took the head of Marandor for so was the Giant named and began my journey to this place where I am arrived with grief for that I finde not the Emperour of the Parthians to give him an account of this brave Knight but if you please I will leave it in your charge to do it upon condition that I shall at any time be ready to deserve it of you in all possibly I may Whereupon she laid the head of Marandor on the floor and making a very humble reverence immediatly departed leaving all the Princes extreamly desirous to know this so valiant and brave new Knight Whilst they were all commending the valour of the Knight of the Savage Russian who still had Agriclea in his memory could not be at rest and would certainly have been gone had it not been for the desire he had to see his father and his kinsfolks at liberty but that respect prevailing with him he passed the most part of his dayes unquietly enough contrarily Prigmaleon who interpreting Polixena's answer to his advantage felt so many delights amidst his pain that he blessed love every minute being pleased with the change of his condition as the cause of all his felicity If he walked in the woods or gardens it was not with any purpose to complaine but to entertain himselfe with the contemplation of his good forâ—une and to grave the names of Polixena and himselfe on the barkes of trees his actions were altogether amorous And if he suffered any thing at all her sole impatience was the cause thereof howbeit hoping that time would bring him remedy he gently supported the violence of his desires Pleasing himself then in this fashion with the entertainmen of his owne thoughts and sometimes in the remembrance of his Lady the time slipt so sweetly away that they were insensibly come to the Eve of these Princes enfranchisement whereof I will relate
risen with the Sun marvelled very much that they could not see Clarisel and purposed to go and wake him thinking that he was yet in his bed but Cassandra arriving thereupon told them that he had imbarked himself with a strange Gentlewoman for to assist her in an important affair whereat doubtlesse Rozalmond had been discontented but that he considered it was not without great cause he was carried away by so extraordinary an adventure so tha shewing himself not much sensible of it he fell into talk with Cassandra and Silverin till it was dinner time which was no sooner done but they landed hard by Constantinople with no small content CHAP. VIII Rozalmond and Silverin being in the Empire of Greece combat with the valiant Knight of the Savage and Griolanis they are parted by â—our Princes of Greece the quarrell that grew between them by the cunning of a Damsell and the end of the dangerous fight which was betwixt these eight incomparable warriors ROzalmond who sought not the praise of men and that ascribed all the glory of his actions onely to vertue perceiving that he was in the Empire of Greece turned him to Cassandra and said unto her Madam I much desire not to be discovered here untill my valour have rendred me worthy of my birth but how is that likely to be seeing the arms I wear which are the best in the world will presently be known by all that saw me depart with them from the Court I would therefore intreat you as an addition to your other favours to go and buy me some others where you think they may be had otherwise I am resolved to seek my fortune elsewhere because I will not be constrained by the importunity and intreaties of my friends to make any longer abode here I knew very well answered she that you would request this of me which made me to take order for it aforehand and I marvell how all the while that you were aboard you never observed an armour which the wise Alcander hath provided for you whereupon returning with him into the ship she shewed him certain arms hanging on a pin the fairest and the richest that ever he had seen they were â—zure all covered over with white roses raised up with small strings of gold whose ends made an A. and an R. so neatly interlaced that he stood a good while admiring the workmanship of them imagining and that rightly that those were the first letters of his fair Armazia's and his own names but having an extream desire to see them on he doft those which first belonged to Meridian and afterwards to the Knight of the Sun and immediatly put on them greatly marvelling to finde them so exceeding light and fit for him as if he had but a dublet on I should never hazard my self in any combat with these arms said he to Cassandra if any other saving your self had given them to me but wholly relying upon your judgement I will make no scruple to use them and will beleeve that the temper will supply the defect of the matter Your safety said she is dearer to me then that I should be any way carelesse of it and if these arms be light it is to accommodate you the better in fight you shall know the goodnesse of them ere it be long in the mean while you must remember that a valiant man is to apply himself to the time not to yeeld to any labour and to take all things in good part I speak this to you because we are to part one from another immediatly for I am to bestow my self in an affair that tends very much to the good of your house but before I go I will advise you by no means to be afflicted for your absence from the beautiful Armazia time and your loialty wil give you those felicities which is expected by a vertuous love At these words Rozalmond found himself close by Silverin who attended him on the shore very much marvelling that he could neither see the ship of the Sun nor any body living but two dwarfs that held a couple of brave strong horses upon which Silverin and he presently mounted taking the first way they met withall which brought them in lesse then an hour into a goodly forrest where on the fudden they met with a Damsell and two Knights one of them carried a Savage on his shield and the other a Moore in chains whereby you may easily guesse them to be the renowned Knight of the Savage and Don Griolanis called the fair Knight who came from the justs at Constantinople as you heard in the last Chapter of the precedent Book and had by chance incountered a Damsell unto whom Griolanis spake thus It grieves me not a little that I cannot satisfie your desire but Gentlewoman you must blame your self for it who require a thing which is not in my power Your excuses are to no purpose answered she and all the reasons of the world shall not release you from your promises follow me then to perform my pleasure otherwise I will endeavour to deprive you of your life and will request your head of these Knights that are coming heer By heaven answered he they are not able to give it you and if it were as easie for me to content you as to defend my self from them I should soon be delivered from a great importunity You are a little rash said the good Knight of the Roses so we will call Rozalmond heerafter for it seems that after you have failed in your promise to this Damsell you will also defie us upon that quarrell I do not willingly undertake a combat without knowing whether it be just or no but if this Gentlewoman intreats me you shall see it had been better for you to have used gentler language for you shall either die for it or satisfie her in what she desires of you Who are you said Grian the Savage then in scornfull manner Who are you that kills men so fast I am answered Rozalmond netled with this disdainfull speech of his I am a Knight can do more then I say That will I know by experience said Grian when as turning their horses about they encountered one another so bravely that each of them thought he had run against a rock finding themselves both with great amazement on the ground for Rozalmond and Grian not being used to such falls could hardly be perswaded they were unhorsed howbeit seeing themselves lie all along they instantly arose and carried with an unaccustomed fury they discharged two such blows with their swords each on the other that both of them bâ—nded their knees even ready to tumble down had they not been supported by shame but presently recovering themselves they began to assail one another so fiercely that either of them wondered at his enemies force their blades being alwayes in continuall motion and guided still by a like rage This while Silverin and Griolanis combatted with no lesse courage and addresse sometimes
would it were as easie for me to obtain some part in the good grace of Miralinda as to throw thee nevertheles I will not wrastle with thee but upon condition that the weakest shall yeeld his pretensions to the victor I am content said Celidon so was this shepherd named and I wish that the meads may want pasture for my â—â—ocks if I do not make these fair shâ—pherdesses laugh at thy cost Then seazing on Clarisel he gave him two or three rough twitches which made him give back a step but Clarisel taking good hold on the wings of his dublet flung him all along on the ground and gave him such a cruell fall that every one thought he had been dead whereupon the other shepherd of whom we have spoken before ran instantly to succour him howbeit Celidon being risen with pain told him that he felt no hurt and that in regard he was not fallen but by accident he was not resolved to quit Miralinda whom he would make judge of their difference but she laughed so heartily that she could not utter a word at length seeing her self constrained to speak she agreed them so that each of them should remain in his hopes After that time Clarisel was ordinarily present in the places where Miralinda fed her flock sometimes alone somtimes with a number of shepherds who oftentimes accorded their rebocks and hoboys together for to make the length of the daies seem lesse tedious to this shepherdesse who loving none but the handsome shepherd so Clarisel was called cared only for his conversation and avoided as much as she could the rest to the end she might not be importuned by their usuall complaints so that if she were obliged by the way of civility to see them it was very coldly being unwilling to give her Clarisel any cause of suspition who in the mean while graved upon the bark of all the trees under whose shadows they met the name of his beautifull shepherdesse little regarding the solicitations of his rivals as unworthy of his jealousie Having past some time in this maner alwaies accompanying Miralinda at the fountains at the rivers side in the woods and in the meadows oftentimes taking the care of grazing her flocks every one perceived that Clarisel was beloved of this cruell one before inexorable to any shepheard whatsoever so that jealousie putting them often into choler some new match at wrastling was every day seen wherein Clarisel shewed himself so accomplished that all the Country gave way unto him each one judging him worthy of the fortune he enjoied Cesander only excepted who openly declared himself his enemy sought all maner of occasions to annoy him and delivered a thousand lies to Miralinda thinking to divert her from loving him but she very well knowing whereunto it tended and the fidelity of Clarisel would give no ear to him and daily made demonstration of some new passion for her shepherd which so vexed Cesander that he resolved to run into the uttermost of extreams as you shall see by and by CHAP. XIV The fair Miralinda is carried away forcibly the admirable deeds of Arms done by Clarisel for her rescue THese two Lovers conversing with a great deal of freedome and love lead a most happy life their pleasures were without care and they never troubled themselves with any thing more then to let both God and man be witnesses of the sincerity of their thoughts only the violence of our shepherds desires who would willingly in a more sovereign manner have possessed his shepherdesse interposed some unquietnes amidst his content but the hope to see himself one day in the port of so much felicity made him suffer with patience complaining then but lightly all his discourse was of new assurances of his love or of praiers that God would divert from his shepherdesse the misfortunes which ordinarily follow men and verily I am perswaded that these vows so often sent to heaven were the means to make him foresee in a dream the storm which threatned both his love and his life that so he might prevent the effect therof in despite of fortune which never giveth sweets without some sowr This amorous shepherd driving his â—â—ock one morning to their pasture went with a sadder look then he was wont and was so carried away by certain visions which he had had the night before as he never perceived Miralinda who staied for him under the Elms for to do him all the noble favors their fair affection would permit her but perceiving him walk very melancholy his hat over his eies and using some action with his hands as if he had been transported with anger she was at first much troubled in that she could not imagin the cause of his discontent and began to fear lest some misreport of her had displeased him nevertheles being confident of her own innocence and not able any longer to suffer him in this posture she presently made towards him and taking him by the hand said unto him What mean these fancies my shepherd whence comes this indisposition and why do you passe by without bidding me good morrow have you lesse love then you had yesterday am I lesse fair more unpleasing then I was used to be or have you observed any thing in my carriage that is distastfull to you No my dearest shepherdesse answered he I have no cause for to complain of you alike is your beauty and the sence of my passions which are no whit lesse to day then they were before but you know that time and accidents do not alwaies leave us in case to laugh or complain You will say that our content should not be subject therunto and that our love may exempt us from a million of miseries as an assured port from the surges of a troubled sea my sweetest shepherdesse it is true but can we triumph without labors Questionles we cannot and the best affections are most subject to crosses That which afflicts me I will not conceal it from you is a dream which I had the last night very ominous in my judgementâ— and that hath reduced me to the passe wherein you have seen me although I know very well that no regard is to be had to such frivolous things which oftentimes arise from the weaknes of our brain yet I will not slight it but take it as an advice from heaven that it may be lets me foresee a mischief to decline it I dreamt then an howr before day that I saw six Lions come into these plains who tearing your cloths in a thousand peeces dragd you up and down the wood without any fear of the noise and cries the shepherds of this Country made that they were gotten into a den for to have fed on your body but that a great Bear defended you and that I comming in to his aid drew you out of their paws judge now whether I have not reason to fear some mishap in your person and whether I can live contented after these
