threw Polinarda so rudely against the ground that hée had almost kild her with the falls violence then drewe hée foorth his sword to succour his brother and although they were both vnarmed yet was their power and puissance such as the Knight had there béene slaine betwéene them if he had not made meanes to get out of the Caue for there hee coulde not so nimbly bestirre him but still felt his enemies strokes much to offend him But drawing still backward like the Lyon in his fighting till he found himselfe where he had more commoditie of place by his quicke and agill turnings to euery offered aduauntage hee made the Giants strokes to be bestowed but in vaine and had giuen to them both diuers dangerous wounds The Giants full of furie to be thus ouer-maistered by one onely Knight layd at him like deuils without any intermission but during the fight such was the Knights successe in deliuerie of his blowes as one of them was verie sore hurte in the breast and the other vnder his right side whereupon the younger Giant thought to haue closed with him but the Knight ranne his sworde quite thorowe his shoulder and the other offring to flie had one of his leggs cut off Dorina who had béene inuisibly present all this while to the end it should not be said that by the power of her enchauntments the Knight did these admirable deeds made herselfe to be séene and running into the Caue founde Polinarda newly risen vp sitting on a little rock but greatlie bruised with her fal then putting a certaine sirrop into her mouth it very much comforted her By this time was the Knight himselfe come thether who presently knowing her to be Polinarda he offered to kisse her hand but Dorina séeing his blood issue forth at two or three places would needes disarme him and both they together bound vp his wounds So there they remained thrée dayes in that place feeding on such prouision as the Giants had there prepared and the Knight of Fortune grew much perplexed in his minde not knowing how to conuay Polinarda to Constantinople again for his desires led him to a second sight of the I le of Fortune where he was armed Knight and thether likewise Dorina intended to guide him for the perfecting of a very strange aduenture So fetching his horse which was tyed by the bridle to a tree when he entred the Caue and afterward let at liberty to feede till occasion was to vse him they set on their iourney but Dorina as yet led them toward Constantinople and as they softly paced on they met a Knight riding so sadlie as it séemed his thoughts were greatly perplexed for hys Launce lay quite ouer-thwart before him the end thereof gaue Polinarda such a push on the side as it had almost set her beside the horse The Knight of Fortune offended at so vnciuill a parte caught the horse by the bridle forcing him to stand spake in this manner Discourteous Knight thou must make a mends for the iniurie thou hast doone this Lady for shee as her iust merrite deserueth to be honoured and in my sight there is no man liuing shall wrong her The Knight who was Leonato Sonne to the same Polinarda béeing angry to sée his horse so helde by the bridle without regarding what Lady it might be and shée likewise ignorant of him as yet by reason of his strange habite and Beuer beeing closed gaue the spurres to his horse returning no aunswere but prepared to haue a race with the Knight of Fortune They encountred together in such fierce manner that Leonato lost one of his stirrops and the other founde himselfe indifferently well shaken whereat Polinarda began to be agréeued béeing especially mooued with some kinde compassion toward the strange Knight for their conformitie in blood vrged her to this pitty albeit as yet she knewe no manifest reason why shee shoulde respect him The Knights drew theyr swordes and so buckled together in which bickering the Knight of Fortune wounded Leonato on the left arme whereat Polinardo was so vehemently afflicted in minde as if the hurt had lighted vppon her very hart and compelled her in teares to cry out aloude after thys manner Forbeare fayre Knights and kill not one another for any cause concerning me I fréely pardon any iniury whatsoeuer rather then to see the ruine of such rare vertue But shée could not so suddenly speake these words as Leonatoes sword lighting vpon Primaleons Shield slided downe the saddle bowe and entring where the Armour was ioynted wounded him a little vpon the thigh and afterward lending eare to the voyce perceiued that it was his mothers speech wherefore without any further contention he cast his sworde from him to the grounde admiring who his aduersarie should be yet with no such inferiour resolution as to yeeld or submit him to any Knight whatsoeuer Leonato hauing lifted vp his Beuer embraced and knéeled to his mother who presently knew him and lifting vp her handes to heauen praysed God that no greater harme had befalne him and the Knight of Fortune perceiuing it was Leonato cast from him his sword likewise and ranne and caught him in his armes desiring pardon for his so rash assayling him when Leonato embracing him said Noble Primaleon well haue you witnessed your selfe to be deriued from the race of that famous Palmerin who made so many desperate hazards of his life rather then to loose the least title of his atchiued honour During these speeches Dorina had made ready her vngâ—ents restoratiues and causing both the Knights to be vnarmed bound vp their hurts and highly comforted them but they abode all that night vnder faire trees there growing feeding on such viands as they had brought with them from the Giants Caue The next morning they sate in counsell among themselues howe Polinarda should be conducted back to Constantinople Leonato affirming that the Knight of Fortune was the meetest man to doe it because by his vertue she had beene deliuered but he whose minde was opposed to all aduentures what soeuer and desirous to goe where Dorina should conduct him replyed that Leonato had the greatest reason to be her guide because beeing her Sonne meere dutie challenged that interest in him Polinarda perceiuing howe the Knight of Fortunes thoughts were addicted and that nothing more displeased him then to be hindered in his iourney vsed these speeches Sonne the charge of helping me backe againe dooth most necessarily belong to you and no disparagement any way imputed to you albeit by your meanes I was not recouered but rather it declares a child-like office performed to your Mother and a curteous kindnesse bestowed on thys Knight to whom no paine séemes greater then hinderance in his voyage Leonato not knowing well how to gaine-say his Mothers reasons alleaged agréed to returne with her to Constantinople so changing his horse with the Knight of Fortune and mutually thanking each other for all kindnesse expressed they parted on
their seuerall iourneyes Leonato dooing all things hee could best deuise to please his Mother who trauailed still with feareful and distracted thoughts by the time hee had ridden about the space of two leagues happened on a small Foist whereof Almaroll was Captaine the sonne to Almaroll who hearing great report of the Iland belonging to Dorina would needes saile thether to seeke the Knight of Fortune as desirous with him to vndergoe some great enterprise and in regard of the intire affection he bare him Leonato riding without his Helmet on was the easier knowne a farre off by Almaroll who was walking vp and downe vpon the shoares side and gotten vp at last vppon a little rising bancke to see what occasion might befall him from the Land or any accident which might be offered froÌ„ the Sea The young Giant not a little glad of his presence went met him with very chéerefull countenance but when he beheld the Princesse Polinarda hee could not be much more iocond then before he was because all hope was lost in Constantinople of euer séeing her againe Almaroll made them a banquet sufficiently of such prouision as he had aboard in his Foiste and hauing with foode and sléepe that night well refreshed themselues the next day they fell in some discoursing together Polynarda earnestly entreating Almaroll that with his vessell he would bring her to Constantinople The Giant desirous onely to méete with the Knight of Fortune and hearing howe lately they had parted from him stoode a while pondering with himselfe and but that he had respect to the Ladies great degrée and his Fathers Castle béeing likewise in some subiection to her hee could hardly haue béene diswaded from his former purpose but perceiuing it was in vaine to denie her foorth-with they set saile with intent to kéepe off farre from the Land least they should méet with any accident to be their hinderance but matters hapned beyond their expectation as shal be declared in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVII Of the fight that chaunced at Sea betweene these guydes to the Princesse and an vnknowne Knight POlinarda was nowe not a little contented seeing her-selfe in so faire likely-hood to reuisite Constantinople but giddy vnconstant Fortune who will permit no confidence in any worldly blisse of what apparant securitie soeuer it seeme troubled the Sea with such furious and tempestious windes as the Foist beeing in no safetie if it should saile néere the shoare they were inforced to launch out into the height of the Sea where tossing vp downe till by a storme of raine the rough windes began to be more calme they were at last carried toward Turkie and farre off they might discerne a Turkish Shippe which mainly made toward them with ful spredde sayles whereupon they prepared themselues for the fight and the Ships béeing ioyned they encountred together Leonato doubting least feare might be hurtfull to his Mother especially if the Turkes should happen to boorde the Foiste leapt into the enemies Shippe where killing euery one that durst stand against him at last he chaunced to meete with the Captaine who boldly comming forth against him there chaunced a very sharpe conflict betweene them The Turkes seeing with what valour their Captaine defended himselfe hauing another Captaine in companie among them they would néedes goe fight with them in the Foiste which Almaroll perceiuing came forward to withstand them and to kéepe them from entring into his Foiste he likewise