with the aid of Trasiclea Angelea is recovered and the inchanted Knight is known LOve and the inconvenience of their arms not permitting these Knights to take much rest they arose with the Sun and finding their horses by Arnides diligence ready they mounted thereon with some amazement to each other Alcidamant and Trasiclea observed Rozanel d'Astre and seeing him so handsome well made and with a countenance that promised much vertue and good they were exceedingly afflicted with his misfortune on the other side Rozanel beheld the marvellous beauty of Trasiclea whom he thought to be a Knight and withall admiring the martiall look of Alcidamant each of them finding something to commend in his companion and so they travelled together till they got out of the forrest by the direction of a wood-seller who set them in the way to the City Entertaining the time then with ordinary discourse Trasiclea discovered a Damsell that fled crosse the fields to avoid the fury of three Knights that pursued her Being much offended with this basenesse she fell a gallopping between Alcidamant and Rozanel who desiring to make some proof of his valour before these Knights whom he greatly esteemed he desired them to let him chaftise these insolents that went about to outrage women and not to interpose in his assistance unlesse they found he was too weak for them We will doe what you please said Trasiclea but if you enterprise this to give us some testimony of your valour your very countenance doth sufficiently assure us of that I shall be glad said he to maintain this good opinion of yours in the proof wherefore with your favour I will undertake them single so that being not far from those Knights he cried unto them Turn about you villains and defend you from those that mean to punish this base outrage of yours to women Yes Master foole said they hoping to dispatch him quickly before the other two arrived we wil chastise your insolence and teach you how to threaten such as we are wherewith they all three charged their Lances at him and incountred him in such sort that had he been lesse strong and valiant he might have kist the ground but being not so much as once moved with this incounter he ran his Lance quite thorow the body of him at whom he had aimed it advancing out his Sword at the finishing of his course he discharged it so dangerously on the helmet of him that was most forward as he cleft him to the very teeth which made the third betake him to the wood in hope to save his life from the fury of this warriours blade but his fortune was little better for wanting discretion to avoid Rozanels companions Trasiclea incountred him so strongly with her Lance that she cast him out of his saddle with such mischance as his right foot hanging in the stirrop he was drag'd by his horse into the wood whither none of them followed to dispatch him each of them making to the Damsell that upon sight of the defeature of her enemies was returned As she came neer them Trasiclea perceiving her to be Cesarina whom she had sent to her fathers Cour to learn some newes wondred much at this which was befallen her and cried out Cesarina how camest thou by this misfortune Through the insolence of Brandamar King of Dramir answered she who in revenge of a word I let fall as I past by him made these Knights pursue me for to do me some mischiefe but that you may be the better informed of all please you to understand that being entred into Tarsipolis as you had commanded me I was much amared at the meeting of novelties worthy your curiofity for the first object appearing unto me in the hall was a burning rock that walks of it self at the leastwise one can see no body that conducts it and stayes ordinarily three dayes in the Court of a King or Prince in expectation that some Knight should make trial of the adventure which in truth gives as much occasion of pitty as of fear for in the hollow of the rock one may behold a very beautifull young Lady in the middest of the flames who lamenting with a million of sighes and tears intreats for succour and beseeches all good Knights to draw her out of the fire which divers have undertaken to do but at the very instant when they go about it a Knight all covered with fire comes out or if there be many that attempt it together each one findes such a one to incounter him who having given him three or four blowes with his sword or more if the valour of the Knights be greater he layes him all along in the place where all his pain is in the heat that he feels which is not allayed till such time as his arms be taken from him and that which breeds the most wonder is that the hall is not any whit the hotter for this fire which questionlesse is not materiall and that no body feels the heat but onely the Knights that prove the adventure This marvell seeming worthy of my pains I was upon returning to acquaint you with it but espying two of my fellowes I staid a while and understood by them how all the Court was much troubled with your absence especially at a time when your presence was most necessary there in regard of the interest of your beauty for the King of Dramir named Brandimar presented himself with intollerable insolencie in the lists of Tarsipolis where he maintained that the beauty of his Mistresse surpasseth all others whatsoever and mads all the world to see him triumph over every one that undertakes him having so little right on his side and from thence proceeded the cause of my danger for unable to conceale the anger I was in for the wrong he did you by preferring one before you that is not worthy so much as to look on you I said aloud as I passed by that I would go and fetch a Knight able to remove him from that errour and abate his pride which put him into such a rage that he commanded them to follow me and do me some outrage And this Madam is all the account I can give you of this journey It is more then I could hope for said Trasiclea but I am glad I met with thee so opportunely as to free thee from those Knights Touching Brandamar I doubt not but to take such order with him that either my Lance or Sword shall determine the punishment of his temeritie Madam said Alcidamant this combat appertains unto me and I should think my self most infortunate if any other should undertake the defence of your beautie reserve your self for more glorious interprises and permit me to give you some small proof of my love in this action I grant it you said Trasiclea and shall be very well contented to see him chastised by your hands Whereupon doubling their pace after they had rendred thanks to Rozanel who wondred to
you the wonder when I have enformed you of some occurrents that did precede it CHAP. XL. A Damsell comming to Constantinople carries away Prigmaleon to combat with Griolaniâ— surnamed the faâ—e Knight The successe thereof ALL these Princes being assembled together to consult of the order that was to be kept for the reception of these enchanted Princes who as Cassandra assured them were to be freed within two dayes they saw a strange Dâ—msell come in who pausing upon the view of so many brave Knights considered them a while without speaking a word But observing that they all had their eyes fixt on her and that they were silent as it were to give her leave to speak she said Now on my faith I never saw so gallant nor fo well shap'd men in all my life nor do I wonder that this Court is so eâ—told through the world But I would gladly know which is the most amorous amongst you There is not any here said Prigmaleon to whom the Damsell seemed especially to addresse her selfe that would not appeare to be a lover and that in regard thereof would not willingly draw his sword against his companion if it were to be justified by Armes But unable to tell assuredly how farre another mans suffâ—ring extends I may confidently affirme that I am he who perhaps endureth most that loves with most passion as he that hath devoted himselfe to one who kindles no ordinary â—â—ames and that to save a thousand lives would not let any thing passe to the prejudice of my Lady the most beautifull that treads upon the earth Follow me then answered the Damsel to do her service For yesterday passing by a crosse way some three leagues from hence I saw two pavillions set up a number of shields hanging upon the next trees and lances enough to maintaine a passage for three moneths space which made me draw neerer to heare what all this preparation intended and seeing a Squire issue forth of one of the pavillions I made a signe to him that he should come and speak with me which in a very civill fashion he did and told me that his Mistris whom he would by no meanes name though I divers times intreated him unto it being passionately in love with one that was called the fair Knight had engaged him to maintain a Iust in her favour to which end she was come neer unto Constantinople in hope that the Greek Princes hearing of it would come to a triâ—ll with her Knight whom she held to be the most valorous in the world as without question he is the most lovely of all that this day lives whereby this warriour should gain immortall praise and that she should have a shâ—re in the glory which he acquired by his valour as being the principall cause thereof These words begetting a desire in me to see this Knight I freely went into his tent where seeing him with his head unarmed I indeed observed in him so pleasing an eye a beauty so lovely and so goodly a presence as I may with truth averre that I had never beheld any thing more amiâ—ble But that which exeedingly vexed me was to see that the Lady in whose favour he had taken up armes had not any one of those perfections Her face was pale and lean no charmes were in her eyes no grace in her actions her stature was defectâ—ve her smiles unbecoming and her voice harsh and unpleasant In briefe observing all this in her I could not forbeare laughing and withall told that gallant Knight how his valour was ill employed how he should never gain much glory by his labour having undertaken it upon an occasion that could not deserve it and that being sensible of the injury which he did to all the faire ones that passed by rendring them subject to acknowledge the preheminence of a creature so little advantaged by nature I would go to the Court of Greece to require reason for this injustice And indeed I am now here for no other cause but onely to carry you with me to revenge the wrong of those that have merits in them and particularly of the fair one whom you adore with so much respect and love I was never more willing to put on Armes said Prigmaleon then now that my Ladies beauty is in question Let us go then Gentlewoman and we shall know ere it be long if this Knight be as valiant and strong as you thinke him lovely Whereupon having called for a horse he mounted on him departed with the Damsell and travelled till night which constrained him to rest under certaine trees and to sup with the provision which his squire had brought When it grew dark the damsell whom the good grace and conversâ—tion of the Knight had made very much in love with him seeing him withdraw apart from her to sleepe and not approving that reservednesse which in her heart she called simplicity she followed him and lying down by him said In faith I must complain of your neglect of me and not forbear telling you that you want judgement in not making use of time occasion and of the good will of a wâ—nch that loves you with pâ—ssion what sence were it to passe the night in languishing when we may make it full of content Entertaine the good fortune that presents it self to you and do not foolishly imagine as the most part of our Greek Princes do who are more gloriously proud of their loialty in love then of all the great things which they have done in armes that to afford any part of your affection to more then one is in any kind of fault It is an errour at which those of little judgement doe stumble and which the more discreet doe laugh at I will mingle so much sweetnesse with my kisses and such dalliance with my caresses as you shâ—ll with reason think your self happy in so favourable an incounter Suffer then our lips to meet receive my embraces and doe not disdain a love because it is freely profered you Doe not beleeve answered Prigmaleon extreamly amazed to see himself thus assaulted Do not I say beleeve if I answer not your desire that it is out of the consideration of the liberty which you take in discovering your passions I know how weake men are when love hath resolved to master them and that it is not in their power to govern their passions if once they have submitted them to the tyranny of so great a power and yet lesse then that would I have you beleeve that I entend to follow any man for a patern of my actions for they shall ever depend onely upon my owne humour but to tell you freely what is in my heart I cannot make vse of your good will because I doe infinitely love a Lady that permits me not so to dispose of my will as you without doubt neither could now love the first that should present himselfe to you Let this reason serve for my excuse and do not I pray you