and that peradventure is still in fight with one of these raskals Saying so he led his horse with one hand and held Miralinda by the other when they perceived the Knight of whom they spake come towards them as fast as he could drive but as soon as he discerned them he presently stopt and alighting embraced Don Clarisel to whom he said My Lord I was making all the haste I could to your succor but I see you had no need of my sword Truly said Clarisel not knowing him I am more obliged to you then you think for and you shall do me a singular pleasure to make use of me and freely to tell me your name Do you not know Alcidas then said the Knight O me said Clarisel how forgetfull am I These arms I saw at your house but I was before in such a rage and am now so full of joy that I had then no desire but to be revenged nor at this present have any will but to render thanks unto God for my good successe which was the reason why I knew you no sooner I but I did your Miralinda said Alcidas for seeing her in the power of these Knights and hearing her crie out I fell in amongst them to rescue her being assured that I should oblige you in her assistance but without your arrivall we had both been lost Let us speak no more of this misfortune since we have avoided it said Clarisel and tell me whether we may find any lodging heerabout night is at hand and I am sensible already of the incommodity this shepherdesse would receive should she lie abroad I am not able to assure you any said Alcidas only let us keep this way perchance it will bring us ere long to some village then Clarisel having taken up Miralinda behind him Alcidas rode along with them and was musing on this treacherous plot when as a Knight came against him as hard as he could run and incountred him so furiously that he cast him out of his saddle to the ground passing on as if he had been carried by lightning By my life said Alcidas being much abashed to see himself overthrown in that maner you have taken me at unawares but if I live I le crie quittance with you whereupon having desired Clarisel not to be displeased with his departure he rode after this discurteous Knight and left the Lovers in the midst of the wood who unable to find any way by reason of the darknes of the night they went aside and alighting under a tree they resolved to rest there till day CHAP. XV. The passions of Clarisel finding himself alone with his shepherdesse Alcidamant is made Knight CLarisel seeing himself alone with his shepherdesse was so contented that he never felt the discommodity of hunger and his hard lodging but men are never void of crosses his desires made war with him and labouring to have as much respect as love he found his pain to be every way equall unto the pleasure which he had to find himself beloved his words were so many assurances of his affection his thoughts so many wishes that Love would afford him some assistance all his actions assured proofs of a violent passion he took the delicate hands of his shepherdesse carried them often to his lips sometimes bathed them with tears sighed incessantly and then by a deep silence testified that his soul was opprest with great unquietnes fain he would have complained but he durst not fear contained his tongue and when he would have opened his heart he was restrained by the consideration that he was not to be importunate Miralinda whose affection was innocent guessing by his carriage that he suffered much was perswaded that he had received some wound which he would not discover for grieving her insomuch that she was afraid and desiring to know the truth she said unto him Why do you weep my Shepherd whence grow these sighs and what means this silence are you hurt and do your wounds pain you Alas said he beautious Shepherdesse now you inforce me I was resolved to have suffered silently but since you will understand the cause of my griefe I will not refuse you the knowledge of it to the end I may not accuse my cowardise for my suffering I consider the misery whereunto I am reduced in that I dare not tell you how it is time that you should recompense my services the place favours my thoughts but my feare to offend you will not permit me to reveal them I love passionately you doubt not of it I assure my self your beauty gives me violent passions I am in continuall torment I feel a million of flames which consume me yet I endure and do not so much as open my mouth and hitherto I never gave you any cause to complain of my actions But it is time I my Shepherdesse it is time to be more hardy and I should think my self miserable if I should overslip this opportunity without knowing how far your love extends We are in a wood barred from all eies that may disclose our secrets this darknesse will warrant our delights my faith will make them lawfull you will free me from a perpetuall fear that another more happy then my self may one day possesse you you will oblige me to live contented and this way I shall assure you the greatnesse which is due to your merit do not suffer me my dearest Shepherdesse to languish any longer keep me from dying with grief at your being insensible of my endurings give your self wholly to me as I protest again before God to be onely yours and never to have other wife let us take hold of occasion that is bald and which seldom offers it self twice give not your self time to accuse your fear nor me cause to complain of you and now calling to minde the integrity of all my passed actions draw from thence an infallible conclusion that I love you sincerely and that you shall not be deceived this is the way to assure our happinesse all your future content depends on your discretion which ought to accomodate you to the time think on it my Shepherdesse and lose not yourself with light considerations which are never well accepted of amongst lovers I am now in a state to receive grace said he kneeling down conâ—er it on me I beleech you and be perswaded that my death is tied to your deniall Miralinda observing him thus disposed was exceedingly troubled her affection made her think his impatience just would have her consent to his imbraces and counselled her to give up her self to him upon assurance of these promises but then her honor represented unto her how she was to love otherwise if she meant not to give this Prince just cause to despise her another day when he should finde her so facile resting then on this resolution she answered him Ah Sir do you make more account of your pleasure then my reputation and do not you consider that I
shield to it and for the most part avoided it with such agility as he gave most of his blows in vain wheras his never fell but to purpose so that having cut Narsanders shield in an hundred peeces he drew bloud from him in I know not how many places Having then a quick eie a confident judgement a strong arm and a resolute courage his addresse gave marvellous contentment to the people who beholding his youth prophecied that in time he would prove one of the most accomplished Knights of the world Narsander almost in despair to see himself reduced into so ill a plight and cursing his spirits for neglecting to advertise him of the force of this Knight verily beleeved that the justice of heaven was armed for to punish his wickednes nevertheles hoping yet to prevail he took his sword in both his hands and therwith struck Alcidamant so dangerously on the helmet that he made him knock his chin against his breast almost despairing of his sences and without doubt if he had quickly redoubled upon him he had been in perill but the Knight having time to resettle and come again to himself grew so furious that Narsander was exceedingly troubled with the apprehension of a most horrible blow which lighting on his head overthrew him in the place without moving either hand or foot wherewithall the Knight not being satisfied was going to disarm him for to take his head from his shoulders when as the Iudges declaring Melania to be innocent desired him to save his life So wicked a creature as this is answered he deserves no favour howbeit deliver this gentlewoman into the hands of her friends with the ceremonies requisit in such a case and then at your request I will spare him Heereupon they caused Melania to be conducted to the house where her friends were assembled into the which she was no sooner entred but she was presently restored to her former understanding free from the charms of her Unkle who being come to himself would not suffer his wounds though very dangerous to be looked unto the grief to see himself vanquished making him desire rather to die then to live CHAP. XVIII The loves of Alcidamant and Melania WHilest the people talked of the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and that Narsander infinitely enraged vowed to revenge his disgrace Melania suffered her self to be carried with the perfections which she found in her Knight his person was a wonder to her eie she admired such unmatchable force in an age so tender a matute and setled judgement in this youth an extraordinary prudence in his actions and briefly observing nothing in him that was not capable of love she felt the violence of certain desires that touched her to the quick and that seemed even to enform her to discover her thoughts unto him nevertheles retained by shame she resolved to suffer with silence and in the mean time to let him see that she loved him Emploied then whatsoever she had of charm and attraction in her and all the art that maidens use for the captivity of men she indevoured to gain and possesse him but there needed no great labour to bring her designs to passe for Alcidamant being naturally amorous seeing so beautifull a creature and occasion so favorable said unto her one day as they were walking alone under the trees of a fair and pleasant orchyard Madam I did not think that my ruine should have been drawn out of your preservation and that your deliverance should have been the cause of my thraldome but now I perceive to my grief that I have not freed you but to suffer the more my self unles you be as sensible of my pain as I was of your misfortune I do not know answered she exceedingly contented to hear him upon those terms which she so much desired what cause you have to complain of me for I have laboured to serve you and by all waies sought to give you that which your assistance hath deserved but if what I have done doth not suffice Sir you may dispose of all that is mine and there is nothing in my power that I do not most willingly make you the Master of that so at least I may not rest unthankfull And if so be this house be distastfull to you as indeed it is not very pleasing I am to be excused in regard I have not staid you heer but only to shew you how desirous I am to give you some entertainment befitting your merit Alas said he that is not the cause of my complaint for these pleasant walks these delicate gardens curious water works stately buildings and even this very orchard wherein we are set with a multitude of excellent trees might give content to the saddest disposition that could be much more to me that can never be enough satisfied of them but I will explane my self seeing it is your pleasure I said that I did not think my ruine would have been drawn out of your preservation Ah Madam will you not soon understand the meaning of these words when I shall tell you that your beauty hath left me nothing free but the will to do you service and a desire to enjoy you Yes and will think I have reason to complain if you should leave me in distresse from whence I have delivered you I did not know my power till now answered she with a smile nor could ever imagine that my eies had been of more force then the fury of the bravest Knights of the earth neither did I think of bringing any remedy to your disease because I was not acquainted with the cause but now that I am assured of it I will take time to resolve my self and let you see that I cannot be ingratefull You shall never meet with better opportunity to make me happy said Alcidamant and this place free as I conceive from all danger of discovery may invite you not to let me languâ—sh any longer Look now replied Melania how your impatience would wrong us would you have the Sun be a witnesse of my dishonour or would you have me espie some one peeping on us in the midst of our pleasures which could never taste well accompanied with such fear We will finde a more seasonable time and safer place till when I shall intreat you to rest contented with this assurance that I am won to your desire and withall that you will give me the satisfaction to look more merrily upon me Why this said he kissing her hand is as much as I can wish whereof I were most unworthy if my looks hereafter do not give you the content you require onely be mindfull of me and make the way to my felicity as short as possibly may be You shall not complain of me answered she and I shall hold my self most happy in your affection provided you be constant and do not forsake me to sigh for another Sigh for another said he Ah Madam never fear that for I have not the power so to