leapt foorth into their Ship The Captaine that led the way to fight with the Foiste doubting least his fellow Captaine should be slaine by Leonato forsaking his owne Ship got into the Foiste where setting sayle quickly and the winde aptly seruing they were twentie leagues off from the other in a verie short space The Marriners beeing but few in number he menaced them with present death to tell him of whence their Foiste was and what other passengers they had aboorde whereupon they told him that they were Christians and that Polinarda the Emperour Primaleons daughter was there aboord The Knight right glad to meete with so great a Ladie putting off his Helmet bad one of them goe and comfort the Princesse telling her that he was Dragonalte King of Nauara and in the other shippe where Leonato and Almaroll were was King Platir her brother they by commission of the Princes that remained at Tubante were sent to require ayde of the Emperour in fauour of Blandidon The Princesse doubtfull of euer seeing Constantinople againe or enioying the long desired presence of Palmerin her husband lifted vp her head at these tydings and taking truce a little with her disturbed cogitations came forth to the Knight who curteously taking her by the hand said Reioyce faire Princesse that from suggestion of feare so great hope is thus deriued mistrust not danger of your sonnes life for there can no such sinister chaunce happen but one signe or other will disclose him to the King of Lacedemonia So breaking off conference they turned back againe to recouer the Shippe wherein they left Platir and Leonato fighting Almaâ—oll hauing put all the slaues and Mariners vnder custodie because they yeelded themselues for safety of their liues stoode to behold the successe of this combate and looking aduisedly on the Knight of the Ship vnder his Creast he discerned a little golden Crosse which giuing him cause to thinke he was a Christian made him steppe betwéene theÌ„ vsing these words Stay your weapons a little gentle Knights and heare me but speake then turning to the Knight of the Ship he thus proceeded Woorthy Sir I know not whence or what you are but the Crosse that I haue espied in your Helmet perswades me you cannot but be a Christian as we are Platir hearing these wordes and thinking the Giant might be Franardo or Almaroll lifted vp his Beuer and before he spake they knew him Leonato perceiuing how he had iniured his vnckle threw his sword at his féete and falling on his knée to kisse his hand was staied vp by Platir who smiling thus spake I would neuer desire better proofe of your valour then in this tryall you haue made on mée and now I sée the Empire of Constantinople may hope of long continuance when her young Knights deliuer such assurance of theyr man-hood and chiualry Leonato blushed to heare himselfe so praised but returning then no aunswere because gréefe had surprized his thoughts for the losse of his Mother at last hee demaunded what Knight it was y t had departed thence with the Foist but when he heard it was Dragonalte he became greatlie comforted knowing him to be a man of no meane valour So they set saile for Constantinople and hauing a prosperous winde for their purpose within two dayes both the Foiste and they arriued there together where Polynarda béeing gone first on lande to passe to the Citty looking backe by chaunce shée saw her brother followe after accompanied with her Sonne and Almoroll You may
he would more gladly haue parted with his life then vse any base meanes for safetie thereof yet séeing his head in this sort disarmed it coulde not but make him the more warie of himselfe wherefore auoyding the blood-houndes so well as he could and the Knights assaults which grew troublesome to him hee found that he had no loytering worke in hand For such was the agilitie both of the houndes and the Knight as they got aduantage still on him but he could not fasten a blow vppon them yet grew they at length to retire from his strokes and hee shunning a dangerous proffer of the Axe followed the houndes as they tooke toward the Pallace intending to accomplish some noble act or else to die in the height of his presumption And as the Knight came vppon him with the Axe with a full intent to haue cleft his head the hounds caught holde on the lappets of his Armour and hald him forward so confusedly as at last he was drawne within y e Pallace wherof the Knight beeing very ioyfull that he had him within compasse of the enchauntment hee came to Arguto with these speeches Be not offended Sir Knight that thou art thus brought into this Pallace for héere thou shalt sée the richest beauty of the world and it may be thy good happe to be possessor thereof Arguto perswading himselfe that he meant the beautifull Victoria tooke this as a happy welcome to him and answered To me Sir can come no greater good fortune then so rare a beautie as you haue spoken of which I am the more desirous to behold to know whether it be shée or no that is the onely cause of my trauaile Euen shee it is replied the Knight and for your better assurance héerein goe along with me and you shall sée her So walking onward into a Chamber hee there beheld the faire Victoria and as he offered amourous parlance and seruice to her she vanished from him leauing him so full of passionate tormentings that now hee wisht himselfe hand to hand with Primaleon to try which of them could best deserue her In that very instant came Floraman to him who by meanes of the enchauntment had no knowledge of him neither Arguto had any of him and thus wrought Velonna because they should not combate together by reason the nature of the enchauntment was such that so soone as any mans blood was spilt in the Pallace immediatly the enchauntment ceassed So fell they into kinde communication each of them so déepely affected to the Ladie that they thought each houre a yeere till some errant Knight came to contend with them for so rich a Iewell eyther of them accounting her absolutely his owne in this oppinion there let vs leaue them CHAP. LXVI Howe Florian still pursuing in quest of his daughter was vnwittingly brought to the pallace of Queene Melia. AFter Florian was departed among the rest from the I le of Carderia in search of his Daughter he came one morning earlie to the Sea-coast where hée espied a great Fish halfe way vppon the grauell and drawing néerer to beholde it more perfectly hee was suddenly caught vp betwéen a griping paire of tallants which in the water serued the Fishe as finnes to swim withall and on Land for legges and feete to goe vppon This strange Fishe casting Florian vppon his broade backe ranne swiftlie with him into the Sea to his no little amazement at the first but when hee saw the Fishe to beare him aboue the water hee grewe the lesse doubtfull but expected what might be the end of this aduenture The Fish floating on with the swiftest speed that euer was séen hee beheld a Griffon come flying from a Mountaine that houered aboue him a little while and snatching him vp at last in her tallants carried and sette him vppon the firme land Walking on musing alone by himselfe at last he came in fight of the Marble Pallace which yet was perfect in his remembrance and shaping his course toward it Arguto was the first that espyed him who beeing wondrous ioyfull to see his Ladies Father went foorth to meete him hoping by his meanes to compasse his earnest desire Being come together Florian demaunded of him what he did there whereto Arguto returning no aunswere conducted him onward to the Pallace telling him that the Lady Victoria was there which reuiued Florians spirits so cheerfully that he mended his pace to come where shee was and entring into a Chamber did there behold her but when as a Father he would haue embraced her the enchauntment altered his minde in such manner that hee would permit no man to come thether to carry his Daughter from that place Passing the time in this determination with much entercourse of kindnes betwixt him Arguto and Florian at last Oliuanto hapned thether who albeit he was not enamoured of Victoria yet to finish an aduenture of so high estéeme his forwarde desires had drawne him into those parts But here you must remember the aged King where he vndertooke his painfull enterprise by him indeed he was guided to this Iland for if you remember hee then foretold him that hee should suffer diuers disastrous chaunces by him before he could compasse his faire Auriana He being entred into the Pallace mâ—t first with Floraman who knowing Oliuanto to be no riuall of his right curteouslie welcomd him and brought him where he beheld Victoria but by reason his affection was elswhere setled he made no ceremonious regard of her only the enchauntment restrained him from parting thence with this perswasion that there he should accomplish some weightie enterprise Not many houres had past through Times sandie glasse but Tarnaes of Lacedemonia chaunced thether he being likewise frée from any affection to Victoria And because Drusa Velonna verily intended the vtter ruine of the Grecian Monarchie in short while shee drewe thether all the gallant young Knights and would haue preuailed in like manner vppon Florendos the Emperour Primaleon Don Edwarde and the rest but that the wizzard Aliarte finding the heauens now more auspicious to him and his arte to apprehend directer course then before thwarted her disseignes by interposing the young and hardie Primaleon whom in despight of all that euer shee could doo hee directed to that course Which the Witch perceiuing and that he onely would finish the aduenture shee stroue to send him into the remotest parts of the world till she had gotten into her custodie the chiefe warriours defenders of Christendome which then might fall the easier into the Pagans possession And shee grounded this purpose of her on the sonne of Albayzar who as you haue heard before was closely carried away from the Princesse Targiana and béeing nowe growne a good hardie Knight was created and enstalled Soldane of Babilon and youthfull courage daily prouokte him to compasse reuenge for his Fathers death with mighty hatred to his Mother for marrying him that slew her husband and confidently he builded on Velonnaes
