of Thessaly aliue and therefore assuredly thought hee was dead which so inwardly tormented her that shee gaue her selfe onely to mourning not giuing her minde one minutes respit of quiet in which estate for a time we will leaue her CHAP. VIII How Parismus in Palmers weedes found meanes to see the Princesse vnto whom he would not discouer himselfe hearing of Donisius absence and what befell to Dionisius in Bohemia AFter that Parismus had well recouered himselfe being able to walke vppe and downe hee was desirous to heare some newes from Dionisius Court but coulde not deuise how to bring the same to effect but thus fortunately it fell out those outlawes were so farre in loue with him that they with one consent intreated him that hée would vouchsafe to continue among them and be their captaine for that they were without a guide and thought so well of him as that aboue all men they were desirous he would bée the man which hée beganne to refuse alleaging that hée being a stranger in that countrey and vnacquainted with their customes was altogether vnfit vsing many reasons as excuses but considering with himselfe that it might much auaile him to his purpose at their intreaties was contented and so behaued himselfe that within a very short time his worde and counsaile was an Oracle amongest them and by his wisedome hée kept them from dooing much harme and yet seemed in their fancie to further them greatly Oftentimes hée was in mind to go make himselfe knowne at the court and so enioy his mistresse sight which grieued him to want but being diuersly minded at last this was his resolution he fitted himselfe on a day in Palmers wéedes and disguised himselfe so artificially that by hiâ—… disguise and long sicknesse which had somewhat altered his complextion none could any way know him telling the Out-lawes that he was determined to sée the Court which he had heard was so famous and that he would returne at night When hée was somewhat néere the Cittie hée might sée vppon a plaine hard by great preparation for war which made him much maruaile at last comming to the Kings Pallace he got himselfe vnto the place where Laurana euery morning vsually at her comming from Chappell gaue her almes and put himselfe amongst the rest of the Palmers and being taller then any of them he was much noted of many when the princesse came to giue her almes being in mourning attire shée called them all vnto her and beganne to demaund of whence they were what Countries they had trauailed and whether they had heard any newes of Dionisius the King who was missing or whether they heard any in their trauaile speake of the dead bodie of the Prince which by chance might be found being murthered by Sicanus of Persia which wordes she vttered with such sorrow that the teares ran abundantly downe her chéekes Parismus being rauished with the sight of his precious Iewell and séeing her wéeping for his losse and withall hearing from her mouth that heanie newes of Dionisius want could not though he striued to the vttermost of his power refraine from letting fall a few teares which Laurana perceiuing and viewing him withall began to feele a suddaine alteration in all her parts that shee was not in quiet till she had found meanes to commune with him and giuing all the rest their almes they departed but to him she would giue nothing to the intent hee should stay but hee seeing the rest gone was departing with them till Leda being by her Mistresse commaunded called him backe whom hee very well knewe and being returned Laurana demaunded of him what was the cause that he wept when hee heard her speake of Dionisius losse and Parismus death Parismus sayde Most vertuous Ladie I wept not to heare Parismus named but to heare of Dionisius losse for Parismus I knowe is at this present liuing and in good estate of health with whom I had some talke within these three weekes in the Countrey of Salmatia which was the cause of my comming hither being sent by him vnto a Ladie in this Court whom I know not how to speake withall nor will not name to any Laurana hearing the Palmers words blushed exceedingly and withall intreated him to tell out his newes for that it might be she was the partie Lord Parismus meant for I am Laurana quoth she whom Parismus did thinke well of with that she wept againe Parismus knéeling downe saide then to your Highnesse I will do my message for vnto you I was sent Lord Parismus growing into some good liking of me and hauing receiued my oath to be his faithfull messenger willed me to giue your highnesse this Iewel whereby you should be assured he was liuing but constrained to absent himselfe for causes that hereafter hée will let you vnderstand hée desired you to let him though vnworthy enioy but the least of your vertuous promises and he shal euer hereafter account himselfe to haue receiued his life and libertie from you Laurana séeing the Iewell which shée well knewe to bée the same shée had before giuen him and hearing the Palmer credible report that hée was in perfect health and beeing fully assured of the truth of that message by the certaine and firme protestation of the most Noble Parismus himselfe in the disguise of a Palmer shee was so surprised with ioy that she could not refraine from kissing the iewell saying welcome swéete token from a faithfull friend and calling Leda vnto her told her the newes the Palmer had brought reioycing with such vertuous kindnesse that Parismus thought himselfe the happpyest man liuing to enioy the loue of so vertuous a Lady Laurana comming to him tolde him that she was so much bound vnto him for bringing her those happie newes that she did not know which way sufficiently to recompence him for his paines and were it not quoth shée but that I stand in some doubt hereof as being too good to be true I should rest in such happy content by thy newes that no aduersitie whatsoeuer should cause my sorrow but onely his absence though my fathers losse doth neeerely concerne my happinesse The Palmer vsed such proâ—… stations that Laurana could not chuse but beléeue him as also by reason of the Iewel which she knew she had giuen Parismus So taking a Iewell from forth her bosome she gaue the same to him which he willingly receiued and kissing her hand departed When he was out of sight hée began to meditate of the vertues of Laurana and therein tooke such felicitie that before he was aware hée met with Oristus who had bene walking solitarily abrode in such heauinesse that it would haue caused any to pittie him Parismus séeing him was in minde to haue reuealed himselfe vnto him onely but being passed by him hée could not chuse but turne and looke after him his minde was touched with such kindnesse but the remembrance of Dionisius losse did so much grieue him that wasting the time with those
was by her kind and modest answere so much comforted that hee resolued no miserie or calamitie whatsoeuer should alter his affection Laurana on the other side whose minde was neuer before in thraldome began now to bee so farre lied in the bonds of friendship good liking to Parismus that she was altogether vnwilling to leaue his coÌ„pany by this time the rest of the maskers hauing ended their speeches the sound of the musick made them remember their third measure which being ended Parismus kissing the Princesse hand with a heauy sigh left her in the place where he found her and being ready to depart Dionisius comming vnto them said Most courteous Knights I know not what entertainement to giue you for that you are to me vnknown but request this at your hands that you take a banquet my daughter hath prouided which words caused Parismus to bee willing vnto because it was the Princesse doing whose presence was the sweet preseruatiue of his life Your Maiestie answered Parismus maketh vs so kinde a proffer that wee cannot beeing bound at your command deny your request so vnmasking himselfe hee came with great reuerence to Dionisius who knowing him imbracing him said hee was glad he had no worse sicknesse then that and that he was much indebted vnto him for honouring his Courts with his pastime So saluting all the company the Knight that concealed himselfe suddenly departed the presence vpon occasion as shall heereafter bee declared All the assembly greatly commended Parismus being much delighted to behold his vertuous behauiour and was indeed worthy to be accounted the Prince of curtesie The Queene then told him she had beene his secret counsell keeper and he humbly kissing her hand thanked her and being come to the place where the banket was prouided Dionisius told them he would leaue them to be welcommed by the Queene and Laurana whilest â—…ent to accompany his other guests which Parismus was very glad of Laurania both who al this while had so furfeited with beholding his comly person that the deep impression of lone was now fully setled in her heart But Parismus not forgetting to salute that saint he serued with reuereÌ„ce kiss her thanking her that shee vouchsafed to take such paines to prepare entertainement for such vndeseruing guests vsing many others speeches which delighted her to heare and him to vtter that they were so farre delighted one in anothers company that it was death for them to part she not knowing that his loue was grounded vpon such firme resolue nor he thinking she would so kindely accept his proffred seruice During the time of the banquet a simple iudging eie might discerne their loue by their lookes that all the company began to déeme that which afterwards proued true Euery one with kinde salutations being parted to their seuerall lodgings Parismus told Oristus what kind and vndeserued fauour hee had receiued at Lauranaes hands which Oristus was very glad of the very recitall whereof affected the Princes heart with an exceeding ioy Laurana making all the haste she could to be rid from the company of Isabella and other Ladies that accompanied her because her heart was desirous to meditate of her loue went into her chamber where being alone much troubled in her thoughts she votered these speeches How happy am I to bee thus disquieted with the sight of Parismus not knowing whether his words proceed of custome or affection I that was earst at liberty am now become captiue to mine owne affections and inthralled to a stranger What of that peraduenture he is in the same mind I am neither haue I any cause to doubt but that his words proceed from the good will he beareth me and that the intent of his comming to my Fathers court was onely for my sake as he saith might I be happily assured of the truth of these doubts then would my disquiet mind rest highly contented and vntill that time I shall but spend my time in endles care and heauines if these words proceeded from the depth of true meaning then will he stil prosecute the suit heee hath begun neither haue I any cause to suspect his honorable meaning Well I will content my selfe so well as I can and séeke some meanes whereby to be assured and rid my pensiue heart of these doubts Earely the next morning she called Leda vnto her saying that she had a secret to impart vnto her that did concerue her life and honour and therefore willed her to be secret telling her all that had passed betwixt Parismus and her and how that vnlesse she might be certaine of his intent she should but consume her selfe with care CHAP. IIII. How Parismus by meanes of Leda Laurananes waiting-maide came to the speech of the princesse and how they met in an Arbour in the garden And how Sicanus described the loue betwixt Parismus and the princesse Laurana and fearing to be disappointed declared the cause of his comming to the King and what ensued thereon DIonisius was earely vp as his custome was to visit his guestes and busie in entertaining them with all roialty that might bee Parismus being as busie in his minde more then any knewe got himselfe into the Garden vnder the windowe of Lauranaes lodging beeing frustrated of all other hope to see his beloued where he had not long walked but was soone espied of Laurana who beeing delighted with his sight called Leda and willed her to make some excuse into the Garden where hee was walking to see it his comming into that place were for her sake or no. Leda therefore taking a faire cloath in her hand went into the Garden as if shee entended to gather some hearbes and had not seene him When shee came neere the place where hee was sitting vnder an open Arbour in deepe study hauing a sight of her hee suddenly started and knowing her to bee the seruant to Laurana kindly saluted her saying faire Damosell quoth hee if I bee not deceiued you are attendant on the Princesse Laurana Sir answered Leda I am I pray you saith hee how fareth your Mistris for I am in doubt our last nights â—…cise disquieted her which if I knew I wold not hereafter attempt such boldnesse Indeed quoth Leda I know not but I heard my Lady much commend the Prince of Bohemia to be a gallant Knight and that she was much beholding vnto him and vsed many gracious words in his commendation Do you not quoth he know Parismus if you saw him no sir said Leda I am the man said he and thou bringest me that comfort by reporting that my mistris thinketh well of mee as if thou hadst saued my life I am to entreat a fauour at thy hands which if thou grant I shal rest bound vnto thee for the same My Lord said Leda I humbly desire you to command me and I will both faithfully and secretly accomplish your request Then this is my request quoth he that thou wouldest commend me vnto thy Lady and deliuer
in whereby the Uirgin left off her speech bringing in with them good store of money which they had taken from honest passengers Parismus lying very weake yet marked wel their behauiour which made him maruell that men could be so inhumane as by their owne reports they seemed to be wishing himselfe with Laurana who he thought would accuse him of disloialty or that hee made choise of some other if shee did not so misdoubt him then the sorrow he thought she endured for his losse which might some way come to her knowledge so galled him to the heart that his inward passions would not suffer his outward physicke to doe him any good and the continual care he was in did much hinder his health being likewise as much tormented with remembrance of the grant that Dionisius had made to Sicanus concerning the marriage twixt him and Laurana who he thought might now be inforced to yeelde her consent when she was out of hope of recouering him this griefe farre exceeded all the rest that all the whole company began to note his sorrow for he was scarce able to containe himselfe within the bounds of reason In these perplerities he continued by the space of three months in all which time he could not fully recouer his health Where we will leaue him to speake of Dionisius who by tract of time hauing somewhat mittigated the remembrance of Parismus want most of his Knights being departed home into Bohemia Oristus onely excepted who by no meanes could be drawne to leaue Thessaly because there he had lost his Lord began to conferre about the marriage of Laurana being often importuned by Sicanus who caused the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta to be earnest solliciters in his behalfe at whose instance Dionisius promised to giue them answere the next day therefore sending for Laurana he demanded of her how shee fancied Lord Sicanus who was a most honourable Gentleman and one euery way worthy to be beloued telling her that he had giuen his sul cōsent and therefore it stood not with her vertue to séeme strange or shew her selfe vndutifull Laurana hearing her fathers speeches being much amazed stood still and gaue no answer a good space at last kneeling downe shee began in this sort I most humbly intreat your Maiesty to vouchsafe to heare my words with patience and not to impute any thing I shall desire at your highnesse hands to vndutifulnesse I cannot as yet fancy the Prince though I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy the honour you proffer me but haue presumed vpon your fauourable promise not to marry me to any without my liking to fuse the offer Sicanus maketh for that my fancy perswaded me he shall bring some sorrow to your highnesse and al the rest of this Court and Countrey as also for that I am vnwilling to this with my better but would intreate your maiesty if your highnesse will needs haue me marry rather to bestow mee on some honourable Gentleman of my degree but most of all my desire is to continue this my happy life wherein I entend with your gracious liking to spend the length of my daies Dionisius wondring to heare her answer began to waxe somewhat angry with her and told her that it was his pleasure shee should marry with him and he would haue it so My deare Lord and Father quoth shée because I am yours wholly to dispose of I humbly craue that I may haue a monthes respite to aduise my selfe and then I will accomplish your demand which he granted and so left her Laurana being alone began to weigh in what estate she was and how to auoid this iniurie the should doe to her selfe for her honourable promise past to Parismus and to him for his loue that she determined rather to destroy her selfe then yéeld to marry him whom she accounted her deare loues enemy and with this resolution went to her lodging Sicanus the next morning attended Dionisius answer who told him that his daughter had giuen her consent vpon condition he would grant her a months respite to consider of her duty therein wherewithall he was highly contented being now fully assured as he thought of his desire and began more boldly to visit Laurana who little esteemed his friendship though he vsed her kindly but farre from any shew of loue to the intent to breed no suspition in him of that shee intended CHAP. VII How Sicanus treason was discouered who suddainly fled into his Country and how Diomsius departed towards Bohemia vnknown to any in the disguise of a Palmer and what sorrow Oliuia the Queene made for his absence who created Lord Remus Regent in the Kings absence WHilest these things were acting it happened contrary to Sicanus expectation who now thought all things so buried in forgetfulnesse that his treachery could by no meanes be reuealed that the Tarrrians which murthered Parismus beganne to contend about the money Sicanus had giuen them in so much that one of them strooke the other such a blow on the head that he had wel-néere slaine him and would haue strucke him againe but that by chance Oristus comming by reprooued the other that had strooke his fellow and defended him that was already wounded from further harme and diuers other of Dionisius knights comming together they conueied him that was hurt into a Chamber and the other was carried before the king to be examined vpon what occasion hee did strike him who answered Diomsius that he would not be examined of any but his owne Prince which made Dionisius the more earnest to know the cause therefore willed Lord Remus to intreat Sicanus to come vnto him to end a doubt which none but he could decide Sicanus maruelling what the cause should be immediatly came but seeing one of the Tartarians that he had hired to murther Parismus standing before the King began to feare according to the guiltinesse of his conscience that his treason was bewraied notwithstanding he demanded why he had so wounded his fellow the villaine being amazed to see his master so ready to examine him and not rather to excuse him could not readily tell what to say but in that little respit of deliberation he answered that he had done him wrong that was the cause he had strooke him which words he vttered with great feare staring vpon Sicanus as if he should haue instructed him what to say Dionisius noting Sicanus countenance the villaines answer whom Sicanus would examine no further began to misdoubt some former mischiefe had bred this contention commanded the other Tartarian that was wounded to be brought before him who feeling himselfe almost past estate of life confest the cause why thy fell out and how that they had the money of Sicanus for murthering Parismus whose want was procured by their meanes Sicanus standing by and hearing his speech suddenly drew his dagger and stabbed him before he could vtter any more of his treachery Which so amazed all the company that a good
in solitarinesse vnlesse it were in his company The time of Parismus departure beeing come which was appointed the next morning Venola was drawne into an exceeding feare least that the knight of Fame would goe with him that shee began to deuise what meanes to vse to stay him which she could by no meanes of her selfe inuent which draue her to her wits ende and in great heauinesse complaining in her Chamber casting her selfe vpon her bedde she vttered these complaints What misery may be compared to the torments I endure procured by loue which hath entangled me in her snares and setled my liking on a stranger that as carelesly regardeth my good will as I earnestly affect his perfections What extremity is this that my vnlucky destinies haue allotted me to refuse the offer of many Kings that haue humbly sued for my loue and to make choise of one that maketh least account of my kindnesse For it cannot be but he perceiueth my loue which being so how discourteous is he that in all this time will not yeelde mee any recompence for the same Peraduenture he seeth nothing in me worth the liking or else my beauty is not such as many flatteringly haue perswaded me it is Am not I a Kings daughter and he peraduenture borne of meane parentage and what dignity might he come to by my loue but all this he regardeth nat but being rudely brought vp according to that rudenesse cannot conceiue of my liking But what meane I â—…o disgrase the Knight whose courteâ—… maketh him beloued of all whose comelinesse maketh him liked of all and whose vaiour maketh him honoured of all who hath no doubt already placed his affections on some beautifull Lady and that is the cause of his strangenesse yea that is the thing that hindreth my ioyes for without his loue I can attaine no quiet which now I am likewise like to lose by his departure which I feare me will be too soone which words being ended such passions ouerwhelmed her heart that her eies burst into â—…eares and there she lay vpon her bedde tumbling with torment of those restlesse passions Whilest shee continued her sorrowes in comes Flauia her nurse who by espying her cheekes besâ—…eered with teares and her sad counteuance maruelling what should procure the same said My sweete Mistresse how hapneth it that you weepe thus Who hath done you wrong Or why doe you torment your sweet selfe with this sadnesse Deare Lady tell me O Nurse quoth Venola my owne folly hath procured me this disquiet and my selfe being the cause whom should I blame but my selfe Why Lady quoth shee what haue you done What is the matter Haue you done your selfe any harme Why should you conceale any thing from me that haue all your life long loued you as dearely as my owne heart My sweete daughter hide nothing from me but tell me why you marre those your prettie eies with such sorrow Why quoth Venola what should it auaile my to tell you when I know you cannot helpe me if I should declare it to you and by that meanes come to my fathers knowledge it would be more grieuous to me then death then good Flauia doe not seeke to know my cause of care but let me consume my selfe in silence when I haue no other meanes of remedy Flauia hearing her words was the more desirous to know what the matter was sometimes weeping sometimes intreating her to tell to her and sometimes protesting that shee would rather endure any torment then reueale the same that Venola wonne with her perswasions teares and protestations and withall desirous of comfort imparted her whole minde vnto her desiring her to be both secret and trusty and withall asked her counsell how she might stay him from departing wich the Prince of Bohemia Lady quoth Flauia since you haue imparted your minde to me I will both secretly keepe your counsell and diligently labour to stay his iourney at this time I but quoth Venola I pray thee doe it so that he may no way perceiue that it was by my procurement Let mee alone for that said shee and in the meane time cast you off those cloudy cares and get you downe amongst the rest of those Ladies with a merrie countenance and commit the care to me which I will effect to your liking Venola beeing somewhat reuiued with Flauias promise with a merrie heart forsooke her Chamber Flauia went about her businesse going into the Citie with all haste where dwelt an ancient Apothecary a very friend of hers to whom she durst commit any secret whom shee desired to compound certaine of his drugges together and to make a somniferous Potion which would cause him sleepe for foure and twenty houres in such sort that the party might by no meanes be awakened promising if he could make a confection to reward him richlie The Apothecary hearing her words tolde her that if shee would stay he would compound such a drinke as should euery way worke the same effect shee desired Flauia hauing attained her desire that way came to a Goldsmith and bought a most curious wrought bottell of golde whereon shee caused him to ingraue these Letters My pleasant taske doth doubts appease I banish care and griefe vnkinde Things yet vnknowne I doe reueale Vnknowne he is that shall me finde A friend vnknowne hath thee this sent Be bold and taste incontinent And hauing gotten euery thing according to her desire returneth to the Court and the time of rest drawing nigh she wrought such meanes that she had the appointment of the knight of Fames lodging where she laide the bottle in which time she had put the somniferous potion so right in his way that he could not chuse but finde the same intending that if she failed of her purpose yet she would worke such meanes that she would giue it him in the morning The Knight of Fame all that day kept company with Parismus vnto whom his heart bare an inward loue determining to bring him towards Bohemia and after to trauell in search of his Parents Parismus likewise was growne into such loue of his qualities and â—â—ch a hidden desire to pleasure him was stirred in his heart towards him that hee vsed him with such an extraordinary kindenesse as the friendship that past betwixt them seemed vnseparable Thus the day being spent euery one betook them to their lodgings the Knight of Fame comming to his lodging walking by and downe lighted on the bottle and noting the same tooke it vp and espying the verses read the contents which draue him into many cogitations how the same should come there at last among many other thoughts he déemed by the contents of the verses he was the man that should taste thereof Then he beganne to feare lest it might be some poison laid on purpose to betray his life but that suspition was soone extinguished the deâ—…e he had to finde ease to his doubts which the contents of the superscription promised that tasting a little of
Wherevpon the Knight of Fame likewise finding him faithfull and secret declared vnto him the whole discourse of his Trauels only leauing out the vision which appeared to him in Thrace Asking his counsell what to doo and entring into many sad discourses how he was still crossed in his expectation and withall told him that he knew not which way to trauel in search of his Parents which if he could attaine then he would not doubt but to reuenge the iniurious wrongs done him Syr Knight qd Iahin I think it best that you trauell in search of them and that presently in the mean time these troubles by forgetfulnes wil be well ouer-blowne then you may haue the better opportunity to go forwards with any intent you shall afterward put in practise for if you stay here you may vnfortunately be descryed or the Kings iealousie is such that hee will leaus no meanes vnattempted to worke your death Father quoth he your counsell is good which I will put in practise not voluntarily but forced thereto in regard of mine owne preseruation requesting this one fauour at your handes that you would by some meanes remember my humble dutie to that honourable knight Marcellus and tell him that it shall not be long ere I returne desiring him in the meane time according to his former curtesie which hath bin extended farrebeyond my desert to remaine my friend and remember mée to Angelica I will quoth Iabine fulfil your request in euery respect But first quoth hée I think most conuenient you change your armor for that in that you are easily knowne and I haue one within that is euery way of as good proofe The Knight of Fame liked his deuice excéedingly well and armed himselfe in that armour which was very rich and costly guilded all ouer with gold and Amell without any deuise to be knowne by and in that armour the next night hée departed taking his leaue of olde Iabine with many courtesies being most vnwilling to leaue his company and parting with a heauy heart for that hee went to vndertake a newe trauell which might detaine him long from returning to Angelica and by good fortune that night hée gat out of the countrey and past the search of the Natolians whom hée did not care to méete withall but that he would not thereby hinder the speede of his iourney CHAP. XXI How the Knight of Fame arriued in the county of Bohemia and redeemed Violetta from Archas. How Archas was put to death How the knight of Fame came to the knowledge of his Parents and after that departed againe toward Natolia AFter that the Knight of Fame was past the boundes of Natolia hee arriued in an exceeding great plaine where hee sawe many readie pathes but knew not which of them to take at last a suddaine thought and remembrannce of Parismus entered his fancy which so fully possest his minde that the thought and rembembrance of Parismus entred his fancie which so fully possest his minde that the thought thereof would by no meanes remooue which was so effectually wrought in him by a natural effect for there were his Parents no where else which caused nature it self to pitty his restlesse Passions and no longer to procrastinate his felicitie that hée fully and resolutelie determined to trauell thither Whither afterwards with long trauell he attained hauing great desire to sée Parismus againe to whom his heart had vowed euerlasting friendship And now drawing nigh the Court in the afternoone when the sunne had with his scorching beames made the season hotte hée heard a gréeuous complaint as it séemed to his hearing of some distressed ladie which made him stay to listen which way that crie came and by the voyce drawing nigh vnto the place he espied vnder the shadowe of a heape of Elmes a knight in Armour and a Lady at his féete who were the same that made that mone The knight of Fame comming neare them they both espyed him to the Ladies comfort but the Knight presently tooke vppe his shield and addressed himselfe for his defence The Knight of Fame well noting the Ladies countenance remembred that hée had seene her but hée could not remember where which caused him the more willingly to helpe her being otherwise of his owne vertuous inclination readie to succour any distressed Ladie that comming to her demanded her cause of sorrowe but shée being readie to make him answere and holding vp her hands to craue his pittie the other knight setting his sword against her breast vowing that if the spake one word he would thrust the same through her body which the Knight of Fame séeing thinking he went about to stay her with his sword drawne rusht violently against him and ouerthrew him but giuing him leaue to recouer his féete he said Traiterous villaine why offerest thou this Lady such discourtesie being ashamed she should declare thy treachery which mauger thy hart I will know before we two part with that he lent him such a blow that he made him stagger the Knight thought himselfe now in worse case then euer he had bene but notwithstanding hée resisted the knight of Fame most couragiously for a space but hée being the most gallantest Knight in the world soone brought him in great daunger of his life which when the knight saw and felt he stayed himselfe and said Knight before the combat continue any longer let me know your name I will not shew thée that fauour quoth the knight of Fame but wish thée yéelde thy selfe neither will I shew thée that fauour quoth he with that hée began the combat againe being scarce able to lift vp his sword by reason of his faintenesse by effusion of blood intending to ende his life which the Knight of Fame perceiuing clasped him in his armes with violence wrung his sword out of his hands and by force made him yeelde hauing 〈◊〉 weapon to offend himselfe nor his aduersary The Ladie seeing her selfe thus fortunately deliuered comming to the knight of Fame desired him to pittie her estate and not to forsake her vntill she were come to the Bohemian court With that the knight of Fame was excéedingly glad saying Lady I will not forsake you but sée you there in safetie for thither am I bound But I pray you quoth he let me know your name for that I haue I am sure séene you about the Forest of Adre Violetta with that was drawne into a great admiration what hée should bée at last shée said my name is Violetta that am ordained to perpetuall miserie beeing indéede by the trecherie of a disloyall knight named Archas driuen to wander thitherwards The knight of Fame then immediately remembring her but béeing vnwilling to discouer himselfe questiōed no more with her but only asked her what that knight was Sir knight quoth she I know him not nor why he hath offered me this outrage Which said the knight of Fame forced him to go with them and so they departed towards the court where