already so gained upon her as she hath wholly given her self unto him reserving nothing for you but the appearances of her affection They are ordinarily together their countenances do but too much discover their thoughts and their actions are so little concealed that only those who will not take the pains to observe them cannot frame any sinister construction of them I have indeavoured as a faithfull servant ought to do to divert the Queen from this course remonstrating unto her the quality she is of the estate of the Knight Ardant and withall her duty to your Majesty But my advice hath been entertained with such coldnes or as I might better say with such choler as in stead of the thanks which I expected for my fidelity I received nothing but menaces so that unable to endure this wrong to your Majesty I have been constrained to advertise you of it that you may take present order for your quiet by the resentment which you are to have of so grievous an offence What extreams will not the choler of a King run into that beleeves himself â—ffronted Dardanor having read this letter suffered his passion so to transport him that not considering what he owed to the reputation of his wife and Fulgorans services he dispatched away immediatly fowr hundred Knights having first written a ticket to the Count of Clina and commanded them to be at Celibana two howrs after midnight and obey the Count in all his directions Thus was all in disorder except our lovers who lived so contented amidst their ordinary delights and not imagining they were subject to fortunes power did study nothing but how to caresse one another to the infinit vexation of the Count of Clina who tore his hair for despite but his pain was of no long continuance For seeing in the Commission the King had sent him what means he had to be revenged his grief was turned into joy neverthelesse not intending to discover his thoughts he kept the same countenance as before till his succour were arrived This while Clairangia who dreamt not of the mischief that was to fall upon her head having not forgotten the place where she met with such delight was lying upon the grasse with Fulgoran striving to make her caresses more pleasing to him with a world of dalliance when as all on a sudden she heard a great noise of arms in the Castle Sin ordinarily makes the guilty fearfull and we often see that fear doth discover a bad design The Queen guessing at the cause of all this hurly-burly instantly arose and shewing the Knight Ardant a place of the wall commodious for him to get out she besought him to save himself rather then to lose his life out of too much courage Dear friend said she to him you may much better relieve me having the liberty of the fields then fettred in irons void of all power to make use of your valour against our enemies Time presseth us and forbids us any long discourse wherefore I will take my leave of you with this kisse then joyning her lips to his she speedily retired by a secret pair of stairs up to her chamber where she found Silesia neerer dead then alive with the affright of hearing the Count bouncing at the door and threatning to break it open The escape of the Knight Ardant having rendred the Queen somwhat confident she freely opened the door and seeing the Count come in attended by a number of soldiers she said to him with a countenance that testified her displeasure What is it disloiall as thou art that thou intendst to do and what means so many men at arms at this unseasonable howr when every one should be at rest If you had Madam replied he with a like confidence continued still in your virtue I should be bound to render you an account of my actions but that now being wanting in you I will not tell you the reason why in the Kings name I arest you as his prisoner being assured that your offence tels you what is the cause therof Prisoner by the Kings command said she then all amazed Oh traitor this mischief comes not but from thy villany If I would have given ear to thy base praiers I should not have received this affront but the Gods which never forsake the innocent will deliver me out of thy hands and from this unadvised King who gives so much credit to thy slâ—nderous reports I will go to prison then since it must be so but remember that chastisement alwaies followes the offence and that thy crime will not remain unpunished Saying so she was going out to take her Coach when as she espied the Knight Ardants Squire in the custody of thirty or forty souldiers who intreated him with such indignity as she could not forbear saying to the Count Base man Is this poor gentleman also guilty with me Oh heavens what injustice is this and how is it that you do not punish such enorm iniquities I would replide the Count without being any whit abashed that his master were in his room we would make him know that strangers cannot defile a Princes bed without danger but perhaps he may fall into our fingers heereafter Yes said Clairangia or els thou into his but I will not wish thee that honour for thou deservest no better an executioner then a hangman With that these speeches serving but to put the Count into further choler he presently thrust her into the Coach with Silesia the Squire and the Knight Ardants arms and so took his way to the Court not a little vexed that he carried not with him the principall piece of his busines The Giant Grandimore who was become Fulgorans true friend did not approve of this proceeding and had it not been that he was not as yet thorowly recovered of his wounds so as he was not able to wear his arms he would never have suffered the Queen to be entreated with so much cruelty but he was constrained with patience to expect the issue of this affair resolved neverthelesse either to lose his life or to defend the Knight Ardants right who on the other side was no lesse troubled For seeing himself without arms without hors and not dâ—ring to shew himself for fear of being made a prisoner he was so transported with grief at he was almost beside himself What said he all inraged and looking toward the town whither they were carrying away his mistris is it possible that I should leave my Lady unrelieved and can I be satisfied with shedding of tears in stead of spending my bloud for her service It is not possible that I should be so base My love is the cause of her misfortune my resenting it must also be the cause of her preservation I have a sword yet left me that is enough for courage cannot be wanting to me in this occasion I will break through these armed troops that convoy her and make it appear that I am more sensible of her misery
thirty paces broad in one corner wherof upon some stones raised in form of an altar was a fire burning making a stand to look about him he discovered two damsels comming one of the which kneeling down before him thus spake If it be by the order of that barbarous man who now desires to glut himself with my bloud as he hath heertofore done with my embraces if it be I say from Ormand that you come do not Sir make me languish any longer my bosome is ready to receive the blow of mercy and it will lesse grieve me to die by your hands then once more to come in the sight of so wicked and base a man Fortune hath brought me hither said Russian taking her by the hand to raise her from the ground not with an intent to shorten your daies and much lesse to put you into the power of a man that you have no cause to love Be not therfore afraid but rather be confident in my company and be assured Gentlewoman that I will have an account of the wrong that hath been done you if you will make use of my arms and let me know the occasion of your retirement to this desolate place so far remooved from all conversation of men Good Knight replied she my misery is past remedy and the aid you proffer me can no otherwise serve but only to oblige me unto you for your good will yet will I not be so little sensible of the favour you do me as to deny your curiosity the relation of my misfortunes Let us sit down then upon this bed of leaves that so you may with the more ease attend to my discourse Me thinks said Russian we should be much better abroad where the clear day will more content us then this darknes the rather for that a Gentleman my friend who staies without for guard of the entry of this darksome lodging may perhaps be discontented with our longer stay All places are to me indifferent said she and if I desired to stay you in this cave it was because I thought it a fitter place for the rehearsall of my woes then any other whatsoever But I am well contented to go out with you that the Sun which for these fowr and twenty daies hath not troubled my sight may let you behold in my face the signs of a most extream sorrow wherupon going forth they went and set them down in the shadow of certain trees where she began to speak in this maner Do not I beseech you expect a long discourse although the history of my misfortunes be infinit for I will not Sir abuse your patience but succinctly let you know the cause of my dispair I was not five weeks since Countesse of Haute fleur rich and beautifull enough at least as I thought to cause my self to be beloved of any now ugly and more likely to fright people with my looks then to beget the least affection in their hearts and deprived of all conveniences in the world but what these trees do yield me for my sustenance and that of this maid which keeps me company who not being ingratefull for some favours received of me in the time of my prosperity would needs bear a share in my miseries to comfort me This is a strange change and such as men might well wonder at if they did not know that fortune disposeth of all things and that she daily maketh greater metamorphosis but I will not lay the blame on her because I must confesse that all the fault was wholly in my self for if I had not given credit to the words of Ormand a yong Prince and one of my neighbours I might still have flourished amidst the delights which those of my condition daily enjoy This Knight valiant of his person and fully compleat in all those perfections that can render a Gentleman commendable if he had been sensible of a lawfull affection happening to be in a forrest where I intended to spend some daies in hunting was assailed by fowr Knights who pressed him very hard and without question would have laid him in his grave if I had not chanced to come in during their combat but unable to endure the sight of so unequall a party I went to his enemies and curteously desired them for my sake to forbear and to consider that they much wronged the order of Knighthood but they were so obstinatly bent as they would not give ear to me wherwithall being displeased I commanded three Knights of my followers to take the busines in hand which they did so fortunately as in lesse then half an howr these arrogants were cut in pieces That execution done I was going towards Ormand whom I had never seen before meaning to invite him home with me to have his wounds looked unto but he prevented me and lifting up his cask said unto me You have Madam nobly preserved my life which doubtlesse was otherwise in my enemies power but I desire you will be pleased to imploy it in your service and not to spare it whensoever you shall think me fit for any design of yours I am heer without all acquaintance and find my self constrained to presse yet once more upon your goodnesse beseeching you to spare me one of your servants for to guide me where I may have my bloud stanched which runs out at three or fowr wounds I should but half oblige you if I should leave you in the estate you are in but Sir I will make you see that I esteem more of your life then you think for wherfore go along with me and you shall find all that is needfull for you wherupon departing with all speed we got in lesse then an howr to Heautefleur where I put him into the hands of a Physician that within a month so recovered him as he was able to bear arms during which time I visited him daily and finding him to be of a most gentle cariage I conceived a certain kind of good will towards him which converted into a violent love assoon as he had told me who he was and that he had sworn to affect me more then all the world beside I will not heer tell you the pleasure I received in hearing him sigh nor the contentment I had in the praises he gave me for taking all his actions for testimonies of his love and my merit I felt such infinit sweetnes in his conversation as all other delights whatsoever were nothing to me in comparison therof To what end should I spin out this discourse any longer Opportunities being fit and our passions violent I yielded him up that which I ought to have held most dear under the assurance of a thousand oaths that he made me to marry me publikely when he had craved the consent and permission of his Father whose authority he held not fit to be contemned which seeming to me very reasonable I gave him leave to return into his Country after he had tarried five months with me hoping
Dwarf made to shew his agility Prigmaleon returned to his thoughts where we will leave him to follow the course of our History CHAP. XXXIX A Damsell arrives at Constantinople with the head of the great Marandâ—r slain by the Knight of the Savage EVery one seeking diversions from their cares the Court seemed not to ressent the absence of the Princes that were inchanted because they hoped to see them delivered ere it were long When as there came into the Hall a Damsell reasonably handsome carrying in her hand the head of a Giant who beholding the company a good while with wonder to see Knights of so brave a presence and Ladies of such beauty enquired very modestly which was the Emperour of the Parthians Gentlewoman answered Russian to whom she then spake he hath been absent from hence some few dayes but if your affairs cannot permit you to attend his return and that you stand in need of his aid I will willingly supply his place and with a free heart do you service I am said she much bound to your curtesie but God be thanked I have heer in my hand an occasion of rejoycing rather then of complaining nor am I come hither to crave the help of any whatsoever but to present to that Excellent Emperour the head of the greatest enemy he had brought to this passe by the incomparable valour of a Knight that bears a wilde man in his shield whom I may justly vaunt to be one of the valiantest men upon the earth and the Phoenix of those that this day bear arms This Knight meeting with me in the confines of Macedon could not passe by me without enquiring after the cause of some tears which he saw me shed I freely told him that the villany of a Giant who had ravished me did wring them from me and that I was going to Constantinople to crave reparation of that wrong knowing well that the Princes of Greece did never refuse their assistance to Ladies in distresse and that particularly I intended to addresse my self to the Emperor Spheramond both for that he holds the reputation of surpassing all Knights of this age and that the Giant had told me how all the villanies which he then committed were done by him in some sort to revenge the death of another Giant whom the Emperour had slain when as a Knight errant he followed adventures abroad in the world Without doubt then answered this courtâ—ous Knight you could not make your revenge more certain then by referring it to the hands of that brave Prince who hath with all reason acquired those praises which the woâ—ld doth give him But if you be pleased to make use of me I shall most willingly imploy my self in your service It is a long journey from hence to Constantinople your enemy may finde occasion to get him further off you will take a great deal of pains in vain and not be satisfied in your desire On the other side I do passionately long to demonstrate unto that valorous Prince how I do love his vertue as much as other men do honour his birth and that I will labour so long as I live to ruine his enemies To what end should I trouble you with our discourse This gentlenesse of his so wrought upon me that after I had thorowly considered him and judged him fit for any great attempt I carriâ—d him straight to the Giants Castle where to be short he did wonders For not satisfied with laying that foul masse of flesh on the earth in a very dangerous combat he defeated thirty or forty Knights who were seldome out of that Robbers company it was to me an unspeakable delight to see some arms flie to the ground some men cut asunder in the midst others cloven to the girdle the boldest of them stoutly scattered and the gallantry of this Knight did so please me that if I had not