mangled but yet the hurts not déeply entring by reason their dexteritie and skill much holpe them which is a matter of great consequence in a combate triall where both parts are of equall valour and knowledge Til about mid-day thus lasted the difference their bloode in manie places altering the cullour of their Armour when at last Tarnaes thus spake to Leonato You see Sir in what estate we are both brought yet neither of vs certaine who shall haue the victory therefore so please you wée le pause awhile and putting off our Armour wee shall soone make proofe of the worthier person and let him be renowned according to his merrit Leonato who neuer was capable of any feare or dismay quickly replied that he was well contented with this motion so either of them stepping aside to his Squire in very short while they were both disarmed Then after they had walked and breathed a space they came againe together but in a contrary maner from their first kinde of fight for each opposing the right side of his bodie to his aduersary made defence of his left side breaking many desperate blowes thrusts according as they were diuers times dangerously offered When the Squires beheld their Lordes in so apparant perrill of their liues they intended to make out vnto the roade wayes in hope to find some Knight that might come to pacifie them and pursuing their purpose they were no sooner entred vpon the high-way but they sawe a Knight come riding toward them seeming answerable in courage to either of theyr Maisters to him thus spake one of the Squires Neuer was a Knight met in a more needfull time vouchsafe Sir to goe with vs helpe to saue the liues of two honourable Knights then whom there liues none better in the worlde The Knight who was Palmerin of England imagining that they belonged to the Court of Constantinople went hastily with them and beeing come to the Combattants lifting vp the â—euer of his Helmet hee stept betwéene them saying What fury faire Knights hath made you so cruell and vnkinde to one another let me intreate ye to hold awhile and answere me Leonato knowing it was his Father that spake retired backe and so did Tarnaes where-vpon Palmerin thus began againe Tell me Leonato the cause of your quarrell which I am much afrayde is grounded vpon loue if so or howsoeuer else it be so please you to referre it to my iudgement I doubt not but to satis-fie you both right nobly Leonato declared to his Father that their strife was for the loue they both bare to faire Candida and Tarnaes likewise confirmed the same whereto Palmerin thus presently replied Why my friends you knowe it is a matter meerelie impossible that the Lady should be wife to you both let me then so farre preuaile in your patience that I may nominate wiues for you both such as I dare warrant to eyther of your contentment Palmerin was of such honour estéeme among all such Knights as had knowledge of him as these young gallants could not well gain-say his noble offer but referring themselues to his discretion he thus procéeded My Lord Tarnaes if your thoughts were as agréeable as mine there is a Lady that I could wish to be your wife namely my daughter called Fior-nouelâ—a who although she be ouer-young as yet for marriage yet goes sheâ— beyond Miragarda in beautie the reason why I vse these spéeches is that I wish you a wife of greater degrée then shee iâ— whom my soâ—ee Leonato affects therefore because she is lesse worthy then your selfe let him enioy Candida of meanâ— qualitie repayring that want onely by your kinde brother-hoode Tarnaes perceiuing the honourable minde of Palmerin though it much displeased him to alter his affection yet coÌ„sidering hee impaired not but rather augmented his reputation especially in regard of Fior-nouellas beautie beside great hopes of further aduauncement accepted Palmerins gentle offer and so did Leonato who loued Candida with such intire zeale as her pouertie coulde not be any hinderance thereof her birth and faire vertues onely made his election of her Vpon this agreement Palmerin and they mounted presently on horsebacke and he conducted them to a neere adioyning village where their hurts â—ere well regarded and so soone as they were thorowly recouered they iournied all thrée to Constantinople CHAP. LXXI How Primaleon and Arguto fought together neere to Constantinople and how no man could part them but the Emperour Primaleon AFter that the learned Aliarte had prepared all things in readines hee called Primaleon aside and spake thus to him Thou truly valiant and worthily renowned Knight of Fortune right well I wote that your heart nowe trauailes with no other thoughts but onely how to espouse the faire Victoria whom you haue with such honour and déere paines deserued Yet fauour me to tell you that in respect you are Nephewe to my Lord the Emperour it is necessary that he should bestow so great a gift on you for neither dare her Father nor I deale in the matrimoniall contract before his highnes pleasure be first vnderstood Neuerthelesse assure your selfe that no Knight but you onely shall enioy her albeit she will cost you dearer then as yet she hath done in a matter which you can by no meanes escape wherefore let me perswade ye that hauing taken leaue of her and her father you trauaile alone to Constantinople where it shall not be long before we will méete you there performe your long desired nuptiall Primaleon though but young yet being wise discreete allowed the wizzards counsaile to be sound and good and therefore without dwelling vpon any other doubts he went to the Prince Florian who was reasoning with his daughter concerning Primaleons valour and vertues to tempt and try her disposition toward him because already he had determined in his owne minde frankly to bestow her vpon him in marriage Primaleon being come to him spake in this manner My Lord Florian I am desirous to followe some priuate intent of mine owne which happily may guide me I know not whether but gladly would I encounter some aduenture of woorth before I would be seene in the Emperours presence for hee in his youth ranne through many rare fortunes enough for me to admire at without any vaine opinion of equalling therefore I craue your fauour for my departure and commend all my highest hopes to the gracious regard of this beautifull Princesse When the Lady Victoria heard his kinde spéeches a crimson blush leapt vp into her chéekes and so well as shee could her affliction of mind held excused for his so suddaine departure she formed a pretty kind of wandring discourse intermedled with broken sighes and faint smiles the raine in her eyes being readier then her tongue yet forgot shee not to thanke him for deliuering her from that hellish enchauntment promising to be as mindfull therof as so great a benefit did iustly deserue So Primaleon leauing them went aboorde a
little Pynace which by Aliartes appointment set saile for Constantinople and in fewe dayes he came within foure miles of the Citty when because it was night he tooke vp his lodging in the neighbouring village Arguto making certaine account that Primaleon would come with Florian and Victoria vsed often to stray abroad from Constantinople hauing still a care what Shippes tooke landing because he longed to encounter Primaleon for the vtmost proofe of his ability in Armes So it happened that as Primaleon came from his Inne in the morning Arguto met him and knowing him by reason he wore not his helmet he spake as followeth Sir Knight put on your helmet and that speedily for I am to try the combate with you Primaleon mused a little to himselfe returning no aunswere because he knew not the man that challenged him for Arguto had couered his Shéelde of the Sunne because hee would by no meanes be knowne but at last without speaking any word at all hauing laced on his helmet hee turned his horse for the course so did Arguto with a minde full of furious desire to wound his contrary the other being nothing so much mooued because he knew not with whom hee should encounter which made Arguto to receaue the greater aduantage in the shock in being not stird a iote by his aduersaries Launce but Primaleon lost one of his stirropes This séemed somewhat strange to him and made him forgetfull of his former patience his imagination presently apprehending that doubtlesse his enemie was Arguto whose enuious nature toward him excéeded all manlie compasse wherefore now he purposed verily his death to be rid of such a riuall both in his loue and honour and taking another Launce prepared to the second encounter whereof Arguto made no refusall but met him with such a furious disdaine that he was cast out of his saddle on the crooper of his Horse very hardly escaping the fall and Primaleon was set vpon his Horse buttocks but not in perrill of any fall so both recouering their seates againe they charged a fresh for the third triall Now met they together with such maine violence that the girtes of Argutoes saddle breaking hee tumbled backward to the ground being shrewdly brused with the fall but Primaleons Horse by ouer-great mishap brake his two fore legges and falling to the earth chaunced to stampe one of his hinde féete vppon his Maisters foote so that both were faine to lie a while and rest them selues But hauing recouered footing they came together with their swordes drawne Primaleon féeling his foote somewhat stonned with the tread which his Horse had giuen him vpon it yet did he carrie him selfe with such sprightly agilitie that his enemie discerned not any impediment at all Now flew their weapons so nimbly about them that in their carelesse regard of defence they were both wounded Arguto in the right side and Primaleon vppon the left legge neuerthelesse the battaile endured in such sort as if they had but instantly begun the same and they that came to be beholders thereof iudged Arguto to be the fiercer because Primaleon séemed to limpe a little onely by the paine he felt of his foot So long lasted this combate that their armour beeing hewen in peeces from about them and their bodies wounded in many places a multitude of people flocking thether to sée the ouent and admiring the stearne resolution in eyther coniectured as well they might that if they were not the sooner sundered the liues of them both perforce must miscarie where-vpon diuers ranne and galloped to Constantinople carrying such newes héereof