Bohemian Court honourablie entertayned and highly estéemed of the Bohemian States Who grue into an excéeding loue towards him and was kindly beloued of the King and Quéene but especially of his Parents who thought themselues moste happie and blessed to haue such a Sonne Whose fame was spredde through most places of all the Worlde and that euery mans eares were filled with the report of his most honourable déedes Now that Parismenos had thus happily attained the knowledge of his Parents the want whereof had long time filled his minde with care no other thought but of Angelicas Loue could take place in his heart which though his cause of ioy otherwise was sufficient filled his sences with sadnesse and quite extinguisht those delights that they séemed to trouble his minde rather tedious then coÌ„fortable adding no ease to his cares which were augmented to an excéeding height by reason of Maximus cruelty which he saw was so much aggrauated against him that he knew it a thing impossible for him to attaine the least fauour at his hand Who likewise kept Angelica Guarded so strongly and so narrowly pryed into all her actions that it was impossible any way eyther to come to her spéech or send to her that with diuersitie of the cogitations his hart was tormented his countenance darkned and hée spent his time most commonly in sadnesse beeing séeldome drawne to any myrth Which was generally noted of all men but especiallie of Laurana who could neuer be quiet but onely in his company And one a day missing him shée rested not vntill she had found him out being gotten into the most solitariest place in the Garden leaning himselfe vpon his Elbow Who espying her raised himselfe from the ground blushing at her presence to whome she said Why how now Parismenos What sadnesse is that which possesseth your minde that maketh you so eâ—…range your selfe from company to delight in solitarinesse is there none so highly in your fauour that they may know the truth thereof or is your cause of care such as none can remedie or not counsell you for your ease I am sure there are many would not refuse to vse their endeuors to pleasure you especially myselfe would both willingly doo my best to comfort you and knowe the cause if it be not too secret Parismenos with humble reuerence made her this answer I beséeth you doo not thinke me so vndutifull nor my cause of care so secret that I would conceale the same from you but were it of much more importance I would willingly reueale it to satisfie your minde which I haue omitted as vnwilling to trouble you therwith and for no other respect Then I pray qd she let me know is it not Loue Yes most déere Mother qd he it is Loue and to that beautifull Ladie Angelica who beareth me the like affection but so farre am I from enioying her loue as that it attainteth my heart with care to thinke thereof which is the cause of my sadnes which will increase rather then diminish if I doe not shortly trauell thither being now assured of all other doubtes and hauing finished my trauell in search to finde you out Therfore I most humbly beseech you to procure my Lord and Fathers coÌ„sent to my spéedy departure For without the fruition of her heauenly sight my life wil be but wearisome Laurana hearing his spéeches perceiued indéede that his affection was great and therefore not to be remooued and well knowing by her owne former experience that Loue was incurable thee was the more ready to pitie his passions that shee promised to further him in what the could being now assured of the cause of his sadnesse CHAP. XXII ¶ How Parismenos after he came to the knowledge of his Parents deeparted towards Natolia Aow he met with Marcellus and what afterwards befell to him WIthin few dayes after Parismenos returned backe againe towards Natolia but with much sorrow in the Bohemian Court for his departure spending much time in trauell vntill hée arriued at S. Austins Chappell hauing gotten him other Armour because he would not be knowne and knocking at the Chappell doore presently olde Iabine came out to whome he discouered himselfe Who knowing him reioyced excéedingly at his Presence and safetie desiring him to come in for that hee had Newes of importance to tell him Parismenos comming to him for no other intent but to heare Newes from Angelica willingly went in with him And Iabine began as followeth Most noble Knight I will declare vnto you all that I haue learned of the estate of Marcellus so neere as I can After that you were departed from hence the Natolians hauing continued their diligent search some thrée dayes and in the end returned to the Court frustrated of their desire Wherby Maximus gaue no credit to that report but soone forgot the same remaining in great quiet Marcellus by this time had recouered his health letting passe no time came hither thinking to haue found you héere but yet hearing by my report of your Departure hee séemed to be quite ouer-come with griefe and declared vnto mée all that had happened to you in the Golden Tower which you had declared vnto me before and withall manifested what had happened vnto him and Angelica and how he was so grieuously Wounded then Iabine declared the same euen as Marcellus hadde tolde him in the very same manner as is before declared when he determined to haue conueyed Angelica to S. Austines Chappell the day his Father was on Hunting And quoth hée Marcellus hauing tolde me this withall shewed mee with what sorrow Angelica endured your absence Parismenos hauing heard his wordes which yéelded him full assurance of Marcellus friendship and Angelicas constant Loue was therewith excéedingly comforted rehearsing to him how fortunately he had found his Parents Iabin then began to vse him with more reuerence and more seruently to affect his company and good that at Parismenos request hee went towards the Golden-Tower to sée if hee could by any meanes speake with Marcellus which hee willingly at his Request did and brought newes backe that Maximus was departed with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica towards the Citie of Ephesus which hee learned of such as were Gardiants at the Golden-Tower Parismenos hearing that immediately departed thitherwardes and entring the Citie rode presently vnto the Court where hee met a Knight Whome hee desired of courtesie to giue notice vnto Marcellus that there was a Knight who would speak with him Which at his request he presently went and performed and finding Marcellus in the Kings great Hall he sold him there was a strange knight at the Court Gate that was destrous to speake with him Marcellus maruelling who it should be immediately went out vnto him being a Knight of excéeding vertue that he would not refuse any courtesie and though hée were Sonne vnto a mightie King yet hée disdained not to fulfill his request though hée neither knewe him nor the cause of his comming Parismenos beholding him
Laurana maruelling at her Fathers suddaine sending for her suspected that hee had heard some newes of her loue to Parismus otherwise she could not tell what the cause might be but making her selfe ready presently came to him hauing reuerently done her duty he vsed these speeches vnto her Laurana my chiefest care is to sée thee married according to thy state which hath made me send for thee to know whether that thou hast already placed thy affection or no otherwise there is come into this Country a King of great estate and honourable parts sonne and heire to the King of Persia who concealed himself vntil yesterninght in whose behalfe the king of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta are come from his Father to craue thee in marriage Now if thou canst fancy him thou shalt highly honour thy self haue an honourable husband and reioice my heart to see thee so well matched before my death which will come very shortly I haue giuen my consent so it be with thy liking for so dearely I loue thee that I would as well haue thy fancy pleased as mine owne minde satisfied therefore let me know thy minde Laurana answered My deare Lord and Father I humbly thanke you for the manifold benefits receiued by your fauour being yet at libertie from all knowing it my dutie to haue your consent before I would presume to match my selfe trusting that I shall so place my affections as shall be agréeable to your pleasure Well do so then said her father and this was the cause I sent for you Laurana departed with a heauie heart wishing that the time of Parismus comming were at hand that she might impart this newes vnto him which grieâ—…d her and she knewe would not please him resoluing with her selfe neuer to giue consent After dinner Laurana by the commaundement of Oliuia the Quéene accompanied the Ladie Isabella by meanes whereof Sicanus had occasion to court her whome hée found of so milde behauiour and yet so farre differing from his minde that hée saw no likelihood of attaining her loue His importunate demaunds which he builded vpon her fathers promise and his owne hope of assurance she answered so wisely and curteously that his loue thereby encreased but his hope was no whit augmented that séeing such a vertuous resolution or in maner absolute deniall to his sute he was perswaded Parismus was the onely man that hindered his loue which the rather vexed him because hée sawe his vertues of euery man commended and himselfe by the beauty of his excelent gifts disgraced that euer after he sought all meanes he could to worke his harme And fearing that he should be frustrated of his expectation began very narrowly to prie into the behauiour of Laurana towards Parismus that they coulde at no time talke if hée were in companie but would still bée attentiue to their spéeches nor seldome were they at any time togither but hée would be in their companie dissembling a countenance of great frindship to Parismus hauing tha greater occasion to crosse their loues because of the motion hée had made to Dionisius and of the kings spéech to Laurana In this sort he continued his iealous behauiour yet farre from the least hope of procuring Lauranas fauour The wished time of these two Princesse appointed méeting being come Parismus secretly leaping the wall which parted him from his delight â—…ound Leda all alone attending his comming and asking her where her mistresse was she told him shée staied in her chamber for him which she thought to be the fittest place for their priuate conference for that she was now fully assured of his honourable meaning so directing him the way he quickely found Laurana who was come to the staites head to meete him whom he kindly saluted and she as louingly welcomed him spending their time in sweet gréetings but farre from any thought of vnchastenesse their imbracings beeing grounded vpon the most vertuous conditions that might be and sitting together vpon the beddes side Laurana taking Parismus by the hand the teares standing in her eies told him all the speeches her father had vsed vnto her and of Sicanus loue repeating to him all that had passed betwixt them which extreamely gréeued Parismus to heare not that hee doubted her change but for that hee was thereby disappointed of the first grant from Dionisius whom he was fully perswaded would haue giuen his consent Deare Lady said Parismus since these mischances are vnfortunately happened I know not how to remedy them but it resteth only in your power either by granting him loue and so to destroy me or still continue your sauorable kindnesse towards me and thereby purchase displeasure of your parents which would be more greeuous vnto me then death My Lord replied Laurana you néede not vse these speeches or any way trouble your mind for I promise and protest that the losse or displeasure of my friends nor any other misery or torment whatsoeuer shall make me any way infringe that promise I haue made to you for your loue is more dearer vnto me then my life but I desire you to tell me how I may any way worke your content and I will doe it More shee would haue spoken but the Christall teares that fell from her eies and extreame hearts sorrow to sée Parismus so sad stopt her speech who likewise was drawn into such admiratioÌ„ to think of her kindnesse that he could vse no words to comfort her but with his chéeke wiped away the wet teares that bedeawed her face and bestowed swéet kisses on her corall couloured lips At last he said Deare Laurana deare Laurana I would desire you not to thinke that I any way cal your loyalty in question but vsed those spéeches only to assure you that whatsoeuer pleaseth you I count my greatest blisse but since you vouchsafe to grant me that fauour to be content to endure your Parents displeasure for my sake that am vnworthy of that kindnesse I will heereafter so fully rest at your command to doe whatsoeuer lieth in my small power that you shall say Parismus is not vnwilling though vnable to be sufficiently thaÌ„kful Thus thinking too much of their stole time speÌ„t about those vnpleasant newes they began to vse words of more comfort which were such as porceeded from the kindest friendship that might be For so pleasantly swéet were their louely ioies and true hearted meanings that it far surpassed the admirable kindnes of Louers but might be tearmed the true substance of perfect pleasure wherein these two harmelesse soules continued the greatest part of the night with such ioy that had Sicanus who most enuied Parismus séene and beheld them he would neuer haue attempted to part such knide friendship Now the dismall houre of their parting being approached by reason of the light that the Sunne began to giue vnto the Chamber Parismus taking Laurana in his armes drawing sweete breath from her lippes told her that now to his griefe he most leaue her to be courted by
of Persians destroying all that he mette that his horse and armour was all to bee stained with the Persians bloud and would haue continued longer to the terrour of the Persians but that the day was ended whereof the Persians were glad and sounded retrait hauing lost so many of their men that all the earth was couered with dead bodies The Persians hauing recouered their tents in heauinesse began to curse the blacke knight who had made such slaughter that all the army was almost discomforted with the remembrance of him Dionisius because it was night conueied his souldiers vnto the wood againe The Bohemians Hungarians and Spartaâ—…es being gone to their tents the Thessalians to the City and Osiris backe to the place from whence he came where I leaue them to speake of the Quéene and Laurana who all this while had viewed the whole campe being amazed to see the slaughter that was made amongst the Persians but especially by the blacke knight they also maruelled what force that should be that came from the wood but most of al they wondred that the blacke knight concealed himselfe which made Laurana so desirous to know that shee sent out a Page to marke his going from the Campe to tell him that shee entreated him to lodge within the City that the Queene and she might yeelde him some part of amends for his kindnesse for comming to aide them The Page diligently attending his businesse espied the blacke knight hasting from the field and calling vnto him told him that the Princes Laurana had sent vnto him to request him to lodge within the City that they might shew some thankefulnesse vnto him for the paines he had taken to defend them The blacke knight willed him to â—…ender all dutifull thankes vnto his Mistris whose request he would most willingly fulfill but that he was bound to the contrarie by a solemne vowe but within a short time he would most diligently atteÌ„d her pleasure for that he had dedicated his life to be spent in her defence which he would not desist to hazard whilest she had an enemy liuing wherewith rewarding the Page very bounâ—…ifully he departed and by the way he beganne to consider that if he should not manifest himselfe all men would thinke that Sicanus had been wrongfully accused and his own honour called in question therefore yet againe he once more resolued not to manifest himselfe vntill such time as Sicanus had confest the fact that was laid to his charge and with this resolution went to the Caue Laurana expected the returne of her Page with such an earnest desire that she could not be quiet vntill he was come who deliuered his message according as Parismus had willed him which draue her into a thousand sun dry imaginations one while she thought it was some strange Knight that sought her loue by his valour and an other while she thought it was Parismus but that cogitation was soon extinguished by a thousand doubts that with extremity of passion shee burst forth into these laments What distresse and terror is this that I endure by want of my deere Parismus who I cannot suppose to be liuing because he is thus long aâ—…sent who I know would not be out of my Company if hee might enioy the same but my Destinies by his want doe intend to worke my ouerthrow yet neuerthelesse were I but assured he were liuing then should my heart be at quiet for I know he would preserue his life for my sake or were I but assured that hee were dead then would I soone resolue to follow him that my fainting Ghost might enioy his companie and knew he but how deerely I loued him then I am sure that he would soone returne but he hath heretofore mette with some false Creâ—…ed and therefore he only absenteth himselfe to make triall of my Truth were I but sure that this were the effectual cause of his absence then would I rest in quiet but my lucklesse Stars bode me no such good Fortune And to my griefe I feare me he poore soule is destroyed by the trechery of that wicked homicide Sicanus who is not contented with his tragedie but also séeketh my destruction Well with what patience I may I will liue in hope once againe to see my Lord for I doe not doubt but the Palâ—…ers newes were true or else how should he come to possesse that Iewel which my deare Parismus sent me In these and such like complaints shee spent all that night refusing to be comforted that the pure Christall teares ranne from her eyes aboundantly that it would haue forced a stony heart to relent at her dolefull lamentation CHAP. XII How Donisius discouered himselfe to the Queene and of the ioy was made in the City how Parismus determining to see Laurana in his palmers disguise lighted vpon a prettie aduenture at the first dangerous but in the ende pleasant and what battels hee afterwards fought with the Persians DIonisius very earely the next day after the battell fought against the Persians came marching with his troupes of whom very few were missing towards the Citie from whence hee found the Persians remoued further by halfe a mile for they hauing viewed their forces found them so much weakened by the last daies infinite slaughter that they thought themselues scarce able to resist an other assault and therefore began to intrench themselues by which meanes those of the Thessalian party had free accesse to the City and by the appointment of Dionisius al the souldiers were conueied into the same euery band lodged seuerally by themselues al things being ordered for a sudden assault if need should require The Bohemian king requested the king of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta to go with him to the palace to visit the Quéene amongst whom was Dionisius not yet knowne to any but the Bohemian King they marched in â—…heir armour with Drummes and Trumpets The Quéene â—…auing knowledge of their comming came to meete them in mourning attire and with her Laurana and the Thessalian Ladies the faire young Queene of Hungaria and the Ladie Isabella who had all this while remained with Oliuia and all the Thessalian Lords shewing by their outward habite their inward sorrow for want of him that was amongst them by this time they were met and most kindly saluted each other the Quéene giuing them most harty thankes for their friendship and they protesting neuer to forsake her in time of neede Oliuia maruelled who that might be that concealed himselfe which both Laurana and all the rest diligently marked and being drawne by that meanes into heauy cogitation of her lost Lord she vttered these speeches Most worthy King of Bohemia I am sorry that the King of Thessalie is wanting to giue honour to your simple encertainement whose absence is most greeuous vnto vs being our onely defence comfort by which meanes wee cannot giue you such a ioyfull welcome as wee should if our Sun were not darkned but are compelled by our plaints to
make you pertakers of our woe as also the death of that noble Prince your valiant sonne being vnfortunately acted in our Court hath so ouerwhelmed vs with care that you cannot expect ought from vs but sighs and mourning that all the entertainement we can giue is to bid you welcome to a feast of sorrow wherwith she and the vertuous Laurana shewing a countenance full of milde pittie stood wéeping lamenting that all the whole company were gréeued to sée their sorrow which strooke such a déepe impression of pitty into Dionisius heart that with the teares standing in his eies he vnbraced his helmet and comming suddainly to Oliuia said Deare Queene behold one salue to cure your sorrow the Quéen and Laurana were so amazed that they could not tell whether they might giue credit to their eies or no but at last with such vnspeakable ioy Oliuia imbraced him that it delighted all to behold their kind reioycings Laurana knéeling downe did her humble dutie and Dionisius séeing her kneeling with blubbred chéeks as he thought bewailing his absence most willingly tooke her vp and kissed her which hee had neuer before done since shee was a childe which so rauished Lauranaes passionate heart that her ioy for hie returne and griefe for Parismus want might be compared to two mighty forces striuing to ouer master each other The Lords of Thessaly were so renewed with the presence of their king that twenty thousand hosts of Persians could not daunt their vndaunted hearts such mirth reioycing was throughout the whole Citie that for euer after they continually kept that as a holy and festiuall day so excéeding was the Citizens ioy that the belles rung the Drumes and Trumpets sounded and they made boneâ—…res and tryumphes throughout the whole Citie the noise whereof made the Persians wonder and astonished to see them in such mirth so little to regard their forces which doubts were soone ended by the newes of Dionisius reurne whom we leaue now in his owne Court in great ioy welcomming the strangers and himselfe welcomed by his subiects Parismus the same day was come out of his Caue in Palmers wéedes because he knew he should not haue occasion to vse his Armes and comming to the City he found the Persians diâ—…odged and all the rest within the walles and hearing the ioy that was made he maruelled what should be the cause and easily got into the City because vnder that habite he was not mistrusted and soone had knowledge of Dionisius his returne which he had heard of before He began then to thinke with himselfe in this sort how vnkind am I that will not manifest my selfe vnto my deare and Uertuous Laurana whom I know endureth much sorrow for my sake shee will keepe mee being aliue secret from men and why then may I not comfort her and my selfe by hauing some priuate conference with her And with this resolution he went vnto the Pallace and there walked vp and downe not hauing a sight of Laurana nor Leda her maide all the day nor possibly knowing how to come to giue her knowledge of his being there without suspition Thus he stayed vntill it began to be darke and hauing no other meanes he lept ouer a mighty high stone wall into the Garden wherâ—… diuers times hee had enioyed the sweet presence of his beloued and there hid himselfe in a little groue that was by Art made for pleasure whereunto seldâ—…me any came in which groue he was constrained to stay most part of the night by reason that the King of Bohemia and the rest lodged in the Pallace it was very late before all were at rest Yet neuerthelesse when there was none to hinder him he was without any hope to see his Mistresse and all things being silent he spied a light burning in her window vnder which hee got himselfe so neere as hee could and to his comfort heard Laurana sing this song to her Luâ—…e Lauranaes Song What carefull breast ere bid such bitter throbbes As vexe my minde with sorrowes pinching smart Which waste my life with watrie eye-swolne sobbes And breed sadde cares that sticke full neere my heart Sorrow 's my food and griefe my whole delight Care fils my heart sad thoughts possesse my minde Each obiect sweet that counterviewes my sight Soone turnes to sower all pleasure prooues vnkinde The cheerfull day renewes my endlesse cries And Phoebus beames are shadowed with my teares The silent night that lendeth rest to eyes Yeeldes me no ease but hearts consuming care Thus am I rackt no rest to smart can finde The smallest time to paine yeelds no relife No fortune sweet will my ill rate vnbinde But worse to worse and care I adde to griefe My loue is lost by dismall lucklesse fate My chiefest ioy hath felt the sting of death The bad suruiue to worke me more debate And vertue sweet can draw no longer breath Fraude conquereth Fame and vertu's thrall to vice Faith stands exilde and reason rules in place The good prooues bad and trust as brittle yâ—…e In constant deedes doe constant loue deface My Sunne shines dim and darkened be despite Spite suckes my blood yet sueth for my loue Valour lies thrall dispoiled of his might Vaine flattery doth constancy remoue Base minded Lust hath Loialty betraide False Trecherie doth sue and seeke for grace Fraude by his force hath honesty dismaid And forced wrong doth right with might displace All this and more by proofe I finde to true By hard mischance and absence of my Knight Whose luckelesse death my sorrowing sobs renue Whose presence pure did breed my sweet delight He valour was whom fraude hath brought to death He honour was where vertue shin'd most cleare In his kind brest true loialty drew breath Fame in his lookes and glory did appeare Hope speakes me faire and telles me Fame doth liue Which addes more doubts vnto my troubled head The Iewell sweete the Palmer did mee giue Breeds firme beliefe that valour is not dead My friendly foe that sueth for my grace Hath hem'd mee in with strickt besiege of warre And seekes by force my vertue to deface And from my soule all comfort doth debarre Had I my Loue here folded in mine armes Or might I once enioye his pleasing â—…ight I would him guard from force of Persian harmes And loue should quell fraile fortunes canckred spight But dismall woes expell such blisfull ioyes My lucklesse Starres such pleasure doth detaine Carking distresse and sorrowes mee annoyes No ease to care nor end I finde in paine Thus am I â—…ost with endleâ—…e miserie Care is my bed exceeding paine my rest Sorrow 's my sleepe my ease aduersitie And thousand griefes still tumble in my head Affliction giues me foode dispaire reliefe Danger hems me in Death standeth still in â—…ight Each Day and Night each thing renues my griefe And grisly Warre my senses doth affright What resteth then for me to put in vre But welcome Cares in absence of my friende Who for
tyrannous that by his trechery in fight he had subdued many thousand knights in his trauels This Pollipus was desirous to trie his force against the Blacke knight and soone mounted himselfe being a most gallant proportioned and comely knight The blacke knight being still ready for any incounter met Polipus with such force that both their staues were shiuered in peeces the blacke knight not once moouing in Saddle but Pollipus with the focre of his blâ—…w lost one of his stirrops The blacke knight not once moouing in his saddle but Polippus with the force of the blow lost one of his stirrops the blacke Knight hauing drawne his sword ready to combat Pollipus espied vpon his Armour the deuise of three Falcons and suddainly put vp his sword againe which when Pollipus perceiuing he maruelled thereâ—…t and asked him the combate the black knight said pardon me worthy sir for I am bound not to combat any that weareth that Armor and without any more words departed Polippus wondring thereat at last remembred that when he was with the Persian king besieging Bohomia he made a couenant with Parismus neuer to combat any that had the deuise of the branch of roses vpon his armour which was Parismus armor Parismus likewise promised him the like therfore he thought that the blacke knight was either Parismus himselfe or some knight whom Parismus had bound by the like oath The occasion of which vow passed betwixt Parismus and Pollipus was growne through the excéeding loue and kindnes that had passed betwixt them from their youth being brought vp together in the vniuersity Wherefore Pollippus studying what he might be and reioycing that hee had so worthy a knight to his friend rode backe to the Persians tent who stood gazing to sée euent of this Combat but maruelled that they parted so friendly Pollipus beeing returned told the Kings of Persia and Natolia that hee refused the combat the reason was as hee thought the blacke Knight knewe him otherwise hee knewe not what might be the cause Adonius the King of Bohemia Oliuia Laurana and the rest all this while wondred at the blacke Knights behauiour but most of all to sée him part so friendly with the Phrigian Knight Whilest they were in this admiration they beheld the most valiant Zoylus ready to encounter the blacke knight the Persians now thinking to see the blacke Knights downefall for that Zoylus had vowed neuer to depart vntill hee had destroied him with whom the blacke Knight mette with such aduantage that maugre the force of Zoylus he ouerthrew him to the ground and himselfe had lost both his stirrups Zoylus soone recouered his Horse and with furious rage they both mette with their swords drawne when beganne a most terrible and cruell battell that all that behelde the same were amazed at the valour of both the knights in which cruel manner they contined for two houres space both being grieuously hurt but neuer weary nor willing to leaue off at last the blacke Knight séemed weary and only warded the furious strokes that Zoilus gaue him Zoylus thinking indeede that hee had fained laide on such blowes with such swiftnesse and force that all the whole company of the beholders déemed the black knight almost vanquished Zoylus still pursued him with forcible blowes and the blacke Knight still warded so long they continued in this manner that the Phrygian beganne to waxe wearie and also to suspect the blacke Knights pollicie therefore staying his hande he said Knight I giue thee leaue to aske pardon for thy life or else be sure thou art but dead The blacke Knight casting his eies towards the Tower where his beloued Laurana stoode beholding the combatte and wauing his sworde most couragiously about his heade answered No dastard Phrygian quoth hee I scorne thy proffer with which words he so freshly assaulted the Phrygian that in short space he draue him to deuise how to saue his life for hee had mangled and cut his body in many places that his Steede was all coloured with the bloud that ranne from his woundes which caused the Phrygian to thrust at the blacke Knight with such force and furie that hee wounded him most grieuously on the left side which wound and withall the remembrance the blacke Knight had who beheld the combatte caused him with both his handes to strike such a deadly blowe at the Phrygian that lighting full on his Beauer the force and vigour thereof both vnbuckled the same and his Sword cut off his right eare and wounded him so sore in the face that he fell on his Horse necks senselesse the blacke Knight strooke another blow at him with such a maine force that had not the Phrygians Horse started with the glimmering sight of his sword comming he had there parted his head from his shoulders and the Horse ranne loose about the fields at last the Phrygian beganne to recouer himselfe and looking about him hee espied Parismus with his sword put vp and himselfe without a weapon that what with shame and furie he was almost madde These Combattants were no sooner parted but the Thessalian horsemen by a priuie Watch-word from out the Citie rushed suddenly vpon the Persians at vnawares who expected no such matter and had their mindes otherwise busied so that before they could be in Armes to defende themselues the Thessalians had made a great slaughter amongst them which the black Knight perceiuing though he were gréeuously wounded made such hauock among the Persians that al men déemed him rather to be a Diuell then a mortall creature with whom Pollipus met but would not once offer to offend him Dionisius the Bohemian King the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta Lord Remus Osiris and Oristus likewise issued out vpon the Persian forces in seuerall Troupes which so amazed the Natolians Phrigians and the other Nations of the Army that they maruelled whence the Thessalians could haue such aide but their comming amongst them on such a suddaine made so cruell and mighty a slaughter that by that time the day was ended they had slaine of the Persians fifty thousand which caused them euer after to be more circumspect and wary All the Souldiers beeing retired into their places the blacke Knight likewise withdrewe himselfe towards the Wood Pollipus hauing al this day very diligeÌ„tly followed him being almost come to the Woods side set spurres to his horse and ouertooke the blacke Knight who espying him stayed his comming knowing him to be the knight with whom he had combatted that day by the thrée Faulcons on his Armor most kindly saluted him and demanded what might be the cause of his comming vnto him Who replyed thus Most worthy Knight quoth hee my humble suit vnto you is that you would vouchsafe me so much fauour as to let me vnderstand the cause you refused the Combat with me this day Gentle Knight quoth Parismus you must needs pardon me for that vntill I know whether you are the worthy Pollipus of Phrygia