complaints and their tears moved him to such pity that immediatly he alighted and with his sword in his hand entred into the Castle not by the gate of the fosses for he had been made acquainted with the deceit but by a wicket which was on the left hand his arrivall was encountred with thirty armed men who prepared to assault him altogether but he quickly made them know that he was incapable of fear for he couragiously prevents them and beginning the bickering himself he lais fowr of them at his feet with the fowr first blows he gave which had terrified the rest had they not been restrained by shame in regard of their number They charged him then with more fury then before but he fought with so much force and courage that to make short seven and twenty of them past by the edge of his sword and the other three were in case not to survive their companions long when as a damsell let loose two furious and very dreadfull Serpents whereof if you please you shall see both the greatnes and the form having brought hither the skins of them stuft with straw These monsters being at liberty ran up and down the court and finding these rascals flying from their enemies sword tore them presently in pieces freeing the Knight from all further care of them but he had little time to breath for one of these horrible beasts set upon him whilest the other was devouring those he had killed and was ready to have swallowed him alive had he not shifted his incounter slipping then aside he let him passe by and upon his turning about thrust his sword into his flank which put him into such a rage that with a blow of his tail ten foot long the Knight was overthrown to the ground from whence quickly arising he sheathed his sword again in his belly and laid him stark dead on the earth This lucky blow having augmented his courage he intreated the other in such sort that within an howr he left him in the like case His desire to see the end of this adventure not permitting him to rest long he went up a pair of stairs entred into a Hall where seven furious Savages presented themselves and charged him so strongly that he was somewhat amazed with the violence of the blows which with their clubs they laid upon him nevertheles he was quit with them and at length with incredible pain he kild them all night arriving thereupon gave him good cause to fear had he been capable of it but confident in dangers he leaned upon his sword untill such time as he beheld six damsels appear who turning suddenly into so many hideous fantosms charged him with torches which they held in their hands making him suffer exceedingly with extreamity of heat in his armour being much troubled in defending himself from these spirits he espied a very dreadfull Giant come out of the next chamber with whom he had a dangerous combat wherein his sword breaking through the violence of a blow which had laid the Giant on the floor he entred the chamber and beholding a sword the best and richest that ever was in the breast of a yong gentleman enchanted on a tomb lais presently hold of it draws it out very easily and returning to his enemy was about to have taken his head from his shoulders when as the gentleman of whom I spake but now being freed from his enchantment came and with intreaty obtained his life upon condition that all the prisoners should be set liberty we were then brought out of the dungeons to the number of threescore all destined for food to those serpents and as we had leave given us to dispose of our selves at our pleasure we saw fowr brave Knights brought forth of another prison the first of which was your grandchilde Lucibel of France the second Persides nephew to the renowned Emperour of the Persians the third Russian of Media and the last Prigmaleon Prince of Aethiopia who the same day were entrapped by means of the fosses whereof I spake before These are the good news which I said but now would bring so much joy to this Court but this is not all the fruit of the labours of the most valiant Knight of the Palms so is that great warrior named who was the author of our preservation for it was known by the means of a damsell enchantresse that the young inchanted Gentleman was called Amadis of Trebisond son to the famous Amadis of Greece and Niquea and your brother excellent Queen in which regard your son and his companions made wonderfull much of him and accompanied him in the ceremonies that were performed in conferring the order of Knighthood upon him which he received from the invincible Knight of the Palms Persides gave him his sword Lucibel his helmet and Russian and Prigmaleon the rest of his arms Being knighted in this sort and all rejoycing with him and talking of the happy successe of this adventure they saw a chariot descend out of the clouds drawn by four Griffons whereinto the damsell enchantresse entred with Amadis and mounting into the air said that his acts should begin in the Empire of Martaria a Countrey unknown it seems to all that live heer His departure having altered the resolution of these young Princes they armed themselves mounted on horsback and went away two and two together leaving the Knight of the Palms who following shortly after only accompanied with his Squire commanded us to come hither for to acquaint you with these accidents and to present you with the Serpents from him Truly said the beautious Infanta both your news and you are very welcome and I would give the best town of my kingdom that the Knight you speak of were now heer we should then endeavour to acknowledge so great a favour as also give him hearty thanks for the head of an insolent Giant that spoke ill of my Lord the King which he sent me the other day if ever it be our good fortune to meet with him we shall shew our selves solvent for such powerfull obligations in the mean time you may assure him if you chance to see him that the Princes of Greece finde themselves indebted to his valour Whereunto adde this said Rogel that all of us will gladly serve him and will seek out all occasions so to do Hereupon the Knights taking their leave went away bountifully rewarded with rich presents and all the Princes descended into the Palace Court for to behold the figure of those serpents which appeared wonderfull strange and causing them to be set on the gates of the City they admired the valour of this Knight whom they knew not and which in the mean while spread his valour in so many places that there was no other talke all abroad but of him of the Knight of the Roses of the Knight of the Savage and of the fair Knight as the onely prime men in the world Florisel having well observed the Serpents was
Having rode all day long then they turned aside unto certain houses which they espied on the left hand with a purpose to lodge there when as they met a Squire who staying to observe them because their apparell and arms were strange Rozalmond said unto him Sweet heart I could wish you would do me the curtesie to tell me some news of this countrey the name whereof I do not know as also whither you go and from whence you came to day Your fair demeanour answered the Squire obliges me to satisfie you in few words you are in the kingdom of Florertan neer to the Capitall city thereof called Valderic there is no great news stirring for the King by his wisdom maintains all in peace as for the occasion of my journey I think I shall not give you much satisfaction in relating it I am going to seek a Gentlewoman of this Countrey who hath not been heard of these two moneths What is her name said Rozalmond Carinda answered the Squire as fair as any in this Kingdom but unhappy in loving a man that now dies with grief for building her dispair upon a false opinion Explain your self a little I pray you said Rozalmond and discover this matter more clearly unto me That can I easily do answered the Squire Clerastes and so is he called of whom I speak loved Carinda Carinda no lesse affected him each joyed in the other and now both expecting the hour that should fully make up their happinesse when as fortune would needs divide two united hearts the King of Florertan became enamored of Carinda solicites her a thousand wayes by speech by letters and by the charms of presents Neverthelesse this maid firm in affection to her lover never yeelds to his desires but wisely defends her self howbeit she kept some letters written unto her by the King rather out of vanity I am perswaded then any inclination she had to cherish any thing that came from him which falling afterwards into Clerastes hands rendred him so jealous that without further informing himself of the businesse he sent Carinda word that he would love her no longer whereat the poor maid fell into such dispair as she quite abandoned this Countrey at leastwise must think so for Clerastes having caused her to be sought in vain even to the uttermost parts of Florertan it is presumed that she is not in it Why does he seek for her now said Rozalmond since he does not care for her Excuse me Sir said the Squire he loves her more then ever he did and her absence hath made him see that he was jealous without a cause for having been surprised by the King in his complaints against the inconstancie of women his Majestie assured him that she had alwayes with an untainted modestie refused his affection howbeit desiring to be further cleared presuming that the King out of his discretion and to preserve her reputation might be drawn to make these protestations he sent for an old inchantresse who for a summe of money made him behold in a glasse all the actions which Carinda had done in her life amidst the which observing nothing but respect in the Kings suit to her he condemned his rash humour and blaming himself for having been so credulous and cruell he wrote a letter full of amorous lines tending all to asking of pardon caused forty or fifty copies to be made and giving them to severall messengers he sent them to all parts of the Kingdom but hearing no news of her he had recourse unto the said inchantresse who told him that he shall meet with her at a time when he least hopes for it and counselled him in the mean space to have some still watching at the sea ports which is the reason that amongst others I am now going by his commandment to wait there in expectation of some good fortune for him that way This said he spurred on leaving Carinda as much contented as she had been troubled all the time of his discourse What say you to this Madam said Rozalmond Do not you beleeve now that after a tempest follows a calm and that there is no bitternesse but is accompanied with some sweet Yes an-answered she with a smiling countenance I confesse that the Gods do give us blessings after crosses and that they recompense our miseries with contentments but I feel a new care arising and know not how I should present my self at Court for to write to Clerastes I do not hold it fit and still to conceal my self is not the way to my happinesse What shall I do in this case Madam answered Rozalmond leave this to me I beseech you I will so carry things that you shall have as great cause to commend me and when Clerastes understands of your return it shall be for your glory By this time being come to a village they were kindly entertained by a rich shepherd who having given them a good supper prepared two chambers for them to lie in but Rozalmond having another designe in his head desired the shepherd to ride along with him and leaving Artander behinde him caused him to conduct him to Valderic where arriving very early in the morning he went to the Court and there enquired for Clerastes who being awake was informed by his Squire that a man armed at all points required to speak with him Let him come in said he for he comes not so early but upon some important occasion Whereupon Rozalmond entring the chamber and finding Clerastes out of his bed in his night-gown he said unto him Sir get on your clothes and as I am arm your self that I may receive satisfaction for the wrong you have done Carinda in refusing to acknowledge her for your wife after you have obtained all your desires of her under a promise of marriage Alas Sir answered he I would to God she were heer and then we should enter into no quarrell upon this occasion for there is nothing grieves me so much as that I cannot discharge my duty in that regard Are you resolved to give her all content said Rozalmond Yes verily answered he and if you knew what I suffered since I fell into that fault you would rather pity then destroy me Follow me then without more delay said Rozalmond and I shall quickly make you happy since you will become an honest man as I was ready to have spoiled you if you had persisted in your malice for Carinda is hard by Is my Carinda hard by said Clerastes Ah Sir how am I obliged to you Come bring me my clothes and let one saddle an horse for me Whereupon having suddenly made himself ready he rode away with Rozalmond unto whom he gave a million of thanks by the way and they made such speed that within five or six hours they arrived at the shepherds house where at the first approach Clerastes fell on his knees before Carinda and made demonstration of his true repentanâ— with a world of sighes and tears whereof