to the Pallace that Palmerin Florendos Floraman Leonato Tarnaes who were all there the day before arriued presently armed them selues and departed thence with all possible speede to saue the liues of two such hardy Knights No sooner were they come thether but they vnderstoode immediatly that one of them was Primaleon the sonne of Florendos and to know the other Palmerin called vnto Argutoes Squire and prayed him for safety of his Maisters life to let him vnderstand of whence he was The Squire beeing honest and wise knowing hee would haue intelligence of his Lord though not by him tolde him that his Maisters name was Arguto Greatly did it gréeue both him and the rest to sée Lords of one Court in such furie thus hand to hand so that they stept betwéene and laboured to appease them but they without any respect to the others friendly endeuour by no meanes would be pacified but striking at them to get foorth from amongst them séemed tenne times more violent against each other then before and all the others honest labour prooued but in vaine When they perceaued that they might not preuaile with them and their lauish expence of blood deliuered apparant daunger of their liues they concluded that Leonato should poast to the Emperour to entreate him for safety of Arguto and his Nephewe Primaleons life he would come thether with all hast possible When the Emperour heard these tidings immediatly he descended the steps of the Pallace and mounting vpon an easie Ambler in lesse then halfe an houre he came to the Combattants whose extremitie of fury was indifferently qualified because both wearinesse and losse of blood had so weakened them as their blowes nowe did but very little harme The Emperour riding in betwéene them spake in this manner I halfe perswaded my selfe that you young Knights woulde maintaine the royall reputation of my Court but nowe I see that you rather endeuour to ouerthrow it in séeking so cruelly to violence one another Let me vnderstand the cause of your contention and I will so order and accomodate the case as neither of your honours shall thereby be impaired Primaleon hearing his Grandfather speake reuerently gaue backe saying Trust me my Lord I know not the least particle of any cause wherefore this Knight should thus combate with me for I am vtterly ignorant what he is onely it pleased him to take knowledge of me and prouoke me to the fight with chalenging tearmes neuer yeelding me any reason of his discontentment or how or wherin I haue offended him Then the Emperour turned to Arguto to knowe whence the cause of this presumptuous quarrell grew when he more in reuerence to so great a commaund then otherwise declared all at large howe in respect of the loue he bare to the faire Lady Victoria he had borne a long enuious spléen to Primaleon but more especially how duly he had awaited this opportunity to try which of them two was the ablest man at Armes The Emperour loth to hold them there in such euident perill promised to carrie such an euen hand in this cause of their difference as each of them should be wel satisfied therewith both in enioying wiues to eithers good liking also in this scrupulous case of their valour wherein neither was reputed inferiour to the other by their late ouer-bold and hazardous triall But quoth he I am lately
best way to trouble this marriage alreadie celebrated with such loue But like one very subtile she dissembled her intent and shewing nothing but chéerefull disposition offered to sitte downe by Targiana who not dreaming at all on her fond affection cōmitted to her trust her neerest secrets A supper of great pompe was prepared whereat Sucusano would sit right before Targiana where-with Florian was so highly offended as many times he thought to haue slaine him and he had doone it but that he knewe not how to defend the Citty from so great an Armie and Targiana béeing so lately seated had no people in readinesse to backe such an enterprise Sucusano not minding Florian reputing him a Turke but of meane quality set downe his rest to enioy Turkie and the Souldanesse of Babylon considering withall that when he was become Lord of such a strength he might be reuenged on the Christians for the death of his Brother Tenne dayes together the feastes and banquetting endured in which time Sucusano courted Targiana to y e proofe as making himselfe assured that shee shoulde be his wife and among other amourous ceremonies placing his rude hand vpon her delicate breast sayd I loue thée and yet am silent The Lady y t abhorred him more then death shewed herselfe so disdainfull as the Persian beganne to perswade himselfe that the Ladies thoughts were else-where addicted Betwéene this loue and disdaine stept in the Armenian Princesse who séeing Targiana so scornful toward her brother knowing also what had past betweene her and Florian her thoughts labouring twixt loue and hatred would and yet she would not declare to Sucusano what Florian was whom hee imagined to be a Turke Continuing in these imaginations a matter hapned that made her enemie with Targiana and thus it was Targiana one day busied about affaires concerning the estate the Armenian Princesse finding Florian alone and pensiue reputing herselfe no way inferiour to Targiana in beautie she came and sate downe by him entring into these speeches Knewe I not that your selfe hath made proofe of loues soueraigne forces I should forbeare to reason with you in amourous discourse but your gentlenes and my hard fortune constrayneth that albeit I know your thoughts are deuoted to Targiana yet must I intreat one graunt of loue yéelding my selfe wholie to your power And as shee deliuered these words a sea of teares streamed from her eyes her hart stil trembling expecting his aunswers Florian ouercome with gréefe for the loue he sawe Sucusano vse toward Targiana made her no reply and shee by his silence conceiuing some hope that hee would loue her threw her armes about his neck when it hapned that Targiana hauing ended her busines suddainly stept in and séeing in her such vnseemely behauiour thus spake Ah shamelesse Damosell whether hath thy luxurious appetite transported thus to insult vppon anothers right And into worser termes would she haue growne but that the Ladie as one confounded without returning any answere stept forth of the Chamber leauing both them so astonished as neither of them well knew what to say especially Florian who considering the great perrill and doubt wherein Targiana stoode at this instant had not the power to comfort her himselfe being oppressed with what he most feared The Princesse of Armenia conceiuing déepe disdaine at Targianas wordes and seeing herselfe despised by Florian went directly to her Brother and there declared that the dissembled Turke who had doone so much for Targiana was Prince Florian of the Forrest termed the Knight of the Sauage man who was maried to Targiana not withstanding y t by his hand her former husband Albayzar was slaine yet had she made a lasciuious choyse of him Sucusano perceiuing within his power the very greatest enemie that Heathenesse had reputed himselfe most happie saying Since Targiana had committed an offence so vnpardonable hee thought her vnwoorthy to be his wife But because he would not loose so rich a bootie hee caused the chamber to be round engirt where Florian was whence Targiana but little before was angerly departed and was busilie talking with certaine of her chiefest Barons howe Sucusano intended to take away her Kingdome from her The Persians beeing entring the Chamber assailed Florian finding him vnarmed but onely with his Rapier nor sought they to kill him but thronged round about him to take him aliue so in the end he was bound carried forcibly to Sucusano Targiana hearing the rumour and noyse ranne to the Chamber and diuers with her whom shee had made to arme themselues but ouer-late was her comming for they had thence conueied her louer and doubting nowe what might become of him attyring herselfe like a man and accompanied with an auncient Knight shee got presently foorth of the Citty Sucusano hauing thus gotten Florian intended a sollemne reuenge for all the iniuries before receiued but yet hee was much offended that he had not Targiana wherefore hée sent to search the Pallace and not finding her hee vnderstood by a Damosell committed to torment that two howres before shee was departed in habite of a man giuing diuers other signes beside whereby she might be soonest knowne Nowe was not the Persian slacke in sending foorth his Knights by sundry wayes to pursue her that they might bring her backe againe vnto him and perceiuing howe the Turkes were addicted in loue to her hee mindid as yet no violence toward her till first hee were fully possesse of her Kingdome then hee concluded to satis-fie his lust with her and afterward to despight her the more to giue her as a spoyle to his very worst boy The Knights posting about euery way toward Sun-setting they found her by a Fountaine where being wearied with riding shée stept aside to refresh herselfe minding to haue ridden all that night When shee beheld herselfe ouertaken by the Persians without any on her behalfe to make resistance shée was so strangly distracted with gréefe as the Knights setting her on horse-backe had carried her more then a mile before shée made any signe of reuiuing but béeing come to herselfe shee vttered y e wofulst lamentations that euer was heard from any Lady The Knights who little knew her case vsed some comfortable spéeches that Sucusano the great Lord of Persia earnestly desired to make her his Wife so that shee had more cause to reioyce then to offende her selfe with greefe and wéeping These reasons little auailed with her afflicted thoughts in that shee well knewe to what end Sucusano sent to take her so recommending all the Christians to God in whose faith shee had firmely promised to continue shée rode on quietly remembring she had often heard some of her Christian slaues say that Christians calling onelie to their God in time of their tribulation receiued helpe by him as likewise she did as shal be declared in the Chapter following CHAP. XV. How Dorina with the foure Knights and Dramusiande arriued at the Cittie of Tubante and deliuered Targiana with whom they entred the
