THE Honorable pleasant and rare conceited Historie of Palmendos Sonne to the famous and fortunate Prince Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Translated out of French by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine AT LONDON Printed by I. C. for Simon Watersonne are to be sold in Church-yarde at the signe of the Crowne Anno. Domini 1589. Fortissimo et militiae naualis Peritissimo viro Domino Francisco Draco Equiti Aurato DEsinat Herculeas iam Grecia vana columnas Mirari aut Minyas Dulichiâ—…mue ducens Amphitryoniadem super as fortissime Drace Iasonaque et comites Penelopesque virum Neptunusque suum credit tibi iure tridentem Cedit Sceptra libens imperiâ—…mque maris Palmendos tanto latus tutusque Patrono Audet in innumeras peruolitare manus Zoilus inuideat rumpantur et ilia Codro Palmendos Draco vindice tutus erit It volat et gaudet spernit que minacia verba Nempe soles tumides spernere Drace minas Antonius Mondaius To the courteous Reader HAuing finished this History of Pâ—…lmendos I commit the same to thy fauourable censure And though it bee not floorished foorth with borrowed phrases of eloquence yet hope I thou wilt accept it freendly as thou hast done heertofore my works of the like matter To make any commendation therof to thee I will not first reade thy fill thereon and after iudge as thou findest occasion yet with thy wonted fauour to encourage me in proceeding in translation of 〈◊〉 which by the next Tearme I hope will be accomplished From my house at Cripple gate the fifth of Februarie 1589. Thine in all courtesie Anthâ—…ny Monday The history of Palmendos sonne to the famous Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano Sonne to Tryneus Emperour of Allemaigne Aurecinda Siâ—…er to the Soldane of Persia theyr Kâ—…ghtly deedes of Chiuâ—…e 〈◊〉 aduentures and woorthy resolutioâ—… CHAP. I. Howe Belcar and Tyrendos beeing in the Câ—…urte of the Emperor Palmerin receiued theyr order of knighthoode and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople and of the Câ—…mbat hâ—…e fought in the Realme of Macedoâ—… against tâ—…e three Sonnes of a Knight thaâ—… lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magniâ—…cent and proud Monarchie of the Romaines waâ—… erected a new Empire in Greece which the 〈◊〉 bountie diuine fauoâ—…red with continual happines placing the good Prince Palmerin d'Oliua in the Crowne and lawfull gouernment therof as wel in respect of his great prowesse high and knightlie paradores which with vigilant â—…are he vsed for the defence of such an estate the onely renowne whereof brake the desseigâ—…es of manie that by hostilitie sought to disquiet him aâ—… alsâ—… in regarde of the notable linage posteritie discending from him of whose vertues and heroycall perfections this present Historie of Palmendos his Sonne is contriued and therefore to be placed at the ende of his Fathers trauels In which discourse alreadie extant gentle Readers you haue vnderstood howe the Emperour Palmerin so looued and honored Knights errant that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Courte because yéerelie hee continued a sumptuous spectacle in forme of a Tourney for the exercise of knightly and millitarie discipline and with such religious zeale was this worthy practise folowed as the Court might well be called y t Schoole of Armes and Nursse of ciuilitie For this cause many Kinges Princes and great Lordes sent their Sonnes to bee there educated among whom the good Knight Frysoll King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecana another called Tirendos that they might deserue their knighthoâ—…de at the hand of the Emperor the true mirrour and Idea of manhoode and so consequentlie they to participate some part of his bountie and prowâ—…sse THe time then béeing câ—…me that Belcar Son to King Frysoll shoulde 〈◊〉 his order of knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enioy it at his hand and Tirendos Sonne to Duke Eustace of Mecana desirous of the selfe same honour made like request vnto his Maiestie whereto the good Emperâ—…ur who looued them both with singuler affection knowing hâ—…w well Chiualrie woulde bee imployed by thâ—…m â—…ight willinglie condiscended Héereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigill he knighted these two Princes with great royaltie desiring God to bestow such fauour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous prâ—…decessours And to Belcar â—…mbracing him in his armes he sayd My good Nephewe heauen accomplish in you such perfâ—…ctiens of manhoode as each one may knowe you to be the Sonne of the worthy Knight Sir Frysoll a Prince so hardie and valiant as anie that euer followed Armes The ceremonies béeing ended they all returned to the Pallace where the newe Knights béeing vnarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for greater honour of the feaste which in the Courte at this tâ—…e excéeded But Belcar tooke little pleasure in beholding the diuers occurrences at this assembly because his minde was more busâ—…ed with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commâ—…ne with himselfe Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast recâ—…iued the honorable order of knighthood and that at the hande of the Empeâ—…ur thynâ—… Unckle whom the diuine prouidence hath endued with so manie laâ—…dable vertues nor dooth any thing want in the King thâ—… Father that is required in a man at Armes If then hetherto thou hast liued in pleasure delights hencefoorth thou must bequeath thy selfe to trauaile to shewe that thou doost resemble and imitate in some things thine Auncestors who with great labour and industrie haue attained such fame and renowâ—…e as the memory therof shal remaine immortali And if thou wilt not darcken this honour then must thou hasten thy departure from y â— Court and follow the search of strange aduentures as they dyd in their daies for thine example After many and sundry thoughts that fought together within his spirit he concluded to depart acccmpanied but with one Squire and that so secretly as could be deuised Thence would he trauaile directly towards Macedon to make the first proofe of his valour in y t aduenture of Francelina who was enchaunted in y â— Iâ—…le of Carderia as was declared in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua And at thys time was little talke of any other thing then of the number of Knights that daily sought to winne her in marriage and with her the Kingdome of Thessalie for such 〈◊〉 the promised guerdon and recompence to him that coulde deliuer her out of the enchaunted Castell but hetherto all the Knights lost thâ—…ir labour for no one was able to finish the â—…duenture Belcar béeing earnestly prouoked with the fame of this occasioÌ„ which was generally râ—…puted strange and full of â—…aunger resolued to frame his iourney thether because heâ—… earnestly