finding it according to her desire trickt up her self with all the art she possibly could use to make her appear more beautifull and indeed she went forth so curiously drest that she seemed not to be the same she was the day before The sacrifices done the King after a short dinner was placed at a window with Rozalmond and the Queen hard by at another but unable to endure the esloignment of her Knight she turned to the King and with a grace that could give no suspition she said unto him Sir this Knight was not born for you alone lend him me a little that he may inform me which are the valiantest Knights amongst our Courtiers In good faith little one answered the King your request is so reasonable that I am willing to quit his company though I very much desire it for to give you satisfaction Wherefore go said he deer friend and content the curiosity of this woman Whereupon Rozalmond making a very low obeisance unto him went to the Queens window who seeing him so neer her could not chuse but change colour being much perplexed in that she knew not how to discover her thoughts unto him at length vanquished by her passion she said pointing to the comabttants Perceive you not Sir how our Courtiers blows are not delivered with so good a grace as they parted from your hand I considered yesterday your addresse the admirable strength of your arm and I wondred how the Gods could impart so much force to a mortall wight but I was no lesle displeased when I saw that insolent Giant arrive my bloud congealed in my veins and the fear I had of your danger left me neither colour nor motion beholding you resolved for the combat Madam answered he these were the effects of the goodnes of your sweet disposition which made you doubt the losse of that which is yours Mine said she O Gods that this speech were true I should then think my self far happier then I am Madam said he I cannot beleeve that ever you had any just cause hitherto to charge me with disobeing your commands I do not accuse you my Knight answered she but we will talk of this another time for this is not a place proper for it well what is your opinion of these Knights That they combat bravely said he but those that questionles will carry away the honour of the turnament are they which maintained the justs yesterday for see you not how their enemies are in disorder and that they had got on the better part of the field Their blows are stronger then the others their addresse greater and their fight more lively Heerwith Count Folsuc having overthrown the adverse chief the rest were chased out of the field and the turnament ended with exceeding content to the King who approaching the Queen said unto her Now Madam will you render me this Knight again It is equall said she that you should have him in your turn but let me not live I had taken no great pleasure in the sight if he had not let me understand the valour of these Knights more by discourse then by that which I observed The King laughing heerat took the Knight by the hand and led him to walk in a gallery where he intertained him till supper which was not long for the King feeling his old indisposition withdrew suddenly to the extream grief of some Courtiers and infinite content to the Queen who not to lose this opportunity sent Rozalmond word that she would speak with him This Knight knowing but too well by her former speeches whereto her purpose tended would not willingly have been present with her in a place which might favour her designe howbeit not daring to refuse he followed the damsell and beholding the Queen alone sitting on her beds feet he advanced very modestly and with a grace able to strike any heart in love he wished her a good night It will be the sweetest answered she so as you will correspond to my desire Knight I love you and all the resistance I could make was not able to preserve me from the charms of your so excellent parts I am compelled to blush but I finde so much excuse for my fault that I can speak this without shame you see an effect of your merit and not of my weaknesse as peradventure you may conceive Think of the favour is presented to you and be not precipitious in your answer but first consider that it is a Queen which intreats you a woman fair enough to enamour a God and one that it may be loves you more then all the world besides Madam said he with a confident countenance pardon me I beseech you if I answer otherwise then you desire I should commit many irreproveable faults in this action I should be a traitour and unworthy the favours which the King hath conferred on me I should incur assured death if ever it were known as well it might be by any the least accident I should wrong you in stead of honouring and serving you I should incense the Gods who are grievous punishers of adulteries and should lose that good opinion which your people have of me who cannot beleeve that I am capable of so great a wickednesse Madam make some other use of me and do not ruine me under colour of loving me the pleasure you desire is so soon past that we are not to offend for so momentany a delight let us shew our government then in commanding over our selves therein Madam I beseech you said he falling on his knees force your self so far as to desire the contrary of that which you demand and do not think that it is out of ingratitude that I give you this good counsell I had too much understanding not to acknowledge the honour you do me but you are also to consider that I have more respect and fidelity to your service then to undo you in stead of giving you content Your reasons said she with a countenance that testified her displeasure are so weak that not taking them in good paiment I will study how I may clear my self otherwise out of these toiles wherefore get you gone and remember how much you have neglected me to day Whereupon Rozalmond with a most humble obeisance departing retired to his chamber extreamly vext at that which had past and resolving not to stay long in that Court he got him to bed where after he had made a thousand turns with strange unquietnesse he slept till the next day when as he had such a good morrow as shall be related in the next Chapter CHAP. XXXV The Queen of Florertan incensed with Rozalmonds refusall would have caused him to be murdered the marvellous slaughter which he makes of his enemies and his departure from Court WHat will not the neglect of a womans affections do It ordinarily filleth her heart with anger her mind with rage and disposeth all her actions to murther whereof we have a world of examples in antiquity
and not to go so far we see our own times full of accidents which the madnes of women in that kind hath rendred most tragicall This incensed Queen seeing her Knight gone at first had recourse unto her tears but thinking that unprofitable and unfit for the resentment of an offence so great she wiped her eies and walking up and down very fast in her chamber she said Shall I be so simple as to afflict my self thus for one that is ingratefull Nay rather let me remember that his refusall obliges me to greater matters I must seek his death with more passion then ever I have done his caresses shew that it is not a Queen intreating but revenging a Lover languishing in expectation of her desire but a woman that receives not an affront without a home resentment of it and that will make it appear that dispite hath more power in her soul then all the flames of a childish God Whereupon causing one to be sent for whose wicked disposition she very well knew she gave him a round sum of money and enjoined him to surprise and stab the Knight of the Roses the next day wheresoever he could meet with him Madam said this cursed wretch I do not desire to know what cause of displeasure you have against him sufficeth it that I go upon your commandment his last howr is at hand and I assure your Majesty that you shall have the satisfaction you require I the glory of serving you faithfully and he the punishment which he hath deserved for I have those that will help to do the feat Heerwith he departed the chamber leaving the Queen ready to go to bed wherein she was no sooner laid but the Secretary of her affections who more advisedly considered the event of things went directly to Rozalmonds chamber where finding his Squire at the door she advertised him of the mischief was preparing for his Master Gentlewoman answered Artander softly my master is very much indebted to your pity and his condition is not so poor but that you may expect more good from him in a day then your mistris can do you in all your life but beleeve it if any man dare attempt him upon this occasion he shall not so easily escape as he imagins I shall acquaint him with the busines and take my word it shall never be known that you discovered it Saying so he went into his chamber after he had made the outter door sure and arising by break of day he laid his masters arms upon the table which observed by Rozalmond that slept not he asked him what he did Why preparing answered he for your departure because you cannot stay longer heer without apparant danger of your life Then he declared how the Queen would have him killed and that the Captain of her Guard had undertaken to do it Now by my life said Rozalmond I could never have beleeved that a woman could have been so â—urious and that neglect could have carried her to such tragicall actions but since it is so I must prevent it as I may Come help me up and then go and see my horses be ready against such time as I have taken my leave of the King Whereupon being wholly armed and descending into the Palace Court-yard for to bid Clerastes and his beautifull Carinda farewell he met with him that sought for him and seconded by threescore men assailed our Knight who having drawn his sword discharged his first blow upon the Captain knowing him to be the authour of the disorder and he struck him so dangerously that he divided his head in twain and from thence putting himself amongst the rest he scattered them in a strange manner The noise increasing the whole Court was in an uproar and every man rose to see what the matter was Clerastes whose lodging was not far off looked also out of his window and perceiving his friend in such danger he presently armed himself and went forth with diligence to his succour where finding this troop to be the Queens Guard he cryed to them Rogues how dare you assault this Knight By my life I le have you all hanged but they neither regarding him nor his words he joined himself to the valiant Knight of the Roses that seemed a thunderbolt amongst these rascals whereof he laid twenty three dead on the ground and seconding him with a marvellous courage three parts of this multitude was diminished when as the King being advertised of this hurly burly descended in his night-gown and commanded a surcease At his presence every one withdrew and he going to the Knight of the Roses demanded of him the cause of this quarrell Sir said he you may well imagine that I could not be the authour of it being a stranger who durst not be so hardy as foolishly to fight with your subjects had it not been to defend my life but the Law permitting us without any respect to kill such as endeavour to murder us I hope your majestie wil not be offended at their deaths I never saw them before to my knowledge so that having done them no displeasure I wonder what should move them to go about to take away my life I remembered the last night that I had ingaged my self for the execution of an adventure to the performance whereof being resolved to go and making account to depart assoon as your Majestie had been stirring and that I had received the honour of your commandments as I was to take my leave of Clerastes all these folks invironed me with their swords drawn charged me most furiously without saying wherefore Sir we bear arms for our own preservation and am sorry that I have made use of them against such as appertain unto you but your Highnesse knows as I said even now that it is lawfull to repell force with force in which regard I hope your Majestie will not take it ill that I have saved my self by their losse Not I said the King but by the faith of a Prince am well pleased with that you have done and to make this good to you I will hang up all those which your fury hath left alive for I will have your person as much respected heer as mine own nor hath Clerastes ever done me such service as now in succouring you though you had no great no need of it Sir said Clerastes being so infinitely obliged to this Knight and knowing that your Majestie loves him I armed my self in this sort for to run his fortune wherein if I have done any thing against the respect which I ow to your service by laying hands on such as belong to the Queen I humbly beseech your pardon No no said the King you have done me a singular pleasure in it but come let us go to my chamber in the mean time let these gallants be carried to prison for to teach them not to undertake any thing but by order Sir said Rozalmond I am ready to depart please it your Majestie to
from whence she took her way directly to the Court where finding Merodiana in her chamber she fell on her knees before her and beseeching her to be of good chear desired her hands to kisse for the good news she brought her Alas Cistenia said she with a sorrowfull countenance I know not what thou wilt say but the state whereunto I am reduced will not permit me to hope for much howsoever tell me I prethee wherein consist these good news In the arrivall of two Knights answered Cistenia the bravest and most valiant in my opinion upon the earth and that taking pitty of the wrong which this tyrant does you are come with a resolution to sucâ—our you How knowest thou that they are valiant said Merodiana since thou never sawst them fight I judge so by their brave carriage answered she and I may well say that you never beheld Knights of so gallant a disposition especially one of them that bears three Palms on his Shield He hath a marvelous good face an excellent shape and a brave warlicke countenance These are parts indeed common to many men said Merodiana and if the effect be answerable to the commendations thou givest him it may be I shall find some consolation in his presence But where hast thou left them Cistenia Fast by the enemies Camp answered she resolved to make way through it with their swords and give you some proof of their valour before they enter the towne and therefore do desire you to favour their retreat by sending forth four hundred Knights when the alarm shall begin among the the enemies Good gods said she make way through the enemies camp why thou amazest me Cistenia either they are mad men or valiant beyond expression Do not think answered she that this resolution of theirs proceeds from any rashnesse among all the qualities which recommend the Knight of the Palmes I have alwayes found him to be very discreet and advised wherefore I imagine that he hath undertaken this onely out of greatnesse of courage which makes him despise all common and inglorious designes I know not what will become of this enterprise said Merodiana but I will be most carefull to secure their retreat wherefore cause some of my Commanders to come hither Whereupon five or six of the chief of her Court presenting themselves before her she related unto them how two stranger Knights purposed to assail the enemies camp and therefore having commanded them to sally forth with the number they had required and to charge the enemy at such time as they should perceive any uprore in their camp she retired into her cabinet where she began to think of the speech which Cistenia had used concerning the Knight of the Palms Sometimes shâ— figured unto