hauing no companie but onely their Page beganne to trauaile along the Coast side to sée if happily they could finde out any Shipping that might lye vppon those Coastes In which trauaile we will leaue them for a space to speake of the King of Bohemia Assoone as the storme was ended the King of Bohema missing the Ship wherein Parismus was beganne to take the same most grieuously fully assuring himselfe that they were perished but he himselfe was driuen into the confines of Frigia whereas he peaceablie soiourned vntill he had Fraughted his shippes with all things needfull and within short space landeâ—… in Bohemia where he gaue himselfe to a solitarie and austere life and such sorrow and lamentation was generally made for the losse of their Prince as is not to be described Likewise the newes thereof was soone conueyed to Dionisius Court where the sorrowe they made was such as the like was neuer heard of in any age The Tartarians verie ioyfull of their Bootie made all the haste they could home towards their owne Countrey not any vâ—…der hatches for a good space misdoubting their Captiuitie the Princesse her selfe being fallen into a swéete and silent sleepe Leda being with her maruelled why Parismus stayed so long and seeing her Mistresse fast a sleepe stole out of the Cabbin and found the Marriners all careleslie quaffing and leauing them she would haue gone vp aboue hatches for that her heart could not be at quiet but finding them fast shutte she called alowde to the Mariners to come and open the same but they likewise finding the same fast boulted soone perceyued the Sippe was vnder saile and they all betrayed that being desperate what with shame and griefe that there began a very great Mutinie amongst them that moste of them were slayne in this rage not knowing almost what they did and the rest that suruiued desperately murthered themselues which Leda beholding assuredly perswaded herselfe they were betrayed and with aboundance of teares went to her Mistresse againe who still was fast a sléepe but at last shée awaked and seeing Leda wéeping her heart beganne to fayle her and demaunding the cause of Leda shee could not answere a word wherewith Laurana was driuen into such an extreame passion of feare that all her ioyntes began to tremble and shake her colour went and came but at the last which with intreaties and threatnings she caused Leda to declare the circumstance of their woe Laurana no sooner heard Leda say they were betrayed to the Tartarians and that their Marriners had in a mutenie slaine one another but there she fell downe dead that doe what Leda could shee was not able to recouer her to her Sences in a good space but at last her breath began to make passage through the sweete Condute of her throat and she lifted vp her eyes looking with such a ghastly and pittifull countenance vppon Leda that shée was almost afraide to behold her Then Laurana beganne to teare and spoyâ—… her golden Tresses and dishiueled her faire and precious haire and rent her costly Garments from her comely and delicate bodie wringing her handes beating her breasts and knocking her precious head against the boords that had not Leda with al her might hindred her she had there destroied her selfe In this sorrowfull sort she on the one side continued her lamentations and Leda on the other side wept her fill that the conduits of their eyes were dryed vp and not able to shed another teare and her heart was sore with throbbing and she desperately and with a constant resolution attended the comming of those vilains that had betraâ—…ed her who knowing theÌ„selues to be past the reach of the two knights began to lift vp the hatches called to those that were below but none made answer which caused one of them to go downe and found all the BohemiaÌ„s lie murthered with that ioyfull tidings came vp to his fellowes One that was the chiefe and Captaine ouer the rest allotting euery one his seuerall office went downe to sée where Laurana was whom he found as is said making such moâ—…ne that himself notwithstanding his barbarous disposition could not refraine from pittying her griefe and in that case without speaking a word hee left her and returned againe within two houres thinking by that time she would haue ceased her complaints but she not giuing her thoughts any respite of consideration but only to thinke on Parismus still continued in her sorrowes altogether refusing to be comforted by any perswasions and for two daies space vtterly abstained from all kinde of sustenance by meanes wherof she was brought to extreame hazard and perill of her life which caused Leda to vtter these perswasions Deare Mistresse quoth she if you would vouchiafe to heare me speak then I would not doubt but to ease your heart of some of the care you so impatiently endure You know that my Lord Parismus Pollpus and Adonius are yet liuing no doubt in good estate but only for the losse of you for whose sake my Lord Parismus will preserue his life why should you then destroy your selfe that he so much tendereth not rather vse all possible meanes to preserue your selfe vntill you can by some meanes heare of him for there is no doubt that hee will search most part of the world but he wil find you by his valor make the place where he commeth speake of his worthinesse so that I doe not doubt but it will by some accident or other come to your hearing then were it vaine for you by destroying your selfe to destroy him likewise wheras otherwise you may happily méete to both your ercéeding comforts your vertues haue the power to rule strangers affections let them then restraine you from doing your selfe harme What will Parismus thinke and what thinke you will be his griefe when he hath trauelled many strange Countries and endured many thousand perils in search of you and in the ende findeth that you haue foulely made away your selfe and were the onely cause of his sorrow I beseech you deare Mistresse consider of these things aright and weigh the estate that we are in and then I doe not doubt but your wisedome will consider that it is better for you to preserue your selfe for his sake then by destroying your selfe be guiltie both of your owne death and his too With these forcible perswasious Laurana beganne somewhat to pacifie her selfe and with a setled resolution determined to endure what miserie so euer should light vpon her and therfore began to conferre with Leda about their hard hap miserable estate which draue her to her very wits end to thinke of But in the midst of their thoughts came to the captaine who beholding Lauranes maiesticall countenance and excéeding beautie was so amazed therwith as he condeÌ„ned himself of villany to haue procured so diuine a creatures disconâ—… Laurana seing him stand gazing vpoÌ„ her began boldly to demand of him what he would haue he huÌ„bly
knéeling told her that he had prouided her dinner if shée pleased to tast thereof which she willingly consented vnto began consideratly to recall her former sences but yet so inwaidly sorrowfull as it was a rare vertue in her so suddenly to ouermaister her intemperate grief yet still remaine so â—…ul of griefe that the very substaÌ„ce of her sences was perfect sorrow By this time the pirats had safely landed their ships in the Iland where their maisâ—…er Andramart was which was incompassed with such mightie rocks of stoÌ„e that it was impossible but only one way in which way a few were of power safficient to keepe out a whole armie of men and soone they coÌ„ueied Laurana Leda to the castle where they presented her with such iewels as they had with her to Andramart who being a maÌ„ of a most proud and hautie disposition and maiestically seated in an imperiall seat was so rauished at the first view of Lauranaes bewty that he stood aduisedly beholding her at last he came to her to haue imbrast her tender bodie in his rough arms but she abhorring him thrust him froÌ„ her with a disdainful scorne â—…herewith hâ—… began to fawn vpoÌ„ her like as a dog wil do on his master whé he hath bin newly beateÌ„ and began to make shewes to them of great welcome and kindly brought theÌ„ to stately and gorgeous chambers most richly furnished and seene all thinges néedefull were therepresented vnto her by such women as were in the Castle Laurana séeing her selfe thus kindely vsed and not euil intreated was therewith somewhat comforted and vsed her selfe according to the condition of the time and place and kindly accepted all their courtesies but the loue which Andramart made vnto her séemed so hatefull in her eyes that it was worse vnto her then a thousaÌ„d deaths to endure his sight The night being come and after they had Supped being serued in most stately maner and with most costly and delicate cates she with Leda her maide who lodged with her betooke themselues to their rest where she could by no meanes giue one minutes respit to her sorrowes by sléepe but vttered most heauie playnts and lamentations bewayling the losse of her déer Lord that the verie walles séemed to groue forth the Ecchoes of her complaints in which sort she coÌ„tinued most part of the night Early the next morning she was saluted by Andramart who could giue his minde no rest nor quiet but in her company and his loue was so excéeding towardes her that hee could not doe any thing that was offensiue vnto her In this miserable kinde of happie estate Laurana continued by the space of a moneth in which time shée had knowledge of a number of prisoners that this tyrant kept within the castle by the grieuous cryes they made some for want of foode some with paines of tortures that hee inflicted vpon them being himselfe hated of all men and therefore hee hated all mankinde but such whose minds accorded to his wickednesse Lauerana in this time vsed her selfe so that shee still deferred his importunat sute and had him so tied in the snares of loue that what she commaunded he could presently execute but so odioue was his loue vnto her heauie hart that shee was oftentimes ready to swound with the remembrance thereâ—… but still by the counsell of Leda she helde it the best course to keepe themselues in his fauour vntill they could by some meanes escape out of his cruell hands where we will leaue poore Lauarana in this comfortlesse place amongest rude and vnciuill people by night and by day her musicke being the dismall noise of pittiful cries of poore prisoners and clogd with lothsome loue of Andramart without hope how to escape from that miserable place of bondage where you may iudge the sorrow she endured was such as no tongue is able to expresse CHAP. XX. The miserable trauell Parismus endured in the desolate Iland and how he was succoured by Antiochus and afterwards how they were imprisoned in the Inchanted Castle by the Inchantresse Bellona PArismus trauelled many daies along the coasts of the desolate Iland their food being wilde fruite that grewe vpon trees and their drinke the cleare fountaine water their lodging the hard and cold earth in which trauell they beheld many goodly auncient townes but altogether vnpeopled the houses being for the most part stored with many rich and costly ornaments which caused these two knights greatly to maruell and desired to know the cause thereof and remembring what the Pirates had tolde them that in a stately Castle scituate in the midst of the Countrey it was likely there were some that inhabited they determined next to trauell thither for they saw no hope how to get from that Iland being growne very weake by reason of their faint foode and hard lodging which trauell poore Adonius most willingly endured thinking all paine a pleasure in his masters company vnto whom hee behaued himselfe with such tender care that Parismus would oftentimes extol and commend him to Pollipus For when Parismus at any time slept he would couer his face with his thinnest garment made a pillow of the rest for his head oftentimes driue from his mind many heauy thoughts by his sweet songs that Parismus thought hee could neuer haue endured that tedious iourney with patience if Adonius had bin absent These worthy knights hauing continued a long while in this their solitary walk tooke their iourney by gesse towards the midst of the country in which trauel they continued some 3. weeks in which time they were often in danger of drowing by reason of many deceitfull quicksands and often like to be famisht for want of sustenaÌ„ce and often in danger to be deuoured by wild beasts that were abundaÌ„tly in this country yet neuertheles they were nothing the neerer their wished expectation At last Parismus Pollipus beguÌ„ vtterly to dispaire of euer accomplishing the means of getting from that vnfrequeÌ„ted place and they trauelled all a day and a night ouer a mighty plain wher there was neither water to stanche their thirst nor fruit to asswage their hunger Early in the morning they espied a mighty wood where they thought although there were no other comfort yet there they should find fruit but being come thither their expectation was frustrated for there was nothing but thorns briers and so sâ—…ick that they could by no means enter the same that there they surely expected nought but famishment And Parismus what with extremity of hunger and grief for the losse of Laurana and lastly for Pollipus Adonius sake sate him down vnder a mighty oake with a heauie hart vttered these plaints How vnfortunate am I aboue all men to be driuen to this exigent of miserable calamity that by my ill fortune haue betraid the most chast vertuous beautiful Lady liuing into the hands of tyrants to her endlesse griefe by my means haue brought these my friends in
him from visiting Laurana for she was assured that if he had any knowledge how shee had misused her it would turne to her great displeasure But he hauing a long time endured her absynce with an afflicted minde and seeing that he could not attaine the fellicity hee expected but was still delayed by the faire promises of his sister which came to no effect determined himselfe to visit her which he had not done in many daies and therefore with a pleasant countenance he entred her Chamber where at his comming in he found such an alteration as he was astonished to behold the same for Lauranaâ—…ate â—…ate by her beds side vpon the floore shedding aboundance of teares her ornaments all betorne by the two cruell Hagges that vsed daily to torment her her golden tresses hanging disheuered about her shoulders her crimson coloured chéekes turned to a pale hue her Face mangled and scratched with their hellish nailes and all things so disordered contrary to his expectation little suspecting the cruelty that the cruel Adamasia had vsed that in a maruellous perplexity hee stoode coniecturing what might bee the occasion thereof One while thinking that her owne impaciency had caused her vse that cruelty against her selfe Agaâ—…de hee beganne to suspect Adamcsia for that he mist Leda Lauranaes Gentlewoman At last Laurana hauing espied him being abashed at his suddaine comming for that she was so disrobed arose from off the place where she sate fearing least his comming thither might be to offer her some violence But Andramart humbling himselfe vpon his knée vttered these speeches Most vertuous Ladie vouchsafe to heare your vassal speake whose heart is oppressed with a thousand griefes to see the extreame sorrow you remaine in I haue according to your command absented my selfe from manifesting my desire so be acceptable in your sight this long time trusting that your gentle heart would in time pitty the extremity of my passions and now beeing oppressed and ouerburdened by a longing desire to enioy your heauenly presence I haue presumed to shew my selfe in your gentle Aspect though contrary to your command trusting to haue some good hope of your gentlenesse but contrary to my expectation I find my selfe frustrated of all comforts and your selfe to bee in that equipage that I know not how to vtter these my spéeches nor coniecture of the cause of this your sorrow which driueth me into a thousand doubtfull cogitations least I am now more vnwelcome to your company then I haue deserued beeing altogether ignorant of any cause of offence that I haue giuen you More he would haue said but that Laurana interrupted him in this sort It ill beséemeth a man of thy sexe to vse dissimulation for that the cruell vsage I haue endured cannot be vnknowne vnto thee but procured by thy meanes and now further to torment me that am altogether resolued to abide thy greatest furie thou commest with dissembling and counterfait flatterâ—…es to excuse thy tyranny thinking by thy counterfait ignorance to purchase that which thy tyranny cannot effect But be assured that I am now so far from coÌ„descending to conceiue any good opinion of thee as it is but in vain for thee to vtter any more speeches but thinke and be perswaded that by thy cruell deuises thou hast giuen me such cause to hate thee that I will for euer estoome thée the hatefullest Tyrant liuing and the cruellest homicide that is in the world These speeches draue Andrmart into such an amazement that with many thousand oathes vowes and protestations he requested Laurana to manifest vnto him the occasioÌ„ of these her spéeches which she was vrged to doe wondring at the many intreaties he made for she thought assuredly it had béen by his procurement but at last by his protestations she suspected the contrary began to declare to him the manner of her vsage How she was daily whipt and beaten by two olde mercilesse women and how Adamasia had murdered her sonne Parismenos with remembrance of whose death she vttered such aboundance of teares that Andramart was likewise ready to weepe to see the sorrow shee endured This hard vsage quoth Laurana I haue endured by your cruell meanes besides the imprisonment of my seruant Leda or her death for that I haue not of long time seen her and now in fraudulent manner I feare me you come to spill my blood which is héere ready to abide your tyranny Most vertuous Ladie quoth Andramart if any of these euils haue happened by my meanes or any waies by my consent then esteeme me the most cruellest creature liuing then let mee neuer enioy any title of your fauour which will be more greeuous vnto me then a thousand deaths then let the heauens poure down their vengeance vpon my detested carkasse and al the furies of hel eternally possesse my soule Let the earth receiue my bated body into her bowels and let we for euer be detested and abhorred of all creatures Which words he had no sooner vtted but Adamasia was entred Lauranaas chamber and séeing her brother in that rage would haue departed againe but he espying her called her vnto him And Laurana now assuredly perswading her self that he was no way guilty of her cruel vsage abhorring the sight of the tyrannesse said Behold the cruel executer of Parismenos tragedy and your tyranny at which words Andramart drew out his fauchion which he continually ware about him determining to ende her detested life but shee fearing his cruelty and beeing terrified with his gastly countenance ranne with such swiftnesse from his presence that missing her steps she fell downe a high paire of staires and dasht out her hatefull braines and in that maner according to her owne wicked life she desperately ended her daies Andramart thinking her death not sufficient to make amends for the cruell torments Laurana had indured in furious sort ranged vp down the castle vntil he had found the old hags that had bin Adamasias instruments of furie one of them he immediatly slew and the other fled into the court whom he pursused and in the sight of his mistresse who was beholding the dead body of Adamasia at one blow he parted her cursed head from her filthy body Which in some sort reioyced Laurana to sée but he still ran vp and downe raging in such cruel sort that his seruant fled from his presence and hid themselues for feare of his furie At last he came to the place where Parismenos was nursed but finding him gone and withall remembring Lauranaes speeches for very griefe he tare his haire and stamped on the earth at last by directions of his seruants he came to the place where Leda was imprisoned being vsed in most vile sort and vttered these speeches Faire damsel if you haue conceiued any hard opinion of me for this your vsage I beseech you remit the same for it was altogether without my knowledge and assure your selfe I haue so handled the vnworthy procurer thereof that she shal neuer hereafter
happie as to carrie any such good newes to my Ladie or were hee so happie as to arriue in this place that hee might be at your courteous disposition who I am sure for my Mistresse sake would â—…eate him well but had Andramart well marked her countenance it would haue bewrayed that which shee concealed and hee desired For thee thought the time very long vntill â—…hee were come to her Ladie with these ioyfull newes and hee being satisfied with her aunswere let her depart vnto her Mistresse Chamber where shee was no sooner entred but shee declared vnto her the cause why Andramart had called her foorth and that shee was assured Parismus and Pollipus were arriued rehearsing how they had slayne aboue twentie of Andramarts Seruants and that they were inclozed in a Yarde where they remained in very good estate Laurana was reuiued with such ioy to heare her déere Lord named that her heart leapt within her and a thousand times imbraced Leda for bringing that happie Newes Then shee began to consider of the estate they remained in being inclozed that they could not get out which thought was most grieuous vnto her but by the comfortable spéeches of Leda she was in great assurance of theyr happie escape out of all daungers in which gâ—…d hope shee remained with a most longing desire to heare some more Newes of them Andramart determining not to vse such rage as to famish them for that hee had in him some sparkes of Hâ—…nitie caused sufficent meate to be ministred vnto them fortifying his Castell so strongly as hee could possiblie deuise Hâ—…e was likewise giuen to vnderstand that the Passage towards the Sea was strongly fortified and defended that none could passâ—… that way which brought a great terrour to his minde The Imprisoned Knights continued in great care earnestlie studying to ridde themselues from that thraldome At last they concluded in the sâ—…ent time of the â—…ght to seâ—… Adonius on the Wall who could get downe 〈◊〉 goe â—…o Barzillus to will him send them some Cordes 〈◊〉 with they could make a Ladder which was the readyest meanes to further theyr intent which Violetta vndertooke most willingly nothing regarding the danger shee should put herselfe into thereby and so with much adoo they got her to the toppe of the wall whose heart began to faile when shee saw the height she should leape downe being vnaccustomed to such perills But remembring the parties for whose sake shee should vndertake that hazarde arming her selfe with an vnwoonted courage not agreeable to her Sexe and weake nature shee leapt downe and the Earth refusing to harme so sweete a Creature safely escaped the danger of the fall and with a ioyfull heart went towards the place where Barzillus remained which shee could scarcely finde by reason that it was darke and remembring the danger of the place she thought euery Bush that encountred her viewe had bene her enemie But with more then accustomed boldnesse in her Sexe shee soone arriued at the Passage where Barzillus was not slâ—…eping but carefully attending his chaâ—…ge Who espying Adonius requested to knowe howe his dâ—…re Lord and Pollipus fared who declared vnto them effectually the estate they remained in and the cause of his comming which Barzillus presently performed hauing good sâ—…ore of such prouision aboord his Shippe and leauing the custodie of the Passage to such of his Companie as â—…ee knewe to be both Couragious and faithfull he departed and went with Adonius vnto the Castle wall and with their Ladder mounted the toppe of the same so that both of them went ouer vnto the Knights who most ioyfully welcommed Barzillus Who hauing saluted them and conferred about theyr Exploytes at theyr intreatie hee departed againe vnto his charge whereon depented the chieâ—…est staye of all theyr safeties for that they knewe diuerse of Andramarts Seruants were abroade whose arriuall might much endamage them To preuent which it behooued them to haue an especiall regard being gladde that they had gâ—…tten this dâ—…ce they presently put the same in execution and gotte ouer into the next Court the statelinesse of which place in their opinion excelled for sumptuousnesse all the buildings that euer they beheld In the midst of the Court stood a most stately erected Fountaine whereon werr placed many beautifull Images of most curious ingrauen worke the pleasantnesse of which place much delighted theyr troubled cences to behold vnder which fountainet hey stayed to behold the gallant buildings stately Turrets and sumptuous walles that outwardly adorned the place expecting the cheerefull light of the Sunne to comfort them in their distresse which presently began to shew his splendant beames which glistered vppon the glasse windowe that the place seemed another Paradice and there they attended the conclusion of their attempt either to their comfort or confusions The first that entred the Court they layed hands on and by compultion vrged him to declare what force was in the Castle Who vppon promise that they would not offer him violence tolde them that lately there ariued at the Castle two of Andramarts Brethren being esteemed men of great courage which inhabited the further parts of that Iland who were determined to make tryall of their strength that day the eldest named Guilmor the other Bramon And that Andramart determined if that his Brothers failed himselfe would make triall of his fortune but if all of them failed hée had a hundred seruants readie in Armour to ayde him Parismus hearing his spéeches began greatly to dispaire of victorie considering that suâ—…d a number were in readinesse onely against them two but such was the constant resolution of these two Knightes that choosing the â—…test place for their furtherance in Fight they detemined to trye the vttermost of their Fortune Andramart being early vppe and discoursing with his Brethren about their affaires by chance lookt out at a window and espied where the Knights that hée thought had beene sure enough were walking at libertie which strook such a terror to his minde that at the very sight thereof his heart failed him which so altered his former purposes of crueltie that he thought it his best course to vse himselfe towards them as agreed with an honourable minde For notwithstanding that oftentimes in tyrannicall manner hee persecuted such ss neuer offended him yet hee often shewed many tokens of a courteous and vertuous minde though altogether darkened by his crueltie which together with the feare he had of these Knights valour and séeing their resolution caused him to come to his Brethren with these spéeches Behold quoth hée yonder are the Knights that haue escaped out of the place I had inclosed them in and are come to worke my further daunger hauing alreadie by their valour slaine twentie of my best seruants two more goodlier knights did I neuer behold which maketh mee pittie the estate they are in béeing likely now to suffer death by your Inuincible strength and were it not that I had sent for you to aide mée herein
Laurana to see her friend caused them to break off and walke out to him who had quicklie mist Parismus and beganne earnestly to enquire for him in which time of his absence hee had sought in most places of the Castle but still mist the darke passage wherein hee was entred which draue him into a carefull woonder what should bée become of him Wherwith he began greatly to feare that he was by som treachery endangered but suddenly in the midst of this perplexity hée espied him with Laurana coming towards him which sight exceedingly reioyced his heart with an vnexplicable ioy When comming to Laurana hee reuerenced her with all humilitie and shee most kindely saluted him yeelding him many hearty thankes for his honourable Loue and kindenesse showne in the manifold paines hee had taken for her behoofe Likewise speaking to Adonius shee greatly commended and kindely thankt him for his diligent seruice to Parismus promising to reward him with all kindenesse So with exceedinâ—… ioy on al sides they spent the rest of that day in pleasant communications hauing all things necessarie readily prouided by Tellamor and diligently ministred by such prisoners as had receyued theyr libertie who had now so well refresht themselues with wholesome meates that they were of sufficient strength both for theyr owne defence and the safety of those that had set them at libertie whom they exceedingly tendred Parismus presently sent a messenger to Barzillus to certifie him of theyr happy successe who leauing the custodie of the Passage to his trustiest Souldiours came to be partaker with them in theyr reioycings But not withstanding when all thought there was no more cause of sadnesse theyr quiet and pleasures were darkned by the heauie countenance of Laurana who could not forget the death of her yong sonne Parismenos but still was purposed to conceale the same from Parismus which made them greatly to maruell And vppon a day when Pollipus by the intreatie of Parismus hadde rehearsed the whole discourse of all theyr Aduentures in the Desolate Iland and the occasion of theyr arriuall in that place Laurana with these sad remembrances was put in minde déepely to compare her owne miseries with theirs and found them to be greater for that they were all in safety but shee missed her young Sonne who was vntimely lost which strooke such a sadnesse into all her Sences that suddainely shee burst into aboundance of teares Which draue them all into an admiration that Adonius and Leda seeing her teares could not refraine from partaking with her in that sadnesse but as the custome of Women is wept for company Parismus maruelling what was the cause of her sorrowe and desirous to knowe the same for that his heart therewith was excéedingly tormented most earnestly intreated her to vnfolde the cause of her griefe that he might iâ—… it were possible comfort her therein Laurana beeing vnwilling in the least degrée to shewe her selfe vndutifull to his will began to declare the manner of her bringing to that place by the Pyrates after they had betrayed him on the coast of the Desolate Iland as also the kindnesse she had found at Andramarts handes and how that from time to time he had vsed her in most honourable sort But my Lorde quoth shee Andramart had a Sister named Adamasia who many times vrged mée to yeelde to Loue her Brother Which when shee could effect by no perswasions First shee imprisoned my Seruant Leda next shee withhelde from mee the cause of this my sadnesse my young Sonne that was borne in this vnluckie place whome I caused to be named Parismenos and with cruell torment afflicted my bodie and daylie caused two Olde-Women to whippe me in most cruell sort which I was contented to endure But when shee sawe that all this would not preuaile she caused the Nurse that kept Parismenos to come vnto mee with a Message in this sort That vnlesse I would in euery respect fulfill her demaunde â—…hée would before my face strangle that tender Babe And being about that cruell déede I intreated her to referre his punishment and vnnaturall Doome vntill the nexte day since which time I neuer saw my tender Babe nor is hée or his Nurse any where to be founde and afterwardes againe shee centinued her former manner of crueltie Nowe Andramart all this while by perswasions of his Sister absented himselfe from mée for that shée had promised him to obtaine my consent to his request nothing misdoubting the crueltie shée daylie vsed to mee But at length séeing his sute still frustrated and finding as well by mine owne report as by other manifest prooses her treacherie and my miserie hee would with his Sworde haue slaine her but shée running away to auoyde his rigour burst her necke downe a payre of stayres The two Olde-Women hée likewise slue with his owne hands my Seruants he sent vnto mee and euer after againe vsed me in most kinde and good sorte And the very day when you entered in fight in this Court he caused mee to be lodged in the place where you found mée The greatest cause of this my sadnesse is the losse of my young Sonne whose death was vntimely and whose presence would haue expelled such sadde thoughts as haue possessed my minde and disquieted the happie content I should receiue by your honourable presence Parismus hauing heard the summe of her Tragicall report could not chuse but grieue especially to think of the miserie she had indured and the death of his young Sonne whom he had neuer seene that what with his and Lauranaes sadnes all the whole company were growne into heauinesse But with the comfortable perswasions of pollipus the remembrance of these griefs were somwhat mittigated Many dayes after they stayd in this Castle in good and quiet estate vntill the longing desire Parismus had to returne into Thessalie caused him to make prouision for his Departure Tellamor hauing knowledge thereof desired that hée would vouchsafe hée might attend on him in his Trauells for that himselfe was of Salmatia who trauelling in the searche of a Sister that hee had lost was taken by those Pyrates rehearsing the whole trueth thereof whereby Parismus knewe him to bee brother vnto the Damosell in whose rescue Osiris was wounded as hath beene before declared which caused him make greater account of him then before he had done and enter into a deepe insight of his former courteous behauiour and with all the best kindenesse he could yeelded him thankes for the great Friendship hee had showen him and his friend Pollipus since theyr arriuall telling him that hee néeded not make any further search for his Sister for that shée was in the Court of Thessalie in good health repeating the whole circumstance of the Fauours hee had found aâ—… her handes and the manner how shee was taken by the Outlawes Which newes much gladded Tellamors heart as also that hée had liued to be so happie as to be esteemed oâ—… so worthie a Knight as Parismus was that hauing