acquainted him with the misfortune that by the Giant had befallen me I had endeavoured to make him love me but feating to be slighted I passed from love to the resentment of his good will vowing to serve him upon all occasions and to that end intreated him to lay some command upon me I would not have you said he give me so many thanks for a thing whereunto I was bound by the laws of Chivalrie but since you will needs oblige me take the head of your enemy and for a further satisfaction of your minde carry it to Constantinople present it to that warlike Prince and render your grief the lesse by publishing the revenge you have had for it I shall with a good will replied I undertake that journey but then Sir will you be pleased to tell me who you are to the end I may know to whom I am so infinitely indebted See heer my name in my shield said he shewing a Savage pourtrayed thereupon for a more perfect knowledge of me at this present I may not give Follow on your way whilst I go some other where to seek occasion of imploying my arms with that not thinking it convenient to be troublesome I took the head of Marandor for so was the Giant named and began my journey to this place where I am arrived with grief for that I finde not the Emperour of the Parthians to give him an account of this brave Knight but if you please I will leave it in your charge to do it upon condition that I shall at any time be ready to deserve it of you in all possibly I may Whereupon she laid the head of Marandor on the floor and making a very humble reverence immediatly departed leaving all the Princes extreamly desirous to know this so valiant and brave new Knight Whilst they were all commending the valour of the Knight of the Savage Russian who still had Agriclea in his memory could not be at rest and would certainly have been gone had it not been for the desire he had to see his father and his kinsfolks at liberty but that respect prevailing with him he passed the most part of his dayes unquietly enough contrarily Prigmaleon who interpreting Polixena's answer to his advantage felt so many delights amidst his pain that he blessed love every minute being pleased with the change of his condition as the cause of all his felicity If he walked in the woods or gardens it was not with any purpose to complaine but to entertain himselfe with the contemplation of his good forâ—une and to grave the names of Polixena and himselfe on the barkes of trees his actions were altogether amorous And if he suffered any thing at all her sole impatience was the cause thereof howbeit hoping that time would bring him remedy he gently supported the violence of his desires Pleasing himself then in this fashion with the entertainmen of his owne thoughts and sometimes in the remembrance of his Lady the time slipt so sweetly away that they were insensibly come to the Eve of these Princes enfranchisement whereof I will relate
him presently to be laid into a bed and making use of a precious balm which she ordinarily carried about her she willed him to rest untill such time as the medicine had wrought its operation CHAP. III. The discourse between Armazia and Rozalmond the reciprâ—call assurances of their loves his departure from Cardacia with the extream discontent of the Princesse and what were his adventures CAssandra leaving Rozalmond to his rest walked into the orchard where the trees diversly ranged yeelded an incredible delight and devising with her self what means she might use to get from this Court without giving too much discontent to these new lovers she espied Armazia who being carried with clean contrary thoughts was entertaining her self with the pleasure she conceived to be in the possessing of a man on whom the heavens seemed to have conferred all the beauty comelinesse and valour of the world Should I not be happy indeed said she to her self if this Knight were born for me and should I not have cause to praise my good fortune if his condition should prove equall to mine that so my parents might one day grant me unto him in recompence of his services Yes no doubt and I should think that my content would surpasse all the pleasures of the earth nor would I envy the very glory of the Gods But alas I am afraid considering the misery derived unto us from the fault of the first man that Fortune hath not given Scepters to his being and that in regard thereof he will be lesse acceptable to my father who erring with others will more esteem greatnesse then vertue and will make me wretched in his avarice Howbeit I cannot think that a valour so great a countenance so promising a presence so amiable and actions so majesticall may possibly be encountred in a vile and base person Vertue delights in the highest places and doth not communicate her self to such as know not how to acknowledge her it cannot be but that his birth doth equall his merits and sure I commit no fault in loving him neverthelesse it were not amisse to clear this point instantly and so free my self of this unquietnesse that thus afflicts me which may easily be done for this damsell that follows him will not refuse I hope to give me this satisfaction I will send for her then and under colour of informing my self of the fashions of his countrey draw her to acquaint me with that which I so much desire to know whereupon turning about to command some of her women to fetch her unto her she perceived her declining that walk as it were for fear to interrupt her in her meditations wherewithall being very glad she called her unto her and taking her by the hand said thus Sweet heart you shall do me a singular favour if during our walk amongst these trees you will first recount unto me who this young Knight is being the valiantest that ever bare arms and unto whose courage we are bound in so powerfull an obligation and afterwards falling upon the fashions of your Countrey you will faithfully deliver how the Knights live there with their mistrisses Madam answered Cassandra I will content you in a few words Our lands are happy because they produce excellent Knights and most beautifull women though I must confesse I never saw any that might compare with your Highnesse but that which addes unto our happinesse is the freedom wherein we live we know not what suspicion means the Gallants frequent the Ladies and the Ladies converse with them and are ordinarily seen in company together either in the woods or fields free from any conjecture that may any way redound to the prejudice of their honour It is certain that vertue is not alwayes found in all kinde of persons if any undiscreet Knight shall offend any Gentlewoman whom he shall meet alone she shall be presently righted by the next that passeth by and so is the insolence of a dishonourable fellow revenged concerning the situation of the countrey I will speak briefly onely saying that it is very goodly fertile in fruits replenished with beautifull and strong towns pleasant rivers and woods Now the merit of this Knight the knowledge of whom you desire Madam he is come of the noblest race in the world and his parents are at this day so great that the earth trembles at the onely report of their arms for his valour you have had the first proofs of it you are judge of his person but in regard you are as yet ignorant of his disposition I will assure you that imagination is not able to conceive a sweeter or more pleasing more I may not say a precedent Oath forbids me and without breach of my faith I may not name him untill such time as he hath finished some warlike adventures for the execution whereof I conduct him and therefore Madam I humbly desire you that you will be pleased that he may depart to morrow How to morrow said Armazia he is not in case to go so soon but say he were you could not in any reason carry him away before the Emperour my father have bethought him of the recompences which are due to his valour Madam answered Cassandra men of this Knights condition undertake nothing for gain honour directs their enterprises and all the riches of the world could not make him step one foot you are the treasure he desires and the glory of your service will be far more dear to him then all the kingdoms of the earth This makes you blush but Madam please you to pardon me if I go farther it is no time now to disguise your thoughts I know them as well as your self and can tell that the perfections of this Knight have gotten him good place in your favour as your beauty hath not left him without passion You love him but it is not fit that your affection should deprive the world of the fruit of his vertue him of the honour that he is to reap thereby you of the content you are to hope from it and his friends of the satisfaction which they shall finde in the praises every where published of him the Ordinances of the Destinies Madam must be pursued wherefore let your patience make your pleasures which you are to enjoy by his alliance more sweet I will return him unto you within a certain time so full of glory that you shall think you had been very unhappy if you had hindered his designes Weigh these reasons Madam and never stand upon the consideration of his wounds they are healed by this time and let me obtain that favour from you as to trust your secrets in my hands I may do you more service therein then you are aware of and without me you will hardly see your desires fulfilled It is true indeed said Armazia that I did not think you had had such knowledge and that being surprized in this manner my colour rose in my face but since nothing can be concealed from you
in your person Mighty Love divert both the one and the other of these accidents and suffer not humanity to be of more power then thy selfe These complaints infinitely displeased me and I would fain have retired if my new passion would have permitted me but being no longer Mistris of my will I came inconsiderately to mine owne ruine neverthelesse knowing that modesty is a powerfull charm to win mens affections I would not seem impudent but withdrew my self under some trees fast by and began to sing hoping that he would repair to the voice as he did for not giving me so much leasure as to sing out fowr verses he arose and creeping from oak to oak he came very neer unto me I marked him well but making as though I did not I continued my song at the end whereof he shewed himself and saluting me with an excellent grace demanded of me whether I would accept of his company Another would have been affraid at the sudden approach of a man unknown but not desiring to make use of any such cunning I answered him with a smile which might very well have testified my thoghts that it were simplicity to refuse a Knight of so fair a presence as his To what end should I relate the discourse we had then and how I applied all my allurements and charms for to render our disease common Without doubt it would but adde unto my misery wherefore I will only let you know that taking occasion to discover unto him what I thought of certain sighs he had fetched I told him that his good parts had possest me with a great desire to love him and that I intreated him to consider what good he had gotten without any labour at all My speech ending with a mighty blush he looked upon me and answering me with a sigh Alas Madam said he unto me what a world of cause have I now to complain of my ill fortune which having ingaged my affection in another place will not suffer me to receive the favours you would confer upon me These eies wherein you yet see tears do witnes but too well that my heart is not at quiet and that a woman possesseth it be pleased then not to accuse me if I doe not dispose of it according to your desire seeing I have not the power so to do but if in any other thing you can think me fit for your service Madam command I will recompence the honour of your love with my bloud and will gladly die to assure you that I am much obliged by your favour Imagine I pray you whether I took any pleasure in this answer whereby the death of all my hopes was concluded No questionles for I was almost ready to swound with grief at it but my anger preserved my judgement for to complain of him and I began to tearm him cruell when I saw a woman appear who knowing him alighted at that very instant and presenting him a letter said that Clitia so was my rivall called remembred her service unto him At these words I perceived him grow pale and his legs became so feeble that he had fallen down had not that woman upheld him I was almost as sensible of his indisposition as himself but desiring to make use of the opportunity it gave me I took the letter out of his hand and knew by the contents thereof that Clitia being ready to be delivered of a child derived from their stollen pleasures desired him to return in all haste both for to legitimate the birth of it as also by that way to deserve the favour which her mother had alwaies denied them protesting in case he were disloiall not to survive her delivery but to poison her self I was violently in love with him I must confesse but when I considered the reason that he had to affect this woman who upon his faith had made no difficulty to give him that which ought of all things to be most dear unto us I set by mine own interest and shewing more pity then love I counselled him to depart instantly away since it so much concerned his Mistris life and honor This is to love nobly said he being come to himself again but Madam my misfortune will not suffer me to expedite my journey my horse being slain in a combat which I had yesterday just without this wood That shall not hinder you replied I for I that would give you my self cannot refuse you an horse Then bringing him to my stable I bestowed one of the best Coursers of the Kingdome on him and so letting him go I returned to my chamber for to complain of my destiny that had made me to love a man who had not the power to recompence my affection and for to seek out reasons to divert me from these fancies in the continuance whereof I saw my assured ruine but to speak truth I could not resolve so much as to say that I would never love him proceeding then in my former passion I presently dispatched away a Squire and charged him expresly to enquire what became of Alcidas so is that worthy Knight named which he performed with so much care that about six daies after he reported unto me the death of Clitia who had poisoned her self thinking that the retardment of her lover was a sign of his disloialty and further which much perplexed me he delivered that the mother of this Lady had caused Alcidas to be apprehended as he was shedding an ocean of tears on his Mistrisses tombe and imprisoning him had condemned him shamefully to lose his head if within three moneths he did not finde a Knight that would combat Farnabazan a terrible and mighty Giant who came not long since to inhabit upon this womans lands no man knowing wherefore If the death of Clitia was pleasing to me because it opened a door to my hopes you may as well beleeve that the captivity of Alcidas afflicted me howbeit loving him too much onely to bestow tears on him I put my self to sea two daies after with a purpose to go unto Constantinople to demand the assistance of some one of those brave Princes which seek the like occasions of glory but I am sufficiently satisfied for all my travell having incountred you in the strangest manner that ever was and applauding my good fortune I will hope that ere long you will restore me to the supremest degree of my felicity seeing justice accompanies your arms Madam assure your self answered Clarisel that I will gladly fight for his preservation and your contentment but if you would oblige me make truce with your complaints and restrain these tears a little that so our voiage may seem the lesse tedious It is fit said she that having found a remedy for my grief I should shew a merrier countenance I will no longer complain then but apply my self to make the time if I can more pleasing unto you Whilest they discoursed in this manner Rozalmond and the Knight of the Desert being