herselfe the beauty of his person and then again presently imagined that she saw him thundring amidst a squadron of armed forces and found herself possessed with I know not what kinde of good will towards him which converting into love made her infinitely desire the presence of this gallant Knight If he be worthy of me said she I am ready resolved to love him and his services are to attend their recompence in my favours But what if the eminence of his race should be responsible to my condition without doubt I would marry him and say he should be poor of means his vertue would supply that great default of fortune Well he must be seene and then time shall advise Saying thus she called Cistenia to help her to bed when as news was brought her that the enemies camp was all in a tumult She trembled at this report for she feared that her Knight would not bring his enterprizes to passe howbeit taking better heart she commanded her Câ—ptains to fally forth and put her head out of the window to see whether the Moon would discover her lover amongst a world of fighting men The noyse increased the camp was up in Arms the souldiers ran confusedly up and down Some asked what quarter it was that the enemy had assailed and with what numbers but no man could return any answer they knew not from whence their destruction came and their terrour was no lesse then if twenty thousand men had fallen upon their trenches The most part notwithstanding being advertised that two Knights only were the cause of this hurly-burly they returned into their tents laughing at their own fear and thinking themselves dishonoured for having been frighted by the temerity of two men In the mean time the two invincible Knights bestowed their blows with such fury that all passed under the edge of their blades they overthrew as many enemies as presented themselves before them cut off the arms of some divided the heads of others in pieces made so great a havock amongst them that every one feared their swords as if they had been thunderbolts the wayes were free none opposed their rage and if any one durst stand before them he was sure to be slain but with one blow Alcidamant many times observed that great Knight of the Lions so was Troilus named and seeing with what grace he massacred his enemies put the most confident to flight commended him as one of the valiantâ—st Gentlemen on the earth but the other wondred at Alcidamants dreadfull blows and thinking no mortall man was capable of so much force beheld him as a prodigie and worthy of all marvell The slaughter having endured above two howrs Merodiana's Knights appeared and gave so furiously on the enemy that with the feare they were in they layd above three hundred on the earth But the Gyant who would not stir forth upon the first bruit arriving thereupon Alcidamant and the Knight of the Lions put themselves in the Rear and causing a retreat to be sounded sustained the brunt of his troops untill such time as they had gotten to the walls from whence a thousand Crosse-bows discharged such a multitude of shot upon the enemy that he was constrained to retire extreamly vexed to have been so beaten by two Knights who seeing themselves within the gates demanded whether Merodiana were withdrawn to bed No answered Cistenia that came forth to receive them amidst the troops she attends you in her chamber for to begin the thankes which she owes to your valour So taking them by the hand she conducted them to the Court where Alcidamant finding Merodiana much fairer then Cistenia had described her would have saluted her upon his knees but she that through this warlicke countenance was strucken with the flashes of an unresistable beauty stayed him from doing so and said Valiant Knight in all right I ow that respect unto you if you would receive it from me for being come to the succour of an Orphan maid which expected nothing but death to avoid the violence of a wicked man I cannot use too much submission for to honour you but being fully resolved to shew my self more sensible of benefits then officious in my complements I will leave it to
another time and in the mean while do desire you to repose your selfe at leasure after such painfull tratravell Madam said Alcidamant I could dispute a long time with you upon that point where you would seem to be obliged when as you are not and could tell you that having done nothing whereunto I was not tied by the law of Knighthood I could not expect any thank for it no more then this good Knight that accompanies me but referring my reasons to such time as you shall be pleased to take for to speake unto us we humbly beseech you to accept of the little service which we shall do you You will every way remain invincible but Sir you must suffer me to say thus much in your presence that I am exceedingly indebted to your pity and so be pleased I pray you to let me shew you the lodging where you shall lie Then taking him by the hand she led them to a very fair and rich chamber notwithstanding all the intreaty the Knights made her to the contrary where having bid them good rest she retired so much besides her self that she walked up and down a long time without speaking a word Cistenia beholding her lost in this sort and guessing from whence it proceeded said unto her Wâ—ll Madam what think you of these Knights More a thousand times then thou hast reported of them said she and I cannot but confesse with grief that the beauty and goodly presence of him which carries the Palms hath made me in love O Madam said Cistenia I swear to you on my faith that I divined as much before and was confident that his sight would beget a desire in you to enjoy him I do not wonder at your captivity but it is to be well thought upon how you shall carry your self in this case for if you appear too facile you will give him cause to despise you if too harsh you will drive him away so that your actions must testâ—fie as much discretion as love O you philosophize daintily said Merodiana but we are not to speak of these matters now for time and occasions are to dispose of this busines come and let it alone and help me to make me unready Hereupon she laid her down hoping to take some rest but her bed grew irksome to her and a world of thoughts entertained her till morning when wearied with a thousand turnings that she had made in the night she fell fast asleep CHAP. XXXVIII The Knight of the Palms desires favours of Merodiana she promiseth to admit him into her bed he sets upon the enemies camp and returning victorious is received by her with a world of joy THE morning being far spent Merodiana got up and putting on far richer apparell then she usually wore for to appear with the more lustre and grace in the eyes of her lover she entered into the presence where the Knights attended for her and shewed her self with such a majesticall beauty that it made Alcidamant wonder at her which had never seen her be-before Alcidamant beheld her with some apprehension of love and advancing towards her with Troilus he would have kist her hand again but seeing him so lovely and observing a most extraordinary sweetnesse in all his actions she suddenly withdrew her hand and curteously returning his salute she asked him how he did Exceeding well Madam answered he and am ready with this Knight to go and visit your enemies again for to let them know that you no longer stand in fear of them I have caused the most part of your Captains to meet heer be pleased to take their advice with ours and permit us begin to serve you The time of their punishment is not yet come replied she and I shall desire you not to stir from hence untill the succours which I expect from the Iland of Silvana be arrived for if the chance of war should fall amisse on you I am sure that there would be no more hope left for me in the world wherefore refresh your selves a little after your travells past and if you will be but patient a while we will finde out entertainments to passe away the time withall Madam answered Troilus we are heer to obey your commandments and you may as freely dispose of us as of the simplest souldier in the town howbeit you would have done us a great deal of favour if you would have suffered us to have freed you instantly from the tyranny of your enemies and to have imployed our arms for that effect You shall have your desire said she but we must take time for it Discoursing in this manner there entered a souldier that came from the enemies Campe who recounting the slaughter which the two Knights had made of four hundred seventy and two Knights cut in pieces by them as they past along those excepted which fell upon the arrivall of the troops sent forth by Merodiana amounting to the number of three hundred as also the rage Fangomadan was in not so much for the losse whereof he made no great account as for shame that he was not able to arrest the fury of two men alone rejoyced all the Court which admired the exceeding valour of these Knights whom every one beheld as a wonder This talk continued untill dinner time when having sumptuously feasted them Merodiana fell into discourse of the war renewing the praises given unto these strangers but desiring extreamly to talk in private with him of the Palms she took him by the hand and leaning with him at a window which looked towards the enemies Camp she entertained him with such a grace that she soon triumphed over his liberty giving him no lesse passion then she had affection Fixing his eyes many times upon hers he observed most powerfull charms in them found wonders in the rest of her face and already feeling the violence of certain desires he would fain have discovered his disease to have gotten remedy for it but thinking that respect would advantage him more then boldnesse he contained himself within the bounds of modestie and was contented to speak with his eyes neverthelesse desiring to make use of opportunity and lay some foundation for his hopes he took occasion when this Princesse pointing to the enemies Camp said unto him that those fields would be witnesses of his valour to the end of the world to answer her in this sort If this small service doth please you Madam furnish me with means to do you greater and make me the happiest man living by permitting me to fight with your enemies under the savour of your commandments and as your Knight It were a crime to refuse you said she smiling wherefore I most willingly receive you but think now what you oblige your self unto for you are no longer in your own power all your desires being heerafter to depend wholly upon mine If I would have reserved any thing unto my self said he Madam I had not given you all my obedience shall render you
as much content as my self glory and be assured that I will never give you cause to complain of me Neither will I give you any answered she for to deny me your services Whereupon Alcidamant taking her hands kissed them a thousand times with incredible delight and had suffered himself to be transported with the excesse of his joy if she had not on a sudden retired for to take away all occasion of suspect After that they met often sometimes publikely sometimes in the walks where our Frenchman discovering his passion by his looks and sighs begot an exceeding desire in her to relieve him had she not been retained by that bashfulnesse which ordinarily accompâ—nies maidens Madam said he ever and anon I languish away my heart is compassed with a fire that consumes it strange â—ancies intercept my sleep my grief grows greater and greater and I die a thousand times a day yet you are not sensible of my sufferings and harder then the rock you leave me in my torment not affording me the remedy I so much want Could you be content to see me lost or to hear it said another day that your rigour was the cause of my death No Madam it would be a grief to you and when you should call to minde that the world could not give you a servant more faithfully yours you would lament to no purpose attend not this repentance I beseech you let me receive your grace before time or sorrow make me uncapable of it conferring more particular favours on me then hitherto you have done make â—e sâ—y that I am the happiest Knight living Sweet heart answered she with a smile it troubles me exceedingly to hear you complain thus of me without a cause and would it were fitting for me to let you know that I love you no lesse then my self But what can I do for you and what would you hope for from me Do I refuse to hear the assurances which continually you give me of your affections Do I intreat you neglectfully or can you think that my actions are governed more by cruelty then honour Questionlesse if you be not blinded with passion you cannot chuse but see that I â—o not want love and you shall never finde my disposition guilty of ingratituâ—e be pacified then I pray you live better satisfied for my sake and â—â—teâ—rupt not my content with your unquietnesse I desire said he to appear before you more contained But alas Madam my grief will not permit it and spite of my teeth my looks must shew you what is in my heart You say I have no cause to complain have I not think you when I may not see you but in fear You are alwayes in the midst of your Captains how can I tell you then before them that my soul is all of a flame Your minde is continually carried away with the care of affairs that every minute are presented unto you what place can there be left then for a thought of me No Madam you scarce think of me at any time and that is it which makes me despair of all remedy I acknowledge with you that I never deserved the grace which I demand but you are the onely cause of it and the little power which you have left me hath not permitted me to have cut your enemies Camp already in pieces if that be it you look for Madam keep me no longer heer I will soon rid them away and deliver you though every souldier were converted into a Giant What a misery is this answered she I thought I had obliged you to live wiâ—â— more content by the assurance I have given you of my affection but it â—â—â—ms your impatience is thereby the more increased and that the care which I take to have you alwayes in my sight proves a trouble unto you You say that it is alwayes in the presence of my Commanders Do you