Dramusiande to shewe what perrill should ensue on Sucusano if hee durst put to death the Knight of the Sauage man went armed into the fielde to demaund battaile carrying this opinion that if he could kill any great CoÌ„maunders of the fielde or take them prisoners he should vrge dismay in the rest and so the easier recouer his friende The Persians hearing the battaile called for and not knowing as yet against whoÌ„ to wage it fell in contention among themselues on the matter contrary to the liking of Sucusano who reputed Dramusiande one of the most signall Christian Knights that euer searched after aduentures After his Persians had long importuned him he gaue them licence for the fight and the first that came forth was a Gyant discended froÌ„ the progenie of Darmaque who was slaine by Palmerin d' Oliua for which hauing mortall hatred against all Christians he declared his discontented moode and making his signe for the Ioust without speaking one word he procéeded to encounter him Alfiero for so was hee named beeing a hardie man at armes wounded Dramusiande vppon the shoulder bearing away with his Launce the péece of Armour that couered it but the Christian piercing him thorow the shielde passed on through his arme bearing both horse man to the ground when easily he might haue slaine him before he could gette from vnder his horse but vsing knightly curtesie he stayd his leysure till he could arise The Giant who neuer knew what curtesie meant imagined that this fauour procéeded from his enemies slender skill in chiualrie whereupon hée said Foolish Knight séeing thy wit serued thee not to ouercome me when I could not defend my selfe I le teach thee better iudgement by the temper of this sword Dramusiande returning no aunswere dismounted from his horse and aduauncing his weapon began to hacke and hew Alfiero which strokes were so well replyed vnto as both of them were very sore wounded Mary Dramusiande bestird himselfe about so nimbly as his hurts seemed but little to offend him and now he began to beate his enemie round about the field euen at his owne pleasure and the others great disaduantage Alfieros two Brethren no lesse couragious then himselfe séeing their brother grow into such extreame weakenes hauing purposely hid themselues in a wood néere hand suddenly rushed forth together vpon Dramusiande who finding himselfe much wearied and béeing now so ouer-matched could not defend himselfe against these thrée but they buckling round about him tooke him prisoner For which Targiana was at deaths doore yet the other foure Knights renued her comfort albeit they greatly reprooued themselues because they were not as then armed in the fielde trusting but shallowly the Pagans faithfulnesse Sucusano feyned that this Knights imprisonment rather displeased him then otherwise and would not that he shoulde be ledde to his Tent yet made he no other shew of setting him at libertie againe Dorina when she beheld matters fall from ill to worse repented that she had not brought Palmerin and Florendos with her but that nothing might want which shee was able to performe she would personally goe to Constantinople and thence bring with her the most famous Knights that Florian might not die whose griefe was incomparable because hee coulde not heare what was become of Targiana And Sucusano many times would haue slaine him not so much for reuenge of his Brothers death as vtterly depriuing Targiana of all hope to enioy him as her husband were he so or not or if shee were not married to him then her minde might alter and chuse him for her husband But still herein his Counsell diswaded him saying That when neuer so many Pagan Lords preuailed by their powerfull Armies euermore the most valiant of the Christians were permitted to liue as not to incite those spirits forward that before were animated to pursue reuenge Notwithstanding he might cause it to be noysed abroad that Florian should bee beheaded and placing a Scaffolde neere the Cittie engirt it rounde with his owne Caualâ—erie then to bring thether some other malefactor y t shoulde be of his height and apparrelled so like him as it might be generally reputed to be he By these meanes he should perceiue the disposition of Targiana and yet kéepe the Knight in pryson still for all accidents that after might ensue Sucusano was highly pleased with this aduise and caused a Scaffolde to bee raised in sight of the Cittie and the day following a prysoner was brought thether after the order appoynted who by the distaunce of ground and multitude of horsemen hemming it about could not otherwise be discouered but to be Florian. But now we must needes turne to the Perilous I le where as you knowe wee left the Emperour CHAP. XVI How the Emperour Primaleon returned to Constantinople with Don Rosuell and what hapned to the rest Likewise how the wise Aliart aduertised Palmerin Florendos and other more of Prince Florians case who needs would depart to giue him succour PRimaleon the Emperour béeing now in full readines set saile for Constantinople hauing Don Rosuell with him which else had not beene permitted but that the danger of death was past him The morrowe following Don Edward very malecontent that hee could not weare his Armour embarqued himselfe for England and left the Perilous I le Wise Aliart who while the Emperour and Don Edward remained there would not disclose to what end Dorina had led away y e Knights because greefe for the Knight of the Sauage man as also their vnablenesse to trauaile béeing vnapt to beare Armes would haue hazarded their liues but they beeing gone calling Palmerin and Florendos aside he made knowne vnto them Prince Florians case who was taken but the day before Hee tolde withall howe Dramusiande and the other foure Knights was conducted thether by Dorina for hee stood in great need of helpe and all was for the safetie of Targiana The Knights béeing very pensiue at these newes armed themselues in all hast and without taking leaue of anie other but Aliart with a ship are sayling toward Turkie This their sudden departure not a little moued the other Princes and desirous to know the cause they importuned Aliart who as yet would not let them goe for although theyr wounds were thorowly healed yet were they weake and feeble but béeing vnable to contayne such was his feare of Florian hee told the whole discourse whereon the Knights prepared themselues presently Platir Berolde Gracian were in such hast to be gone to be there in time for helpe of their friend that desiring no more company for they thought it a shame to goe so many together they set on toward the place where Aliart had appointed them Blandidon very angry that they woulde not stay for him was faine to goe alone and so did Francian likewise but leaue we them to their iourney and speak of some matters doone in the Perilous I le Aliart who tooke care to maintaine the familie of Palmerin caused
the chyldren of these Princes to bee brought vp very industriously that when occasion serued it should appeare they were well gouerned wise apt to armes Among whō the second Primaleon was of such fierce courage as hee terrified Aliart doubting least afterward hee would not be benigne to other Knights but proue as sterne as his Graundfather Palmerin Wherfore Arguto sonne to Frisoll who declared himselfe to be some-what proude when he came to deale with him at his weapon woulde fight disdainfully and was desirous to kill him but Aliart who diligently regarded them would suffer them to fight no more together for héereby he gathered that when these Princes came to yeeres there woulde be mortall hatred betweene them The like strife was in Leonato and Tarnaes by reason they both delighted in Candida daughter to Belizart whose very name obscured euery one that sought to be famous by beautie For these reasons Aliart was desieous to seperate them but he could not send the one away except he did the like to the other therefore though against their wils they abode there together and he likewise desired as yet to kéep them there till matters were better established in Christendome for Fraunce Spayne Almayne and most of the other Kingdomes hauing lost their Princes were subiected to mutinous seditions whence great ruine was likeliest to ensue beside hee was the more willing to stay them still there that they might not séeke after their order of Knighthoode vntill they were growne in yeares more strong and able Oliuanto brother to Primaleon beeing yet very young gaue assured testimony that he would become valiant but Leonato sonne to Palmerin of England shewed himselfe so forward to chiualrie was so like in countenance to great Palmerin his father as wonderfull matter was expected of him because he gaue himselfe to so braue disposition Caro sonne to Gracian kept in secret by his Nurse was conuayed thence into Spayne Belcar sonne of Francian Estrellant of Rosuell Fortenbracio of Bellizart and Orino of Dramian were all of great towardlines but Tarnaes sonne to Platir was so vnlike the other in managing Armes and other behauiour as there séemed to shine in him a kind of Lacedemonian seuerity for whosoeuer had marked the image of Lycurgus the Lacedemonian law-maker euen the same that was to be séene on his Tombe haue sworne that he rather resembled his figure then that of Platir his father Franardo Almaroll of young Gyants stature declared the same spirits remained in their fathers but being children as yet no other iudgment could be made of them Now leaue we them to goe sée with what loue the Emperour Primaleon entred Constantinople The people being aduertised of their Lords returne came vppon the bridge with such sportes and feasting as neuer was the like séene in Constantinople before for Brundo the Gouernour suffered nothing wanting that might any way serue to honour him withall At the gates and crosse-wayes of the stréetes were placed triumphall arches whereon was presented the passed battailes against the Pagans to wit the death of the enemies but not of the Christian princes Both great small there humbly submitted thēselues all weeping for ioy which made the Emperour and Grydonia shed teares and according as it was appointed in the first Church of the Citty they came at the Emperiall Crowne was set on their heads to make the solemnitie more royall and this the onely ioyfull day