should be most unworthy of your love if my affection were not innocent and pure What could you wish for more if you had once the spoil of me and how could you love me if there were nothing left for you to hope from me I will never beleeve that you love me for to be my ruine or that you have weighed that well which you have said your desires and opportunity that tempts men have made you speak in that manner I know but recollect your self I pray you judge whether I may give you that with reason which you demand with passion I love you infinitely I confesse it howbeit nature teacheth me that I ought to love my self better and that we are not to seck the satisfaction of another with our own overthrow moreover fortune hath bestowed nothing on me but mine honour for to releeve the miseries of my birth and will you deprive me of that Ah Clarisel you will make me beleeve that your love was alwaies feigned that so many oaths were not sworn but to deceive me and that you would now triumph over me for to make me the object of reproach as I am of ill fortune If you have spoken to that end proceed shepherd I put my self into your hands and my undoing shall testifie that I was not insensible of the honour you have done me and that I have not refused you a satisfaction but for to make it one day a thousand times more acceptable unto you by giving it you without sorrow or shame howbeit that I may not have occasion to complain of my weaknes be assured that this night you shal have all that ever you can hope for from me Then shedding some tears which she accompanied with so many sighs she put Clarisel into such a confusion that he would have given the best part of his bloud he had never been so unadvised nevertheles thinking that his repentance might deface his offence he replied unto her in this sort I am extreamly grieved at the discontent you have received from my speeches which were deâ—ived from my passion and not from the end you spake of for I should hold my â—elâ— the most disloiall Knight of the earth if I had so much as entertained a thought to draw favours from you for to make you the scorn of the world as now you are the wonder of it you will have me wait upon time and leave the recompence of my services to the pleasure of the destinies it is most just that I obey their ordinances and your commandments be confident then my shepherdesse that you shall never have cause to fear a like discourse and that amidst all kind of occasions you may live secure by me so as you will now promise me never to remember my fault I were void of love said she if I should not excuse your passion No my shepherd I will never think on it but love you the more for this obedience doth so please me that now I think my self far happier in possessing of you then I did at the first and that you may see I will not be sparing of the favours which a pure affection may permit me to give you I will recompence the victory you have gotten over your desires with a kisse Saying so she drew neerer to him and joined her lips so sweetly to his that the excesse of so infinite a content transported him beyond all that could be desired of pleasure in the world wherein doubtles he had continued a long time if Miralinda plucking him by the arm had not put him in mind that the night was more then half spent and that it was time to betake them to their rest thought the place was not very proper for it Sitting down then one close by another they fell asleep upon the assurance that Clâ—risels horse would make a noise to awake them if any beast chanced to approach them Having endured so much the day before they had rested longer but that the sun piercing through the branches shined upon their faces wherefore awaking both at one time they arose and were ready to proceed in their former way when they perceived two yong Squires comming along and that staying neer the tree under which they were seemed as if they would confer of some important fâ—air As I live said one I can no longer endure these delais and to be thus hindred so troubles me that I am resolved to go far enough till I find some valiant and curteous Knight who will confer that on me which I shall not receive God knows when if I attend the Kings return who cannot so easily part with Greece from so many friends as he hath there to come hither But I doubt 〈◊〉 you mean to forsake me and that the fear of my mothers displeasâ—â—â— will more prevail with you then the consideration of the promises which I have made you You judge not well of my affection answered he let us go when you please Sir you shall find me more ready to travell abroad then to keep at home howbeit I see no great likelyhood of effecting your purpose for having neither money horses nor arms how will you be fitted to receive the order which you so much desiâ—e Fortune will assist us said he only let us get away and then put our selves upon the care of heaven wherupon turning about they espied Miralinda and Don Clarisel who during their discourse were admired this gentleman being wonderfull handsome of a great deal lesse stature then Clarisel but squarer set demonstrating in his look an alacrity of spirit a sweetnes in his speech an admirable grace in his cariage a resolute courage in his countenance and briefly a majesty not ordinary amongst ordinary Knights Espying I say this Knight so well proportioned and his shepherdâ—sse so fair they stood still as it were ravished with the sight of so rare an object but Clarisel that would not leave them in that amaze approached to them and addressing himself unto him that seemed so hopefull he said thus Gentleman whither are you going at this present To seek out some boâ—y said he that will make me Knight for it is time to fall upon actions that may bring forth glory but I will go no further if you will do me that favour and I should hold my self much honored to receive the order from your hand for your aspect doth shew you to be strong and valiant I am very sorry said Clarisel that we have 〈◊〉 arms heer to put upon you but if you will go three or fowr miles with me I will promise to accommodate you worthily to morrow I had rather follow you tendaies said he then fail in this busines do but lead the way and I will wait upon you most willingly Give me leave then said Clarisel to fit my horse for the ease of this shepherdesse in the mean time I pray tell me who you are Very gladly answered he my name is Alcidâ—â—â—â— son to the Marquesse of Mâ—nteclare
mind with what a heart I have received you how I have contemned all men to love you only doubtlesse you cannot sigh for any other since I live not but for your content Alas Madam said he holding her in his arms permit me to tell you that your complaints are without cause and consider what wrong may be done one out of a suspition not rightly grounded You imagine that I love the Marchionesse of Monteclare I confesse I do but in such sort as a son should love his mother she hath brought me into the world and I ow her as much affâ—ction as is due by nature to parents And if I do not appear before her it is because I will not be constrained to absent my self from you and quit the desire I have to follow arms nevertheles since she hath resolved as I am informed to abide heer with you some time I think it fit for me to depart before day and bestow my self elswhere whilst she continues heer that I may not be hindred in my designs You make me wonder said Claristea to hear you say that the Marchionesse of Monteclare is your mother and I should hardly beleeve it but that I am confident you would not take pleasure in deceiving a maid that loves you so much Madam said Alcidamant give credit to my words for I honor you too much to tell you an untruth but if you would be further satisfied therin talk with my Squire about it to whom I have not spoken since supper I desire no better assurance said Claristea then your protestation but pardon me sweet heart I pray you for love is ever accompanied with fear and my distrust was rather a sign of passion then weaknes I am not offended with it said Alcidamant and though I receive great contentment in knowing my self to be your kinsman yet is it much more satisfaction to me that I enjoy your favour which I will alwaies preserve with the uttermost hazard of my life If my love could augment said Claristea this new tie of kindred would add unto the glory of it but it is at the heighth of its perfection and cannot possibly be greater Whereupon getting to bed they renewed their delights with such amorous dalliance that the day surprised them before they were aware which made Alcidamant take leave of his Mistris so that retiring into his chamber he armed himself and mounting his horse he left both her and his mother who was afterward wonderfully joifull when she understood by Claristea that the Knight of whom so much was spoken of thorowout France was her son CHAP. XXII The Knight of the Palms is by a wile conducted to the Castle of Towers and by the means of a damsell he the second time avoids the plot which Narsander had laid to take away his life ALcidamant mixing the grief of his esloignment with the content he had to see himself in the flate of acquiring glory rode till noon and never thought of eating but Arnides that neither approved of this silence or austerity said unto him Sir I know not what pleasure you take in your fancies but sure I am my stomack complains of this abstinence and the hunger that oppresses me makes me think that you likewise suffer that way wherefore I beseech you let us get up to this mountain where I espie a little hermitage and there I hope we shall meet with some holy personage that will give us to eat If thou feelest any incommodity said Alcidamant thank thy self for it should be thy care to make provision That is good indeed answered Arnides for how could I make provision upon so sudden a departure as yours was Do but call to mind Sir that you could scarce give me time to saddle our horses and then you will not accuse me in this sort Thou art in the right said Alcidamant but I am not resolved to quit my way for such poor entertainment as we are like to find there therefore let us go on it may be we shall meet with some house or other where we may stay our stomacks I am afraid said Arnides that this good fortune will fail us or that it will be too long ere we shall attain to it but since it is your pleasure to have it so I must be contented to obey Thus rendring their travell lesse tedious they continued two howrs on horsback which seemed two ages to the famished Squire but then they met a damsell followed by a little Dwarf who casting her eie upon Alcidamant and viewing that famous ensign of the Palms leapt presently from her palfrey and falling on her knees said unto him Worthy Knight if I be not deceived you are he that I have so long sought for It may be so said Alcidamant but Gentlewoman by what token would you know me better and what it is you desire of me If you be the Knight said she that lately freed the prisoners which Narsander the Inchanter detained at the dangerous bridge I shall beâ—eech you not to refuse me one boon I will ask of you I grant it you said Alcidamant for I am he that restored them to their liberty which they had lost for my sake You shall follow me then instantly said she to a kinswomans house of mine which is not above two leagues from hence where you shall be well entertained and to morrow morning we will go to draw a Knight whom I infinitely affect out of this Inchanters prison I am most ready said Alcidamant to do all that I may for your service and so am I said Arnides to intreat you gentlewoman to shew us the neerest way for my belly will make these two leagues seem longer then six This made Alcidamant and the damsell to laugh who speedily remounting on her horse galloped away amain so that within a little time they arrived before a Castle flanked with fowr great towrs which answered to fowr high waies and encompassed with broad deep trenches very proper to defend the master of it from the fury of his enemies Where alighting certain grooms took their horses for to carry them to the stable and the damsell going over a little woodden bride which gave a passage to the Castle lead the Knight into a hall where he met a very fair gentlewoman who having curteously entertained him caused him to unarm himself and to put on a watchet satten gown which became him so excellently well that she beheld him with astonishment the more she confidered him the more handsome and accomplished she found him his language contented her infinitely his carriage seemed most amiable to her and the grace of his countenance pleased her in such sort that she resolved to love him and to divert the mischief which was hanging over his head wherefore after supper taking him aside as if she would confer with him about the busines which he had undertaken for her kinswoman she said unto him Sir your youth makes me to pity you and the perfections which