delude me with fond spéeches for thou canst not performe any thing that can further mee heerein My Lord said shee doe but trie me once more and if I faile then let mee endure the most heauy doome of your euerlasting displeasure Adonius quoth hee if it bee to pleasure thée any way I will galdly do it for the friendship I haue found in thée then I pray thee as thou louest me and tendrest the sorrowes I indure do not delay me with thy spéeches for I know they proceed from kindnesse to make me forget my sadnes and not to do me any benefit in the thing thou speakest of for I shall neuer be so happie as to be beloued of her who I feare me left her fathers house to shun my company But notwithstanding the little hope of comfort I conceiue by thy meanes to pleasure thée before I depart tell me what it is thou demandest and if it bee in my power thou shalt obtaine it Violetta was ashamed to vtter her minde in that place but being sure he could not behold her blushing Chéekes said the request that I make is this that you will giue mee your faithfull promise that at such time as it is you hap to meete Violetta and obtaine her good will that the first night you will not offer to doe any thing that may tend to her dishonour Upon mine houour said Pollipus I will not doe any thing whatsoeuer disagreeable to her will for so deare doe I esteeme her that I would rather destroy my selfe then shee should be any way displeased with me Then know worthy knight quoth she I am that Violetta you so earnestly enquire after I am the party that haue so long time procured your discontent and I am shee whose absence you haue so oft bewailed and now I am constrained to manifest my selfe vnto you desiring you to pardon my hard hartednesse that haue so long concealed my selfe and thereby procured your disquiet Pollipus hearing her speeches could not tell what to say being halfe perswaded it was she by remembring her countenance and the behauior she had vsed in al their trauels as also calling to minde her kindnes now at length her owne speeches could not resolue what to do for that his fancy still perswaded him it was not Violetta And on the other side he had a mighty perswasion it might be she at last he said I know not what to coniecture nor how to behaue my selfe nor whether I should call you Adonius or Violetta considering how vnlikely it is she should be so kind to me and how certaine I am that Adonius hath done me manifold pleasures Then sweet Violetta if you are she resolue mee of this my doubt being thereby driuen to that hopefull despaire that I know not whether my fortune be better or worse then it was Violetta shrinking a little back said Pardon me déere Polipus for I am your vnworthy friend Violetta that haue in this disguise made triall of my fortune and your friendship Pollipus then tooke her most louingly in his armes not offering other then his former promise did permit Yet he was in a doubt still and could not be quiet vntill he had vsed such kind meanes yet farre from dishonour as thereby he found shee was a virgin and no Page and therefore assured himselfe it was Violetta and folding her delicate and tender body in his manlike armes which he had oftentimes before imbraced but not with such kindnesse banishing all sadnesse from his sorrowfull heart with sweet and delightfull tontent he embraced her with that kindnesse that long parted Louers enioy when they so pleasantly meete spending the rest of the night in pleasing and delightfull communication and remembrances of their former kindnesses which augmented their ioyes to an exceeding height Oftentimes Pollipus would haue exceeded the limits of his former promise but shee reserued that fauour for the more honourable delight of their Nuptiall Bedde but with many pleasures such as true and loyall kindnes yeeldes Thus these two kind friends spent the time Violetta accounting her selfe most happy so enioy so constaut a friende as shee had found him by certaineties in their trauell and hee esteemed himselfe as happie that hee was beloued of Violetta that had not refused to hazarde her selfe in many dangers for his sake At last their minds being both at quiet and satified with blisfull content these two faithfull louers fell fast a sleepe Parismus enduring much heauinesse for his friends departure could scarcely entertaine a minutes rest to his troubled head therefore he was earely vp with intent to perswade Pollipus if he could from vndertaking that iourney and presently after these louers were a sleepe hee entred his Chamber where contrarie to his premeditated expectation he found him fast a sleepe and Adonius in most louing sort laying one hand vnder Pollipus head and the other embracing his manly breast séeming in his conceit the delightfullest sight that euer he beheld the supposed page being so beautifull that had hee not knowne him hee would haue iudged Venus her selfe had been there to comfort Pollipus with her sweet embracings But seeing his deare friend in such quiet and sweet rest he withdrew himselfe to meditate how to worke his friends comfort and stay his iourney By which time the Sun had lightned all the Chamber with his golden brightnesse the clearenes of whose splendor shining full vpon these louers awaked Pollipus but Violetta still lay sweetly slumbring and Pollipus shadowing her with the curtaines arose and soone found Parismus walking at his chamber doore who seeing him said My deare friend Pollipus I had thought to haue found you ready armed to depart according to your resolution yesterday but I hope you are rather determined to alter that purpose and stay with vs who desire nothing more then your companie and were not Adonius well known to me I should thinke you had embraced some diuine Goddesse in that kinde sort but notwithstanding let me intreate you stay some longer time with vs which was the onely cause of my comming vnto you at this instant And I desire you for all the friendship that hath passed betwixt vs bring mee so much more in your debt by obtaining this fauour at your handes My Lord quoth Pollipus I must confesse I am too sluggish to bee found sléeping at this instant while my minde should bée busied with more weightie matters Indéede according to your saying my Lord I thinke I haue either imbraced some goodnesse or a more diuine creature for my former resolution to trauell is quite dissolued and my heart at more quiet then it hath bin for my deare Violetta hath bene so kind as to visite me this night shewing my heart that cause of ioy as for euer while I liue I shall account my selfe bound to her and because your honor hath both bin acquaintd with my loue and al my intents haue vouchsafed me that fauour that I shall neuer requite I wel shew yon the
before her that with as much spéede as shee could shee ranne quite out of the Woodde but yet not setting eye on him the night approaching shée was drawne into an exdéeding feare of his welfare and her owne daunger For to goe backe by the Wood she durst not fearing least shée might againe méete the Furious Beast and to goe further shée thought it in vaine for she saw no likelyhood hée was come out of the Woodde and there what with griefe and wearinesse shée sate downe vpon a banque encombred and ouerwhelmed with a thousand cares and giuing her minte some respit to ponder on her miserable estate for feare of her most déere Knights daunger she entered into such heauie plaints and lamentations that euen the very woods and meddowes whereinto she was wandred seemed to impart her sorrowes yéeld pittie to her cries scorching fighes At which very instant I knowe not by what vnluckie destinie Archas the cruel so called for his cruell tiranny came to the hearing of her lamentations and drwing nigh to her demaunded her cause or sorrow Sir knight quoth shée I am a stranger that lately came â—…om Thessalie with the Prince of this Countrie and this day comming into these woods with my Lord husband Pollipus a mighty Beare encountred vs whom he pursuing I haue â—…ost and am wandred hither not knowing whâ—…h way to retire Archas all this while well noting her excéeding beautie and swéet deliuery of spéech the gratious moouing and disposition of her eyes which had power to pierce millions of hearts felt such an inward effect of transitorie confusion in himselfe that he resolued hauing so fit oportunitie offered him to trie his wittes to win her loue or exercise by that meanes some reuenge against Parismus whom he mortally hated vttering these spéeches Most swéete Ladie my heart is so much tormented to sée the sorrow you néedlesly make for no doubt your Knight is in safetie pleaseth it you to accept of my seruice my seruants shall guard you to the Bohemian Court where you shall find him and my selfe will searche the Wood to giue him knowledge of your returne Violetta kindly thanked him for his courtesie who presently mounted her behinde one of his seruants giuing them â—…ete warning to conuey her to his owne Castle which was scituate in the mountaine himselfe tooke her Scarffe which he said he wold deliuer vnto Pollipus as a token that shée was in safetie wherewith he departed back into the Wood and tare the same into many peeces heere scattering one and there confusedly casting an other with all hast rode an other way to his Castle All which was effected before any of the Bohemian Knightes were come by which meanes their diligent search was al in vaine which draue Pollipus to such an extacie of sorrow that he was almost mad whom Parismus comforted with many perswasions vntill Pollipus vttered these spéeches My louing L. neuer shall quiet possesse this brest rest giue case to my body nor sléepe refresh my sences vntill I haue found my beloued whose loue is my life whose safetie is my welfare whose quiet is my chiefest content At which very instant came Tellamor bringing the torne scarffe which Archas hadde strewed which when Pollipus beheld a chill colde dispearst through all his vaines and his vitall breath began to leaue his troubled brest and all his fences forgat their wonted vse Which when Parismus behelde hée caught him in his armes saying Most noble knifiht where is now your patieÌ„ce wherewith you wontedly endured extremities no doubt for all this Violetta is in health onely wandred out of the way gotten â—…o some house where we shall heare of her to morrow then comfort your selfe and be not thus ouercome with griefe for be you assured nâ—… harme hath betide her O my Lord quoth hee my vertuous Violetta my constant friend the most truest loue that euer wretch inioyed is perished What comfort what quiet what rest what content what respit or what ease can I giue to my troubled minde since she is fallen into decay shee most purest most sweetest most kindest and truest Lady that euer liued how can I recouer this lesse how can I plague my selfe sufficiently for my misdeeds these woods condemne me her ghost accuseth mée and all the world will hate mée miserie wayteth my steps sorrow pincheth my heart griefe compelleth me and care inforceth mée to be thus impatient Whilest I stand here she may be in danger whilest I am negligent the wilde beasts may deuoure her body then stay me me not for I am resolued eyther to finde her or loose my selfe and therewith in a great furie flung into the Woodde Parismus séeing his sorrowe and this mishap stoode like one in a traunce not knowing how or which way to remedie the least of these euils and in that most sad and heauie estate returned to the Court with his heauie newes which turned all their ioy into heauinesse especially Laurana and all in generall that had knowledge of Violettas vertues made great lamentation for her losse CHAP. II. How Violetta arriued at Archas Castle and what befell to Pollipus afterwards ARchas seruants with great spéede hasted towards their Maisters Castle and soone arriued there before whose comming their Maister had caused all thinges to bée prepared in good order for Violettaes entertainment who béeing entred the perceiued her selfe to bée in a strange place which draue her into an extreame feare and enquiring of them why they had not conueyed her to the Bohemian court they told her being instructed before that they had mistaken their Maisters meaning and withal intreated her to pardon them also to be a meanes to pacifie his wrath whom they were assured would bée greately offended with them Which words of theirs altered that feare and added some little comfort to her minde Presently two Gentlewomen welcommed her with great courtesie comforting perswading and intising her to remit all care vntill Archas returne whom they assured was so honourable and vertuous a knight as shee needed not any way doubt of his diligence There was great store of â—…licates prouided for her which seemed more loathsome then gall to her sight Long they séemed to stay for Archas returne who absented himselfe to colour his treacherie but when in a great while hée came not they intreated her to taste of that meate which was prouided they saide for his supper But she poore soule could not eate one bit but all things séemed to be hatefull their sweete Musicke harsh their courteous entertainment rude and barbarous and that well adorned place more lochsom then a prison nothing but care and griefe could take place in her vnquiet brest After supper they brought her to a most pleasant chamber where all things were most neatly prouided comforting her with many perswasions that Archas was at the Bohemian Court to expect her comming and by reason of the nights approach could not come back that night but should early
mightie force but Pollipus sometime nimbly auoiding one and eunningly warding another kept himselfe from any great harme and in the end tyred Argalt who seeing that all his strength little auayled to his enemies disaduantage and with all feeliâ—…g himselfe almost wearied beganne to abate his blows which Pollipus perceiuing gaue him so many blows and withall such deepe wounds that hee was in great daunger of his life and turning his backe fled towards the Castle whome Pollipus persuing gaue so many wounds that â—…e beganne to rore and crie exceedingly yellâ—…g forth such a hideous noyse that all the Castle rung therewith Brandamor hearing the same presently hasted to his rescue and lifting vp his mighty mace vâ—…wares strooke so forcibly therewith vpon Pollipus Crest that it made him to stagger withall saying Why offâ—…est thou this outrage to my brother Pollipus séeing his mightie proportion being somewhat dazeled with the blowe retired a little backe and being recouered made this answere I néede not tell thee wherefore for that thy guiltie conscience repleat with vice can bear witnesse of thy degenerate crueltie offered to all that come within thy power but especially to the faire Lady Venola whome thou or thy brother haste brought to this Castle whome I am come to redéeme Brandamor hearing his spéeches most cowardly assailed him being before almost wearied and greeuously wounded who notwithstanding resisted him so valiantly that Brandamor in short time had receiued many greeuous wounds yet staying himselfe said I pittie thy estate and therefore I wish thee to yéeld thy selfe before I chastise thy boldnesse any further for I see thou art already wounded and vnable to withstand my strength besides I scorne to cope with one alreadie vanquished then take my offer of mercie or else I will soone giue that weake body of thine to be deuoured of wilde beastes Uaine boasting monster quoth Pollipus know that I disdaine thy friendship and disclame thy proffer desiring rather to die by thy accursed hand then yéeld to thy curtesie therefore do thy worst Brandamor hearing this resolute reply being inraged with coller strooke at him most violently but Pollipus auoiding his blowe thrust at him and wounded him so déepe that the blood ranne down vpon his white stéede Argalt séeing this Knight so valiantly withstand his brother called forth a great sort of seruants in Armour who rushing all at once vpon him with their throng beate him from his horse and carried him into the Castle where hée was vnarmed and for that night put into a close prison hauing an olde woman to dresse his wounds Early the next morning hée was brought into the Hall before Brandamor who had Maiestically seated himselfe in a chaire with â—…erie redde eyes swolue with rage vttering these spéeches Presumptuous and ouerdaring Knight what frenzie hath caused thée to commit this vnaduised folly whereby thou hast incenst my wrath against thée and brought thy selfe in daunger Wherein haue I wronged thee that thou shouldest offer to molest me Pollipus disdaining to be so perempterilie examined made this reply I liâ—… not tell my name because thou knowest me not the cause of my comming hither is in search of a Lady that I suppose thou vniustly detainest making thy infamous name so ignominious by thy outrages that both heauen and earth will shortly hate thee Doest thou seeke a Ladie quoth he come with me and thou shalt see all the Ladies I haue Then he brought him into a goodly Hall hung with auncient cloathes of Tapistrie out of which he went into a most pleasant Gallerie furnished with al sorts of most beautifull pictures of excellent workmanship from thence he came into a chamber of great largenesse so rarely furnished as Pollipus maruelled at the richnesse thereof at the ende whereof sate the most beautifull and faire Lady Venola with her golden hayre hanging about her shoulders her rich and costly ornaments all betorne her crimzen cheekes sprinckled with olde dryed teares and fresh droppes flowing from her pure eyes heauily leaning her carefull head vpon a cushion with her hands hanging downe folded one in another seemed so sadde and heauie a spectacle of a distressed Ladie as neuer eye beheld who feeling Brandamor and Pollipus comming toward her lifted vp her head from the place where she rested it and carelesly let the same fall on the heauie pillowe againe Pollipus seeing her excceding beautie and withall noting her heauie estate was strooken into a suddaine dump that he stood like one in a studie Brandamor thinking that was the Ladie he came to redeeme saidâ—… Knight if this be the Ladie thou seekest to release thy labour is in vaine for her do I esteeme more then all the world whose presence I so highly honour that no force shall redeeme her from hence whom I both loue and honour as much as thou and all the Knights in the world besides whose loue hath caused my languishing tormeÌ„ts this long time which now I purpose to inioy to the extinguishing of my inward vexations for her sake haue I indured much trauell then do not thinke that I will easily or willingly leaue her heauenly companie but will approue and maintaine that I am worthier of her loue then any Knight liuing and since I haue my desire in attaining her custodie I will likewise enioy her loue before she part hence Venola hearing his proude boasting so much disdained theÌ„ that she could not refraine from answering him but rising from the ground where she sate she vttered these speeches Impudent misâ—…reant why presumed thou so much of thy selfe that art able â—…o performe nothing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thou my loue of so small estimation as to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…y thy 〈◊〉 speeches or any way â—…o 〈◊〉 liking to thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 No I accouâ—… the bâ—…est 〈◊〉 in Libia too good to bee thy 〈◊〉 much lesse my seâ—…se do so much â—…orne thee thaâ—… will 〈◊〉 execute mine owne death then 〈◊〉 thee to 〈◊〉 â—…e so much as with a touch and thinkest thou because thou 〈◊〉 beâ—…d this â—…e knight by treacherie there are no other that will seeke my 〈◊〉 Yes 〈◊〉 thou assured that the violence thou hast offered mee by bringing me hither against my will one day will turne to be the occasion of thy cruell death Thou foule detested vâ—…aine leaue off to vtter such bosâ—…ng speeches in my presence for nothing can bring more griefe to my heart then thy ill pleasing sight Brandamor hearing her heavenly voyce sound forth such bitter â—…aunts against him was exceedingly â—…aged therewith but dissembling a pleasant countenance hee departed with Pollipus whom ofter some speeches past betwixt them hee commaunded to be conueyed to a hamber from whence â—…e could as hardly get as from the strongest prison in the world who seeing that Violetta was not in the Castle wisht he hâ—… not attempted to haue come there ut making a vertue of necessity he indured such imprisonment as patiently as might be thinking all misery nothing beeing vndâ—…gone
for Violettas sake Where we wâ—… leaue him to speake of Parismus Parismus heart was opprest with such griefe for the losse of the vertuous Violetta and the abâ—…ence of his deare friend Pollipus that day nor night he could neither by sleepe or other recreation giue any ease to his troubled head therefore he determined likewise to indure some trauell for their sakes that bâ—… suffered much miserie in his behalfe and when Laurana and hee were one night sweetly solacing themselues each in the others pleasant loue he tolde her his full intent desiring her not te be discontented therewith but to take his departure patiently Laurana hearing his spéeches was so ouercome with griefe that a flood of teares distilled from her precious eyes and twiâ—…ing her tender armes about his necks impressing a sweete kisse vpon his lips shee vttered these speeches Most noble Lord are you wearie of my company that you seeke to estraunge your selfe from mee by Trauell do you thinke I shal be able long to endure your absence well knowing how many dangers may hazard your person detaine your heauenly presence from my sight Thinke you that I can attaine anâ—… quiet without the fruition of your heauenly companie or euer suffer steepe to seize vpon my eyes while you are absent No sweet Lord with your departure all ioy and delight shall part from mee and neuer will I suffer any content to harbour in my brest Then most deare Loue which words shee vttered intermingled with a number of sweete kisses doe not leaue me in care doo not withhold my content doe not take away my sweetest delight but stay you still with mee and commaund your Knights to go in Violettas search who at the least beck will Post through the Worlde to doe you seruice and hazard not your person in strange Countreys nor amongst forâ—…aine enemies which may by somâ—… treachery worke your griefe my selfe wil here shrowd you from harm my armes shall inclose you from danger and my loue shall be the Forâ—… you shall conquer I will expell the sad remembrance of their losse with delightfull communication my selfe will rock your sences aseep with Musicke and my endeuours shall labor to purchase your content Then doo not séeke to leaue me comfortlesse to be waile your absence but makâ—… abode with me still and my loue shal shelter you from all perill Whicâ—… words being ended the ouerflowing of her Teares stopt the passage oâ—… her speech and sobbing foorth sighes she hung about his necke Parismus was exceedingly grieued to see her heauinesse that folding her precious bodie in his armes with a strict imbracing he laboured by delightfull Familiarities to expell her sadnesse which beeing somewhat mittigated he vttered these speeches Why deare Ladie what néede you make these complaintes considering you know nothing is so precious in my sight nor of so deere estimation with me as your sweet loue Or what neede you make spéech or take such feare of dangers when you see no cause of disquiet Why are you vnwilling that I shuld take a little paines for their sakes that wold haue haue many waies indangered their liues endured extream miserie for your sake How can I excuse my self of ingratitude to that courteous Knight Pollipus if whilest he passeth his time in sorrowfull care I should liue heere in ease not séeming to regard his miserie that would haue shunned no danger to procure my comfort How will all the Knights of the Cour esteeme of me but as of an ingratefull person if I shuld so much neglect the dutie of a Friend Then sweete Loue be not you the cause of my stay but let me obtaine your swéete consent and expell those confused cares that trouble your quiet for be you assured nothing can be more gréeuous vnto me then your discontent and nothing more pleasing then your accord the dangers accurrant to trauel are by wisedome easily auoided then be you assured that I will shun al hazard of mishap for your swéete sake and leaue you off to sorrow thus for that which you cannot with equitie contradict my stay shall not be long nor my iourney far then be you contented to vouchsafe your agréement and you shall thereby satisfie my content his speeches being ended with silence she gaue consent spending some time in sweet dalliance and in the ende â—…ell fast a sleepe Early in the morning Parismus with many swéet kisses took his leaue of Laurana who bedeawed her bed with a bundance of feares for his departure and falling into a déepe passion of feare she presently started vp arraying her selfe came downe into the court where Parismus was readie to take his horse running to him caught hold of him who maruelling thereat tooke her most louingly in his armes who was so far ouergon with griefe that shée could not speake a word but bestowing many swéete tear-wet kisses on her he left her amongst her maids and departed With him were Tellamor and Barzillus keeping company together some three dayes without aduenture at all at last they came to a goodly plaine whereinto a common beaten path conducted them vntill comming in the middest thereof there stooâ—… a brazen pillar from which parted three seuerall waies there they stayed deuising amongst themselues which of those wayes to take at last they concluded that each of them should take a seuerall way and solemnly taking theirleaues with kinde farewells they betooke each other to their good or bad fortunes CHAP. VII How Parismus called the knight of Fame woon the chiefe honor of the Tourney at the Court of the king of Thrace And hauing won Phylena the kings daughter was commaunded in a vision to giue her to Remulus PArismenos no otherwise known but by the name of the knight of Fame vnder which name he did passe till he came to the knowledge of his parents being as is before said in another Chapter coÌ„ueied by Amasenus to his castle sore wounded in the battel he had with Argalus and Thenudes was so carefully tended by the Dukes Phisitians that in a few daies they had brought him to his perfect remem brances and within short time after that to his perfect health which greatly reioyced the good old Duke who tooke great felicitie in his company for the many honourable parts he saw to abound in him And vpon a time in the presence of all his Court demaunded the cause of the combate betwéen him Argalus which he requested as well to knowe the truth thereof himselfe as to satisfie the suspitious mindes of many that inwardly maligned the discontented Knight vnto whom he declared the truth in manner as is before set downe saying This my lord is the truth of his misaduenture whom I neuer iniured but alwaies esteemed as my friends Amasenus was glad that no cause of discontent could be conceiued against him by any other of his Knights who enuied him because his noble gifts darkned their glories but yet his curteous and kind behauiour in