that euer before was séene in that Citty The Emperours walke continued from morning till night not able to satis-fie himselfe seeing each ruined place newly reedified so that now hee might spend his time in ioy but for the paine of his arme Yet the death of so manie Princes was greeuous to him to whose children therefore he confest himselfe the more indebted chiefely to the Emperour of Almaigne who died both hee and Polinard his brother Wherefore by sending his Embassadors into that Kingdome there came to his Court Bazilia very aged and with her a sonne of Polinards named Trineus which he begot on a Lady of that Country whom he tooke to wife onely for her beautie The Emperour was excéeding ioyfull to beholde the young Prince who was about the age of thirteene yéeres apt and towardly to receiue his charge of the Empire After solemne welcomes vsed to his sister and the Princes that were come to the coronation of their Emperour hee caused young Trineus to sitte downe in a chayre of estate by him and with all royall pompe to bee annoynted Emperour then setting the Crowne on his head in magnificent state hee rode with him thorough the Cittie to the end hee might the better be knowne and more publiquelie honoured All the ceremonies beeing accomplished hée gaue himselfe to the hearing of weightie causes such as Brundo wanted authoritie to perfect for hée beeing but a Lieuetenant would not put his hand to euery businesse but reserued them of most importance for the Emperour himselfe whose comming was from time to time so long expected CHAP. XVII VVhat hapned in Turkie when the prisoner dissembled in the steed of Florian was led to death SVcusano according as hee had béene councelled commaunded that fifty thousand horsemen readie prepared for fight should circle the Scaffold where each of them verily beléeued that iustice was to bée performed on Prince Florian and the very same opinion was conceited in the Cittie With much adoe the prysoner was brought thether and the Christian Knights full of gréefe armed thēselues to goe to death with him for nowe they were voyd of all hope to free him Targiana because Dorina was gone to Constantinople for ayde seeing shee now shoulde remaine alone in the Castell began to be dismaied and though her fréendes laboured to comfort her yet would shee not remaine as a pray to her enemie but prouiding herselfe with Armour accordingly would needes beare them companie considering that séeing she must needs die shee could neuer haue better occasion then to spende her life in giuing helpe to her husband So she with y e foure Knights mounted on horseback hauing about a thousand Turkes with them who perceiuing that their Princesse went to this dismall stratageme were the more willing to beare her companie Great was the rumour amongst the Persians and the crowde so wonderfull as hardly could they bring their dissembled prisoner to the Scaffold but Targiana and her traine shouldering in among them got into the way where they must passe with the prisoner Dirdan fearing they would ouer-soone attaine the Scaffold with his friend made such spéede forward outstript his company so farre that he was knowne by the Persians who fiercely assailing him slew his horse vnder him and at length after he had slaine about fiftie of them he was taken prisoner They neuer minding to carry him before Sucusano but taking him by his Armour to bee a Pagan that was a fauourer of the Christians led him along with the other to behead him Pompides Dragonalte
séemed to the Emperor no matter of impossibilitie and therefore hee consented the sooner to Dorinas request whereupon the day following all the young Knights of the Court as also the strangers except Don Rosuell who was falne into such debilitie of sence as his speeches appeared to be silly and peeuish resorted to the place appointed for tryumphs and thether came likewise all the Ladies who mounting vppon the Scaffolds made readie to entertaine thē bringing with them Auriana whose beautie glittered like a bright splendant starre The monster was there already in the fielde and Dorina had taken vp her place to iudge who should accomplish the aduenture and the formost man appoynted was Franardo who made his vaunts to be more nimble in leaping then any foure Knights there present After his reuerence doone to the Emperour he prepared himselfe for the enterprise and cōming so néere the Monster as he thought immediatly to be vppon his backe hee was suddainly cast backward with his héeles ouer his head of which apparant repulse he seemed so ashamed as without vsing any words he went quietly foorth of the Lists Almaroll who was brother-like affected to Franardo presented himselfe to make tryall of his fortune and making an agill offer to be quickly aloft the Monster turning quite side-ward from him gaue the young gallant such a kick with his foote as he was likewise downe and departed disgraced These mishaps made the young Lordes to thinke with themselues that this aduenture would proue of some difficultie in the finishing and whosoeuer should haue the honour of ending it must out-goe all the rest in the height of his good happe Trineus the Almaigne Emperour would gladly haue aduentured but the Emperour Primaleon hauing more respect of his dignitie by no meanes would yéeld that he should attempt it Armindo was so forward to get vpon the Monster that he was cast quite ouer on the other side as though hee had neuer come neere the beast at all which he tooke in no meane scorne I warrant yee Orino performed his attempt in such sort and béeing smitten by the Monster vpon the breast he fell downe very strangely amazed and giddied Gorgoneo King of Romata desirous to essay what luck he should haue procéeded in his attempt quite contrary to the former aduenturers but the Monster catching fast hold on his legge cast him with his head so rudely against the ground that he lay still in a traunce for a great while and so was carried forth of the Lists Fortenbracio would néedes be the next after Gorgoneo but hee was so slightlie cast off by the Monster as though it made him blush yet euery one laughed a good at the conceite Leonato seeing Arguto preparing himselfe was so hastie to be before him that the Monster made a shewe as if hee feared him but when he drew neere him and the young Knight was halfe perswaded he should end the aduenture he gaue him such a fall vpon his back that Polinarda his Mother was thereat much displeased and forsaking the Scaffolde whereon shée stoode shée went to the very entrance of the Lists and there embraced her Sonne in her armes Tamerco was highly pleased at the sight heereof thinking this a happy meanes to compasse his intent for when a man is resolutely bent to commit an offence he wil serue his owne turne with the very slendrest occasions Among the rest Salaman the Persian had the foyle in his tryall and gréeued not a little to bee so disgraced Caro and Belcar sustayned the same mishap and so did Estrellant part without any honour But Arguto whose eye was still fixed on the Knight of Fortune knowing howe well Victoria fauoured him expressing more loue then hee thought conuenient should be bestowed vpon him especially where hee iudged himselfe to be farre more woorthy departed foorth of the fielde deepely discontented for he saue no honour for him to be had by this enterprise but beeing so dis-fauoured by his Mistresse he thought his stay there could no way aduauntage him nor did this departure any iote imbase him by reason his stoute courage was sufficiently knowne to all but none coulde truly gesse y e cause of his leauing the place neyther did any Knight follow to be inquisitiue thereof Béeing entred the Citty he went to the Pallace of Frisoll his Graundfather and deuising what signall he might beare whereby to become famous hee sawe in a lodging hanging on a wall the Shield of the Sunne and hee remembred it to be the very same which was promised him at his enstaulement in Knighthood and had crowned with so much glory the first Frisoll so taking downe the Shield he sent for an excellent Painter to flourish ouer againe the Sunne with his Pensill which he either by skill or chance so well performed that it appeared as fresh and liuelie as flaming fire Arguto had many matters busying his braines what successe might befall him on this his suddaine enterprise and to kéepe him the more from knowledge of any he caused a fayre Ladies face to be likewise painted in his shield with some signe of discontentment in her lookes then armed and well mounted he left the Citty and set on toward Thrace where leaue we him to his trauell till we heare of him againe in such a strange aduenture as will bring perrill to his life and that an vnknowne Knight came to assist him with whom afterward he goeth to battaile Tamerco hauing made his preparation for the rape of Polinarda a Galley béeing likewise readie hard at hand to carry her away the Knight of Fortune came to make proofe of his ability and leapt vpon the Monsters backe so lightly as he had beene a byrd where-uppon the Monster immediatly vanished because no more should afterward meddle with him for such was y e qualitie of the enchauntment that any one Knight hauing béene vppon his backe euery one might then very easily performe as much Miragarda Grydonia all the Princesses greatly ioyed heereat but especially Victoria was not a little pleased so that to such as narrowly noted her behauiour it plainly appeared how earnestly shee affected the Knight of Fortune Nowe in the confused departure of the people the Emperour with the Princes were descended from the Scaffolds to accompany his Nephew with such glory to the Cittie as his happy successe had worthily merrited Tamerco seeing Polynarda withdrawne into a Tent where her Sonne by her comforted had newly left her went suddainly thether with twenty armed Knights and laying his hand on her mouth least she should call for help ripping vp the hinder part of the Tent they stole forth softlie leading along two Damosels whom they found with her and them they threatned with death if they kept not silence They had gotten neere the Sea side when a seruaunt of Leonatos sent from him to his mother about some busines seeing her and her Damosells thus violently hurried cryed out aloude that his Lady Polynarda was carried away