to see our Frenchman but desiring first to be satisfied how far his valour extended she took her Arms where with she was as much redoubted as with the charms of her eyes and encharging a Damsell with a picture which represented her so well to the life that there wanted nothing but speech she left her fathers Court and rode four dayes together with little or no intermission till she came neere the Island of Silvana where she rested her self in a shepheards cottage that joyned close to a bridge over the which he was necessarily to passe and giving her Damsell that followed her ample instructions of her pleasure as also assuring her that she should find her in that place she sent her into the Island of Silvana for to draw the Knight of the Palms from thence This Damsell then proceeding in her journey travelled three dayes with much amazement to hear nothing spoken of but the commendations of this warriour and being come neer to the capitall Citie of the Island she met with twelve Damsels and as many Knights whereof one having kindly saluted her demanded whither she went I am going said she to see the wonder of the world the excellent Knight of the Palms the Hercules of this Island and the Mars of the earth that I may one day boast I have seen the onely rarity of our time Now beleeve me said the Knight you do not praise him without cause for if you had beheld him in the middest of Armies as I have often done when he fought for the beautifull Merodiana who is going heer in this litter for to see him you would say more if it were possible I have heard said the Damsell what he did in the wars for it is bruited every where that in single coâ—bat he defeated the so redoubted King of Licagena and routed his forces with such marvellous valour that in an army of thirty or fourty thousand men which he had scarce two hundred escaped But it is strange that neither in all this countrey nor of any one that ever I did meet withall yet could I never learn what he is Marvell not at that said the Knight these great warriours go alwayes unknown through the world nor ever discover themselves but upon some extream necessity I have known him divers months together in Merodiana's court yet could I never learn his name or condition nor do I think our Mistresse who questionlesse hath a great power over him can so much as tell of whence he is He is very reserved said the Damsell but I imagine that he conceales himself so to decline all diversions from his enterprises howsoever we must conclude that he is the prime Knight of the world This discourse having carried them to the Citie the Damsell followed Merodiana who was received by her sister with much shew of gladnesse though in her heart a thousand times she cursed her comming howbeit understanding that the Knight of the Palms was gone a hunting and would not return again till the next day she presently got to horse again thinking she should have more liberty to speak with him in the woods then at the Court and informing her self which way he went she got to the Forrest where having rode up and down a good while at length she incountred a place where the Knight of the Palms in a hunters habit was staying to refresh himself Sir said she guessing by his goodly presence it was he can you tell me where I may finde the Knight of the Palms who they say is in this forrest Gentlewoman answered he you see him heer before you ready to do you any service if you please to employ him Why then said she my travell is at an end and my mind at rest My Lord I do not seek you to importune you with any request but to let you see a peece the like I am perswaded is not in the world again Whereupon opening the box she presented him the picture of Trasiclea which as soon as ever he had cast his eye upon it so transported and troubled him that he staggered as if he had been struck with thunder Ah! what a beauty is here said he and who would beleeve that Nature could be so prodigal in the distribution of her graces Surely all her treasures are here assembled to make this creature perfect and questionlesse she took the patern of her out of heaven You may well imagine so said the Damsell for she derives her originall from the father of the starres but alas you cannot judge of half her perfections for this peece represents not the grace which she giveth to her actions and deprives her of the moity of her glory I easily beleeve it said Alcidamant but had she lesse then I behold it were enough to force the most insensible soul of the world Boast then said she that you have seen the rarest thing in the earth and restore me my picture for I mean to take my leave of you that I may not be benighted before I get me a lodging How Gentlewoman said he will you so soon bereave me of a thing whereon all my content depends Be not so cruell I beseech you but let me injoy the sight of this Goddesse a little longer By my faith said she smiling I le make no bargain with you untill you have sworn to grant me such a boon as I shall one day ask of you You shall have all that you can desire of me answered he Why then this picture is yours said she and further to oblige you I will bring you to the speech of her whom it represents and place you in her favour O God said he can I be so happy Yes that you shall answered she and if you will go presently along with me I le not onely let you see her ere it be long but so work that you shall receive assurances of her love I would abandon all other felicity said Alcidamant to undertake this enterprise wherefore do but give me leave to arm my self and I will wait upon you presently I le stay for you as long as you will said she provided you return not again to the City Whereupon Alcidamant setting his horn to his mouth winded it so loud that it was heard of Arnides Troilus and some other Gentlemen who immediatly repairing unto him were much amazed to see him arm himself Gentlemen said he and you my noble friend speaking to the Knight of the Lions I shall desire you to return unto my Lady the Infanta Silvana and excusing me to her please you to let her know that the necâ—ssity of certain affairs which concern the good of this Gentlewoman will not permit me to go and receive her commandments for I am instantly to depart and that I am not able to prescribe my return which neverthelesse shall be as soon as possibly I can Herewith being quite â— med he took his leave of them and followed by his Squire he rode away with the damsell who to
your presenting of me unto him may produce These Knights embracing so safe an offer and leaving the dead bodies in the place went away with her to the Citie where arriving at the Court before the Emperour Corazinda with a sweet and modest look fell on her knees and making the same relation to him which shee had done before unto his Knights she besought him to have some compassion of her fortune not permitting her to be any way injured Pretty one said he very much wondring at her beauty and already feeling some secret flames that began to scorch him you shall not want my favour seeing the gods have been pleased to cast you on my territories and to shew that your arrivall here is acceptable unto me I will give order that you be lodged neer my daughters with whose company you may the better passe away the time Oh! how pleasing was this saying unto our Warriour and how easily might one have discerned the alteration of his soul by his change of colour if one had had the least suspicion of his sex verely his desire â—â—ew and hee thought it long till hâ—â— saw himself at the liberty to consider at leisure all the perfections of his Lady but remembring that discretion was more then necessary for his designes and that hee was to govern his actions if hee meant to assure his happinesse hee made little shew how much hee was transported by this speech contrarily bowing himself even to the ground with the best grace hee could use in acknowledgement of so much favour he kissed his hand and raising up himself again he very modestly followed him that was to conduct him to his Chamber wherein at first he fetched a thousand turns blessing the good hap which had so prospered his desires In the mean time the Emperour acquainted his daughters with the acquisition he had made of one of the fairest slaves in the world Her eyes said he hath so many winning charms that my heart frozen with a multitude of yeeres hath felt the violence of their beams her hair sweetly set forth under a strange Attire is not to be paraleld her form is goodly nothing can be desired more in a face most delicate in her skin briefly next to you who excell in all perfection shee may vaunt her self to bee one of the most beautifull creatures of the earth judge then whether I can think upon her without love and whether it be not an hard matter for him that shall converse with her to preserve his liberty without doubt said Palmirenna who had much adoe to forbear smiling at this her fathers rapture being such as you describe her shee may work great effects even upon the most insensible But Sir I marvell that you will let her bee a slave seeing shee so deserves to be served Thinke not said he that I wil commit so great â— fault whereby I should â—ffend the gods and my judgement which forbid mee to entreat her with rigour shee shall have as much liberty as you but I will call her the fair slave till such time as we better understand who shee is your discourse said Amplimira then hath possest mee with a great desire to see her will you be pleased Sir to grant us this contentment Very willingly answered he for I would have you acquainted with her and use her with the respect which I am perswaded shee deserves for her carriage assures me she is nobly derived Herewith Amadis being called forth came out of his Chamber strangely perplexed hee had resolved with himself not to be moved but as soone as hee appeared in the Hall and was fallen on his knees before his Mistresse who was exceedingly taken with the sight of such a comely person hee found himself to be so lost that hee was not able to utter a word howbeit shee that beheld him with a particular good will which shee could not call love and that was no lesse ravished then hee desiring to confirm him said unto him Fair stranger what ayl you will you not let us know who you are and from whence you came Madam answered he marvell not if I have not spoken till now to give you humble thanks for the honour you have done mee in receiving me thus I had no eyes but to admire the excellency of your beauty which certainly cannot bee humane you aske me who I am vvhy here is before you a poor Damosel of Greece the object of the mischances and misery of the vvorld yet not so unhappy but that she applauds that fortune vvhich hath brought her hither to enjoy the blessednesse of your presence Arise svveet heart said Palmireâ—â—a and you shall see that vve shall so cherish and caresse you as you shall have no cause to complain Saying so shee stooped and kissed him wherewith Amadis was so transported as he was ready to sound with extremity of pleasure but recollecting his spirits which were wandring in this extasie hee was going to render the like unto the two incomparable Infantaes when as they prevented him with their kisses after the example of their elder sister and not suffering him to kneele led him by the Emperours permission into Palmirennaes Chamber who began to affect him no lesse then shee did her sisters CHAP. V. The life that Amadis led with Palmirenna Floridans passions for Amplamira Amadis and he knowes one another AMadis his behaviour accompanied with most extraordinary sweetnesse made him to bee beloved of all Palmirenna and her sisters held nothing so dear as his company their women idolatrized him and as his habit beguiled every one the Gallants of the Court were as much enamoured of her as she was of her Mistresse Tarsander the Prince of Balivana Nephew to the Emperour sighed often at her feet howbeit so discreetly that the Emperour who notwithstanding his old yeeres was extreamly passionate for her could never perceive it Every one adored her but hee that shewed least feare and most affection was Bustrafard the Gyant whose cruell soul delighted more in blood then in the exercise of any Gentlenesse This Colossus having heard it often said that handsomnesse had as much power over the will of a woman as the continuance of services that were done her laboured to sweeten his look which was most dreadfull caused his horrible rough beard to be perfumed combed his hair that was harder then any horses Mane painted his swarthy face apparelled himself in the richest robes hee could get which made him more hideous and omitting no occasion to accost our Gentle-woman entertained her with the discourse of his valour of his wealth and of the antiquity of his race and propounded unto her incredible contentments in the possession of him Behaving himself thus in the sight of all the world it exceedingly vexed Tarsander who would willingly have been revenged on him had his forces been answerable to his courage but knowing full well that it would have been in vain for him to have attempted any thing against him
he concealed his mind hoping that Corazinda had more judgement then to suffer her self to be carried by such an ill favoured and ugly beast Whilst all these gallants dyed for the love of her she felt the same passions for the Lady and because shee durst not sigh but in secret shee spent much of her time alone in the Gardens where shee entertained her self in this manner To what end serves this borrowed disguise if I have not an heart to crave a remedy for the extremity of my grief I see Palmirenna it is true I kisse her hands and by an excesse of good fortune shee sometimes joynes her lips unto mine but what doth that avayl mee seeing she does it in regard of the habit that I were not of the love that I beaâ— her Nothing questionlesse but to increase my torment these are winds which in stead of extinguishing my flame make it burn with the more violence and if I take not a stronger resolution I have laboured in vain to get the possession of so invaluable a gâ—mme I must then either quit this habit or make another and better use of it then hitherto I have done womens hearts are not without pitty and when Palmirenna shall know that I am a Knight shee will not advance my death by manifesting it to another But what is this I say will shee not have just cause to blame this deceit and to banish me from her sight for a punishment of so hainous a crime yes no doubt and wheras the good will shee bore mee whilst she thought me to be of her sex might counsell her to do otherwise honour and decencie will fence her to it I do therfore ill to yield to my desires I am more happy then I deserve for the longer I suffer the greater will be my glory So resolving to be silent and leave her remedy untâ— time shee sate her down one day under a tree upon whose bark she had graven a thousand characters where shee began to renew her complaints when as Palmirenna arriving there by chance with three of her Ladies caught her by the arm and said What Corazinda are you still weeping cannot all our caresses make you forget our countrey Truly I have reason to complain of you and will never beleeve that you love mee so much as you say since you continue so sad here Think not answered she some what amazed to see her self so surprised that I bestow these tears on the remembrance of my countrey or friends their absence is the least of my cares but I grieve for that I cannot profit you by my service nor advance my self a whit in the honour of your savour for loving you farre more and that beyond all comparison as I may truly say then all the