to be vanquished by legions of souldiers who takeeh delight in nothing but crueltie and vnlawfull attempts Who vpon a time chanced to arriue at this Castle and by euill fortune espied mée walking abroad in companie of my Parents my brother Panuamus and two of my Fathers seruants And I know not by what desire thereto drawne his minde béeing apt to any mischief he viewing me liked my beauty and such a disordinate desire stirred in his brest to obtain the same that he shrowded himselfe in secret vntill he espied his fittest opportunitie and suddenly set vpon my Father offering to take me away by violence my Father denying him vntill the Gyant being inraged drue his Sword and assailed him whom in short time he slue Which my Mother and I perceiuing fled towards this Castle and in the meane time my Brother Panuamus continued Fight against him a good space but being vnable to cope with so mighty an Enemy was by reason of so many grieuous Wounds in the ende left by him for dead Which done Brandamor séeing our flight hasted after vs But before hee could come at vs we attained the Castle and rescued our selues from his possession But when he saw himselfe disappointed he made as though he had departed from hence and contrary to our thoughts hee hidde himselfe secretly amongst the Bushes My Mother being ouercome with extreame sorrow for my Fathers death neither regarding doubt nor daunger went backe with hope to recouer him whom Brandamor surprized and carried away with him hoping by her Imprisonment to winne her consent to yéelde mee into his hands My brother Panuamus within a while recouered his féese not knowing of my Mothers misfortune with great danger of his life crawled home whom I had much adoo to preserue from death and now hee is departed towards the Forrest of Arde where the Giants Castle standeth to inuent means to set my Mother at libertie and this night is the premised time of his return And thus haue you heard the whole circumstance of our sorrow Which when she had saide abundance of feares issued from her eyes which made Violetta whose tender heart wâ—…s ready to relent at euery sadde discourse accompany herlamentaficus with watry eyes Withall remembring how vnfortunately shes was still crost in her desires which was to attain to Bohemia and how contrary to her expectation shee was wandred quite an other way and brought both in danger of her life and to that poore and distressed estate her heart was prest with such inward sorrowe that shee could not stay the passage of her teares already begun but such a violent floud distilled from her precious eye-balls that Clariana could not chuse but note them and Wtall grew into an earnest desire to know the cause of that extraordinarie Passion Also well viewing her Beautie and swâ—…e countenance collecting into her Fancie euery circumstance she began to suppose that Violetta was no such as her Apparell shewed but of better Byrth and bringing vp then that by her Attyre was shewen that desiring to be resolued of those doubts which arose in her Fancie shee vttered these spéeches I know not quoth she what title to ascribe vnto you for that I am ignorant of whence and what you are but if you will commit the reporâ—… thereof to me I promise you both to conceale the same if any such néede be and also to do my vttermost to pleasure you any way Therefore I desire you to impart the recitall thereof to my secrecie that knowing your estate I may know how to vse you according to your worthinesse Violetta beeing desirous to seeke any meanes for to comfort her self made this reply I most hartily thank you for offering me so large a proffer of your asistance which I staÌ„d in steed of now for that my endlesse trauel craue some ease for my lucklesse stars haue allotted me such aduersities as would soone cut off the wretched liues of many but neither death nor ought else will be so fauourable as to ridde me from further calamities but I am stil plunged into their intricate labyrinth for know most curteous Ladie that my selfe of late was promoted to all felicitie but now am contrarily plunged in all distresse and that this habit I haue onely put on to shroud my selfe from many perils that I was formerly subiect vnto For I am an vnfortunate Lady as you are by extreame misfortune drawne from my dignitie friendes and acquaintance and forced both by want and wearinesse to séeke refuge in this place whereby your kindnesse I am well refresht neither will I conceale any of my misfortunes from your knowledge Then Violetta repeated the whole trueth as she had done before to the olde man in his Cell which when Clarina heard with teares shee did partake her sorrow and taking her by the hand desired her to hold her excused for not vsing that behauiour towards her which her estate deserued promising with willingnesse to further her safe coÌ„duct into Bohemia which she knew her brother Panuamus at her intreatie would vndertake In this and such like communication they spent their sad time vntill Panuamus return who shortly came without hope of redéeming the Ladie Madera his mother Clarina as soone as he was come delared to him all that shée could of Violettas estate and what she was among the rest she tolde him that she was esposed to a Knight named Pollipus Panuamus hearing her name Pollipus called to remembrance the spéeches hée had with a knight that he met that day and assuredly thought this was the Ladie he went in search of Now the knight he had met was Tellamor who entring into communication with him enquired if he could tell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a Lady that was vnfortunately lost in Bohemia relating the very same circumstaÌ„ce that Clariana told him Violetta had before declared vnto her withall Tellamor demanded if he had not met a knight bearing this deuise in his shield A Knight pursuing a Beare Now it fell so out that Panuamus beheld the notable combat that Pollipus fought with Brandamor and remembring his deuise knew him to be the same knight Tellamor inquired after to whom he declared all that hée knewe concerning the battell with Brandamor and how treacherously he was surprised and imprisoned Tellamor hearing that Pollipus was imprisoned in the Forrest of Arde departed thither-wardes and Panuamus came to his Castle where at his comming he found Violetta in simple array and hearing his sisters spéeches waying each circumstance found that she was the very Ladie that the Knight inquired after and that the knight that fought so valiantly with Brandamor and was by him imprisoned was her husband Panuamus hauing gathered this intelligence of Violettaes misfortunes and remembring the noble valour of Pollipus was touched with an affectionate pittie of her distresse and what furthered by hâ—…s owne inclination and Clarinas intreatie resolued to vse his vttermost indeuours to worke her comfort and comming to Violetta declared
shall not misse Much barbrous blood reuenge shall spill And all of warre shall haue their fill All this shall happen by degree Before this childe shall wedded be And because he will match her according to her dignitie hee hath likewise made a vow that none but the greatest Potentate in the world should be her husband Which said the Knight went into his Tent and brought out a most gallaÌ„t Picture this quoth he is the Ladies forme wherin the Artsman hath shewed some pretty skill but so facâ—…e is this picture vnconformable to the perfect description of her celestiall perfections and as farre different in delicaie as is blacke from white or beautie from deformitie whose view would change the aâ—…ons of the truest Knight liuing from his former constant resolue to adore her beautie and forsake his former vowes onely to attend her person for so diuine are her liniaments and so rare her perfections that her fame is euen spred through all the regions of the world Barzillus hearing him enter into a new discourse of her beautie and that in such affectionate sort hauing before in his fancy said enough beganne to laugh at him saying Knight me thinks thou dotest or else art madde to enter into such commendation of this Ladies beautie hauing peraduenture neuer séene other fayre Lady or else for that thy selfe art affectionately deuoted to loue none but her for I haue séene a Lady that as farre excéedeth this picture as thou reportest shee doth all other which words Barzillus spake onely to see whether his valour and boastings were agréeable wherewith the Knight that kept the Tent was so vexed that he vttered these speeches What ill nurtured creature art thou quoth hee that deâ—…idest the beautie that is rather to be admired hast thou no more manners then to make so little estimation of that which all the world adores thou shalt dearely abide this discourtesie with that hee mounted himselfe and charged a Speare at Barzillus who answered him with such a courage that at two courses he ouerthrew him from his horse By which time a number of Knights were vpon the Battlements viewing their combat and seeing the Knight that kept the Tent foyled burst into an exceeding laughter and so departed Barzillus hauing foyled the Knight for that the night drew nigh withdrew himself from the Golden Tower into a pleasant valley and there stayed that night The Knight that kept the Tent was belonging to the King of Candie who came with perswasion to winne Angelicas loue with his prowesse and with much ado had obtayned leaue of the Gardiants to keepe the passage but hee not contented with his foyle intending to reuenge his disgrace followed him into the valley where Tellamor found them combatting as is aforesaid who knowing Barzillus stepping betwixt them parted the fray Barzlilus likewise knowing Tellamor with great kindnesse embraced him and vpon his request declared the cause of their combat Tellamor then speaking to the knight of the Tent gaue him this farewell Knight returne to your charge for your combat here is at an end for businesse of more importance withdraweth this knight which may turne to thy good for likely thou wouldest haue perished by his prowesse You shall haue occasion enough to exercise your Armes against such as would steale your Lady which this Knight intendeth not therefore returne to your Tent defend her beautie there which none here gainsaieth Tellamor hauing ended his spéech intreated Barzillus to depart with him which the Knight of Candie séeing he returned towards the Golden Tower By the way as they were returning towards Panuamus Castle Tellamor delared to Barzillus how fortunately he came to knowledge of Violetta which exceedingly reioyced Barzillus heart but when hee vnderstood Pollipus misfortune hee was contrarily affected with as great desire to set him at libertie which communication shortned their iourney and in the end arriued at the Castle The newes of their approach soone came to Violettas hearing who knowing both Tellamor and Barzillus welcommed their presence with such effusion of teares that for a space she could not vtter a word but her floud being somewhat stinted saluting them most kindly shee vttered these spéeches Your presence worthy friends bringeth great comfort to my heart after my tedious toyle of misery what thanks my vndeseruing heart can yéeld I render you for the paines you haue taken for my sake for I know you vndertooke this trauell to finde me out that am not worthy to bee so well estéemed of you much lesse vnable to make you the least part of amends You may sée to what poore estate I am brought by the treachery of a disloyal Knight who hath caused my misery your trauell and Pollipus imprisonment intill I was succoured by this courteous Lady whose friendshippe hath succoured mee from famishment This homely attyre I vndertooke for my quiet passage but misfortunes still awayie my miserable steps which no disguise can preuent with that her teares burst into a floud againe Barzillus being mooued with her teares was ready to participate her griefe in the manner she did but at last he sayd I beséech you comfort your selfe in these extremities and let not such passions of sorrow oppresse your heart since the worst of your dangers are past we haue all the reward we expect for our trauels now we haue found you for so much are wee bound to that worthy Knight Pollipus and the most noble and gracious Prince Parismus who is likewise trauelled in your search that we account our liues well imployed to pleasure them and you Violetta hearing that Parismus was trauelled in her search was almost ouercome with passionate affection of his kindnes and remembring what sorrow Laurana would endure for his absence with sighs she said I of all most vnfortunate to be the cause of that noble knights trauell which many wayes hazard his safetie and bréede much disquiet in the Bohemian Court but especially to that most vertuous courteous and honourable Princesse Laurana whose sorrow I know will be most excéeding and all procured by my vnlucky destinie that am altogether vnworthy to be esteemed of them nor in any degrée to be so highly regarded Tellamor likewise grieuing to sée her sorrow comforted her with these words Dears Lady cast off these sad cares and let no disquiet thought trouble you for what is past cannot be recalled but all is now amended by your recouery whose death we all greatly feared By this time Panuamus had prepared their dinner which was serued in after the best sort to which hee and Clarina welcomed them with great kindnesse Clarinas heart being somewhat comforted by their company hoping by their meanes to sée the downefall of Brandamor and her Mothers release When they had well refresht themselues and heard Violletta relate the whole circumstance of her misfortunes they beganne to deuise what course to take to set Pollipus at libertie which they found impossible to doe by force because the strength
Gyant and with long striuing and strugling at last ouerthrew him against the rayles of the bridge which being roâ—…ten and not able to vpholde his weightie carkasse falling with such force burst and he fell downe into the chanell That done this noble knight nimbly catching vp his sword pursued other of Brandamors seruants who fledde into the Castle intending to shutte them out but hee being warie to preuent such a mischiefe slew the hindermost euen as he was entring the gate that his dead body fell so right therein that the other were thereby disapointed and hee by that meanes got in which they perceiuing were so terrified with feare of him that euery one of them fledde and hid themselues from his sight In which time Madera and her two maydes seeing Brandamors ouerthrow and all his seruants fledde came to her Sonne who of all the three was neerest death to whom she gaue breath by pulling off his helmet Her damzels likewise came to Parismus whose beuer they lift vp and withall gaue him fresh ayre afterwards pulling off his helmet hee came to himselfe againe being fallen into that traunce by extreame heat want of breath and effusion of blood but by the Damzells indeauours was pretily recouered and remembring himselfe lookt earnestly about for the Knight that came in such prosperous time to his â—…scue and neither séeing him nor the Gyant he matnelled what was become of him that raysing himselfe vp he went with Tellamor towards the Castle gate where he found that most valiant Knight breathing himself whom Parismus embraced in his armes saying Most noble and couragious Knight whose prowesse hath redeemed our liues and destroyed our enemies what prayses may I giue to your victory with what thanks may I gratulate your courtesie towards vs that onely by your happy arriuall and high Chiualrie haue béene shielded from the tyranny of that cruell homicide and cut him off from executing any more of his treacherie If euer it may lye in my power you shall both command me to requiâ—… your kindnesse and binde me to you in all the vndissoluable bonds oâ—… true friendship This Knight thus replyed I count my vndeseruing valour vnworthy the least estimation much lesse to deserue such thanks at your hands who before my comming had so weakned my enemies that it was an easie taske for me to accomplish his ouerthrow but if it were in my power to performe any such déede as you ascribe to me I would most willingly doe my best to pleasure you who attribute that commendation to me that by all right belongeth to your selfe I thanke you most heartily quoth Parismus hereafter trusting to be both better acquainted with you and of better abilitie to requite your kindnesse by this time Madera had brought Panuamus to his sences who was entred the Castle being supported by his mothers two Damzels for of himselfe he was not able to stand Parismus demaunded of Tellamor if hee knew him My Lord replyed Tellamor this Knight is sonne to this auncient Lady whome came hither with mee and the valiant Barzillus to redeeme her that this day was Prisoner in this Castle and by vs released as I will declare to your Honour hereafter In whose Castle scituate not farre hence remaines Violetta in good estate and kindly vsed And may it be quoth Parismus that Violetta is yet liuing and in safetie what ioy will that bee to Pollipus if hee might come to knowledge thereof who no doubt is trauelled farre hence in her search Not so my Lord replyed Tellamor Pollipus hath knowledge of her being there who is Prisoner within this Castle and to day was in good health Then quoth Parismus what further cause haue we of sadnesse but onely for the death of Barzillus whom I was euery way beholding vnto which we must ouerpasse with forced patience and let vs séeke out Pollipus who I know will reioyce to meete vs here then turning to Panuamus he most louingly embraced him the like he did to Madera and taking the Knight whom vnknowne by the hand he desired his company to search for Pollipus and the Lady Venola whose imprisonment was the cause of both their arriuals there who willingly went with him before their departure making fast the gate that none could enter or goe out As they entred into the Hall there were diuers of the Gyants Seruants who willingly submitted themselues to their mercies Parismus told them if they meant faithfully he would no way offend them which they assured him by many protestations Then quoth he one of you direct vs to the place where the Lady Venola remayneth but they made answere We dare not come thither for there is with her a Knight that hath slayne fiue of our fellowes who likewise will vse vs no better if we come within his reach Well quoth Perismus come I will be your warrant CHAP. XI How Parismus met with Pollipus and the Lady Uenola and of the ioy was made but especially for the Knight of Fames arriuall THen Brandamors seruants conducted them to the Chamber doore which was fastned with so many barres that it was long before they could vndoo the same Pollipus as aforesaid hauing slaine Venolas Gardiants seeing that he could by no meanes get out came to Venola desiring her not to be dismayed to see his rudenesse for quoth he there are diuers Knights in fight with the Gyant amongst whom is the most valiant Prince of Bohemia vnto whom I would willingly haue gotten downe for I greatly feare his death being beset with the Gyant and a number of his seruants Sir quoth Venola doe not thinke me one whit dismayed with your presence but wish you all happy successe and the ouerthrow of your enemies and fortunate had that worthy Prince béene if hee had not arriued here for Brandamor by his treachery no doubt will betray his life and libertie Then both together stepping to the window saw the combattants and beheld the danger Parismus was in and the comming of the strange Knight to his rescue and withall how valiantly hee ouerthrew the Gyant which when he had seene he thought in his fancy that hee had neuer before beheld so valiant and comely a Knight And also noting the carefull regard he had of Parismus hee exceedingly wondred what he might be that his heart was drawne to so great affection towards him entring into these spéeches Most fayre Princes did you euer behold a goodlyer or more valianter Knight then yonder is who by his onely prowesse hath ouercome such enemies doe you not behold how carefully and valiantly he hath rescued the Prince which maketh me so much the more maruell what he should be for neuer in my life did I before this see him such valor such courtesie and comelinesse did I neuer behold in any with the one hee hath left his foes slaughtered with the other preserued the Prince Pollipus had no sooner ended his words and Venola readie to make answere but they heard some vnboulting the
â—…ffered it her againe Knight quoth she take it for your labour wherewith she turned away from him for that she espâ—…ed her Father comming which caused him being glad of that fauour to withdrawe himselfe One of Angelicas knights named Camillus to whose principall custodie the King had committed his daughter aboue all the rest noted the Knight of Fames behauiour and disdaining that a stranger should carrie away the gloue which he esteemed a fauor sar â—…ond his â—…esert himselfe hauing been her seruant a long time yet could neuer attaine any such kindnes withall supposing hee was some Knight Anglica knew presently hasted after him trusting too much to his owne valour and bluntly bade him render backe the Princesse gloue Sir quoth he againe the Princesse gaue it me and for her sake I will keepe the same Wherewith Collimus without any more words retired backe to encounter him and he did the like and remembring it was the best deede of Chiualrie he could performe in his Ladies presence thought with himselfe that if he sate not fast he would quaile his courage presentlie they met each other the one with brauery the other with force for Collimus measured his length on the ground By this time the King and Quéene had met Angelica and all gréetings ouerpast their Traines met which almost filled that pleasant valley in company of Maximus was Camillus Sonne to the king of Slauonia attended by a number of gallant Knights who hearing of the exceeding beautie of Angelica was lately come into the countrie as a suter to whom Maximus said beholding the braue course betwéen the two Knights What Knight is yonder that hath â—…uerthrowne his aduersarie with such agility A comely Knight he is quoth Camillus but it séemes he is a stranger With that another Knight of Angelicas attendants vpon the former quarrel incountred the knight of Fame who tasted of his valour as his predecessour Collimus had done after him another which when Maximus beheld hee called a Gentleman to him willing him to request the strange Knight to come and speake with him which fell out well for the Knight of Fames quiet for had not the King béene present the Knights of Angelicaes guard had taken such a secret indignation against him that they by violence would haue sought his death The messenger Maximus sent told the Knight of Fame that the King did request to speake with him Sir quoth he I am readie at his command to whom Maximus said as followeth Sir Knight you are it seemeth to me a stranger in this place but notwithstanding somewhat bolde with my knights both whose quarrell against you and your cause of arriuall I desire to know Most renowned king quoth he I am a stranger in this place or in any else in my trauels méeting with this gallant troupe to any of whom I I haue as yet giuen no cause of offence which should make them trouble me Sir quoth Maximus they haue reapt shame for their discontent but I pray let vs without offence know your name and of whence you are neither feare to disarme your selfe for vpon my promise you shall haue no wrong offred you which said the Knight of Fame pulled off his helmet making this answer By name most noble King I am called the knight of Fame my birth to my selfe vnknowne by no ill intent drawne into this Countrie but onely to finde out my Parents which are likewise vnknowne my selfe subiect to miserie by the want of knowledge of my selfe Marcellus sonne to Maximus a knight of exceeding courteous and honourable parts hearing his speeches humbling himselfe vpon his knee before his father said I humbly craue your Maiesties fauour to entertaine this knight honourably for that I haue some knowledgâ—… of him which I will declare to your Highnesse heereafter Maximus hearing his Sonnes spéeches said Rise vp Marcellus for thy sake and for his owne too he shall be welcome whom doe thou vse according as shall seeme good and be agreeable to his honourable deserts The knight of Fame hearing his speeches most humbly thanked him and Marcellus presently embraced him shewing many tokens of hearty good will Angelica all this while noted euery circumstance of this knights ariuall as first how shee found him a sleepe and next of his speeches to her then how valiently he had ouerthrowne three knights then her brothers speeches and lastly his gallant youth and comly â—…person which altogether wrought such a kind of admiration in her that shee beganne with a curious eie to marke all his actions and to affect his company more then she had done any mans oftentimes casting a looke vpon him she perceiued his eie was still vpon her which made a ruddie blush beautifie her cheekes In which time the King intreated him to stay somtime with him if his important businesse did not withdraw him which offer he willingly and kindly accepted which fell out according to his owne hearts content CHAP. XVI How the Knight of Fame was entertained at the Golden Tower and what speeches past betweene Anna and Angelica AFter these speeches past the King Camillus the Queene Angelica and all the â—…est departed towards the Golden Tower and by the way Marcellus beganne to declare in hearing of them all what he had heard of the Knight of Fame of his valiant exploits in Thrace and afterwards how in the Forrest of Arde he slew the Gyant Brandamor which he vttered in such ample manner and with such commendation that it made them all admire his noble gifts especially Angelica aboue all the rest noted euery circumstance thereof with such regard that she séemed to take great delight therein The Knight of Fame hearing thereof entertainning his mistresse perfections with such pleasure and admiring her beauty with such surfeting delight that he rode like one in a trance hauing all his sences bent vpon her By this time they were commen to the Golden Tower where was exceeding preparation made for the King who speaking to Camillus and the Knight of Fame tolde they were most heartily welcome thither likewise the Queene welcommed them with great kindenesse especially Marcellus care for the Knight of Fames entertainement was very great who caused him to bee lodged in a most stately lodging where euery thing was readily prepared for him in the best manner Euery one being departed to their seuerall lodgings the Knight of Fame meditating on his good fortune and the kinde entertainement he found in that strange place waying on the one side how late he was pluuged in care and how suddenly he was possest with pleasure how from miserie hee was aduanced to the highest degree of his felicity how hee was lately in dispaire of finding his deuoted and how prosperously he had now mette with her and had in some part manifested his affection how the occasion of his quarell for his Ladies Gloue was the cause of his kinde entertainement how fortunately in that strange plate his deedes were extolde and how kindly Marcellus
vsed him whose acquaintance and friendship might be a meanes both of his stay in that place and also of obtaining Angelicaes loue Then againe considering how strange it was that hee would stay in the very place where his Lady should see him and how luckily he had left the Court of the king of Lybia and thereby he was ridde from Venolas rash loue which might haue both endangered his honour and person that with the remembrance of all these happy concurrences his minde was exceedingly contented and he seemed to haue attained more happy successe then hee would haue wisht that in that Sunne-path of sweete delight accompanied with quiet sleepe he spent that night Angelica was likewise no whitte inferiour to him in contrariety of passions but hauing likewise spent the day in company of her mother when the time of rest drew nigh shee soone gat from out of all company which she thought troublesome being much disquieted in her thoughts feeling a kinde alteration to her former liberty of of minde being desirous to be alone shee gatte to her Chamber where was none but her Damzell Anna that was her bedfellow to whom she said I pray thee good Anna leaue me alone for a while for my thoughts are possest with such disquiet that I desire by solitarinesse to ease my passonate heart Anna hearing her speeches maruelling what might bee the cause thereof and being in all respect dutifull departed She was no sooner gone but Angelica sitting downe vpon the rushes leauing her head vpon the beddes side beganne to study whence the occasion of that suddaine alteration she felt in her selfe should proceede sometimes deeming this and then that but still shee could not certainely what to iudge thereof that her minde was drawne to an extreame torment which so opprest her sences that presently she called Anna againe who maruelling at her strangâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 at her sadnesse knéeling downe by her vttered these speeches My deare Mistresse I beseech you conceale not from me the occasion of your disquiet to whose secrecy you neede not 〈◊〉 to commit the â—…ame for I hope you are sufficiently perswaded of my truth that doe esteeme my duty to you more deare then my life which I would most wiâ—…ingly spend for your sake 〈◊〉 if you will vouchsafe to 〈◊〉 me any way or in what sort so 〈◊〉 so it please you to command I will hee most willing to vse my vttermost endeauours as 〈◊〉 as euer did seruant to purchase your content Aâ—… mee wretched creature quoth Angelica it is not mistrust of thy secresie nor doubt of thy aide nor ought else that I misdoubt in thee that maketh me withhold any part of my counsell from thee for if I would shew it thee I cannot for this passion is so newly begunne that I cannot rightly coniecture what the cause thereof should be or why my thoughts should be thus suddenly disquieted and such assured confidence doe I retaine in thy fidelity that I would conceale no part of my thoughts from thee Anna hearing her Mistresse speeches began presently to suspect that she had enâ—…rtained some good conceit of some of the knights that were arrined that day whom she thought to be the yong Prince Camillus which caused her make this answer Deare Mistresse quoth she I beleeue the approach of some of the gallant Knights that came with the King is the cause of your alteration Why quoth Angelica doest thou thinke their approach should disquiet me Marry quoth Anna because many Ladies haue been suddenly ouertaken with loue wherâ—… with Angelica blusht saying Doest thou thinke my affection so light to looke of euery one I see Pardon me deare Madame quoth shee I doe not thinke so Well quoth Angelica suppose thou hast iumpt vpon the right which of those knights doest thou suppose it is Will you pardon me said Anna if I giue my opinion I will said shee I thinke quoth Anna it is the braue Prince Camillus Camillus quoth she it is rather the stranger Indeed quoth Anna that strange Knight farre surmounteth all the knights that euer I beheld for comlinesse courtesie and prowesse I am assured said Angelica breathing forth a sadde sigh thou spakkest this rather to flatter me then according to that thou thinkest for otherwise why didst thou speake of Camillus Faith Mistresse quoth shee I named Camillus not for any thing I see in him comparable with the strange Kinght but for that I would therby know your mind which now that I vnderstand if you would follow my cousell you should not onely like him but also loue him for therâ—… is no doubt but the cause of his comming hither was onely for your sake who in my rash opinion will proue both constant and loyall for his very countenance bewraieth the vnited essence of true Nobilitie and vertue to be placed in him O Anna quoth shee thou woundest we to the heart before I had 〈◊〉 a suspition of loue but by thy speeches I beginne to be inthralled therein Do not I pray thée seeke to augment that which is impossible to come to perfection which if I should entertaine as I shall I feare me against my will thou knowest how many impossibities doe threaten my euerlasting torment thereby therefore I pray thee doe not once name him to me againe for if thou doest I shall bee more intralled to that very name then to all the humble sutes of the most noblest knight in the world Diddest thou not heare my brother Marcellus report how prodigally hee gaue away the Kings daughter of Thrace and what paines he tooke to redeeme Venola that beautifull Lany from Andramarts Castle I know thou didst but likewise I know thou didst not heare what he said to me to refell these doubts that he was long since enioyned to my seruice and was the thing hee had long time sought to attaine Didst thou not sée how I found him a sleepe and yet notwithstanding all the Knights that guarded me how resolutely yet with humilitie he approched my presence where he told me that no want of regard had bredde that rudenesse but feare of missing that fit occasion considering how straightly I am kept and pried into by my Fathers decree Didst thou not see how brauely and valiantly he ouerthrewe three stout Knights together that would haue taken my gloue from him Doest thou not see how dearely my brother Marcellus loued him and all in generall are well affected towards him These I thinke are occasions sufficient to refell all suspect of his good intent and meaning Quoth Anna Truely most gracious Madame I thinke verily all things considered hee hath not his equall neither for valour nor for Uertue you may doe as you please whome I will not so much as once speake of heereafter since I shall offende you thereby Yes I pray thee speake of him quoth Angelica for nothing can please me better though I feare mee nothing will doe mee more harme And well maiest thou thinke me ouerâ—…ond so soone