fled they thence to another enchaunted Castell where Oliuanto had afterward toyle enough with them as in his owne history is more at large declared Great comfort in minde brought these words to Oliuanto y t yet hee might hope to enioy Auriana at length though some difficulties might long time be his hinderance Now began the Castell to shake and tremble yea and y e whole Iland likewise as if it woulde haue suncke into some bottomlesse depth and within lesse then an howres space hee might sée out at the windowes the people of the I le walking and talking vpon the Market-place heare the noyse of diuers artificers at theyr handy trades whereby it appeared manifestly vnto him that the enchauntment there was fully ended So descending downe the stayres he met the Dwarffe which had béene his conducter thether who vsing great reuerence to the Knight guided him backe againe to the Barque whereinto they were no sooner entred but the Dwarffe vanished as before and in one night the Barque arriued at the Porte of Tubante among the Christian Armie and béeing come on Land by Platir and the Christian Princes he was most kindly entertained and they desirous to know the reason of his absence all this while at large he discoursed to them the whole aduenture so entred they the Citty together and then tooke order for the warres preparation CHAP. XXXVIII How Leonato caused the wheele to be carried to Constantinople and afterward went to the I le of Carderia where hee remained enchaunted for defence of the place THe wise and learned Aliart of whom much is chronicled which in this History is omitted when he perceiued that his Arte had so outstript him as many thinges fayled of his expectation hée grew into such dislike of his own iudgement that hee would by no meanes nowe goe to Constantinople fearing least his ignoraunce should be obiected to him which made him oftentimes readie to burne all his bookes but that Argentao disswaded him to the contrary so there they continued in the Perillous I le expecting the passage of some enuious and ill opposed influence of the heauens wherby the skilfull man was much crost and encountred and hoping one day to worke the aduauncement of the Grecian Empire againe But leaue we him to his studies and returne we nowe to Leonato who béeing departed from Tarnaes commaunded the Giants to carry the whéele to Constantinople with charge that it should be presented to the Emperour and afterward that the Giants as conquered by him should humble themselues before fayre Candida and there remaine at her further appointment Great ioy was thorow the Court at the arriuall of thys wheele especially Polinarda his mother was not meanelie pleased and y e young Lady Candida who séeing such a present come from her Louer could not conceale with all her cunning but plainly expressed how enamoured she was of him but the Emperor not respecting his owne aged estate affecting this Lady very intirely shewed slender acceptance of the present Leonato with Don Rosuell Almaroll Caro and Estrellant taking leaue of the Giant and the Lady rode towarde the I le of Carderia where as it was famed abroade they should finde diuers Knights of the Grecian Court imprisoned And it so came to passe that Tarnaes likewise comming thether after hee had expressed great vallour in the fight was by the enchaunted Knight carried also in as prisoner this hapned before the other Knights arriuall there Tarnaes thinking to forestall them in the honour of the aduenture but speeding as you haue heard and the Knight returning to looke for more fresh customers espyed all the other making toward the bridge and Caro béeing the foremost alighted from his horse because he saw that the other was on foote When they buckled together and that Caro as others had doone before thought one of his sides to be quite parted from him though indeede he receiued no wound at all his hart began to faile him and not able any longer to weilde his sword was caught vp by the Knight and carried into prison He stayed not long but returned againe and comming hand to hand with Estrellant so confounded his sences with his blowes and gripes that hee knowing no way how to auoyde them was likewise carried into the Iland When Don Rosuell sawe his sonne so borne away ouercome with griefe he ranne to assist him and passing quite ouer the bridge entred the Iland where he was suddainly taken of his horse but by reason he was taken perforce as the others were hee was not carried to prison but remained there neere to the bridge which indéede proued a great helpe to the finishing of the aduenture as you shal perceiue in place conuenient Almaroll presuming of himselfe would néeds gallop ouer the bridge where loosing all vnderstanding entred of his voluntarie accord into the I le and was there found on foote where Don Rosuell abode so did Orino enter after the very same manner Leonato nowe onely remained with whom the Knight of the Iland comming to handie grypes and he feeling as the others had doone a kinde of tearing his body in diuers parts Neuerthelesse it was giuen him as a naturall instinct at his knight-hoode that his hart should no way be daunted with feare and béeing of such inuincible courage he buckled with the Knight in such honourable manner as he made him glad to shunne and auoyde him for his good sword had pierced through his Armour and wounded his body in diuers places whereby he séeing himselfe ouer-come by this Knight said It is ill for thée that thou art of such vallour because the nature of the enchauntment is such as whosoeuer hath y e power to vanquish mee must remaine héere enchaunted for the Ilands defence Much displeased was the Knight of the Sworde with these words as gathering by them that hee should not accomplish this aduenture whereupon he stroue with himselfe not to conquer the Knight because hee would not remaine there enchaunted yet giuing a stroke against his will at the Knights head it séemed to him as if he had cleft it in twaine whereby he fell backward vppon the bridge and suddainly was carried away hee knew not by whom Now began the Knight of the Sword to grow forgetfull of the cause why hee came thether and desired that Knights good store and numberlesse would come to the I le that hee might hinder them all frō concluding the aduenture Suddainly he beheld a goodly Tent erected for him at the foote of the bridge with all things necessary and behooueful in it whereinto beeing entred great store of Launces were reared vp by him against trees then went he to search further into the Iland but he coulde not passe any distance of grounde because the enchauntment fild his minde full of doubt least any should come to end the aduenture Diuers Knights came thether in short while after among whom were none of noate or name materiall to our history yet all
discoursing and some pretty quips slighted toward the Damosell who remained nowe more then halfe perswaded that she should haue her Horse deliuered her againe one of the Knights drawing from his side a long Poniard thought to stab it into Tarnaes head which very easily he might haue performed because the man that is ignorant in complots of treason is farre from the thought of any treasonable action But the Damosell perceauing the villaines intent cryed out aloude Beware Sir Knight whereat Tarnaes starting a side receaued the stab on his right arme so violently that he could scarsely tell how to stir it Wherefore stepping vp vpon his féete and getting his sword forth with his left hand couering his head with his other wounded arme stoode boldly against them vpon his defence One of these false Knights being the valiantest of them both buckled against him with such fierce following that hee had good reason to stand in doubt of his life albeit the paine of his arme much hindred him yet was hee forced to shift hands with his sword and forgetting his wounds anguish stept iust betwéene them where thrusting one of them thorowe the side he rent his sword forth with side and all so that falling downe along on the ground his companion was now left to looke to him selfe who being daunted with the bad successe of his fellow desired pardon of Tarnaes but he eyther not hearing him or reputing so vile a person vnwoorthie of life that made no more reputation of honour and Armes stabbing him quite thorowe there left him also dead Afterward taking his Horse by the bridle he mounted vp into the saddle helping the Damosell vp behind him giuing her the reines of her owne Palfray in her hand and then he desired her to tell him her cause of her trauaile thorowe those Woods with a Horse so costly and ritchly furnished The Damosell who began to wexe amourous of the Knight with a cheerefull countenaunce thus replied Honourable Sir I am Sister to a youthfull Knight Lord of a Castell which anone you shall see who being disposed to combate with these Knights which you haue slaine sent me to a Castell of mine Aunts to fetch this Horse of excéeding rare proofe and they most discourteously tooke the same from me When she had thus spoken she vsed diuers affectinate signes to the Knight who hauing directed his fancie to a place of more height meant quickly to leaue her when he had brought her into better security beside his Squires Horse had started astray at the first affrighting of the garboyle and hee was not yet returned with him moreouer his arme beginning to wexe colde the anguish of the wound the more did paine him so that hee was compeld to goe with her to her brothers Castell where hee was with great honour entertayned but indéede his welcome the more excéeded when hee vnderstoode how he had slaine the Knights in his Sisters defence Being vnarmed the best experienced Chirurgians were sent for who applied such precious vnguents to his arme that within thrée dayes he could weare his Armour and then he tooke leaue of the Damosell and her brother who held it as a matter almost incredible that hee alone coulde vanquish two such hardie Knights for resolution whereof him selfe would néedes approoue him limitting his intent to apt time and place His amourous Sister perceauing the purpose he went about would needes behold the issue of this attempt and fearing by wast of time to be preuented her brother taking the further way about she made a néerer