Knights of the world put together can possibly do I could wish that your eyes should rest no where but on mee as my thoughts have no other object then the excellencie of your beauty I wonder said Palmirenna that you should complain thus of me without a cause doth not my womens jealousie who are vexed for that they cannot be so free with mee as you are make it evidently appear how infinitly I love you clear your self of this sinister impression and be confident dear Corazinda that if your content depends on me you shall live as happily as your own heart can wish being resolved to give you and that most willingly all that you can desire of mee provided I may see you no more thus afflicted Now are all my sorrows at an end answered Corazinda for all the good of my future life is tyed to the effect of this promise which I hope you will never forget and to make my happinesse compleat there wants nothing but this that whereas herein the Court I am called the fair slave you will be pleased that hereafter I may bee called Palmirenna's fair slave Here at the Princesse fell a laughing and embracing her said that it pleased her very well Some houres being sweetly spent in such like discourse which testifying more and more an extream love that gave the Ladies great occasion to marvell from whence the heat of so powerfull an affection should proceed these two incomparable beauties retired into the Palace where the Emperour meeting with them began on a sudden to feel that fire burn which the first sight of our fair slâ—ve bad kindled in his brest Pretty one said hee â—nto her having withdrawn her to a window doe not you thinke is time yet to case my pain and shall the discretion which you have sound in my carriage leave you insensible of my sufferings consider that my love can make you the happiest Woman of the world and that your good fortuâ—e depends on the pitty which you shall have of me and that if you be inexorable you will give mee just occasion to accuse your in gretitude and to retrench you of those favours which you receivehere Sir answered she knowing full well that â—hee was to flatter his grief rather than incense his choller my judgement is not so weak as to make me neglect the contentment and advantages which the honour of your affection doth promise mee but do you think that having yet sighes in my mouth and tears in my eyes to be wayl my captivity my esloignment from my countrey and the losse of my friends I can resolve for any pleasure verely I cannot time the common Physician of our miseries may alter this peevish humour and furnish mee with other devises bee pleased I beseech you Sir to attend your remedy from thence your delight will be the greater when I shall give it you without grudging and not forcing my will you shall oblige mee to commâ—nd your gentlenesse in the mean while let mee obrain of you that you will not afflict yourself and giving mee leave to retyre from hence for to avoid the suspicion which may bee had of your intent leave me so to manage my sorrows with time as I may be ableere it be long to satisfie your hopes Go my dearest Cornkinds said be insinitly contented with this answer the gods which have made you to â—air make you as true Palmirennaes fair slave having got off in this manner went to find on her Lady but understanding that shee was laid down to sleep shee returned into the Garden where having made afewturns she peceiveda man lying on the grasse under the shadow of certain trees who thinking hee was not over-heand spake thus Wretched Knight what canst thou expect from thy enterprise but insuppottabletonments thou imaginest that time and thy services will beget a liking of thee in this Princesse but thou wilt be deceived shee will receive them from thee as from an ordinary Knight obliged by the liberality of her father what wilt thou doe then wilt thou discoverthy self for to serve her openly thou wilt not be believed but say thou wert difference of religion would serve for a cause to refuse thee now to
makes your abode here distastful the Emprour is a Prince so gracious that hee will not deny you leave to depart from hence at your pleasure Alas said hee no whit dismayed with this surprise but resolved to discover himselfe since this encounter had hapned according to his wish my displeasure proceeds not from the grief of seeing my selfe esloigned from my Countrey since I voluntarily forsook it for to travell the world but I complain for that I am so unhappy as I cannot hope for any content whilst I live unlesse you wil take some pitty of my suffering I must speak I can no longer conceale my thoughts Almerina in your hands rests my life or death I have indured incredible things before I would resolve to discover my self and the fear to offend Amplamira whom I love beyond all comparison far more then mine own soul hath hitherto closed up my lips but now the violence of my pains so terribly afflicts me that I must impart this secret unto you Sweet Almerina have some compassion on me tell her that which I say and joyning your intreaties to my tears render her sensible of my suffering I am too daring it is true for such an accomplished beauty deserves no lesse then the affection of a God but if her eyes might stoop to a man my birth hath not made me so mean but that I may justly equal my selfe with the greatest of the earth now if I may receive a good office from you bee assured that you shall not confer it upon an ungratefull person nor ever repent any assistance you may give me These words finishing in tears marvellously astonished this Lady who little expected such a discourse and considering the speech shee had heard which deprived her of all hope of ever possessing him shrinking up her shoulders she said O ye gods now deceitfull is the judgement of man and with what little assurance may one depend on things of this world Indeed Sir I guessed that Love had drawn forth those tears which trickled down your cheeks and as I was foolish enough to presume a little too much of my beauty I verely beleeved that I was the cause of it loving you with no lesse ardour then you do your Mistris but now knowing you better then I did and no way doubting of the greatnesse of your discent I will quench those amorous flames and onely reserve such a good will for you â—â— may oblige you in your enterprise wherefore I le promise to serve you therein with passion not for the hope of the recompences you propound but for the glory of having done something for so noble a Gentleman and to restifie unto you how willingly I doe this I will presently go about it Were it not amisse said Floridan unto her after some kisses and a thousand protestations eternally to remember so powerfull an obligation that she saw a Letter whereby J was resolved to have discovered my selfe unto her It cannot chuse but ayd our design said Almerina therfore give it mee you shall quickly have an answer of it and be confident that if it lye in mee you shall have no longer cause to complain Wherupon Almerina departing with some regret to see all her hopes overthrown shee went to find out Amplamira in her Chamber who beholding her with a troubled countenance demands of her from whence shee came from learning out a secret answered she of great importance for you What is it said Amplamira Madam replyed Almerina walking but now in the Emperours Garden and thinking of nothing lesse then Love I discovered a Gallant the most inamoured that lives wot you who it is That brave stranger the Companion of him that defeated the Monster hee lay upon the grass under the shadow of those great trees which make a demi-circle at the first door of the walk and spake somewhat loud not imagining that I was so neer him His first speeches were nothing but complaints against fortune that spares no body and that ordinarily fals upon the greatest the better to demonstrate her power but passing from that to speak of Love hee fetched some sighes and then proceeded in this manner O yee gods said hee how fair is Amplamira but why doth not shee know that I love her I have a thousand times resolved to let her understand my affection and a thousand times again hath respect shut up my mouth fearing to offend her by the overture of my heart nevertheless it is necessary that shee know it at least wise if ever I will hope for content but how shall that be dare I be so hardy as to speak unto her No verely fear would tye up my tongue and the lightning of her eyes would strike me dumbe To acquaint her with it otherwise alack I see little likelihood here I am unknown and of millions that in my own countrey would most gladly serve mee not one is present to undertake this afair I must dye then with this regret that I have loved the fairest and most excellent creature in the world and durst not publish it These words being drowned with a sea of tears hee turned him about and took a paper out of his pocket over the which hee lamented anew How happy wouldst thou be said hee if thou mightest bee permitted to touch the delicate hands of my Mistris and what would not I give then to see my selfe in thy place Doubtlesse J should not grieve at the loss of so much greatnesse as a tends mee and though it should immediately preced my death I should be no way sorry for it What should I say more All his motions Madam were full of love hee wished a thousand and a thousand times that hee might be beloved of you in the middest of this Agony he rose up and went away leaving the paper which it seems hee forgot behind him upon the ground where I found it all bedewed with his tears and which I present here unto you open it peradventure you will meet with the same discourse in it as I made you but now Whereupon kissing the Letter which Floridan had given her shee delivered it to the Princesse who made some difficulty at the first to receive it howbeit being a little urged by Almerina but more by the desire shee had to learn who the Knight was shee opened it and read this which followeth To the fairest Infanta of Martaria MADAM I Doubt not but you will thinke it very strange that an unknown Knight should dare so farre as to be a Suitâ—r to you for your love before his services might induce you unto it but when you shall consider that hee is inforced so to doe by the unresistable power of your divine beauty questionlesse you will excuse his presumption and not think it â—â—isse if he beg some grace from you since it is the glory of the gods to graunt it unto the Prayers of mâ—â— Hee indures incredible pains his desires never leave him in quiet his heart burns continually in
pleased that I may be your Physician since you are so sick and accept of the good counsell I give you for your better remedy Why now we are come just to the point I desired said Alcidamant for setting aside the reasons I could oppose yours with touching my purpose to dye here clear me in that particular where you say you never loved me till to day I beleeve indeed said Rozalmond that you doe not know me yet because I want my Shield but if you call to mind the combat we had together at Constantinople and afterwards upon the frontiers of Florertan when we were parted by Cassandra you will quickly understand the meaning of the speeches I have used to you then you were the object of all the anger that a man could have against another which disputed the glory of Arms with him but finding you in so miserable an estate I was so sensible of your misfortunes as I could not be more for any that should arrive unto my self so that now I love you far more then I hated you before and doe also humbly beseech you to change your mind in like manner and to esteem of me no less then of the faithfullest servant you can have O me said Alcidamant what a happiness is this in the middest of my unhappiness to have my pains thus aslayed by the presence of the excellentest Knight of the earth Ah Sir I will no longer complain of my misfortune and the content of this incounter is so dear unto me that I wil pass by all remembrance of the cause of my sorrow for to caress you if not asmuch as I would yet as much as I can Herewith embracing one another with a great deal of affection they contracâ—ed a friendship which never ended but with their lives and some other 〈◊〉 having past betwixt them they both returned into the Grot where Rozalmond desiring to speak of the cause of â—is retyrement for to withdraw him from it demanded of him whether that which he saw there was the picture of that rigorous beautie for whom he suffered so You behold indeed answered he the pleasing features of her face you may here likwise judge of the delicacie of her complexion but not of the grace she gives to her motions nor of the powerfull charms of her eyes for there nature far surpasseth the art of the Painter Whereupon without further intreatie he discoursed unto him his whol life and especially all that had past at Tarsipolis after he met with Trasiclea which was very acceptable to the Knight of the Roses who alledged all the reasons he could any way devise to diswade him from so sad a retyrement but perceiving that he spaâ—e to no purpose and that his resolution was as firm as the rock wherin he lived he bethought him of another course to be held with him You are too wilfully set said he upon your own misery nevertheless being perswaded that you do all things with judgement I intend because I wil enjoy your company which I hold so dear to pass my dayes here with you and never to return again into the world after I have dispatched one voyage for an enterprize wherunto my faith hath ingaged me I may not limit my return in regard we cannot dispose of time nor of accidents that befall us but I swear unto you by the order of Knighthood to come hither again assoon as possibly I can so as you likewise promise me not to depart from hence upon any occasion whatsoever Dear Sir said Alcidamant it were most unreasonable to confine you so without cause continue stil in the world wherof you are now the wonder for it would be far more content unto me to know you in delights absented from me then to have you here leade a languishing life as for me I am accustomed therunto and be assured I wil never abandon it for any cause whatsoever since I doe it not at your request This is asmuch as I desire said Rozalmond you shal see me again sooner then you are aware to which end I will be gon to morrow by break of day that I may give the speedier dispatch to the business I have undertaken So calling Artander who was all this while with the horses they sate them down to supper with no other delicasies then a little bread and afterward laid them to rest upon a few leaves where they remained til the next morning when taking their leaves of one another with tears Rozalmond rode away towards Tarsipolis from whence how he was diverted shal be related hereafter CHAP. XV. The Adventures of Rozanel and Florisbel after their departure out of Tramazond ROzanel departing from Tramaxond with Florisbel and the beautiful Angeles of Sopradisa sayled fifteen dayes with all the content that a Lover could have in the company of his Lady not meeting any adventure worthy of his courage but on the sixteenth day they discovered two Ships fast grapled together in one of the which was a Gyant with some thirtie or fourtie souldiers and in the other one Knight alone of a reasonable big statuâ—e who with his Sword in his hand defending the entrance into his Vessel sometimes charged the Gyant and sometimes the Souldiers wherof ever and anon he overthrew one or other of them into the Sea the valour of this Knight giving them great satisfaction and being moved with a Gentlewoman that called upon the Gods for succour they joyned the force of their Oares to the wind and in a little time caused their Barque to board the Knights whereinto entring with furie they presently dispatched seven or eight of the most confident of the troup and in regard the Knight had received three or four deep wounds from whence he had lost much bloud Florisbel desired him to retyre and leave him to combat the Gyant whilst his companion dealt with the rest of that â—â—bble but his heart was so good that he made no other answer but gave his enemie two such cruel blowes as with the one he wounded him very dangerously in one of his thighs and with the other made a great gash in his shield arm which Florisbel observing and unwilling to stand idle he drew to his friend who never let fall his Sword without killing a man and making no less havock in a short time layd all that remained at his feet mean while the Combat between the Gyant and the Knight continued with marvellous rage howbeit with so much advantage on the Knights part that they looked every minute to see that Colossus tumble into the water when as Rozanel casting his eye aside espyed a Knight very little less then the Gyant rush out of the Hold who leaping into the Barque where Angelea was cut the Cables that fastned â—it to the other Vessels and was putting to Sea with so rich a prize had not he suddenly advanced skipping in then almost assoon as he and carryed with extream cholor he gave him so strong a blow upon his Helmet