to put him to death And how Maximus threwe him into the Lyons denne AFter that the Knight of Fame was departed front Lybia and Venola had knowledge thereof by Flauia she continued many dayes in great sorrow but afterwards by tract of time calming her griefe but no whit her affection by Flauiaes perswasions who was priuie to all her Actions Turned her former good Will that was grounded vpon Uertue to lust and mad desire That séeing she could not by fayre meanes winne him to loue her shee thought to leaue no meanes vnafsayed eyther by force to compell him thereto or else in some measure to be reuenged on him for his discourtesie The minde being alwayes readie by euery perswasion to yéelde to worke any meanes for to procure desired content euen so casting about many deuises with Flauia one day finding fit opportunitie when the King was in his dumpes for Venolas sickenesse came vnto him and told him that the cause of his Daughters sickenesse was procured by an exceeding flight she had taken by the discourteous vsage of the Knight of Fame who for that cause was lately fled from the Court which vntill that day she had concealed from her neither should she euer recouer her selfe vntill she were in some hope to be reuenged of him The King willed her to declare the same vnto him Flauia then began as followeth My Lord this Knight presuming often into my Mistresse presence by reason of the kindenesse she shewed him for working her relase in Brandemors Castle which hee well deserued began oftentimes to make loue to her whom sheé answered in good sort being vnwilling to make choise of any but by your appointment but in the end his sute grew to that importancy that he would haue no deniall but comming into her Chamber chusing his fittest opportunity when my Mistres was in her bed and surprising her vnawares offred her excéeding shame and villany but being by her striuing and out-crie disappointed of his full intent he presently fled away The King hearing Flauias speeches was exceedingly enraged with furie commanding his Knights to poste euery way to learne where he made his abode This newes being spread at last came to a Knight of Natolia who by occasion was then in the Lybian Court who presently came to the King and told him that he needed not to make inquirie for the Knight of Fame for that he was at the Golden Tower The King hearing that newes was exceedinglie glad thereof commanding his Knights to stay their iourney writing a Letter to Maximus to this effect MOst mighty King I salute you requesting you to worke reuenge in my behalfe vpon a traitor who now remaineth with you who hath dishonoured my Daughter hee is called the Knight of Fame assuming that name to colour his wicked practises who no doubt will soone deuise some mischiefe against your persoÌ„n let him not escape your hands but rather send him to mee that I may reuenge that monstrous iniury he hath done me by his life which onely shall satisfie me Thus remembring my loue to you and desiring your secrecie I cease Your brother of Libia Hauing written this letter and sealed it with his signet he presently sent the same by certaine of knights to the Golden Tower who as effectually dispatched their iourney as he had giuen them straight charge and arriuing at the Golden Tower deliuered the Letter to Maximus who hauing read the same and well considered the circumstance which augmented his hatred and suspition already begunne against the Knight of Fame presently comming to the place where hee was in talke with Marcellus he caused him to bee apprehended and without any other iudgement caused him presentely to be cast into a denne of Lions to be deuoured The Knight of Fame was no sooner put into the denne but the Lyons made an exceeding roaring that those without assuredly iudged him deuoured and himselfe expected nothing but that terrible and fearefull death but the Lyons who by nature will not harme those of Roiall bloud spared his life and not so much as offered to touch him but were rather terrified with his presence He being glad of this happy escape began to assure himselfe that he was sprung of kingly race which greatly comforted his heart and added a perswasiue hope to comfort himselfe withall that by that occasion hee should attaine to Anglicaes loue if he could worke meanes for his releasement out of that place most of all he wondred why Maximus had offered him that outrage In these and such like cogitations he spent the rest of the day Marcellus séeing the knight whom he most dearely loued destroied without iudgement equity or cause was so inwardly inraged that he was in minde oftentimes to work himselfe iniurie and seek meanes of reuenge if he knew who had been the causer therof and not knowing what to doe nor in whose company to spend his time he presently thought to goe to Angelica whom he thought bare some good will to the knight of Fame with her to bemoane his vntimely death but comming to the place where she was he would haue entred therin but Collimus according to Maximus command denâ—… him and that the more obstinately for that he knew none fauoures the knight of Fame so much as he whâ—… he mortally hated Marcellus beeing before sufficiently inraged was now so much more vexed that hee drewe his dagger and with a violent blow stabbed the same to Collimus heart and withall going to Angelica hee found her very sad little thinking of these mischances who seeing him in that rage which shee soone perceiued by his behauiour she came vnto him hauing seated himselfe downe in a chaire and desired to know the cause of his wrath O Sister quoth he this place is the harbour of cruelty tyrannie and dishonour which in times past hath beene famous and a receipt of honour but shortly will be hated and shunned as odious and ominous and all procured by the foolish Diuining of a wicked Harlot that hath filled my Fathers head with such fancies that hee forgetteth himselfe his Honour and Kingly behauiour and giueth credit to none but flatterers and parasites imprisoning his children murthering his friends and séeking the subuersion of honour and honourable knights Oh Angelica what should I say or to whom should I complaine he hath slaine Uertue he hath destroied Honour he hath murthered my deere Friend that kinde and courteous knight he hath cast the vnknowne most honourable though vnknowne Knight of Fame into the Lions denne without iudgement iustice right or triall Angelica hearing his words was readie to swound with griefe but that feare to discouer her loue withheld her but beeing not able to refraine from teares shee withdrew her selfe aside to conceale the same which Marcellus espying caught her in his armes and said Nay deare Sister doe not conceale your griefe for his death from me that loue you so much the better and if you euer conceiued any good liking of him
I shall honour you for the same for he was worthy to be beloued of the best Ladie in the world for in him shined all points and parts of true knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked â—…d loued him too neither shall I euer doe otherwise whilest I liue though he knew not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue sinke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vow will I keepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue died with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddenly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazement hee was past my reache What cause had my Father thinke you to seeke his destruction but because he saw him in speech with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then goe to him with that such griefe opprest her heart that she fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presently came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sickenesse and especially Anna who was priuy to her thoughts and hearing Marcellus spéeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her entred into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanest thou to doe thy selfe this wrong What mischance or sudden passion hath caused this disquiet Then turning to Marcellus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth he but I am sure wee haue all cause of little ioye when we that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sycophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Colimus quoth hee and him haue I rewarded Besides my Lord and Father hath destroied that honourable strange knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such cruelty but was alwaies honourablie esteemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to end his life by Tyranny not by Iustice. Take heede Marcellus Scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in danger for that he hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for behold that Letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfet that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing read this Letter was at the first suddenly amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he said vpon my life this accusaticusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and reâ—… ding the same was exceedingly astonisht thereat to whom Marcellus said Angelica beleeue it not for if you doe you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused already who if hee were liuing would soone reprooue these accusations but hee good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéen what maketh thée Marcellus thus inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indanger thy owne life which knowest the Kings humor Loue quoth he to that stranger maketh mee bewaile his vntimely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene seeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death and was meditating how to chastise Marcellus for that presumption But the Queene vpon her knees intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him that with much adoe the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damzell Anna rather ready to yeelde vp the Ghoast then otherwise likely to suruiue and night being come the refusing meat went to her bed not to sleepe but to bewaile the Knight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lions denne carefully deuising which way to get out of that place tyring his senses but finding no meanes of release One while accusing his hard fortune and then Maximus for his cruelty Sometimes fearing to be famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to be vtterly exempt from the swéet sight of Angelica whose absense and restraint of liberty procured as he thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame feare In this sort he continued so long vntill he was ready to be starued and constrained to eate such vnsauory foode as was daily cast to the Lions Angelica likwise no whit mittigated her griefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sufficient consideration of these mischances both hee and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the Knight of Fames safty though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hee had vsed the Knight and that he had condemned him without any triall of the accusation that had been vsed by his Knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hee soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the King heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so strongly guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sighâ—… and noting how suddenly the Knight of Fame was made away without any cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes durst not shew any signe of desire to sée Angelica â—…st bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes hee should seeke some occasiâ—… of quarrell with him and â—…se him like the stanger within a while departed from the Golden Tower â—â—â—tending notwithstanding either with force or faite meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How he got out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented minde the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his wonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lions would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the dores and beeing owner of the Lyons ertred into the denne where the knight of Fame was who suddenly caught hold on him hauing before secertly shrowded himselfe from his sight and beeing carefull to prouide for his owne safty snatcht from his side a hanging Sword the Keeper knowing him maruelling to see him aliue and exceedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercy to whom the Knight of Fame saide My freinde I séeke not thy life but mine owne safety
that was intended against him there by Corus and Argalus then of his successe in the Kings Court of Thrace and the occasion why he departed from thence to the Forrest of Arde and how there hee mette the Prince of Bohemia and released Venola Then how Venola songht his Loue and how she gaue him by subtiltie a somniferous Potion to withhold his departure with Parismus which he had purposed and how afterwards perceiuino her intent departed from theâ—…e Withall hee declared the manner of the Uision that appeared vnto him in Thrace and how hee was thereby enioyned to seeke out the faire â—…adie that had appeared vnto him and sue for her Loue which was the cause that he both refused Phylenas marriage and Venolaes proffer of kindnesse and also he declared how he first arriued in that Countrey and met Angelica which was the very same Lady that appeared vnto him in the vision and also told him that he was likewise enioyned to seeke out his PareÌ„ts which the vision told him were of great birth This quoth he is the true discourse of my forepassed life which I neuer yet manifested to any but your selfe whose fauour hath farre surmounted my desert into whose hands I commit my selfe to bee disposed of desiring you not to conceiue amisse of mee for that false accusation being most vntrue Marcellus againe embracing him in his armes desired him likewise not to thinke that hee did any way conceiue the least euill opinion of him but that he did esteeme of him as the dearest friend he had in the World and that he did both loue and honour him as himselfe and would neuer forsake him whilest hee liued but continue his faithfull friend for euer Hauing in this sort made a new league of amitie Marcellus left the Knight of Fame to his priuate meditations promising to returne to him very shortly going directly to Angelica whome hee found continuing her woonted sadnes For shee could by no meanes be comforted but still augmented her Loue by remembring the Knight of Fames person to whom she bare such intire affections that she resolued neuer to Loue any other Knight but determined to spende the whole date of her life in single estate Marcellus sudden Approach brake off her silent pensiuenesse by his countenance shewing a heart replenisht with ioy which hee vttered in this sort Angelica qd hee cast off this sadde countenance for I bring you newes of more comfort for the Knight of Fame is liuing and preserued by admirable meanes Oh Brother quoth she this newes cannot be true which will nip my heart with griefe to heare of and be disappointed therein Sister qd he it is so neither maruell thereat for his innocencie in the fact laide to his charge hath I thinke caused the Gods to pitty him besides thereby you may be assured hee is borne of royall blood who is now in the Kéepers house in safety with whome I haue bene these two hours Now cast off these discontents and clowds of care for there is no further cause of disquiet for his supposed death Angelica then verily belieuing his wordes saide Good brother tell me how he doeth for whose safetie I reioyce For of all the Knights that euer I behelde I neuer liked nor loued any so well desiring you withall to kéep my counsell hauing bewrayed my secrets to none else and not let him know so much as I haue tolde you Then should both you and I doo him wrong qd he for he hath well deserued loue and especially at your hands to whom by his owne report he hath long ago dedicated himselfe and not onely of his owne inclination but of a high command for the truth of which he hath vpon trust of my secrecie reuealed vnto me which you shall likewise heare then he discoursed the whole truth euen as the Knight of Fame had before done which when she heard she said What a discourteous Lady is that Venola to séeke the ouerthrow of so Woorthy a Knight and how may I estéeme him that before he knew mee was so constant in his Loue without hope of my fauour and refused the proffred loue of two such Ladies for my sake besides the perill he hath endured in my search and peraduenture is sprung of greater byrth then my selfe And now also by my Parents doome was put in that hazard of his life Good Brother be you carefulâ—… of his good and whatsoeuer you shall counsell me too I will doo If my Father should know of his safety then were there no means for him to escape death For such a hard conceit of suspect doth possesse his minde that he hateth all those that beare me any shewe of good Will Well quoth Marcellus rest you contented and still continue your louetowards him to increase and not diminish the same who is by destiny alloted to be your husband the care of whose welfare let be my charge for I so much loue and esteeme him both for his own and your sake that I will leaue no meanes vnassayed whereby to do you good which said hee againe departed to the Knight of Fame By this time the darke night approached and Marcellus and the knight of Fame were deuising what meanes to vse for his safetie and to procure the desired content Angelica expected who before had giuen herconsent to 〈◊〉 ruled by her Brother that by the assurance he had of her hee put the knight of Fame in assured comfort of her loue by relating in some sort the contents of Angelicas conference before had with him which affected his heart with greater ioy theÌ„ euer before he had endured griefe that his escape from death did not comfort his heart so much as this happy news At last Marcellus said Noble knight you see how strictly my father gardeth Angelica that there is no meanes lefâ—…t to ease your greefe or her care by tarrying here neither can you without great hazard of your life remaine within the circuit of this Tower for that my Father suspecteth euery one yea his owne children whereby we are tired with those troubles and would willingly worke any meanes to ease our selues especially Angelica hath ben mewed vp so closely that shee I am sure would vndertake any thing to enioy her libertie were it in neuer so poore estate wherein in my opinion is many thousand of sweete contents to bee found rather then in this troublesome Pompe which is repleat with infinit cares Therefore this is my censure that you shall this night as I will direct you depart from hence and go to Saint Austins Chappell not farre hence and there stay for mee vntill to morrow morning where remaineth an olde religious Priest named Iabine who if you say you come from mee wil assuredly giue you entertainement which when you haue done I will so worke with my Sister Angelica that hee shall condescend by such meanes as I will worke for her secret escape to come to you by which I hope I shall end the
next morning Iabine went foorth for to prouide food and left the knight of Fame alone who then vttered many complaints but at last finding fault with himselfe for vrging that effeminate kind of lamentation he striuing to ouermaster his passions which the more hee laboured to asswage the more they increased In this sâ—…rt he continued all that day and the next and many daies after still being in good hope of Marcellus approach but when he saw so long time past and he could heare no newes from him hée beganne to accuse him of dicourtâ—…e and diâ—…yaltie for breaking his promise and withall grew into a setled perswasion that both hée and Angelica had quite forsaken him which added griefe to griefe and more care and vexation to his minde not knowing what to do nor which way to shape his course that arming himselfe one day hée mounted himselfe and wandred in a melancholly studie towards the golden Tower and by chance met with two of Maximus knights who were excéedingly astonisht at his sight taking him to be a ghost but he drawing nigh to them they beganne to flye which hée perceiuing thought to stay the one of them to haue some further spéech with him that charging his launce at him and hitting him full ouerthrewe him to the ground the other being therewith excéedingly trrified fledde The Knight to Fame alighting comming to him that he had ouerthrowne thus said Knight thou néedest not to haue fledde from me for I intended thee no harme but was desirous to knowe some newes of thée which if thou wilt tell me I will let thee depart otherwise thou shalt neuer escape my hands The knight maruelling to heare him speake whom he thought had bene a ghost made this reply Pardon me good sir for I tooke you to be another then I sée you are but if I may know what you will commaund me I will doe it Quoth he tell me how fareth Marcellus Sir quoth he at this instant helyeth very weake by reason of many grieuous wounds hée receiued not long since where hée declared the whole trueth of that which had happened by Maximus meanes since which time quoth hée the King hath set such secrete watch about the Tower that none goeth in nor out without his priuitie The Knight of Fame hauing heard his spéeches departed backe to Iabine to whom hee declared the trueth of all that he had heard being very sory for Marcellus hurt and well waying euery circumstance of that report thought that when Marcellus was gotten with Angelica out of the Parke so slightly attended it was to come to him which added some comfort to his heart being fully assured thereby that Angelica had not forsaken him By this time the Natolian that escaped from the knight of Fame was come to the Golden Tower and comming before the King â—…elde him that hee had met the Knight of Fame whereat hee beganne to laugh but presently came the other who iustified the same words alleadging that it was the knight of Fame and that he had both talked with him and knew him affirming the same most constantly Maximus woondring thereat was almost astonisht at their worâ—…s that he determined to send all his knights to search for him and the occasion now most fitly serued for the Nobles had according to his commaund gathered a number of forces together which Camillus séeing being vnprouided to withstand such force but comming for another intent immediately returned with his souldiers towards his country and Maximus now seeing the coast cleare of enemies presently sent foorth Knights euery way to finde the Knight of Fame Thus newes was soone come to Marcellus and Angelicas hearing which filled their hearts with exceeding care and feare leaste hee should bee apprehended this bredde new sorrowes in their troubled thoughts but principally in Angelicas whose lone was growne to such perfection that it was impossible to remooue the same that getting to her chamber shée entred into many heauy complaints able to haue rent the stoniest harts of the cruellest tyrants whom Anna comforted by all means she could deuise to whom Angelica said Oh Anna quoth she little doest thou know the torments my heart doth endure for wert thou so much inthralled as I am to so worthy a knight as he is thou mightest then haue some insight into my sorrowes but being ignorant therein how canst thou giue me counsell haue I not cause to sorrow nay rather to runne made with sorrow to see the danger that worthy Knight is now in hauing so lately escaped a most miserable death by my Fathers censure 〈◊〉 without cause who not contented there with nor satisfied in his minde hath now sent out many Knights to search for him who 〈◊〉 they finde him will bring him back or by violence destroy him whose death shall be the end of my life for I haue vowed if my Father seeke his mine hee shall also see my death for I will not liue one houâ—… after him in which complaintes we still continued without intermission It fortuned most happily that Iabin was gone foorth 〈◊〉 S. Austines Chappell left the knight of Fame in his Cell meeting with many of the Natolian knights who demaÌ„ded if he saw not such 〈◊〉 describing well as they could the knight of Fame whom he answered al after one sort that he had not seen any such but maruelling at their earnest inquirie he demanded what that knight might bee one of them tolde him that hee was called the Knight of Fame who lately arriued in that Country and was kindly entertained by Maximus but especially of Marcellus and hauing in some sort offended the King was by him afterwards throwne into the Lions den by reason of a letter the King of Libia sent wherein he accused him to haue dishonoured Venola his onely daughter whom that day was seene and spoken withall Iabine hearing his spéeches wondred thereat yet notwithstanding was carefull lest the knight of Fame should bee found abroad whom hee now beganne greatly to esteeme both that he deemed him to be sprung of royall 〈◊〉 and also for that Marcellus made estimation of him who he thought knew him cleare of those accusations or else he would not haue fauoured him so much that with all speed hee hasted to his Cell where being entred he found the Knight of Fame very sadde and fast bolting the Chappell doore he came to him saying Worthy knight I am glad that I haue found you here for were you abroad there are such a number of Knights in search of you that it were impossible to escape them For mée qd he I thinke you are deceyued Yea qd he if you are called the Knight of Fame and lately escaped out of the Lyons den With that his colour changed Nay qd Iabin feare not you shall be here as safe as your hart can wish for this place is no way suspected therefore thinke your selfe secure then Iabin declared vnto him all that had hapned and what he had heard
very soone they arriued Now it hapned that Parismus at that very instant was in the court who espying Violetta accompanied by two knights the one of them being greeuously woūded and as it were by his countenaunde manner of forced comming seeming captiue to the other and not knowing of any misaduenture that had befallen her wondred thereat and comming to her not wel knowing in what sort to salute those Knights being ignorant of the cause of their cōming he demāded where she had bin My Lord quoth she this knight meaning the knight of Fame hath preserued me from the dishonor of this most discourteous knight intended against me as I will declare vnto you presently With that Parismus most kindly embraced the knight of Fame departing altogither into the presence where was the king Queene Pollipus Laurana many others Pollipus seeing Violetta amōgst those strange knights maruelled thereat but she comming before the king vpō her knees desired instice against the woūded knight the king told her that shee should haue iustice Violetta then said as followeth Most mightie king I beseech you regard my complaint reuenge the monstrous wrong don me by this most wicked and abhominable homicide who hath offered monstrous outrage for this afternoone attended by my damozell I went forth of the court into the groue adioyning to the garden to recreate my selfe in the cooly shade where I had not long stayed but this discurteous Uillaine surprised me and caught hold of my damzel who made great exclamation fearing my harme whome he bound both hand and foote threatning if she made any noyse to murther her Which done he tooke me by violence and halling and pulling me most rudely and discourteously would haue conueyed me I know not whither vntill this valiant Knight by good fortune hearing my complaints redeemed me from his tyrannie The King hearing her speeches commanded the knight to discouer himsefe but he being exceedingly ashamed and loath to be knowne refused the same but at last by some of the Bohemian Knighs was vnarmed when presently Violetta knew him wherewith she gaue an exceeding start as if she had beene affrighted at his sight Parismus and Pollipus likewise knewe him certifying the King that it was Archas that had before offered the like villanie to Violletta which the King well remembred Then he said Cruell tyrant what excuse canst thou inuent to shelter this villanie what canst thou alleage in thy defence but that thou oughtest to suffer the most reproachful death that can be inuented but this censure will I giue of thee not to fauour thee but to deale iustlie with that Knight whose Prisoner thou arte and therefore as hee by right hath conquered thee so wee will that hee shall be thy iudge The Knight of Fame had all this while diligently viewed Lauranaes bewtie her countenance and euery part of her behauiour that he tooke great delight in viewing her but hearing the kings speech he vnarmed his head whom Parismus soone knew and most louingly embraced likewise Pollipus Violetta knowing him saluted him with many courtesies when presently Parismus declared vnto his father that it was the famous knight that was called the Lnight of Fame The King hearing that it was he of whome he had heard so many honourable reports rose from his kingly seat and embraced him most louingly and euery one in generall seemed to be most exceedingly delighted with his presence Laurana beholding his countenance felt an exceeding throbbing suddainly possesse her heart withall such a violent blushing flasht in her face that she wondred whence such sudden motions should proceed and was constrained to turne aside least any should perceiue her changing countenance and withdraue himselfe to a Window This alteration being wrought in her by a naturall instinct which shee was altogether ignorant of The Knight of Fame not vnmindfull to satisfie Violettaes wrong by some reuenge against Archas most humbly thankt the King for honouring him so much by giuing him authority to giue his Doome but qd he I most humbly intreat your Highnes to pardon mee and desire your Wisedome to whome hee hath bene offensiue to vse him as you please For it were great presumption for mee in this straunge place to censure of him in your Maiesties presence Then the King called Archas commaunding him to declare what mooued him to commit that outrage to Violetta but hée assuring himselfe of no lesse then death would make no answere Wherevpon the King commanding him to bee had to Prison appoynted that the next day he should loose his head Which was accordingly performed Who might peraduenture haue bene pardoned but that his owne conscience accused him more then those whome hee had offended and so according to his owne follie which had brought him to commit all those Wicked acts euen so hee was his owne Iudge For that his guiltie conscience would not suffer him to aske pardon After this iudgement giuen euery mans minde was in quiet hauing sufficiently scanned the circumstance of Violettaes misfortune The Knight of Fame was Royallie entertained and honourablie feasted by the King of Bohemia but especially Parismus and Laurana vsed him with excéeding kindenesse being for that night driuen to part from him without any conference But Laurana was so excéedingly troubled with his remēbrance that she could scarce take any rest at all that Night for thinking on him not knowing what should mooue her to such vnwoonted alteration that in the morning when Parismus and shée were in some conference about the Knight of Fame she saide My Lord I know not what should mooue me to thinke any such thought but I am perswaded that his arriuall will bring vs either some vnexpected ioy or sudden sorrow For since I first sawe him my heart hath neuer bene quiet neyther can I though I striue to the contrarie once put his remembrance out of my minde Which hath so fully possest my fancie that I could take no rest this night Myselfe qd Parismus haue felt the selfe-same Passion not onely nowe but also at my first méeting with him in the Forrest of Arde Which maketh mee partly of the selfe same opinion with you and also desirous to knowe of whence he is In this and such like communication they continued some time till Parismus left her and went to the Knight of Fame who was already in companie of Pollipus Whome Parismus most kindely vsed and afterwardes being at a most Royall Feast which was prepared onely for his more honourable Welcome After dinner being requested by Parismus who was desirous to know of whence he was there being the King and Quéene Parismus Laurana Pollipus and Violetta and diuers others he beganne to declare the whole discourse of his trauells to them in this sort If I should declare my Name and Byrth qd hee I know not how to beginne For that I my selfe am ignorant thereof but so much as I can remember I will hide no part from you I was brought vp in a