cut for her way to be betwéene them when they should meete together Encountring at last vpon a crosse way the young Knight cried to Tarnaes that he should stay theÌ„ taking his Launce which he had reared vp against a tree he came toward him vsing these spéeches Sir Knight whosoeuer passeth this way must pay a tribute and yéeld contentedly to these conditions either to leaue héere his Sheeld and name or that which he more dearer prizeth I meane his life and honour These prouoking words of the Knight so fired the generous thoughts of the braue Lacedemonian that without shaping any aunswere at all giuing the spurre to his Horse he gallantly ranne to méete his enemie who making no refusall as gallantly encountred him breaking his Launce on Tarnaes Shéelde without stirring him a iote but the young Knights hard aduenture was such that falling backward from his Horse he vnfortunatly brake one of his shoulders The Sister to the Knight bearing mighty hatred to Tarnaes for reiecting her earnest proffered loue stepping forth of a little thicket where all this while she had hid her selfe began to crie out against him in this manner Thou vilâ—aine and no Knight shamest thou not so vnkindly to entreate thy friendly Host who gaue thee so honorable entertainment in his house my tongue shall not let to report thy villanie and acquaint the world with so inhumaine a discourtesie exciting all Knights errant whatsoeuer to reuenge such an important case of iustice Tarnaes would haue defended him selfe by allegation of not knowing him and that her brother had highly wronged him in assayling him without any cause of offence but the Damosell whose tongue ranne a little at too much randome multiplied her iniurious spéeches in such sort and went so farre in womannish weakenes that he not to be seene in so shamelesse a contention turning his Horse left her there rayling at her owne pleasure The Damosell being named Pandina causing her brother to be caried to curing mounted on her Palfray and pursued Tarnaes arriuing before him at the I le of Carderia whereas she fell in arguing with Leonato and boldly desired him to reuenge her on a Knight that bare for his deuise a mans head in his Sheeld declaring withall that he wanted an eye and shaped such a sound tale to him as Leonato verily beleeued it for an vndoubted truth and there-vpon grew so encensed against Tarnaes as nothing but death was his determination and within lesse then an houre after the Damosels departure Tarnaes came trotting his Courser thether Leonato seeing him make toward the Iland being ready armed for all commers whatsoeuer rode forth to meet him saying Knight it was ill done of thee to offer wrong and gréeuance to a harmelesse Lady Tarnaes who vnderstoode not this word gréeuance declaring the bolde spirit he euer caried about him replied I come to vndergoe the aduenture of this Iland and to conquer thée except thou knowest how better to forbid me I can and will forbid thée aunswered Leonato and so without any more words they fell to the encounter finding little difference in the vertue of eithers strength saue onely Tarnaes appeared to haue the most disaduantage by a slight hurt receaued on the shoulder which onely happened by power of the enchauntment which he neuer minding came to try his enemie at the swords point saluting him so soundly on the helmet that it seemed as if he had cleft
right ioyfully met him onely Arguto excepted who had rather haue ended his life there in prison then to acknowledge any such benefite at the hand of his enemie therefore very sadly he kept behind the rest and while they were busie in their salutations and embraces hee slipt by ouer the Bridge and so departed thence These newes were highly displeasing to Primaleon and in all hast he would haue followed him but for his Father Florendos and his Brother Oliuanto who forcibly kept him backe with mightie perswasions Florian Forzato Franardo Almaroll and the rest could neuer enough expresse theyr kindnesse to him but béeing all conducted to a ready prepared Table Don Rosuell who was next in yeeres to Florendos desired the Enchauntresse to acquaint them with the originall of this enchauntment which had so distracted the Emperour Primaleons thoughts and left his Court emptie of so many gallants to which request she aunswered as followeth héereafter CHAP. LX. The reason why this enchauntment was first framed And how Primaleon going to set the VVizzard Aliarte at libertie entred the combate with Palmerin of England and howe they were parted by Dramusiande THE Enchauntresse hauing assumed her Fayerie shape againe abandoning nowe her spells and exorcismes turning to her knight who was Lorde of the Iland said Let it not séeme offensiue to you if I discouer the secretes of this soyle to this Knight whose honour and vertue so woorthily deserues it beyond all other that yet haue come hether so sitting downe with the two young Ladies shée commaunded the elder of them to tell y e whole storie whereto she obeying began in this manner Sir Knight the hard allotted destenie to this Damosell my Sister whom you deliuered out of the Temple hath beene the cause of your so late-passed trauaile to frée her frō the I le of Francelina which albeit in some sort it was wel procéeded in when Polendos gaue beginning to the enterprise yet neither did his worth extend so farre nor her fortune merrite so much happines as that all his paines could conclude a matter so important such was the weight of her transgression and such the penaltie thereon imposed For her ouer-fond transgression in neglect of her honour first gaue beginning to the enchauntment as briefely I wil tel you the manner how The Knight whom you beheld in the shape of a Beare became so deepely enamoured of her that in hope of friendlie aduise and furtherance he disclosed his affection to another Knight béeing the same with whom you lately combatted During the progresse of this amourous purpose wherto my Sister gaue kind cōsenting the second Knight that knew his friends election in loue neuer minding the faith and obliged dutie in such a case required became himselfe extreamely affected toward my Sister and because he was better practised in loues negotiations and could handle queint dalliances with more pregnancie then his friende he preuailed so farre that shée like a light-headed wench as for the most part young Damosells are no other wanting the experience in so dangerous a kind of traffique left off her first Louer and gaue entertainement to the second Héere now Sir is a little leysure admitted ye to spend some smal yet néedfull consideration in imagining the iust griefe of the Knight reiected hauing before receiued so manie faire promises and goodly instances of her loyall meaning that now the day of marriage beeing appointed for farre were his thoughts from any other base purpose to behold his hopes so apparantly abused his intire affect despised his true meaning bafled and his choyce now so readie at anothers commaund euen his in whose trust he had reposed his loue and life gesse I say but the sorrow of so highly a wrongd soule Yet neuerthelesse bearing all this with more then manly patience he dissembled his distemper and kept outward appearance of his loue as earnest as euer onely to sée what it would sort vnto The other false and periurd Knight his ayme was onely at base lubricitie contaminating the fayre and spotlesse chéeke of chastitie without regard of my Sisters honour or any due respect to his owne life Shee continuing in this haplesse kinde of course affecting earnestly the one and feigning cunningly with the other vppon a certaine day when the Enchauntresse had betooke herselfe to reposed thoughts after some former serious imployment my Sister went with her Louer into a little thicket where being set downe together and shee crowning his temples with a flourie chaplet they fell to amourous purposes pursuites and enterchange of faith beeing equally plighted action confirming theyr former arguing the first Knight chaunced to steale vpon them where seeing his simplicity so haynously iniuried in a violent fury he would haue slaine them both but the false Knight escaped with a hurt in his breast onely and she making away so fast as she could was narrowly pursued by him with his Rapier drawne The people knowing her to be their liedge Lords Daughter arose in her defence and while they layd hold on the Knight she got with safety into the Castell Now did the rude multitude so threaten the Knight with death y t he more ouer-come with true sence of his wrong then any terrour of theirs could any way else mooue him fell mad and franticke byting euery one that held hand vpon him and they likewise became mad by ranckling of his byting The rumour of my Sisters feare and the Knights madnes awaked the sléeping Sorceresse and she comming foorth at the gate of the Castell euen as my Sister was passing by commaunding her to stay woulde néedes know of her the cause why she fledde which she either could not or would not manifest as lothe to blabbe her owne shame or else ouer-poysed with so desperate an affrightment Whereupon the Enchauntresse going in with her caused the frantique Knight to be brought before her beeing strongly fettered with cordes manacles least any more should be bitten by him there did hee reueale his true loue to my Sister and how immodestly hee found her with the false Knight to whom hee had imparted his affection and said though not so sufficiently reuenged as he could haue wished himselfe yet had hee left him wounded to death in the Garden No sooner had hee thus spoken but the wounded false Knight was brought before the Sorceresse and to appease the confusion of iudgements in this case to three distinct seperate places the offenders were appointed vntil the morning of the next day ensuing which beeing come the Enchauntresse pronounced this sentence folowing First that my Sister for hauing no more respect to her female dignitie should be confined to burne in a quenchlesse fire as a iust punishment to the heate of her loosenes and her wounded false Louer should so continue without any cure As for the poore wronged and distracted Knight who mooued by the méere iustice of his loyaltie was falne into this miserable frenzie past any present recouerie because his