was constrayned to lye down on the ground to rest himselfe a little neverthelesse so violent was his griefe as remayning there not long he got up again and drawing new strength from his desire to be revenged and to succour his Mistris he ran again till such time as the Sunne appeared by the light whereof discovering the Sea neer at hand he began to take some little comfort which was quickly converted into fury again for seeing the coast desolate without either ship or man he fell to crying out and roaring in that dreadfull manner as all the shore about resounded therewith What did 〈…〉 say and how did he curse his stars Verely his passion was so violent that mad with desperation he was going to throw himselfe all 〈…〉 was into the Sea when as he perceived a little suâ—â—â— arising 〈…〉 â—he waves which displaying his beams very brightly 〈…〉 â—esign and his body that was tottering and ready to fall 〈…〉 This prodigie at first astonished him but havin◠〈…〉 by little and little appear together with sayls and Saâ—vages 〈…〉 in their hands he straight-way knew that it was the Vessel of the Sune wherein he had formerly sayled with Cassandra which made him tremble for joy as he had before with rage and anger Beholding then this goodly ship quite discovered he rendred a thousand thanks to thoses Sages for assisting him thus at his need and having not the patience to stay till it came up to him he presently lept into it and walking from one room to another he espyed a table very well furnished with excellent meat upon the which there also lay a paper folded up wherein having opened it he read these words Alcander to the valiant Knight of Greece EXcellent Prince if you consider that vertue and greatnesse doe not exempt men from the misfortunes of the world you will take comfort notwithstanding the just cause you have to be afflicted and finding such remedies as are necessary for your griefe in a resolution to receive all things patiently from the Mighty hand of God you shall even force Heaven to perserve Armazia for you whose safety will cost you so much blood that if the bastard bird together with the amorous Fanlcens doe not arrive just in the nick to rescue you from your enemies the Roses will lose their odour under the weighty burthen of their mother This Letter giving him more consolation then fear he fell to the meat before him and then layd him down on a bed for to rest and refresh himselfe after his so many past-travels leaving the ship to be conducted according to the good pleasure of the great Alcander In the mean time Alcidamant and Trasiclea carried by the remembrance of the powerfull obligations wherein they stood ingaged to this Knight followed him with a resolution to serve him in this affair which so much concerned him but having taken a different way they arrived at a Port of the Sea where hearing no news of that they sought for they imbarked themselves in a ship commanding the Pilots to steer their course towards the cruell Iland of Gorgophon imagining that Rozalmond was undoubtedly gone thither and indeed the Vessell of the Sunne wherein he was having for many dayes together run very swiftly through the Waves at length aboarded that redoubted Coast upon the which Rozalmond causing himselfe to be landed with an extream desire to incounter the Ravisher of his Mistris it was his hâ—p at the very first dash to meet with an aâ—rogant Gyant at whose sight his blood beginning to boyl very furiously in his veins he drew out his sword and beleeving that it was Gorgophon he discharged so mighty a blow upon his Helmet as he cleft him down to the very shoulders wherewith certain Mariners that were walking on the shore being marvellously affrighted betook them to their heels and fled into a great house that was not farre off whence he presently perceived four dreadfull Gyants make towards him whose presence possessing him with more wrath then fear he advanced couragiously and demanded of them with an incensed countenance which of them was Gorgophon Wretched creature answered he that marched formost what wouldest thou have with him Marry replyed Rozalmond I would send his soule to hell for the satisfaction of an offence he hath committed against the great Emperour of Gardacia by forcibly carrying away his Daughter Armazia and a cousin of hers O Iupiter said the Gyant what is this I hear Darest thou poor Pigmey speak of combatting him who would quickly cut an hundred thousand such as thou art into a million of peices now by all the gods which we adore I will chastise this audaciousnesse of thine so cruelly that if all mankind were here assembled they should tremble to behold it Saying thus he advanced his heavie Scimitar that was twelve foot long and made so horrible a blow at our Warriour as would have proved fatall to his life had he not warily declined it leaping then very lightly at one side he let it thunder on the ground whereinto it entred even up to the hilts and carefull to lose no opportunity he let drive with such force at the Gyant that he cut off both his hands which remayned fastned to that dreadfull weapon whereat the others were so enraged that instantly approaching they charged him with three such terrible stroaks as he was constrayned to set his knees to the ground being dangerously wounded on the shoulder neverthelesse rising up full of despight he began to deale such dreadfull blows that his very enemies were astonished at them and hacked and hewed them in that cruell manner as dyed all their arms with their blood that issued from their wounds howbeit considering that he should be tyred at length if he continued still in those tearms he took his sword in both his hands and let it fall so deadly on him that most troubled him as he divided him in two peices wherewith yet not being contented he discharged so dangerously on the shoulder of another that he separated it from the rest of his body sending him to the earth with a noyse like to that of a Tower overthrown by the wind These horrible blows much amazed the fourth but seing five more of his companions comming to his succour hee began to assaile our Champion with more courage than he had done all the day before who beholding himselfe inviâ—oned with these six monstrous Colosses thought that hee was now neer unto his end neverthelesse resolving to sell his life â—learly unto him he layd about him with that fury as he seemed rather a devill then a mortall man but being charged on so many sides and hurt in five or six places he was even ready to faint under the violence of theiâ— blows when as a brave Knight who bare two Eagles in his shield arriving in a little Bark lept suddenly on shore and wondring to behold four Gyants extended at the feet of one man who seemed to fight
than ever he had been in his life out of hope which he was in to find out his Mistresse after this Combat had cleft one of the Salvages down to the waste and cut off the other by the middle that done they entred into one of those alleys which ended in a large Court of a most Sately Castle built trianglewise and going along they felt themselves so terribly pelted with a showre of stones poured down upon them from a number of great trees that were planted on each side as notwithstanding they warded themselves well with their Shields they had much adoe to get unto the threshold of two Gates which gave entrance to the Palace the walls wherof were all of Porphyrie Jasper black Marble and Crystall CHAP. XLIX The adventure of the Castle of Treasure is brought to an end whereupon all the Princes depart for Ethiopia WEE left Rozalmond diverted from contemplating the excellent Pictures that were in the stately Court of the Castle of Treasure by the arrivall of five Knights which presented themselves all at one instant out of five severall doors Now let us tell you that they were the incomparable Alcidamant Clarisel of Guindaya Amadis Grian and Griolanis who having gloriously surmounted the difficulties which they had encountred as appeared by the precedent chapters entred with their swords drawn being much amazed at their unexpected meeting thus together Hereupon these Princes having caressed one another and made particular relations of the strange adventures that had befallen each one in this Enterprise they resolved all to passe on and beholding three great pair of stayrs they were going to ascend them two and two together when they perceived an old man with a great deale of Majesty present himself his habit was black and long his beard white his hair confusedly spread upon his shoulders in one hand a book and in the other a golden wand every one observing him Amadis knew him to be the Prince of al Philosophers the great Alcander a speciall friend to the house of Greece whereat being wonderfully glad he went immediately and embracing him said Oh father how happily have we met with you for to free us of a care that mightily troubles us we have lost that which we most esteemed in the world so that if we be not relieved by you we are like to be the wretchedst Knights living Excellent Princes said this honourable old man after he had saluted them with a great deale of reverence you have reason to be pleased with this incounter of me seeing I am more your servant than all the men besides in the world but it is I that have the greater cause to rejoyce at your arrivall having attended you here an hundred years since I first gave beginning to the inchantments of this great Castle you have this day done such wonders as no other Knights could perform which will make your valour to be spoken of eternally and the difficulties which you have surmounted are so great as they will hardly be beleeved but infinite will be the prayse for so many brave actions and the profit which wil redound thereby to all Christendome that could not subsist without the end of this adventure will render you so recommendable that you shall be the object of future ages marvell You doe not know what good you have done wherefore it is fit that I declare it to the end that you may be the more couragiously prepared for the labours you are yet to undergoe You shall be the means of reviving the great King Amadis of Gaule the excellent Amadis of Greece Don Silves de la Silva Agesilan and thirty Princes more of their blood withdrawn by me out of the number of the dead at the great battle of Aleppo and hitherto conserved safe by my skill as also the unparragoned Knight of the Sun with Claridian Poliphebo Rosicler Clarimant Rozabel Helen of Dace Claridiana and Claribel whose marvellous acts have filled the world with amazement and moreover the invinsible Belianis of Greece Belforan Fortiman Dolister of Nubea Polista de la Silva Policertes Don Clarinel Astridea Periana Furibond the brave Gyant Saliverna without feare and Hermiliana being all such valiant and accomplished Knights that I have laboured by my inchantments to keep them alive untill such time as Christendome by their assistance and yours may triumph over the greatest number of enemies that ever yet assaulted it Is not this greater good than can be expressed in words without doubt it is and be assured that the fame which you shall acquire hereby shall ever live in the memory of men Touching the trouble you are in for the carrying away of the Princesses your wives clear your minds of it for they have been al this while as now they are safe from any such violence the Centaurs which you saw being only fanto smes that I caused to appeare unto you knowing full well that you would never have precipitated your selves the one into a dreadfull flood amidst the horrours of a fearefull darknesse and the other into an horrible Furnace and briefly that you would never have undertaken such almost impossible things as you have atchieved had not the hope of recovering your Ladies made you contemne such wonderfull dangers and for that only consideration did Vrganda cause them to come along with you whom you shall meet with again as soon as you have finished the adventure which now consisteth alone in forcing these Princes that I have named unto you out of the rooms where they are inchanted but without imploying your swords on them or drawing drop of blood from them which will not be effected without very great pains but I am sure it would grieve you to leave so glorious an Enterprise in so faire a way Ah father said Rozalmond how strange and mervellous is this that you have recounted unto us we thought that all these excellent Princes had been converted into dust long agoe howbeit seeing they live we will most gladly render them unto the world if it be in our power you say it will not be done without much labour why we are resolved to undergoe any whatsoever wherefore be pleased but to shew us how we may get to these rooms Then Alcandar having appointed Rozalmond and Don Clarisel for the deliverance of Amadis of Gaule and Amadis of Greece Alcidamant and Griolanis for the Knight of the Sun Amadis and Grian for Don Belianis hee caused them to ascend three severall pair of stayrs whilst he himselfe remayned walking below in the Court. These six Warriours more glorious than ever they had been in all their lives in regard of their undertaking of the most glorious enterprize which had at any time been spoken of in the world being gotten up to the top of the stayrs found the dores there fast shut but having easily heaved them off the hinges they entred all with their Swords unsheathed and their bodyes well covered with their shields where knowing what to doe