hold it fit that I should deny them accesse when they come to speak with me about my affairs For my part I do not but am perswaded that giving them occasion to talk to my disadvantage I should ruine that which I am raising for your glory we are to carry our selves more advisedly and with better discretion neverthelesse I am resolved to commit an errour rather then discontent you What is it you require of me That you would be pleased said he to grant me admittance into your chamber when all the house is at rest to the end I may discover my sufferings with that liberty which a lover ought to have That were too much answered she if I loved you lesse but relying on your vertue I will be contented to grant it you so as you will presently swear unto me to attempt nothing but with leave That respect you alwayes bear about you said Alcidamant wherefore Madam I protest unto you by the faith of a Knight no way to offend you Be ready then for to morrow night said Merodiana and follow Cistenia when she comes for you Madam said Alcidamant kissing her hands this is the happiest promise that ever was made howbeit I must beseech you to add yet something more to my felicitie That I will said she provided that it do no way contravenne the protestation you have made to be contain'd No Madam answered he for my request is that you will render me worthy of this grace by the defeat of some of your enemies and that you will not hinder me from waking them to morrow morning I speak not this without reason we came hither for your service we have enterprised nothing these three weeks that we have been heer your people begin to lose the good opinion which they had of us and some stick not to say that this course of ours is not correspondent to our great words Moreover I should not find so much pleasure in the favour you purpose to do me if I should not appeare before you like a generous and valiant Knight Sweet Madam be carried by these considerations to yeeld unto this intreaty of mine whereby you shall infinitly oblige me and testifie that you repose confidence in me I will not hinder you said she seeing my word is past howbeit tempt not Fortune nor hazzard your self too far if you love me but carefully preserve your life whereupon depends all the happinesse of my dayes This discourse finishing with our Frenchmans infinite content he assembled the Captains communicated to them his designe and finding them well disposed to his mind he chose out two thousand of the most resolute men and commanded them to be ready an howr before day and so retiring with Troilus he went to take a little rest This designe running in his mind he slept not long but arose armed himselfe put Troilus in the head of a thousand horse caused him to sally forth at one gate and making a shorter cut went and charged the enemies with such fury that being surprised he made an horrible slaughter of them before they had
ruine from that which serves for my glory for despising Merodiana for you me thinks I give you occasion to beleeve that you have the advantage of her yet you make her love the cause of your hate and my misfortune Is this done with justice No no you are too much transported with passion and if you did not refuse me that through anger which the severest judges in the world could not with reason deny to the greatest offenders I should justifie my self before you and let you see mine innocence with so much truth that you could not but condemn this precipitation of yours howbeit that I may not hope for your forbidding me ever to appear before you again utterly bereaves me of the means to let you one day see your errour Ah! this is to testifie more cruelty then ever you have shewed love and that my punishment doth far surpasse the pleasure of my hope You will have me gone Alas Can I do it and live I cannot I cannot yet it is fit that I prefer your commandments before my life I wil be gone then but lament my absence fair Princesse it deprives you of a servant that hath never had greater care then how to honour the merit of your favour Whereupon charging his Squire to go and make ready his horses he secretly armed himself went to the stable door mounted on horsback and depâ—rting out of the City took the first way presented it self making incredible lamentation Behold said he how from the supremest degree of felicity I am faln into the abysmes of a misery out of the which I cannot get without miracle Good God! who would have thought that having but one tedious minute to passe for to see my self in an unmatchable glory fortune should have found out the means to crosse me I could never imagine it but to my cost I perceive that man cannot assigne a time for his good no more then for the evill that is to arrive unto him Ah Cistenia How well thou makest me pay for the pleasures thou procuredst me from thy Mistris How dearly Merodiana do I buy your favours You say that I promised to espouse you Alas I had never such a thought our caresses have been free and the power of disposing our selves never parted from us Why do you say then that it is time to render our imbraces legitimate Can I be your sisters friend and your husband By no means it is a thing whereof you ought never so much as to think neverthelesse I endure the pains of your folly and my banishment proceeds from your passions it is unjust but I must bear it the heavens have alwayes had a care of my life the same regard they will have still of my actions if they please and will assist me with some extraordinary favour since that I have a divine power for to make me hope for relief Pronouncing these words he shed so many tears that he saw not the way which he went though the moon shone very bright in such sort that he crost thorow a wood more by chance then otherwise and finding himself at the break of the day in a beautifull meadow bordered about with numbers of trees he alighted let his horse feed and laying him down upon the green grasse began to think of his ill fortune and was about â—o renew his complaints and tears when as Arnides comming to him said Arise Sir and give over playing the woman come and chastise certain Knights that speak ill of Trasiclea that intend to revenge Drumelia to take her from the Emperour and to work your destruction by treason I beleeve said he that thou takest me for Alcidamant that slew Fangomadan and the Monster of the Island Silvana that defeated the Giants on the wooden bridge that brought Brandimar to reason that massacred the guards of the Sorceresse Drumelia and that would have made no difficulty to have combatted a million of armed men thou deceivest thy self Arnides I am but his shadow and the weaknesse of my arm could not fear the meanest Knight that is These desire to be righted of the wrong that I have done them let them use their pleasure upon me here is my throat which I will most willingly offer to their swords for loathing my life I care not what becomes of it Why this is spoken like a desperate man indeed said Arnides What a glory were it for them to vaunt in the Empire of Tramazond that they had overcome you valiantly and how might they abuse Trasiclea if fortune should give her into their hands as such a thing may be Now in good faith this womanish courage of yours exceedingly grieves me and give me leave to tell you that you lose much of the reputation that you have acquired in the world and particularly with Trasiclea who peradventure is not so much displeased as she makes shew for Well Arnides said he I see thou wilt prevailâ— and make me once more against my will to draw my sword Therewith arising and transported with sorrow and rage he advanced towards two Giants and three Knights whom he saw at the other end of the meadow and never examining the matter any further charged the first Giant so rudely that he made his sword arm and all flie to the ground together You die said he for daring to attempt upon the lives of Trasiclea and her Knight nor shall all your Gods save you from my hands Putting this high menace then in execution he laid two of the Knights that shewed themselves forwardest dead on the earth and striking furiously at the other Giant gave him three or four blows which all drew bloud of him howbeit the first having taken his sword into his left hand began to presse him very hard but this brave Champion being in the supremest degree of his rage overthrew them both in the place with two terrible blows and seeing but one Knight who on his knees begged for mercie he gave him his life upon condition that he should go to Tarsipolis and presenting himself before the Emperour recount the businesse how it had past This done he remounted on his horse and riding along began his lamentation and complaints to the great discontentment of his Squire who having eating nothing of a long time much blamed these strange humours of his Master in his minde Whilst Alcidamant was making thus from Tarsipolis the Knight of the Giants arrived there and presenting himself in the palace before the Emperour was risen from dinner he declared what he had in charge and publishing in the presence of Trasiclea the moan which the Knight of the Palms made at his departure it pierced so deep into the heart of this displeased Princesse of whom the Emperour demanded the cause of his absence that she repented hereof a thousand times for entreating him so cruelly as to condemne him unheard This action said she to herself is an infallible testimony that he loves not Merodiana and in that he obeyes my command
Sâ—ars having determined my life in this manner I cannot avoid their decree let Death come then when it will I shall never seek to decline it whereupon conâ—â—ding with a world of sighes Clâ—risel could not forbear stepping in and saying unto him Sir your affliction very much grieves me and your complaints have conducted me â—ither to tell you that your courage ought not to give place to your sufferings 〈◊〉 is to be seen in adversitie and men that are well acquaiâ—â—d with the world never faint under pressures you love a disacknowledging woman that will not recompence your services change your mind â—ill your affection with despight and leaving her to repent the loss of you be reveng'd of her neglect But if your soul be too far ingaged and that it be not in your power to get off take a better resolution then â—o complain thus in vain strive to overcome her rigour and serving her whether she will â—â— no give her occasion at length to condemn her ingratitude Alas said he whosoever you be that comforts me thus know that it is not in my power to make use of the good counsell you give me the reason whereof I sâ—al tell you if you will vouchsafe to sit down by me a little That is it I much desire answered Clarisel laying himself down by him but I cannot be perswaded that there is any miseâ—ie so great or strange in the world for which there may not a remedy be â—ound Sir said the solitarie Knight after hee heard the claâ—tering of his Armes I must intreat you to pardon me and 〈◊〉 it to the darkness of the night if my speech hath been less respectfull to you then it ought No no replyed Clâ—â—isel you may treat with me as you please let not any such consideration stay you but tell me freely the cause of so great a solitude Shee of whom I complain said he being one of those â—ayrest of France that may justly glory in their beauties having on a time courteously 〈◊〉 me in her house placed so many 〈◊〉 in her eyes as I was not able to look upon her with that Liberâ—â—â— which formerly I had for I found my heart surpriâ—ed and my desire of travelling Countries to acquire that renown so much aspy redunto by tâ—e best Knights confineâ— within the limits of her Walls so that 〈…〉 of paâ—ing thence without some assurance of loving â—â— purpose 〈…〉 cover my thoughts unto her and indâ—â—â— meeting 〈…〉 opportunitie I set her glass before her and demanded what opinion 〈◊〉 of her beautie but perdoiving that modestie would not permit 〈◊〉 to commend her self I recounted unto her the passions I had induced 〈◊〉 my arrival and used all the art I could possible devise to draw 〈◊〉 â—â—ciprocall affection howbeit in vain for she returned meâ— most rightous answer accompanying it with a command never to come in her sight again I am not able to deliver the grief I was in for this so â—ruâ—â— a change sufficeth it that I went presently away in a despeâ—ate manner and not caring what became of me I fell by accident into the power and person of Narsâ—nder the great inchaâ—er from whom being freed by the valour of the excâ—llent Knight of the Palmes it was my fortune the next day after to espy three Gyants leading five or six Gentlewomen in a chain 〈◊〉 the which perceiving my Claristea so is this inexorable sweet 〈◊〉 to be one I made no difficultie to expose my life unto apparant danger and carryed more by fury then judgement I set upon these three dreadfull Monsters and fought so madly with one of them the other two disdaining to meddle with me that in few words I sent his soule to hell whilst the brave Knight of whom I spake but now comming to my succour dispatched the world of the rest so delivering this crueâ—â— say â—â— who falling passionatly in love with him and feeling no lesâ— violent destrâ—â— then those that continually torment me would fain have made him her Husband but love being just to punish her for her pride caused this Knight who no doubt had some other Mistress to goe away and have her wherewith she was so discontented that in stead of recompending 〈◊〉 for so great a service whereby she had escaped deâ—â—ouring by the Gyants she shut her self up in a Cloyster taking upon her the vayâ—â— and habit of a Nunne before my face for to deprive me utterly of all hope of enjoying her which begot this resolution in me to aband on the world in â—â—ke manner Verely answered Clarisel your case is worthy of much pitty but I have told you that vertue is to be shewed in extremities you can expect for nothing from Claristea apply your self to some other â—adâ—â— â—â— pleasing and more kind that may make you forget that ever you loved her This is the right and sure mean to cure you of your miserie for wilfully to persist in so unadvised a purpose as to dye wretchedly 〈◊〉 more of folly then discretion Your counsell is so good said the solitarie Knight who was eveâ—â—â—at Florimond of Canabea of whom you have read the discourse in the nineteenth and twentieth Chapter of our second part that I am resolv'd to follow it since reason and heaven doe seem to command it Whereupon promising to depart with Clarisel that told him what company he had in the Wood they layd them to sleep and the next morning Clarisel causing him to mount on 〈◊〉 horse they took the next high-way they met withall where a little after they overtook a Gyaâ—â— who very much taken with Clarisels gallant demeâ—â—our said gently unto him Sir I should account it for no small happiness that your occasions would carry you my way therefore you may much oblige me by setting me know whether you are bound Your demand is so noble answered Clarisel that I should be most ready to satisfie you but we are strangers here and know not so much as the name of this Countrey where we arrived but the last night being driven into it by a tempest Why then I will tell you replyed the Gyant you are in the Kingdome of great Brittain some two little dayes journey from Windsor where the Court is now resident and in preparation of great Triumphs for the celebration of certain Mariages that are forthwith to be consummated but I beleeve some there will come short of their accompt for I hope to interrupt their sport and convert their laughter into tears Upon what occasion said Clarisel to be reveng'd of the wrong answered he that my Predecessors received from Galaor King of Sobradiza who took the rock of Galtares from the Gyant of Albadan my Grandfather and gave it to Gandalal the greatest enemie he had and very oportunly hath fortune conducted me hither at this time with the redoubted Zâ—robalan my brother who hath taken another way the more securely and closely to atchive our enterprize for they that are to be maried are the