towards the maiden Tower hoping now to enioy the sweete sight of his beloued which he neuer beheld but twise in all the time he had sought her loue Marcellus he departed backe againe to the court very sadde for the absence of Parismenos and Angelica being likewise much gréeued that Maximus his father should with hold any of his secrets from him which did both disgrace him to such as were strangers and specially to those Ladies that were Dulcias attendants which thogh he knew well inough yet that tooke away no part of his conceit of vnkindenesse but most of all he was troubled with griefe to be restrained from Dulcias company on whom his thoughts had continually run euer since he had bin last with her for her beautie excelled all the Ladies of the court Angelica excepted of her vertue he had good conceit by that which he had found in her good dispositions when she refused to thrust her selfe into the knowledge of the secrets but rather commited all that the king had commaunded her to his secrets which if Maximus should know of would be as much as her life were worth These cogitations so much altered his countenance that wheras before hée was of a pleasant disposition he now began to giue-his minde wholely so meancholy sadnesse often shunning the company of those he was wont to delight in which Maximus noted especially the Quéene both maruelled and was grieued thereat and finding him out when hée was in that heauy vaine she earnestly demaunded his cause of sadnesse to whom he made this aunswere My father I knowe not vpon what occasion accounteth me I thinke rather as one that would betray him then as his sonne that he refraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the fight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée be contented for a time for thou féest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hée should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to impart them to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater cares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shee is in health what néede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and left Marcellus where she found him Assone as the Quéene was gone hée began againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shuld be thus troubled for he knew all that hée desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hée weighed euery conceit of his thoughts found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaes absence nor his feare of disgrace was that that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindnesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to coâ—…mend her that hée thought her worthy to be beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts drew to such insight into his owne Fancies that he perceiued that Loue had already taken possession in his heart then he began to consider what displeasure it might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so farre his inferiour and not rather séeke the loue of some Kings Daughter that might adde honour to his Title and not diminish the same Which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by another conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous any as courteous as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that if he should marrie with his equall shee might rather marrie him for his dignite and of a haughtie minde to kéepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if shee were his equall hee should rather be subiect to her Will then shée any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and duetifull wife that she would honour him rather then desire to be his equall and that she would refuse no peâ—…ll daunger nor hazarde for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hae resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hee went immediately vnto the place where she was guarded in stéed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like sauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuer come but that I must alwayes finde you in this mel ancholy disposition what are you sory to be thus pend from a husband My Lord quoth Dulica though I am otherwise sadde it doth me good to see you merrie You are deceiued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lord quoth shee if I should giue credit to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the contrarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bee myrth in mee is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon me euen now but knew you the thoughts of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shee I beséech you pardon my boldnesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposition wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not be offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditaes of many things the minde cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I with thee more good then I am able to vtter and the cause that my hart is sadde is because I am not able to do thée so much good as my heart doth with and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnworthie such fauour and vnable to deserue such good which maketh me thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therefore you may be assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can be no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme Indéede in fewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hée thinke me one of those fewe My Lord quoth she I be seech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confideÌ„t then prouident
Marcellus tooke her vp with a kinde kisse telling her that hée was most excéedingly glad that shée would goe with him béeing the onely thing he most desired in the world Then quoth Dulcia tell me what I shall do and I will do it presently Quoth he whilest I hold the Ladies in a talke whose wits are now troubled disguise your selfe and slip out amongst them and goe to Madam Panoras house and there stay for me Dulcia then presently cast off her vppermost garment and put on some of the Ladies such as she next found and locking fast her Chamber doore went through amongst the thickest of them who séeing her locke the doore tooke her for one of their fellowes that had brought Angelica to bed and so let her passe without suspition Dulcia was no sooner downe stayres but she hasted with all spéede vntill she was without the court gate and from thence came to Panoras house where she was let in by Panora whoÌ„ she told that Marcellus had sent her thither and would himselfe be there presently Panora for his sake gaue her kind entertainment Marcellus séeing all things fall out thus prosperously and Dulcia past by which hee noted he left the Ladies and presently went to his chamber and armed himselfe in one of the Getulian knights armor hauing none of his own went to Panoras house where he found Dulcia and caught her in his armes with a louing embrace and being all thrée togither he declared to Panora all that had hapned both of himselfe Angelica and Dulcia and that the knight that lodged in her house was the Knight of Fame Parismenos withall requesting her secrecie and aide to conceale Dulcia from all knowledge of her beeing there where himselfe stayed all that night And the next day spending his time in much pleasure and kinde sort with Dulcia whome hee loued most exceedingly but without any blemish or thought of intemperancie Earely the next morning came the two Nobles from Maximus to arrest Marcellus thinking to haue founde him there but comming to his chamber he was not there nor in all the Court to bee found Which caused an other tumult for his absence that all had their minds so busied with coÌ„ceit of meditatioÌ„ why he shuld be fled that they were all in a second amazement therewith thogh none at all knowing why he was fled nor knowing what offence hee had committed the Queene likewise made heart sorrow for his mi shap This newes being come to the Ladies that attended Dulcia instead of Angelica who thought to carrie the report of this newes to Angelica but enquiring for the key of her chamber could not heare of it for euery one made answere they hadde it not then beganne a corontuersie amongst them enquiring who it was that came out last but the truth thereof they could not learne that they began to suspect each other and that she that had the key had lost the same and would not be knowne thereof that at last they began to knocke first softly and then hard but none made answere which draue them all into an extreame perplexitie and with much ado to rid themselues of that fear they got vpon the doore where at there comming they could not finde Angelica but found some of her ornaments cast in the middest of the floore that then with wringing their hands tearing their haire and renting their ornaments they made such an outcrie and exclamation that all the court rung thereof which caused the Queene the Nobles and almost all the whole court gather to that place where the Queene being come and knowing the cause of their sorrow sat down amongst them opprest with care and vttered these speeches Peace peace giue ouer this vaine lamentation for you know not for whom you mourne it was not Angelica you had the custodie of therefore cease your laments and giue me leaue to mourne that haue iust cause who am a partie of all these woes that at once haue lost the company of both my deare children and all procured by Maximus misdoubt who left Angelica in the maiden Tower who is stolen from thence and now my sonne Marcellus with Dulcia is likewise fled Aye me what sorrow is this whose griefe may be compared to mine was euer any so miserable as I am made that at one instant haue lost my comfort my children my ioyes and delight with that such a passion of griefe ouerwhelmed her hart that her speech abruptly bracke off and more shee would haue said but could not that the ladies tooke her vp being fallen into a deadly trance and conueied her to her bed Thus was the whole Court and Citie repleate with care euery one vttering their fancies the younger for accusting Maximus of crueltie alleaging that he was cause of those cares the elder condemning the two young Princes of lowdnesse and lightnesse that would enter into these actions without their parents consent And two Noblemen returned againe to Maximus with these newes which added newe cares to his troubled head that Angelicas escape did not so much greeue him as that Marcellus shuld both be Actor in her escape also would make so base a choâ—…se of Dulcia with whom all were assured he was fled neither did all these so much vexe him as that he was disappointed of all meanes to reuenge these wrongs Maximus continued many daies in the maiden Tâ—…er calling togither all the knights of the land commaunding them to make all diligent search and to appoint some that should stay in euery place of the countrie and examine euery passenger for that his minde gaue him Angelica and Marcellus were within Getulia This businesse was so speedily and exactly performed that it was impossible for them to escape vnknowne or vndescried Marcellus the next night after all the tumults hauing by many perswasions and intreaties wonne Dulcia to stay with Panora and with promise of his spéedie returne armed himselfe in the Armour hée had gotten and departed from thence with intent to goe to Saint Austines Chappell where hée was sure hée should heare of Parismenos and by the way met with many of the Getulian Knights who knewe him not but by his armour tooke him to be a Getulian knight named Portellus whose armour Marcellus had put on this Portellus was a knight of the kings Court who not long since was departed into Libia without the knowledge of any but Marcellus who had sent him to view Venolas beautie and to learne if he could the originall of that accusation was laide against the knight of Fame in whose armour Marcellus past without suspition being taken of all for Portellus Earely the next morning he arriued at S. Austens Chappell where he would neither knocke nor enter vntill he was sure there was none to descrie him When Iabin first sawe him his heart was tormented with feare demaunding what he would haue Feare not Iabin quoth he I am your friend Mxrcellus with that he entred into the
went to make prouision for his Guests and by the way met with Portellus who was lately returned from Lybia and comming to the Court and not finding Marcellus whome he loued most déerely he had wandered in a sollitarie sadde and heauy disposition vp and downe all the last day and that night and now espying olde Iabin he came to him and knowing him he saide Iabine the time hath bene when Getulia excéeded in Roialty but now all things is turned vpside downe Marcellus was woont to vse your companie but now no man knoweth where he is Would I were but with him then my cares would be past Why quoth Iabin What might I call your name that know me and are desâ—…reus to 〈◊〉 Marcellus My Name quoth hee is Portellus Iabine hearing his Name well remembred that hee had often heard Marcellus desire that hee were with him saide Portellus Come along with mee and I will bring you to one that can tell you where Marcellus is With that they departed backe to the Chappell where Iabin entred and told Marcellus that Portellus was without Who hearing his speeches raâ—… vnto him and embraced and brought him in Whome Angelica likewise knew and Welcommed Then Parismenos Marcellus and Portellus giuing no delay to the necessitie of time and businesse they had in hand began to consult what to doo Where euery one gaue their seueral opinions but could agrée vpon nothing At last they called Iabine to their counsell whose Wisedome had much auailed them Who presently hauing such a determination in his minde before counselled them to send Portellus into Bohemia with Letters from Parismenos vnto his Father to request his Ayde and to send a Bande of Souldiers to defend him from Maximus crueltie This counsell was excéedingly well liked of all especially Portellus was excéedingly willing to goe about that businesse that presently furnishing himselfe with Horse and Armour hauing a Letter to that effect from Parismenos and the Iewell which Laurana knewe him by which hee desired Portellus to deliuer vnto his Mother as an assured token that he came from him Hee hasted with all spéede about his businesse and soone arriued in Bohemia and deliuered the Letter and the Iewell vnto Laurana The newes of Portellus comming was soone knowne in the Court and the cause why hee came Which when the Nobles and Commons heard Parismus néeded not Muster vp men For euery one were desirous to be employed and came voluntary and offred their seruice accounting it a dishonor to be refused and within a short space there were gathered together of Nobles Knightes and Gentlemen a great number and to them Parismus added so manie that there were twentie thousand Horsemen in a readinesse vnder the Conduct of Pollipus who was most desirous of that honour and had gotten Violettas consent Who with all haste marched towardes Getulia Parismus then gathered together an Armie of fiftie thousand expert Souldyers vnder his Conduct and Tellamors Who was but lately arriued at the Bohemian Court with Clarina CHAP. XXII ¶ How Maximus found out Angelica with the rest at Saint Austines Chappell and banisht Marcellus imprisoned Angelica and Dulcia and cast Parismenos into a deepe Dungeon condemning him to be burnt where he was ready to be famisht And afterwards he escaped out and met with Pollipus WHile these things were acting in Bohemia Parismenos with Angelica and Marcellus with his swéete Loue Dulcia remained in great safetie and content beeing voyde of feare to be now descried seeing they had remained there in safety in all thâ—…se Troubles and being pende within a little Roome were desirous of some Recreation and in an Euening when they thought none were styrring they went out of the Cell into a swéete Groue hard adioyning therevnto Where they walked vp and down and at last Parismenos taking Angelica aside vnto a pleasant Banke bedeckt with many swéet summer Flowers and Marcellus likewise Dulcia rested themselues not farre from them recreating themselues with sweete embracings Parismenos had no sooner seated himselfe but Angelica sate downe â—…n his left Knée clasping her right arme about his necke with a kinde and swéete gesture hiding her other in his manly Bosome which was vnbuttoned by reason of the heate First making many kisses a Prologue to her spéech she saide My louing Knight how happy should we be if wée were in Bohemia from the suspition of my Father and how great should our pleasure be if wee might enioy this happines without feare but since wee cannot attaine that blessednesse and are hindered from it by many daungers let vs yet reioyce each in others company which I account a ioy without compare and a felicitie excéeding all felicities Most vertuous kinde and déere Lady qd be how much fortunate am I to enioy such excéeding fauour as you vouchsafe me without the least merit that haue refused no danger for my sake that haue forsaken your Parents fauor to yéeld me comfort and most of all that are contented nay rather pleased with the fearfull and solitary estate of my vnworthie sake that haue neuer bene meritorious and that can neuer recompence such excéeding kindnesse Parismenos qd she miserie with your company is my pleasure solitarinesse when I enioy you is more pleasant then all the delightful pleasure in Kings Courts and without I account all pleasure pain all coÌ„pany tedious and all pompe excéeding penurie In these and many other such like spéeches sweet embracings and superabuÌ„dant euerflowing of swéet conteÌ„t they recreated theÌ„selues vntill old Iabin came to them and they deparced togither to their Cell Now it happened according to the vnfortunate resolution of harde Destinie that one of the Eunuches that before was Angelicaes kéeper being fled from the Mayden-Tower after Angelica was missing for feare of Maximus displeasure which hee knewe well could bee no lesse then death was hidden in that Woodde where he euer since his flight shrowded him liuing vppon such foode as the place yéelded which was Wild fruite and by most euill fortune lay close in a heape of thicke bushes and heard Parismenos and Angelicaes spéeches and knewe them and at theyr departure secretly followed them vnto S. Austines Chappell Where after he had seene them enter with all spéed that might be he hasted towards the Cittie and in the morning got thither where at the first hee was admitted to Maximus presence to whome hee declared how that Angelica was at Saint Austines Chappell where Iabin was Priest relating the whole truth of all that he had séene and heard Maximus by his speeches perceiued that it was the vnknown Knight that was with her which very thought kindled new sparks of ire in his brest which before he had calmed that in a monstrous rage hee â—…ed if euer hee caught that vnknowne Knight to be reuenged on him with seueritie Then presently he assembled all the Noble Péeâ—…es Knights together againe commaunding them with all spéede to be ready to goe with him not making the cause knowne to
sléepe and leauing Panoraes house with his Sword in the one hand and his Doublet in the other ran out into the open stréetes to sée what might be the cause of this vprore By this time the stréetes were filled with Souldiers and Parismenos was gotten to the Court-gates Where he met with Maximus the King but would not offer to touch him Who like a furious mad and desperate man ranne amongst the Bohemian Souldiers brandishing his sword and slaughtering such as stood next him where he met with Marcellus ranging about starke mad with griefe Who desired him to withdraw himselfe least he were destroyed by the common-Souldyers but he refusing his counsell and ouercome with mad Frenzie rushed in amongst the thickest of them â—…out consideration Wounding some and slaughtering those that offered not to touch him being before commaunded by Parismenos not to lay violent handes on him but his carlesse surie wrought his owne downefall and his owne follie confirmed the Prophesie that he had long time feared For most lamentablie in throng of the Bohemian Horsemen he was troden to death By this time Marcellus was come to the Court fearing least the Souldiers should enter and affreight the Quéene and Angelica Where hee found Parismenos though vnknowne kéeping the Entrance running at him most furis ously To whom Parismenos saide Marcellus holde thy hands here is none but Friends With that word he saide Who art thou that knowest me I am qd he a friend to Marcellus and wish you withdraw your selfe into the Court least you be hurt amongst my souldiers Marcellus hearing his spéeches stept within the Court-Gates By this time the Prince of Bohemia and Pollipus had put the Natolian forces to fleight and taken Santodelodoro and Pridamor prisoners the king of Lybia was fled the common-Souldyers had ransackt the Campe and beganne to sacke the Citty vntill the day began to appeare and the Prince of Bohemia and Pollipus hauing attained victorie gaue commaundement that none vpon paine of death should offer to enter any of the Citizens houses The Nobles séeing what slaughter the Bohemians had made how the Moores and Lybians were fledde and the Cittie ready to be sackt came to the Quéene and certified her the trueth of all Who missing Maximus carelesly ranne into the Cittie to séeke him renting her garments and making excéeding mone and at last found him troden to death and not slaughtered by mans force but by the brute Beasts casting her selfe carelesly and desperately vpon his dead Corpes vttering many lamentable spéeches vntill the Nobles withheld her from dooing her salfe violence which shee often intended and taking vp the dead kings corps carried him to the Court with great lamentation Marcellus camming to Parismus with a kinde behauiour said Most Noble Prince of Bohemia I beséech you stay your incensed wrath and séeke not the Ruine and Destruction of this Cittie and vs For Maximus being dead there is none that will make resistance but rather entertaine you with willing harts being alwaies vnwilling to haue moued you to séeke this Reuenge but that it was not in vs to contradict Maximus will Who was rather ledde and ouerruled by rags then aduise Therefore we yéelde our selues to your mercie Parismus beeing certified that it was Marcellus whome loued Parismenos and was alwayes his deare Friende saide Noble Prince thinke that I sought no way to iniure you but to redéeme my Sonne and reuenge his wrong Which now the iust Heauens haue executed in my behalfe but what restitution can be made me for his lesse Whose vntimely death was noted by Maximus crueltie I séeke not your harme but his recouerie Therefore be you assured of Peace and that I will at your request cease all further strife vpon your Princely promise of securitie Marcellus then said I haue alwayes honored your Name much more doo I affect your presence desiring nothing more then to be well estéemed of you that now Maximus is dead and my selfe next to succéed in the Kingdome Whosoeuer shall offer iniurie to the worst Bohemian Souldier I will hate him whilest I liue Therfore I beséech you rest in assurance vpon my promise and vouchsafe such Entertainment as this Court can yéelde too vnworthy to giue you Welcome Which wordes Marcellus spake in the hearing and presence of all the Nobles and Péers of his Land who likewise notwithstanding the slaughter the Bohemians hadde made willingly ratified his spéeches with their vnconstrained consent Parismus then alighted and embraced Marcellus and Pollipus did the like First appointed what the Souldiers should doo And then went into the Court with Marcellus The Souldiers that were dispearsed to euery corner of the Cittie returned to the Campe sauing onely a sufficient Guarde of Bohemian Knightes that stayed to Guarde the Prince Marcellus sent out messengers to gather togither all the scattered Troupes of the Getulian Campd and gaue them great Rewards those that were maimed and Wounded hee also caused to bee brought to a place where they were very diligently looked vnto by skilfull Physitions And euery one notwithstanding theyr former discontentes were by Marcellus highly satisfied CHAP. XXXI ¶ How Sicheus sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople Remulus king of Thrace and others landed in Natolia Of Parismenos discouery How hee was elected Angelicaes husband by the consent of the Peeres And how Angelica performing Hymens rytes was stolne away by the King of Tunis from whom she was againe taken by certaine Out-lawes MArcellus hauing ordered these affaires then beeing with Parismus Pollipus the newes was brought that Remulus the King of Thrace was landed with a mightie Bande of Thracians and that Camillus was likewise Landed with a Band of well armed Souldiers With whome Sycheus Sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople had mette hauing with him a mightie Band of Grecians Marcellus hearing this newes sent out Heralds to know the cause of theyr comming Who returned and certified him that Camillus came to aide the K of Natolia and that Sycheus and Remulus had brought those forces in the aide of Parismenos but being certified of the victory the Bohemians had attained and beeing assured of the Peace was concluded and of Maximus death had sent backe their Bandes but themselues with Troups of gallant Knightes were comming to the Court Marcellus then sent out his Nobles to giue them good entertainment Angelica being now at libertie came downe attended by a gallant traine of beautifull Ladies her sad countenance bewraying her hearts sorrow and with a most comely and kinde submisse gesture Welcommed Parismus vttering these fewe words Honourable Prince regarding the denoted duety wherein I am bounde to your Worthinesse in that you are Parismenos Father I reioyce to sée your safetie though I haue cause inough to sorrow my selfe being the chiefest meane of your disquiet and by my vnlucky Destinies haue bene the greatest procurer of these griefes And since your noble Sonne Parismenos for my sake and my Fathers crueltie hath endured manie miseries and death too
close that though shée made great lamentation yet she could not be heard and causing Anna to mount vp behinde a knight they carried them away with the Priest which they did so closely and with such expedition that they escaped away vndsecried by reason the Temple stood on the outside of the Citie Now this Knight that carried away Angelica was the barbarous King of Tunis named Irus who long time before Parismenos arriuall in Getulia had bin a sutor to Angelica but was denied her by Maximus and departed from thence in a discontented vaine who hauing soiourned many daies in Getulia was well aquainted with their customes and hearing all that befallen in the Court and of Maximus death had manie daies awaited this opportunitie well knowing before that she would come to Hymens Temple to offer the acustomed sacrifice came at the very instant and surprized them and hauing past without suspition out of the suburbs of the Citie hasted with all spéede hée could towards his countrie And by the way as hée went they entered at thicke wood where Irus purposed to rest himselfe to determine which way to take fearing to be surprised for that he knew she should be soone mist he had not stayed there long but he was descried by certaine Knights that ltued in those woods the cause of whose abode in that place shall be declared in the next Chapter who hearing many lamentatons that Anna made set vpon Irus whome they thought to be a personage of great estate and by the richnesse of his Armour which was on the skirts and sides enamelled and besette with rich stones all ouer besette with bléeding hearts of Azure Irus séeing himselfe thus beset drew his sword in his defence with that one of the companie blew a horne wherewith there suddenly came out tenne in Armour with the rest of their fellowes equalling the number that was with Irus betwéene whom began a most sincere combat which continued so long that there were some flaine of both parties Hymens Priest in this time secretly stole away And Angelica being in the Litter looked out thereat beholding that cruell fight maruelling what those should be that had stolen her from the Temple and what those should be that sought to rescue her from them but shée was so excéedingly opprest with terror that her vitall sences were readie to yéeld vp her latest breath By this time Irus Knights were most of them slaine and some gréeuously wounded sauing Irus who being a Knight of resolued courage continued the combat with great valour against his assailliant who seemed to be a Knight of exceeding courage as he was indeed and by his strength soone brought Irus within his mercie who fearing his death desired the Knight to holde his hand Tell me then what thou art quoth he I will not quoth he tell thée my name but I am of Tunis Angelica hearing that word gaue a sudden shrike wherewith the Knight looking backe beheld her most excéeding beautie which was beautified with her Garland of flowers that hée stoode as one amazed thereat taking her rather to be a diuine then a mortall creature that he said What Lady is this that is fearefull to heare thy name It is quoth he Angelica with that he fell downe for faintnesse by effusion of blood The Knight then stepping to Angelica said Lady you now are mine by conquest therrfore feare not his name and goe with me where you shall not want any thing that you will desire with that he tooke her out of the Litter and carried her and Anna away with him and left Irus amongst his Knights almost wounded to death but thrée of them hauing escaped that cruell massacre CHAP. XXXII How Marcellus finding Irus knew him Of Parismenos sorrowe How hee departed in a disguise from Ephesus How Parismus departed towards Thessalie How Irus and Parismenos met in the desart and what afterwards befell HYmens Priest hauing escaped hastted with all speede vntill hée came to the Citie he Citizens séeing him there running as though hée were agaste whom they thought had bene at the Temple for that Angelica was supposed to be there euen then wondred thereat and many of them ran after him who being come towards the court met the Bridegroome and all the rest of the states going toward the Temple who séeing him in that case were driuen into admiration but hee casting himselfe before them breath not suffering him to vtter any longer spéech cried out Angelica Angelica and after that hée recouered a little more breath hee cried againe Angelica is betrayed stolen away by treason With that Parismenos was so confound in his sences that hée was like one senslesse and all the rest were dismaid with feare of this doubt till the Priest to satisfie them declared the truth of all that happened and how that hee had left Angelica in the wood called the desart Parismenos hearing his speeches saide What knight will bring me to that place with that euery one ranne for their steeds and Parismenos amongst the first was first mounted and with Marcellus posting toward the desart Parismus Sicheus and all the rest with enraged fury betooke themselues to their stéeds that on a sudden the whole Countrey was bespred euery way with Knights This newes likewise came to the Behemian Came that the horsemen posted euery way the Ladies ranne to the Temple where missing Angelica they filied the hollow Uaultes thereof with their cryes the Courtiers were amazed the Citie in an vprore and the Quéene in great feare Parismenos and Marcellus first gate into the desart where according to the Priestes spéeches with little searche they found Irus amongst his fewe wounded knights almost dead whose head they had vncouered to giue him breath Marcellus soone knew him and by his Armour which Hymens Priest had deciphered so well as hée could hée knewe that it was he that carried away Angelica Parismenos comming to him being excéedingly enraged offered to thrust his sword thorow him But Marcellus staying his hand said This is Irus the king of Tunis With that likewise he said to Irus who knew Marcellus King of Tunis What dishonour is this thou hast done to Angelica That which I haue done said he I repent not but for that I haue lost her With that Parismenos said Where is shée which way went shée then one of the wounded Knights said shée was rescued from vs in this place and the knights that haue her departed out of the wood that way By this time Parismus and Sicheus was come and Parismenos Marcellus againe hasted that way the knight directed them By this time all the desart was beset searched throughout with knights and Marcellus and Parismenos were stayed from the hast they made for that they met with thousads of knights that had bin in euery place of those parts of the country but could not once hear of her or of any knight but of their owne company that Parismenos at Marcellus intreatie returned backe to