Horse and two hundred thousand Foot without counting those which Prigmaleon had in the Town for the manning of the Wals he divided into four troups each containing seventie thousand Horse and forty thousand Foot the first was commanded by Prigmaleon Fulgâ—an Russian the Cenophales Esquilan Brandimanda and all the young Princes that had been their assistants in the former Combats The second was commanded by Spheramond Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor his Wife Cassiana Amanio of Arestrea the Duke of Laiaze the King of Cataya his Wife Crothea Galard King of the barren Iland with Rozafar and the King of Lacaonia The third was commanded by Don Rogel Lucendus Dâ—rigel Silvan the fair Salvage his Wife the valiant Silverin of the Desart Gadart King of Hungaria Filiard King of Polonia Oriander King of Sardamira his Queen Oronsa Parmenian of Cyprus and Garmantes The fourth by Don Florisel of Niquea with Anaxander King of Dardania Floridan King of Comogena his brother Troilus the renowned Knight of Savoy and twelve young Princes upon whom he had that day conferd the order of Knight-hood with all the magnificent Ceremonies the Camp could afford Every thing being thus ordered every man retyred to visit his Horse and Arms with a command to be in readinesse at break of the day In the mean while the Pagans slept not for knowing of what importance the issue of this battell would be they armed themselves with a resolution to redeem their honour though they paid their bloud for it being advertised of the course the Christians had taken in ranging of their Troups they held it best to observe the same order and not to think of reserving any part perswading themselves that it would be more difficult to rout their troups being united than separated and so they divided their whole Forces consisting of eight hundred thousand into foure Bands The first wherof was commanded by Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara a man of a Gyant-like nature with grifly haire a face covered with black patches an ugly flat nose and ill-fashioned legs but withall so valiant that next to Gorgophon and Bravorant King of Morimont there lived not a braver Pagan upon the whole earth his Associats were Moranteon Souldan of Circassia the grand Salvage Furiander his son Artegant Souldan of Francapia the proud Arastron Gederion King of Arginaria Furcamond King of Martan Aliodorus Torismond Arciles and Teliander all brave Knights with threescore Giants The second by the valiant Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Bravorant Gorgophon Marisgolfus Salander King of Balsandria Polidarchus King of Amazia Giracond King of Toriana Don Margenio Rindar Brandimart threescore Gyants and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats who would no more make use of his Elephants because in the preceding assault they had occasioned so great a disorder The third by stout Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with the haughty Antomedon Caliph of Francapa Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Marcelian Emperour of Media Rodomart King of Fortan Asmorian King of the upper Indies Bemond King of Java minor divers other Knights of qualitie and threescore Gyants The fourth was reserved for Falanzar great Emperour and Caliph of Siconia with the King of Russia Anaxamena the valirnt Amazon his Wife Palamedes King of Cassandria Fierastron the redoubted Gyant of Balivan Polecastaleon King of Zeilan Brufaldor King of Gedrozia the dreadfull Tipheus Barcandor Bucargant and threescore Gyants In the mean time Mambrinian King of Fornascia with the Kings of Zamber of Saphotir of Siziphalt and fourscore thousand men guarded the Camp All things being thus resolved upon on both parties the day of Battell was expected which being come to the great content of both the Armies to whom all delay was insupportable the Pagans began to draw their men out of their Trenches much astonished to see themselves prevented of their Enemies who already had possessed themselves of the field and there stood in battell array The first that appeared on the Pagans side was the furious King of Grifalara who marching in a glorious and most magnificent manner under a multitude of Standards whereon were represented two Lyons chained together onely by the force of one hand caused the charge to be sounded At the same instant Prigmaleon who thought no Oration could so animate his Souldiers to behave themselves bravely as to give a sudden testimonie of an undaunted courage gave the Signall to his troups immediatly to joyn most violent was the encounter of these two brave Warriours who saluted each other so boistrously that their Launces bounded into the ayre in a thousand slivers Fulgoran and the Grand Salvage fell to the ground the one hurt on the left arm the other on the brest Russian of Media and the proud Knight Arastron broke their Launces very furiously upon each other and yet past on unmoved like two rocks in the middest of the Sea The two Cenophales and Grandimor running against Furiander Artegant Soldan of Francapia and Moranteon Soldan of Circassia received such an astonishment from each others incounter that all six remained for a long time sensslesse Gedereon King of Arginarea was overthrown by Esquilan Brandimanda passed her Launce thorow the body of a Gyant three other Pagan Knights fell down dead at the feet of Perion Cilindâ—r and the unknown Knight and so many Cavaliers fell to the ground on both sides that the field was full of horses that ran up and down masterlesse Launces were broken in pieces sword blades flew into the ayre and the Battell waxed so hot that the dust was all tempered with bloud Roussardan the Grand Salvage and the proud knight Araston cut down all they met withall making head and arms fly about which bred such fear in the Enemies as they were no lesse terrible to them than thunderbolts On the other side Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian Brandimanda Esquilan and the two Cenophales who disdaining to employ their Swords upon common persons charged the vastest Gyants with so great a furie that in an instant three and twenty of them lay breathlesse on the earth when as Arastron Roussardan and the Grand Salvage marching in the Front like so many torrents sweeping all before them let fly with such a violence upon Quadragant Agrion of Scotland and Dardanio that they cleft them all three down to the teeth and seeing that Prigmaleon Russian and Fulgoran having dispatched the mighty Brucalan with Arbadan and Pandarus his Brothers by the force of three terrible stroaks which sent them dead to the ground had made way into their Troups massacring all without mercy that gave them any opposition in great rage they clapped spurs to their horses and making towards these three Knights they discharged three such dangerous blows upon them that had not their Arms been of the best in the world they had without doubt added them to the number of the dead neverthelesse these rough salutations that humbled their chins to their saddle bowes did nothing els but incite them to a sudden requitall which they returned so bravely as there was
little cause left them of boasting and so there began the most dangerous Combat that ever man beheld between these six Knights On the one side the Gyants made huge massacres Esquilan Brandimanda Grandimore and the Christian Princes bestird themselves lustily on the other and their brave example made the courage of their men supply what they wanted in number so that above threescore thousand Knights being slain both parts the victory remained as yet doubtfull Wherupon the Pagans impatient of delay caused their second Battalion to advance which being led by Marmaran Sophy of Bultara accompanied with those incomparable Warriours Bravorant king of Morimont Marisgolfus and Gorgophon Collonels of the Gyants gave so fierce an assault upon the Christians first Squadron that they had cut them all in pieces if the Emperour Spheramond had not opportunly opposed their furie By this time the ground was all covered with dead men and the confusion so great and crpes so loude that a thousand claps of thunder would not have been heard amongst them Bravorant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus having addressed their Launces against Galard King of the Barren Ilands Alvida his Wife and the Duke of Laiaret they ran them quite thorow the body and so did in like manner to five or six more before they brake but great was the slaughter they made when as they hod drawn out their great and heavy Fauchions for the Lightning falls not with more violence than did their blows which meeting with no resistance sufficient to oppose them they strewed all the ground with dead bodyes Spheramond having encountred Marmoran Sophy of Bultara they both brake their staves upon each other and so pressing in amongst the multitude they slew as many as had the ill hap to come within their reach Alastraxerea made such havock amongst her enemies that every one fled from her as from some deadly contagion Melindus Clidor and Amiano of Astrea did no lesse wonders But the Enemies were so mighty and Bravorant joyning with Gorgophon made so bloudy a massacre that this second Squadron in spight of the best resistance Spheramond Alastraxerea and the Grecian Princes could make had been utterly routed if Florisel wisely fore-seeing that the flight of those forces might cause a generall ruine of the whole Army had not opportunly given order to the young Cavaliers that he had armed the day before to advance who desirous to season their first undertakings by some memorable testimonie of their valour made so fierce a Sally upon the Gyants that with their Launces they overthrew twelve of them to the ground then laying their hands on their swords they began to do such strange things that the Greekes recovering as it were a new courage gave their enemies so furious a charge as they made them begin to startle nay almost to betake themselves to plain flight Neverthelesse being detayned by the only valour of Braverant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus and the brave Sophy of Bultara who resembled so many furies they continued the fight so stoutly that the blood made large Rivers through the midst of the fields the earth was covered with the bodies of those that were already slain and the ayr filled with the groans of those that were then dying Spheramond wheresoever he passed carried death on his sword Bravorant and Gorgophon ran up and down raysing mountaines of dead bodies Marmoran and Marifgolfus appeared like lightning Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor Cassianus met with no resistance unlesse it were from the Gyants who did often times as well as their fellows taste the keenesse of the Christian blades In briefe it was a spectacle full of such horrour as the like hath seldome been beheld by the eye of man and the slaughter so indifferent that it was heard to say to which side the victory did most incline The Pagans who could not endure to be idle whilst their Companions were busie in the pursuit of glory marched up with their third sqadron conducted by the valiant Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia and Mercelian Emperour of Media These vast troops led by such proud and mighty Commanders fell on the Christians with such fury as promised no lesse then utter ruin at the very first onset But the Emperour of Persia seconded by Lucendus Dorogel Silvian the faire Salvage the noble Silverin of the Desart Gadard King of Hungaria Filadart of Polonia Oriander and Oroncus charged them so fiercely that made them quickly turn their faces to defend themselves from the cruelty of their weapons This brave Prince encountring Antomedon with his Launce ran him through the shield and arme yet not without great danger to himselfe for from the Gyants Launce he received such an encounter as tumbled him upon the crupper of his horse ready to have fallen to the ground if he had not been upheld by some of his followers Thus the third Squadrons falling to it pell mell there continued a most cruell battell the valiant Dâ—rigil did deeds worthy of himselfe following the brave example of his father who held all the enemies in admiration to see him alone act such wonders the noble Silverin of the Desart stopped the fury of Brizardan and behaved himselfe so bravely against him that by those that saw him he was judged no whit inferiour to the best Warriours of the world Lucendus sent Marcelian Emperour of Media to keep company with the dead Filadart Gadart and the Princes that followed them fought with so much courage and vigour that in a moment they covered the fields with the slaughtered carkasses of their enemies In the meane time Don Rogel and Lucendus seeing the great massacre made by Antomedon the mericilesse Sultan of Brutacan immediately assaulted these two proud pagans who were almost ready to swim in christian blood shed by their own swords upon whom they bestowed a couple of such violent blows as Antomedon was layd flat upon the crupper of his horse the blood gushing out at his mouth and eares and the great Soldan received such a stroak from Lucendus as rendred him in little better case then his fellow These terrible blows which probably should have been the cause of the Christians victory contrariwiâ—e exposed them to extream danger for these two great Warriours recovering themselves again and taking their swords in both hands advanced with so eager a desire of revenge that meeting with Filadart of Polonia and Gadart King of Hungaria they fell upon them with such a tempest as the one was cleft downe to the shoulders the other to the girdle which being soon perceived by Don Rogel he made with his best speed towards Antomedon upon whom he discharged so furiously as he quite dismounted him and put him in great danger of being trampled under the horses feet but being suddenly releeved by his friends he was by them immediately carried to his tent The retreat being known of these two mighty men it gave a fresh supply of courage to the Greeks