boon I shall demand of you Valiant Warriour answered she discovering her face the more civilly to receive his submissions I am very glad that I have freed you from the pain of proceeding farther demand what you please it shall be easily granted you for I will deny your merit nothing wherfore get upon your horse and tell me what it is I must do for you Madam replyed Rozalmond vaulting into his saddle with much wonder at such rare beautie conducted lately by a young Squire to the execution of a very dangerous enterprize I met with a Magician of my acquaintance who stopping me in the midst of my way told me that I travelled in vain and that the end of this adventure would never be seen till such time as the most excellent Knight of the earth be accompanied with the strongest and fairest Lady of the world for the accomplishing of it I am not so vain to presume that the Destenies have made choyce of me for it but withall not distrusting my own forces and knowing that the earth beares not a more valourous and beautifull Princesse then your self I come most humbly to desire you that you will be pleased to assist my courage with yours and undertake with me to surmount the difficulties of this enterprize from whence if any glory redounds it shall be wholly yours if the successe be not such as it should be I will accuse any â—â—â—â—nesse for it Let us go let us go answered shee the danger shall be very great if we fall under it so taking the way Rozalmond directed they travelled five dayes without finding any adventure that might stay them but at the end therof they arrived at a terrible great rock whose bottom was bâ—â—hed with a little stream that ran along under the shadow of a great many fallowes Rozalmond alighted and taking his shield as if hee were going to fight he said unto Trasiclea Madam now is the time to shew our courage this is the place of danger and of our enterprize Herewith Trasiclea forsaking her Horse drew out her sword and following Rozalmond that went formost she came to a Tree at the foot wherof she beheld an Armour covered over with rust Behold Madam said he here it is where our first Combat must be these arms you must vanquish before you can passe further How these arms answered Trasiclea have they any force in them lying in this sort Do but advance Madam replyed Rozalmond and you will meet with greater difficulties then you think for Wherupon Trasiclea imagining that it was some Inchantment approched so neere unto them that she could discern three Palmes in the middest of the shield which so amazed her as she let her Sword drop out of her hand Madam what ayles you said Rozalmond unto her who well enough knew the cause of her distemper Alas answered she with a languishing voyce it was not without reason that you judged the danger of this enterprize to be great take me from hence I beseech you for the sight of these Arms in the state they are in will kill me with griese they belonged to the best Knight of the world whom my rigous without doubt hath layd in his grave but I will not long survive the losse of him and this desart which hides his bones shall be strewed with my ashes Brave Palmes continued she throwing her Helmet on the ground and unbuckling her Armour brave Palmes that never feared the tempest of blowes sustained by a Master so strong tell me if you can what is become of him And thou excellent Sword that foundst no temper hard enough to resist thy fury declare unto me where that mighty arm is which made thee do such wonders Thou makest me remember him but thou canst not represent unto me the grace wherwithall he made thee descend upon his Enemies he hath abandoned thee in these Desarts mine also will I leave with thee and joyn my arms to thine Saying so she layd her Armour by Alcidamants with so many tears and sighes as Rozalmond could not forbear weeping Madam said he unto her you must hope better let us search the Desart peradventure we may find this Knight alive Ah! I fear it answered she howsoever I will omit no means that may be used for to learn the truth therof Wherupon rising up with Rozalmonds help she went as far as the Grot where beholding her Picture erected with such honour shee fell into new complaints O! said she how well doth this testifie the injustice of my anger Alcidamant thou wouldst not have chosen such horrid Desarts for thy dwelling hadst thou not been the loyallest of all Knights living and had not my love been dearer to thee then all things els thou wouldst have been now amidst Mâ—rodiana's caresses or in the imbraces of her Sâ—â—â—er who loves thee no lesse Thou hast preferred my rigour before the pleasures thou mightest have enjoyed with them wherfore I will prefer death before the contentment of life I will dye to satisfie thee and since I could not possesse thee here I will go and present my selfe unto thee in the Eliziaâ— fieldâ— it may be thou wilt not be so cruell as I have been but pardon me and forgetting that thou didst through my default thou wilâ— leâ— our soules joynt though I have heretofore refused our bodyes should do so Herewith she swounâ—d in Rozalmonds arms who running speedily to the broâ—k took some water in his Helmet and sprinckled it so long on her face till she came to her self again Take courage Madam said he unto her and dispair not thus without cause the light which you see burning in this lamp this picture so well preserved and this bread that lyes here are mighty proofes for to perswade you that your Alcidamant lives let us seek him out I beseech you and stand no longer spending of tears in vain we have time enough still to afflict our selves when we are sure of a misfortune therfore we ought not to anticipate our sorrows before their being Your reasons answered she shall make me prolong my life yet a-while go then whither you please and I will follow you Wherupon leaving the Grot they walked towards the trees just at the time when as Alcidamant was returning to sigh according to his custome before the Picture of his Lady This poore Hermit comming softly along in regard of his weaknesse perceiving through the trees the glistering of Rozalmonds Arms knew him straight but seeing a woman in his company with her haire about her ears he was so moved that he began to tremble like the leaves of the boughs under which he was neverthelesse recollecting himself he advanced five or six paces but having discovered the beautifull face of Trasiclea his bloud instantly retyred into his veins and all pale and wan he tumbled in a trance to the ground Trasiclea seeing him fall ran suddenly to succour him and kneeling down for to help him up she was so amazed to see him in that
miserable plight as I think she would have been in the like case had not Rozalmond suddenly arrived who said unto her Now Madam is this the Knight you mean Yes yes replyed she but so changed as I can hardly know him for he is now so unlike himself that if love had not well engraven his image in my heart I should never beleeve that this were my Alcidamant but what is that I say my Alcidamant Alas I doubt I shall never see him alive again Alcidamant speak to me your Trasiclea asketh you forgivenesse open your eyes to her that opens her heart to you O comfort me with one word if you will have me to live for you What will you not speak to me Ay me I am undone his body is as cold as yce there is no hope of life in him one Tombe shall hold us both Dear Sir continued she turning her eyes to Rozalmond see it performed I beseech you even for that pittie which you cannot choose but have of two such unfortunate lovers Saying so she laid her lips to Alcidamants and overcome with excesse of grief she fell down by him without pulse or breath wherat Rozalmond being exceedingly moved to compassion ran again to the brook and with the water thereof which was marvellous fresh the brought them in little space to themselves again Opening their eyes then almost both at one instant they beheld one another without saying a word but Trasiclea thinking it 〈◊〉 part to 〈◊〉 first sate down on the grasse and laying her arme about his â—eck she made such pittifull moan as would have moved a very rock Will you not pardon me said she and will you see me dye repenting my cruelty unto you and not be sensible of my tears Remember not my dearest Knight what you have suffered by my fault I will repaire the wroâ—â— I have done you and you shall never desire any thing of me which I will refuse you Most excellent Lady answer this Lover transported with the excesse of a content which he never hoped for you have no wayes failed against me that request you make unto me I ought to make unto you and if I receive any grace from you I hold it meerely from your pitty A new life you give me I will receive it for to employ it in your service and forgetting all my passed paines since I have the happinesse to see you again I will imagine that I have been all this while in a Paradise of delight and being lifted up from an abisme of miseries to an heaven of felicite I wil think that you did make me suffer for to render my glory the greater But it was time my dear Princesse to come for if the remedy had been never so little more retarded I had been uncapable of receiving it Well Madam said Rozalmond then wonderfully well contented with that which he saw did not I tell you true that this adventure would never be brought to passe till the bravest Warriour of the earth and the most valorous and most beautifull Princesse of the world were assembled togither I brought you hither on purpose to behold the misery of this Knight little thinking that you were so well inclined to relieve him but thanks be to heaven for the good successe of my designe Hereupon Alcidamant rysing up went and in a most kind manner saluted and caressed our Prince of Greece giving him a million of thanks for the care he had had of his life and content That done they returned all three to the Grot from whence Rozalmonds Squire was sent to the next Village to provide them meat for that night the next day they went to Armelant one of the fairest Towns of the Kingdome of Clariana where they resolved to stay three or foure weeks for to restore and cherish up Alcidamant who during that time having caused his Arms to be new furbished caused the Palmes to be taken out of his Shield and a burning rock upon an Hermitage to be painted in stead therof for which cause he was alwayes afterwards called the Knight of the burning Rock CHAP. XXX Rozalmonds 〈…〉 of Armazia's 〈◊〉 He 〈…〉 Gorgophoâ—s 〈…〉 there very strangely 〈◊〉 being in 〈◊〉 of his life _ 〈◊〉 having with time good keeping and the care of his beautious Mistris recovered new strength grâ—w to bein so good plight as it could hâ—â—dly be 〈◊〉 that dispair and neglect had ever brought 〈◊〉 so neer â—is â—nd whereupon they departâ—d all three from Armelant with a purpose to goeunto Tarsipolis for to render Alcidamant happy in his long desired mariage with the excellent Trasiclea but fortune that meant otherwise to dispose of them put them upon a clean contrary course for as they travelled along they met with a Dâ—â—osel who in a most lamentable manner thus complayned Alas what greater misery could befall this infortunate Princesse then to be captived under the power of so cruell a man whose brutish nature will not be stayed by aâ—y consideration of her greatnesse from offering violence to her chastâ—y O valiâ—nt Knight of the Roses if so strange a misfortune were come to thy knowledge surely thou wouldest employ a thousand lives for to revenge the outrage which is done to thy Armazia At these words Rozalmond being infinitly perpleâ—ed observed the Damosel very narrowly and found that it was Armazia's woman wherupon he said unto her Dear Ormelinda what ayls you thus to complain Ay me answered she looking up and knowing Rozalmond by the three â—oses in his shield how â—uckily have I met with you my Lord you are undone if the gods doe not prevent it by some strange miracle Gorgophon Colonel of the Gyants of the cruell Iland hath lately carried away your Armazia with her consin Agritlea Ah Heaven said Rozalmond is Armazia the fairest Princesse of the world in the power of an inhumane Gyant and must serve for the satisfying of his abhominable lust Dye wretched Knight since there is nothing now left for which thou shouldest desire to live Dye doe I say nay rather desire to live yet a while to take some horrible revenge for so unsufferable a wrong Audacious Gyant thy death shall precede mine and were all the Ministers of hell assembled together for to succour thee thou shalt not escape the â—ury of my sword Saying so he spurred away over the fields and never regarding whither he went he ran all the rest of the day with such extream rage that his horse dying under him just as it was night left him in a very desperate case Ingratefull fortune said he tearing his 〈◊〉 for very madnesse thou shalt not tryumph over me for al this thou thinkest by aâ—resting me thus here to make me subject to the worst of thy malice but thou â—â—â—lt not be able for thou shalt see that in despight of â—â—ee I will notwithstanding goe on Running along then in the dark as if he had had no armour on he continued so till mid-night when quite out of breath he