Parismus the rest to know their aduice before hée went from them which Marcellus had a great care of him for t hat he knew his griefe was such that hée would neuer returne vntill he had found for whome likewise they should take as much care for him being absent Parismus hearing the report of the knights that had bin euery way in her searche could not tell what to say or what to thinke but first hée desired those that loued Angelica to poste euery way in her searche and speaking to thousands of his knights hée commanded them to depart presently both in the furthermost parte of Natolia and also into the neighbouring Countreys in her searche which he thoughée was the best meanes to finde her for hée was sure they could not bâ—…trauelled farre in that short space Promising to rewarde him most richly that could find her or could heare of her abode with that the knights departed euery way Parismenos was excéedingly tormented with griefe and thought himselfe negligent to stay there and not to be in her searche but not knowing which way to take his sences were dulled with that gréeuous conceit To whom Parismus said Be of good coÌ„fort Parismenos for we shall heare of Angelica againe therefore I pray doo not you leaue vs too least our care be as great for your absence for there are so many knights in her search that she cannot by any means be so secretly conueyed hence nor so spéedily but we shall heare thereof My Lord and Father quoth he I beséech you let me make some diligent searche for her otherwise my minde will not be satisfied and I beseech you to returne to the Court with these Nobles and leaue me alone in her search that amongst the rest I that haue most cause may according like a friend doo my best to finde her As for my safetie take you no care for be you assured I will preserue my selfe from danger onely for her sake which liberty if you graunt me by leauing me here alone it shall bee a great deale more pleasing to my minde then to be pend in the Court in idlenesse If you promise mee quoth hee faithfully to returne againe I will giue my consent but yet goe with vs to the court this night and to morrow depart I will my Lord quoth he returne to morrow for this night I may sooner finde her then hereafter for that notwithstanding our searche she may be in this Desart which if it be so they will conuey her hence this night Parismus and the rest seeing his resolution and trusting to his promise to returne lefte him and departed backe to the Court with Irus for that the night drewenigh Marcellus would haue stayed with Parismenos but that hée sawe hée â—…ather desired to be alone that he likewise hauing as heauy heart as any of the rest depariâ—…d Parismenos being alone by himselfe began to studie what to doe sometimes thinking shée was within the Desart where shee might be for that it was of an excéeding compasse then heremembred that one of Irus Knights tolde him that they left the wood which bred a contrary perswasion in him that they were departed and gone some whither else that in a multitude of thoughts not knowing what to doo and hauing in these cogitations spent most part of the night without the least hope at last tyred with griefe and filled with care he alighted from his Stéed whom he fastened to a bush sat himselfe downe vnder a Trée as one that had bene quite giuen ouer to carelesse dispaire where we will leaue him to speake of Angelica The Knight that had rescued Angelica from Irus presently conueyed her to the thickest of the Desart in the middest whereof he had a Caue or rather Labyrinth most artificially framed wherein were diuers roomes vaultes and turnings not made by nature but by the Art and Industry of skilfull workemen and with great coste In which place in times past the Giant Malachus kept his secret abode Into this place they brought Angelica and comforting her with many faire spéeches which were most sharpe to her hearing refusing all comfort denying to taste any foode which they offered her and shunning their company till at last the chiefest of them saide Ladie be not thus impatient nor vse me not so discurteously as to shunne my company that haue deserued no such hatred vnlesse it were in dooing you good for I haue released you from the bondage you were in by meanes of those that had you in their custodie that had as it séemed by Damozels complaints with violence brought you to that place For my selfe I will vse you so honourably as your heart can wish neyther shall you haue any violence offered you but rest in as good securitie as you can desire for this place harbâ—…reth no tyrants nor discurteous creatures but such as are of vertuous inclination although by the crosse mischances of hardâ—… Destenie we are driuen to liue in this place And not so much by destenie as by the crueltie of Maximus king of this countrey to whom neuer any offence was giuen by any of vs for knowe Ladie that my name is Iconius sometimes Duke of Sextos but nowe bannished by your Father Maximus from my Dukedome by the false accusation of Pridamor and the Kings malice Who accused mee of Treason and Conspiracie with the King of Tunis Who long since attempted by Treason to betray his life and to attaine your Possession Wherein the Heauens knowe how Innocent I was And not contented with my banishment and confiscation of my Goods hee also sought my life with great crueltie promising great Rewards to those that could finde mee out or bring him my head This is the cause of my desolate Life Wherein I finde greater quiet then in Courtly-pompe Therefore I pray you bee contented with such homely entertainment as my poore habitation yéeldeth whither you are as Welcome as you should be to the place you would desire to be in Angelica hearing his spéeches was more grieued then before for that shee feared hee would in Reuenge of her Fathers crueltie still detaine her there that with the feare shee had taken by these outrages such a passion opprest her heart that shee fell downe deade and Anna séeing the same cryed out most lamentably and did her indeuor the best shee could to recouer her Which when they had done Iconius helped to conuey her to one of those Roomes very sicke and in great danger of her life being diligently tended by Anna Who hadde all things necessarie to comfort her in that extreamitie where there was no want of any thing Iconius hauing leâ—…t Angelica with Anna came amongst the rest of his companie hauing bene sometimes Knightes of estimation likewise by miserie driuen to that Societie hauing liued in that place manie yeares Where they were as secure as in the safest place in the World where they kept themselues close Not once styrring abroade for that they knew the
come to enioy my Parismenos then when my Father imprisoned mee so closely in the Mayden Tower No time yéelds me any rest from trouble No place giueth me securitie nothing but sorrow is allotted to my portion and nothing but endlesse and perpetuall miserie awaiteth my steppes Deare Mistresse quoth Anna I beséeche you adde comfort to your heart for I will vndertake to satisfie Iconius and make a currant excuse for Irus absence and howsoeuer it falleth out you shall be no way troubled therewith In diuers such spéeches they continued vntill the Night drue nigh and they expected Iconius returne Where we will leaue her Iconius being gone out of the Caue with intent to finde out the straunge Knight tracing vp and downe most part of the day before he could finde him But at last passing by the place where he had rescued Angelica from Irus Parismenos espyed him hauing but two knights at that time with him and came out vnto him Iconius espying him comming to him said Knight I haue wandred all this day to séeke you but was frustrated till now the cause was for that my Knights were sometimes slaine and often Wounded by your valor that maketh me desirous to know the cause of your discontent being Willing to doe you what pleasure I can and also to bee acquainted with you therefore I pray you let me know what you are I am quoth he a miserable Wretch ordained to euerlasting torment banished from ioy exiled from Content Wretched and vnfortunate I séeke no companie nor desire acquaintance I care not for ease but discontent pleaseth mee best This life I leade not by constrainte but that none so well agreeth with my fancie Care kéeps me company and this Desart is fittest for mee to dwell in Syr quoth Iconius it séemeth some great mischaunce hath driuen you voluntarily to take this course or else the crueltie of Friends hath exiled you their companie Both qd he But what are you that séeke so much my acquaintance and knowledge I am quoth he a man as miserable as your selfe subiect to as manie misfortunes as your selfe and euery way filled with discontent if I should Name my selfe you knowe mee not hauing liued many yeares in this Desart a disconsolate and disquiet life my habitation being but simple Whither I come of purpose to bring you for that your Noble Chiualrie maketh mee honour you Where if you loue to liue in Discontent that place yéeldeth nothing but sadnesse yet with securitie Parismenos hauing well noted his spéeches beganne to maruell what hee should bee hearing him say hee had liued manie yeares in that Desart thought it good to sée his habitation and therefore saide Syr Knight although I know not whether I may with security giue credite to your spéeches or no yet if you will vouchsafe me such kindenesse I will accept thereof and for a time contrarie to my purpose take some ease Syr quoth Iconius you shall vppon my faithfull promise rest voyde of treacherie and be as secure as my selfe These spéeches past they departed towardes the Caue continuing as they went in some conference Where they arriued euen at such time as Angelica had ended her spéeches And being entred Iconius told Parismenos that was his habitation whether he was Welcome Then stepping into Angelicaes roome he thought to haue found Irus there but séeing her heauinesse and in what sort both shee and Anna by her sate Wéeping he came vnto her with kinde behauiour demaunding her cause of sorrowe But she casting downe her eyes to the Earth made no answere With that hee beganne to suspect Irus had done her some wrong and maruelling that hee could not see him with her nor in the other roome he returned to Anna and asked her if she could tell where he was Who made him answere that she knew not where he was now but that he had bene there not long since With that casting his eyes downe to the earth in 〈◊〉 studie hee espyed the Floore stayned and besprinckled with gore-blood that therewithall his heart began to swell And looking with a fearfull countenance hee asked what blood that was With that Angelica cast downe her eyes and Anna blusht but hee being earnest to know demanded againe What blood it was Anna then answered It is some of Irus blood spilt by himselfe Why quoth he did hee that déede Because quoth she Angelica would not giue consent to his wicked Lust. Where is he now saide hee I know not answered Anna neyther doe I care With that Iconius perceiuing the tract of blood that went out of the Chamber followed the same to his bed Which he found all bestained therewith and againe followed the blood to the Caues mouth that hee was assured that Irus was slaine that in a monstrous rage he ranne in againe to Anna saying Irus is murthered and you haue done the déede Anna then knowing her selfe guiltie stoode as one confounded with feare but at last reuiuing her selfe from her dumps shee said If I did murther him I did it but to saue my owne life and Angelicaes honour With that hee was so enraged that hee drue his Sword and in a furie would haue slaine her but that she with spéede ranne out of the roome and hee after her ready to strike her dead Parismenos hearing that noyse and séeing Iconius pursuing the Damzell being of a quicke conceit euen as the blow was descending stept vnder the Sword and caught the blow Which otherwise had partēd her life Iconius being inraged strooke another at him vntill Parismenos drawing his Sworde saide Holde your hands and knowe whome thou strikest or I will gore my Sworde in thy heart blood Pardon me good Knight quoth hee Rage made me forget my selfe What Damozell is that quoth Parismenos you would haue slaine It is quoth hee one that hath murthered my deare friend By this time some of them had caught Anna and brought her backe Whom Iconius offered againe to haue slaine but that Parismenos hauing séene her countenance knewe her and staying Iconius againe saide Be not so rash without aduisement to lay such violent handes on a sillie Damozell and before you execute reuenge be better aduised and first knowe the truth of the fact she hath committed and vpon what occasion shée was vrged thereto I will not quoth Iconius followe your counsell but now shee hauing confest the déede I will be seuerely reuenged by her life and nothing else shall make me satisfaction for his blood which shee hath shead Discourteous Knight qd he art thou voyde of humanitie or doo I wish thée to doo any thing that disagreeth to reason I sweare by Heauen let but a haire of her head perish by thy accursed hand and thy death shall be the ransome Here doe I stand in her defence and therefore the prowdest of you all touch her and if you dare With that Iconius said Doest thou requite my friendship in this sorte to take part with my enimies or tell me Doost thou
whom I iudge you to be by those Armes Indeed quoth hee I am the same Pollipus and the chiefest cause of my comming vnto you is my earnest desire to bee acquainted with you though vnworthy for that I know you could not come to the knowledge of mee but by the vertuous Parismus who is now dead in whose defence if you beare armes I will with you doe my endeudur to reuenge his death against mine owne Countrey for I am thereunto bound Worthy knight quoth he if you will vouchsafe to take such simple entertainement as my poore lodging doth afford I will make knowne vnto you my whole desire which Pollipus willingly accepted and being come to the Caue Pollipus maruelled to sée so worthy a knight in such an obscure place but being come in he was soone vnarmed and then Parismus knew him to be his friend and taking him by the hand led him aside and then made himselfe known vnto him whereat Pollipus wondred and so with excéeding ioy most louingly embraced him and after supper was ended which was prouided by the Outlawes cleanly drest by the Damsel Parismus declared vnto him the whole circumstance of this tragedy wherwith Pollipus was so inwardly vexed to heare of Sicanus falshood that he vowed for euer to remaine his professed enemy they continued in the caue al the night the one recounting vnto the other their forepassed friendship at last it was coÌ„cluded betwixt them that Pollipus should still continue there and therfore prouided him other Armour that thereby he might not be knowne It was some three wéekes space before Parismus could recouer his wounds during which time the Thessalians had receiued much dammage by their enemies growing into feare of Famine for that their victuals beganne to waxe scant their courage being likewise somewhat abated for that they saw not the black knight in all that time come into the field as his wonted manner was therefore they concluded by a generall consent to Parley with the king of Persia and appointed Lord Remus to be the messenger who comming to the Persian king told him that Dionisius king of Thessalie did desire to parley with his Highnes whom he knew not that he had any way offended Whose message the Persian King kindely accepted and vpon his Kingly promise protested to continue a truce for that day appotniting the place of meeting to be on the Greene before the west gate of the City whither he came with the Kings that were with him and Sicanus his Sonne whither also Dionisius and the King of Bohemia with all the rest of the Potentates on the Thessalian party likewise came Many things béeing alleaged on both sides the one in accusation of Sicanus the other in defence of his innocency at last by consent of all a peace was concluded for twenty daies and on the twentieth day it was concluded that this Controuersie should be decided by battel and the conditions were these That if Dionisius could not bring thrée knights to combate with thrée of the Persians that then he should acknowledge himselfe subiect to the Persian king and also should deliuer vnto Sicanus his faire daughter Laurana to be at his disposition and Sicanus to enioy the Crowne after his death and if the Thessalians should conquere the Persian knights then immediately the Persian should remooue his Forces and Sicanus should acknowledge the truth of the Fact vpon which conditions the peace was concluded and firmely ratified by the generall Oathes of both the kings of Persia and Thessalia During which time of peace Parismus Pollipus would vsually come abroad both armed in white Armour with Plumes of white feathers and white Steedes gallantly attired be held the Persians and Thessalians continually euery day combatting for triall of their manhood but stil the Phrygian Zoylus and the two Persians Brandor and Ramon bore away the victory that the Thessalians would no more encounter with them which draue Dionisius into such a deep study what Knights to prouide against the appointed day of combat altogether dispairing of the Blacke Knight for that he has not beene séene a long time amongst them and also for that Oristus Osiris were so gréeuously hurt that it was impossible for them to recouer their health by the time appointed Parismus hearing of this conclusion told Pollipus that if he would accompany him to be one of Lauranaes Champions he would be for euer â—…ound to requite that curtesie which gentle request Pollipus kindly accepted The third that Parismus had appointed was one of the Out-lawes that perserued his life whose valour exceeded most of the Kinghts in Thessalie though he endured some secret disgraces Laurana maruelled that during the time of those warres being so famous as they could not choose but bee spread through most part of the world she could heare no newes of Parismus iudging him now for a certaine truth to be dead for otherwise she thought it could not be for she knewe if the least report of those wars were but come to his hearing he would returne to aide her from Sicanus whom she so much abhorred that it was a griefe to her to heare him named withall remembring in what peril both her Father her Countrey and her selfe were brought by his tyranny and that this misery exceeding all the rest was now fallen vpon her that shee must finde Champions to defend her or else she must be thrall to him which was â—…ore gréeuous vnto her then ten thousand deaths the remembrance of which extremities caused her to brust forth into these exclamations Most vnhappy and accursed wretch that I am how can I exclaime sufficiently against my hard destinies that haue brought me in danger of him whom I mortally hate whose very name is odious in my hearing who by his treachery hath robbed me of my hearts delight and continually workes my endlesse torment had my vnlucky starres allotted me to some vntimely death or otherwise wrought my misery then could I haue endured this martirdome with patience and quietly haue suffered the extreamest calamitie but my euill destiny farre exeedeth all misery and hath shut mee from all hope of comfort in this my affliction by the death of my vertuous Lord and deare friend Parismus whose ghost is busied with diuine contemplations and not tormented as I am with temporall vexations I would willingly follow him to Elizium there to retaine the fruition of his heauenly company but my destinies likewise haue allotted mee a cowards heart not daring to execute my will vpon my selfe my forward minde likewise disswadeth mee by many impossible perswasions that in this extreamity I know not whose aide to implore my Parismus is dead my Fathers Knights mangled for my sake and all things so contrary to good successe that vnlesse I bee deliuered from this tyrant Sicanus by some admirable and strange meanes I must of necessity fall into his loathsome power whose serpentine breath doth infect my heart with deadly feare With these and such
immediately alighted from his Stéed and with a kinde behauiour saide Most noble and courteous Prince I desire to haue some few words in priuate conference with you from the Knight of Fame Marcellus hearing his Name the Knight of Fame desired him to say on For there were none then present but such as hee trusted My Lord qd Parismenos because I know not whither I may discouer my selfe or no with safety I am the Knight of Fame and now altered in name but not in good-will to you Marcellus hearing his words had much adoo to refraine from embracing him but yet for that he would not haue any note the same he abstained but said Most noble Knight nothing could hauâ—… brought that ioy to my heart your presence doth béeing a long time seuered from you by Fortunes vncoÌ„stant mutabilitie who altereth the estate of things according to her variable disposition trusting you haue not misdoubted of my good will though I came not to S. Austines Chappell according to my promise Which I was about to performe but that my intent was crost But séeing you are thus happily returned and haue as I hope attained the knowledge of your Parents in whose search olde Iabine tolde me you were departed I desire you repose that assured confidence in my trustinesse that I will labor to procure your content euery way to my vttermost power your safety and returne will bring no little ioy to my Sister Angelica which is impossible to giue her knowledge of for my Father hath now Guarded her more strictly then euer before neither is shée heere in this Court as the common report goeth but still remaineth in the Golden Tower which I will declare to you hereafter In the meane time because you shall not be descride I will send my Esquyre with you vnto an ancient Ladies house of good estimation where you shall be kindely entertained for my sake whither I will repaire vnto you Where you shall if so please you stay vntill I can worke some means how to bring you that you may speake with my Sister Angelica Parismenos hearing his courteous speeches yeelded him most heartie thanks and so for that Marcellus was fearfull of his Fathers suspition without any more speeches hee sent Parismenos with the Squyre vnto the Ladies house whose name was Madame Panora who taking Parismenos by the hand conducted him in and vsed him most kindely After dinner was past Marcellus came thither to him thanking Panora for entertaining his friend then hée most louingly embraced Parismenos who by reason of his long trauell and excéeding cares was so much altered that had Marcellus met him in the stréetes without anie former knowledge that it was hée hée would hardlie haue knowne him who with the like behauiour gréeted him againe declaring to him his whole trauelles in search of his Parents Marcellns hearing that hée was Sonne vnto the most noble Princes Parismus Laurana heyres of the two famous Kingdomes of Thessalie and Bohemia said Most noble Knight how miserable should Natolia haue bene estéemed if it had béene the destruction of so honourable blood and what cruelty might haue bene imputed to my Father to haue giuen you the sentence of your death how vnfortunate had our blood bene in missing to be affianced to so honourable and Kingly houses but notwithstanding all this my Father too much ouerburdened with conceit regardeth no such honour but rather dishonoureth his house and stocke with his fearefull suspeâ—… who since your departure from the Mayden Tower grewe into such furious conceit of Angelica that euery day hée was in a manner her kéeper and in the night he caused her to lodge in his owne chamber the doores whereof hée would locke with his owne hands and kéepe the keyes which was procured by the vaine surmise of a dreame wherein hée drempt that Angelica should be stolen from him this miserable life continued not many daies which well I may terme most miserable being intangled with so many cares as I knowe possest his heart till at the last hee wrought this deuise thinking vnder that to ease his cares and preuent all those mischiefes which hée feared hée gaue out spéeches many dayes before hee came to the Golden Tower that hee would depart to this Cittie and withall it was reported in euery mans voyce that Angelica should no more be kept in that Tower but that shee should likewise depart with him which all the Nobles and Lords of the land were glad of the knights and Ladies her attendants reioyced thereat and the Fame thereof was soone spred through the hearing of bordering Nations and from thence to farre countries my self amongst the rest was excéedingly glad especially Angelica most of all reioyced thereat Now my Father séeing the ioye that was made thereat was the more troubled in his sences that comming to a damzell of meane birth yet of much beautie who in countenance much resembled Angelica he wonne her by many protestations of great preferment and with many threates of great seueritie if shee would not condiscend to follow his counsell to do whatsoeuer he commaunded her her did hée cause to come into his own chamber and secretly without the priuity of any but the Quéene to attyre her selfe in Angelicas richest ornaments appointing certaine Damozells to attend her that knew not Angelica or at least knew her not from Angelica As for Angelica the very same day when he ment to depart hée committed her to the custodie of foure Ennuches who vowed not to let any come eyther to the sight of her or spéech of her with out he brought his Fathers letter to that effect signed with his owne hand and signet remoouing all her former gardiants and appoynting newe that knew nothing but that Angelica was departed with the King from whose knowledge likewise hée had giuen the Eunuches es peciall charge to kéepe her being there All the Ladies likewise that attended her came away with him knowing no other but that Angelica was in his company leauing no other to attend her but one Damzel named Anna which she obtained of my Father with many instant intreaties And hauing effected euerie thing according to his fancie hée departed hitherwards the Damozell so artificially behauing her selfe that neither my selfe nor any other perceiued but that it was Angelica indéede And beeing arriued in this place hée committed this supposed Angelica to such strict custodie as before hée vsed committing her to be kept by those Damozells that indéede thought it had beene Angelica whome hée bound by manie promises not to suffer any to come to her spéech But I longing to haue some conference with my Sister whose heart I knew was oppressed with many cares for your absence sought meanes to come to her spéeche which I was long without obtaining but at last by meanes of one of the Damozells whom with many intreaties I had wonne I came to her and taking her by the hand I began to vse many spéeches to comfort her
concluded to parley with their enemies and to that intent sent out a Herald to Parismus who presently returned answere that if the King of Natolia would parley with him in the Fielde betwixt both the Campes hée would there méete him and conclude a peace for one day which the king of Natolia accepted When they were met Maximus began as followeth Prince of Bohemia what is it thou crauest at my hands or wherefore hast thou brought contrary to the lawes of Kings a band of souldiers into this countrey where thou act not to set foote without my license Natolian Tyrant quoth hee I come to redéeme my sonne whome thou hast murtheren contrary to lawe Iustice and equitie whose blood I require at thy vniust and cruell hands also to reuenge the manifolde wrongs thou hast done him by the disloyall and false accusation of the King of Libia here present Parismus quoth he I haue done nothing to thy son but according to the lawes of this land which punisheth rape especially of a Kings daughter with death My sonne quoth he neuer coÌ„mitted any such act but carried away Angelica with her willing consent whereby he is vniustly iudged withall I demaund her of thée as of right belonging vnto him for that shée is his betrothed wife whome I will haue before I leaue Natolia or sée the ruine of thée and of thy kingdome therefore yéelde her into my custodie With that Santodeloboro stept forth and saide Thinkest thou Bohemian to commaund vs in this place thou art too weake therefore be gon quickly or thou shalt soone sée so many Moores here as shall confound thy sences with amazement Knowe quoth Parismus that what I haue said I will performe and so little doo I estéeme your Forces that I will yéelde those prisoners I haue without ransome the he gaue them Pridamor againe Many other spéeches past betwixt them wherewith in the ende Maximus was so enraged that he sware by heauen and earth that hee would rather sée his own death his countries wracke and Angelicaes destruction before she should be giuen to his custodie and so departed Parismenos was excéedingly troubled when he heard Maximus spéeches whom he knew to be of so cruel a disposition that he would rather indéede sée her death then be crost of his will that he continued in great care and continuall torment of minde Assoone as they were parted Parismus Pollipus and Parismenos beganne to consult what to doo euery one being desirous of victory at last Parismenos saide Most noble Father if I may presume to giue counsell to you that are of farre greater â—…sedom and better experienced in these â—…martial affairs than I am this is my opinion Maximus is of that cruell disposition that rather then hée will be contradicted hée will sée the destruction of himselfe and his posteritie that it is not valor but wilfulnesse that maketh him resolute theyr foes likewise are so much weakened by the last slaughter we made amongst them that if wee can giue them another sudden Onset they will be vtterly dismayed Besides the Kings eldest sonne Marc is my deare Friend on whose faith and fidelitie I durst repose my life Who if he could attaine the Cittie would be ready to aide vs Therefore so pleasath you let vs giue the Onset when they are in their dead sléepe which will bring such terror and amazement to their harts that they will be like men amazed Parismus hearing his Words liked his counsell very well And thus hee contriued this businesse the Band should be diuided into thrée parts the one to be vnder the Conduct of himselfe the other vnder Parismenos and the third vnder Pollipus Which was so secretly done that the Getulians had not the least knowledge thereof About midnight when all things were at silence and the Getulians voyde of suspition the Bohemians left theyr Tants and Pollipus with his forces gaue the Onset violently rushing into the Getulians Camp on that side was next them Parismenos went betwixt them and the Citie And the Prince of Bohemia marched about with his forces and inuaded them on the backe side The Getulians being then in their déepe sléepe and without the least thought of any such inuasion were so amazed with this assault that they ranne vp and downe some weaponlesse and some halfe armed and some with their swordes onely and the Bohemians in the midst of them making an excéeding slaughter The King of Libia and Santodelodoro were so eager that they ran vp and downe calling for their Armour and crying out courage courage And being armed they began to courage their amazed souldiers with many comfortable spéeches but the Bohemians were so thicke amongst them and had so much disordered them that some of them lost their liues as they were putting on their armour others were slaughtered euen whilest the sléepe were in their eyes others strooken dead as they were lifting their armes to strike the first blowe and some slaine before they could recall their sences from amazement there might one heare the dismall grones of murdred soules there might one perceiue slaughter in her royaltie and reuenge filleth his thirstie heart with blood feare stood trembling in his right hew terror appeared in the Moores gastly lookes and victory on the Bohemians swords The Prince behinde them slaughtering some before they could looke backe Pollipus before them with his furie parting the soules from the bodies And Parismenos with his bloody Swoorde cutting off theyr passage to the Citie The Prince met with Santodelodoro and made him flée to saue himselfe from death Pollipus met with Pridamor and gaue him so many Woundes that hee durst no longer abide his sight Parismenos turned backe the King of Lybiaes steppes hasting to the Cittie and pursued him with such eager chase and gaue him so manie grieuous Woundes that had hee not withdrewe and held himselfe amongst a throng of Lybians he had died by his hands All the NatoliaÌ„s were amazed terrified discouraged and confounded in their thoughtes being so cruelly and valiantly assaulted by the Bohemians that they beganne to flie and forsake the Campe euery one shifting to saue his life ther was such a cry that the noise therof was heard into the Citty The Cittizens supposing there had bin some mutiny in the Camp amongst Souldiers ranne out at the Gates Which aduantage Parismenos soone espyed and got their possession Then began the Cittizens to crie out and ran with amazed terror the Beacons were set on fire the bels rung out with a confused noise euery signe of amazement was made This noise soone came to Maximus hearing who vexed with a chaos of confused thoughts caught vp a sword and in a desperate furie ran into the Citie the Knights be tooke them to their Armor the Ladies forsooke their Beddes wringing their hands and making great lamentations Angelica affrighted with their cryes apparelled her selfe not knowing what this great tumult should pretend Marcellus likewise was with the noyse awakened from his