Princesse freed by the hand of some one of those which render your Court the most glorious and the most redoubted in the world But if it be your pleasure that the triall of this adventure shall be made in your presence then I humbly desire that you will permit that I may obtain a Boon of your Knights which notwithstanding shall not oblige any but him that shall undo this inchantment That shall not hinder you said Florisell from finding that contentment heer you desire and with all my heart I wish that this fair Princesse may in this place meet with an ease of all her pains to the furtherance wherof I promise you in the name of all mine that you shall not be denied your request so as it be in our power to perform Hereupon all those Knights who desired nothing but occasions of winning honor were to arm themselves for to begin the triall The first that presented himselfe was the gentile Perion of Turkie who knocking at the Marble gate with his sword they saw a Knight come forth all armed not so great as most Giants but much exceeding the stature of most men that setting hand to a rich sword advanced his shield against the fury of a blow which Perion delivered at his head and at the same instant charging him made him perceive that his valour was extream so that the combat began to be both dangerous and delightfull for if the one shewed a rare agility in avoiding his adversaries blows the other demonstrated an excessive force Having battered one another then above an hour in that fashion Perion determined to see the game upon a cast and with his sword in both hands to lay upon his enemies helmet but he was prevented for the Giant having discharged an horrible blow on his head laid him all along upon the floor and was going to return into his prison when as Florian of Sopradisa advanced who to be short had no better fortune no more had Tristor Florestan Quedragant and all these new Knights which were all served in the same manner after they had stood a fight more or lesse according to the proportion of their strengths The valiant Esquilon of Polonia would needs succed his companions in their misfortunes but not till after two hours fight and with some hope of the assistants that he would carry away the honour of the adventure His fall having possessed the gallant Russian with more choller then fear he drew to Fulgoson with his sword drawn whereupon they began to charge one another with such mighty blows that the room shook under them pieces of armour flew about their shields were hewen in pieces and the pavement sprinkled with bloud testified the valour of the combatants who bravely disputing for their lives and the victory made all the spectators amazed at it especially the Greek Princes who judging Russians manner of fight both more furious and more pleasing then any of the former exceedingly desired to know him Three howrs being past away since the beginning of the combat Russian grew inraged and chusing rather to die then not to overcome in the presence of so many excellent Princes he delivered a full blow upon the Giant with such violence that it divided his body in twain to the infinite contentment of the Gentlewoman and of the fair Infanta Agriclea who instantly recovering her spirits and a great clap of thunder breaking forth just as Fulgoson fell the Pyramid was found in a thousand pieces and Agriclea in the arms of her woman who comming to Russian Brave warrior said she to him you have this day gained so much honour as we will speak eternally of your valour but you know withall to what your word doth oblige you I do said he ravished with the singular beauty of Agriclea I know that I am ingaged to you for a boon and am ready to grant it presently The time for it said she is not yet come but you shall if you please one day make good your promise either at my intreaty or at the command of this Princesse with that a new clap of thunder being heard they saw Agriclea and her woman together with the body of the Giant and the fragments of the Pyramid taken away in a cloud nothing remaining of them in the room but the bloud that Fulgoson shed upon the last blow he received In which as it had been in a table of brasse or marble were written these words Russian of Media the son of Rogell of Greece and of the fair Queen Grianda O me said Spheramond who had noted the Gentlewomans discourse and therefore was come to look upon that bloud imagining that it was not left there without some mysterie What a wonder is this And by what a strange adventure are we acquainted with a secret of such importance Come hither brother said he offering to embrace Russian and give me the first caresses that are due to our neernesse in bloud you can no longer conceal your self for your descent is written here and my Lord my Father hath just cause to rejoyce to see one of his race with so much good fortune Russian thus suddenly surprised kneeled down before his father and kissing his hands confessed that he had determined not to reveal that he was his son supposing that his valour had not as yet rendered him worthy of that glory but since the heavens had thus discovered him he thought himself most happy in this adventure and would endeavour to honour the name that he carried I should never have done if I should go about to particularize the caresses which Russian received from Florisel from those Princes his kinsmen from the Queens of Guindaya France and Lydia and from all the Court wherefore I will not stand upon it but following my discourse will tell you that Russian was not more contented with the honour which he had gained in this adventure and with the notice that his kindred had taken of him then he was grieved for the departure of Agriclea whose incomparable beauty had made a deep impression in his heart but hoping that time would furnish him with occasions to see her again he comforted himself as well as he might and laboured to finde out reasons to quiet his minde CHAP. XXVII The Princes of Greece consult of the war the mustering of Fulgorans and Prigmaleons armies a Damsell carries Russian of Media from Constantinople WIse men forestall the time and their prudent foresight doth often times free them from dangers Our Princes more intentive to what concerned them in honour then to continue their pleasures assembled one day together and calling to minde Fulgorans and Prigmaleons threats they consulted of the means they had to oppose the violence of their forces Our Empires said Florisel as the principall person in that counsell are not unfurnished of good souldiers we have a number of brave Princes still alive and our Courts are full of gallant Knights wherefore we have no great cause to be
troubled with our enemies coming so as we take care to hasten our levies in due time as for our selves I am not of opinion that we should stir from hence since the Governours of our Provinces and our subjects will not be wanting in point of obedience to all our commands So that the thing which doth most presse us for the present is that to dispatch away speedily some Gentlemen to the Lievtenants of those countreys which are subject unto us commanding them to raise as many men as they may without disfurnishing the places of importance of their necessary garrisons This advice being approved of as the best they might think of every one withdrew to expedite the businesse and accordingly the same day the Emperour Don Rogell sent into Persia Spheramond to the Empire of the Parthians Dorigell to the fortune Island Lucendus into France and Alestraxerea into Treâ—isond Florisel also gave out Commissions for the Empire of Greece dispatched Posts to Rome to great Britain to Guindaya to the Kings of Dardania Comagenia India Samothracia Cathaya Poland Hungary Moldavia and Scotland and giving order for the fortifying of the Ports and frontire towns he rested in expectation of what the heavens would determine in an affair of such great consequence Whilst they were thus imployed in Greece Fulgoran and Prigmaleon were not idle for having parted with a resolution not to enter any combat except extream necessity inforced them to it they arrived almost at one instant the one in the Empire of Aethiopia and the other in the Kingdom of Canabea where the first things they did was to send to all their neighbour Kings to intreat that they would together with them imbrace the revenge of those outrages which from time to time all Paganisme had received from the Emperours of Greece Their request was without any difficulty granted for a multitude of Kings and Princes that had not been parties in the former leagues determined to joyn with them utterly to exterminate the Christian name for ever The first that at the motion of Fulgoran arrived in Canabea were the great King of Mauritania with two thousand horse and three Giants the King of Canaria with the like number of horses and Giants those of Mâ—larra and Tremiscen with twelve thousand foot and five Giants those of Zaphir Zambar and Carthagena with fifteen thousand horse and seven Giants those of Mâ—loc â—ramaza Panonia Aganazes and Budomell with thirty thousand Archers the Tamberlen of Moraria the Kings of Libia Arcania Barbary Anguly Argier Numidia and Carthage with fourâ—core thousand horse and thirty Giants those of Bisancia Marocco Thunes Thenery and and Miramolin with fifty thousand foot and the Kings of Tâ—ll and Bazana with fifteen thousand horse and thirteen Giants So that the Generall muster of these troops being taken with those which Fulgoran had raisâ—d in his own Kingdom consisting of ten thousand horse and eighteen thousand foot amounted to one hundred and forty thousand horse and an hundred and ten thousand foot threescore Giants and thirty Kings who alone would with confidence have undertaken the conquest of the whole world with the moity of these troops which being embarked with a favourable wind stood for Natolia as it was before agreed with Prigmalâ—on who in the mean time took no lesse care for having called his friends togâ—ther he put to sea with the Kings of Guine Morlavia Bâ—nazar Saphotir Merove Cyrcia the Soldan of Cayre the Princes of Colidonia Tergadan and Ardania with an hundred and thirty thousand horse forty thousand foot and seven and thirty Giants whom we will leave to the conduct of Neptune that they may have time to arrive and return to the Greek Court which in the mean space had made their preparations for the war and as yet had onely a body of fifty thousand horse Florisel having disposed his infâ—ntery in the good towns as that which was fitter to defend a rampire then to fight in field Whilst all was thus inclining to war the Christian Princes sought all kindes of diversions for the caâ—es of those faiâ— Queens who seemed to have lost the better part of their lustre with the fear of insuing dangers Iusts and Tourneys were not wanting wherein those young Knights to their infinite commendations appeared as it were in emulation of one another In brief the Court was full of pastimes and it seemed that the news which was brought them of the incredible multitude of enemies that were comming to them served but to animate them the more One day when as all the world was intentive on the Iusts that Tristor of Sopradisa maintained in honour of Alteria of whom he was passiâ—natâ—ly inamoured there came in a Damsell her hair scattered about her shoulders her eyes full of tears and with so sad a countenance as she movâ—d as much pity as desire to know from what mishâ—p her sighes and lamentations proceeded As soon as she drew neer these Princes she wiped her eyes and stood a good while viewing them without speakâ—ng a word But Spheramond imagining that her grief made â—er so silent Gentlewoman said he the estâ—te in which we see you makes us beleeve that you are opprest with some affliction and that you desire relief Speak and make use of us for there is no man-heer but will gladly contribute to your redresse That onely hope said she made me come hither for knowing that you never refused your assistance to those that intreated you for it I am come to crave revenge of a wrong that hath been done me in this countrâ—y I travelled by the command of a Lady whose principall care doth aim at the preservation of a vertuous man and in a scarff carried a sword the fairest that may be found and at my saddle bowe an helmet so rich that it is not to be valued hoping erelong to have met with them for whom these presents were designed But passing thorow a forrest some two dayes journey from hence I lighted on a great Knight who neither respecting my weaknesse nor the little profit that he could reap of his injurious dealing for I had told him that neither the sword nor helmet could serve for any but onely those two for whom they were made seased upon them and told me with a harsh voyce that the Destinies had forged these arms for him since they were appointed for two of the bravest Knights in the world How beir I besought him to render them back to me bidding him try and he should see that they would be of no use to him but he râ—dely replied that if this adventure were not ordained for him the valour of who so ever it were could not repair his default and that therefore I should assure my self they should never go out of his hands but upon a strict account so withdrawing to a tree that stands by the high wayes side on whose branches he hung the helmet and the sword he vowed to tarry there eight whole dayes and not suffer