they seemed good hardie Champions discended of some great birthe in that they were so woorthilie accompanied with women of choyse and singuler beautie as also Gentlemen of câ—…uill behauiour Héerevpon many Knights â—…ousted with the Countie who styll bare away the honour of the â—…elde Lynedes all this while not arming himselfe for the woorthy successe of his Cozin deserued high commendation wherof his Lady was not a little proude to sâ—…e her husbande performe such Chiualrie Rifarano and Lecefin enuying the Counties glory intended to see how they shoulde spéed in the â—…oust yet they desired â—…o defer it til the last day when they vanquishing the Countiâ—… and Lynedes his Cozin might beare away the whole praise of the Tryumph but others came in meane while and altered their intent as you at large shall perceiue heereafter CHAP. XIII Howe Arnedes Sonne to the King of Fraunce and Râ—…inde his Cozin Sonne to the King of Castile came to Constantinople where Arnedes vanquished Lynedes and his Cozin in the Ioust by which occasion they were greatly â—…onoured of the Emperour THe King of Fraunce Father to Lewes Duke of Burgundie bâ—…eing at y â— extreame poynt of his life among other things remeÌ„bred that when the peace was concluded betwéene the Emperour Palmerin and him they determined vpon an alliaunce by marriage if God graunted them issue wherby to doo it to the end that in the heroycall house of Fraunce Sonnes and daughters might be nourished procéeding from such worthie auncâ—…ers as the like might not be found thorow the whole worlde For this cause when the time likewise shoulde conueniently agree therewith he commaunded his Sonne to remember the Emperour of his promise which Prince Lewes promising his dying Father to performe with excéeding sorrow accomplished his funeralles and making â—…hoyse afterward for his owne fancie in hope to fulfill his Fathers desire in his issue hee maried with the daughter to the King of Castile by whom hee had thrée Sonnes and two Daughters that were borne at a byrth His eldest Sâ—…nne was named Arnedes whose minde was euermore giuen to Armes and Millitarie discipline wherein time and vse made him so expert as he was estéemed the oneliâ—… Champion of Fraunce It came so to passe as the King of Fraunce marryed one of his Daughters with the Kyng of Scicilie at whose marriage Arnedes wunne such fame by his Chiualrie as the report of him was blazed thorowe manie prouinces To this marriage likewise came one of his Cozins Sonne to the King of Castile and named Recinde who conceiued so good liking of Arnedes behauiour that they swore an inuiolable league of amitie betweene them twain neuer to forsake eche others companie in matters of Armes where with the Queene was â—…ighly contented because shee looued her Cozin Recinde with intire affection King Lewes seeing his Sonne Arnedes of yeeres to haue a Wife and fearing he should els where dispose hys lyking one day called him into his Chamber and thus conferred with him My Sonne such is the naturall inclination of my looue towards thee as I would not wyshe anie thing to thee but to haue thee as well contented therwith as my selfe to this end I vse these speeches for that our late kinglie Father of famous memorie at the verie shutting vppe of his latest dayes gaue me charge to ioyne thee in marriage with the Emperours Daughter of Constantinople that such issue as no doubt shall procéede from you botâ—…e may some what resemble their famous auncesters Wherefore I am determined right soone to send an Embassage to him to sollicite this mariage which I hope he will like well of and this I can assure thee if Fame tell no leasings that the Princesse Philocrista nowe aged sixteene yâ—…eres is a Ladie of such rare singuler beautie as Nature hath not framed the like vnder the moouing of these eyght Spheres When the Prince Arnedes saw that his Father talked so courteously with him about these affayres he humlye intreated him not to trauaile any further in y e matter for there was time enough heereafter to deale in such occasions wherwith the King paciâ—…ed him because he saw his Sonne so colde as he thought in matter of marriage nor would he trouble him any more therewith afterward But the young Prince wise and aduised in concealing his owne desires hauing long before heard faire Pilocrista coÌ„mended beyond compare as also the deedes of the Knights in the Emperour Palmerins Court he had no leysure now to forbid them his remembraunce so that fayne would hee compasse a secrete iournâ—…y to Constantinople intending if the Princesse pleased to demaunde her of the Emperour in marriage and if his Maiestie would not consent thereto hée intended to doo such exployts in Greece as the honourable prayse of them should compassâ—… his loue Thys was the proiect of Arnedes resolution which in secrete he imparâ—…ed to his Cozin Recind who with mighty perswasions annimated him heerein vowing that till death they would loyalliâ—… 〈◊〉 freendly companions and so well gouerne themselues by disguâ—…ng theyr persons and contrarying their languages in these affayres as the moâ—… skilfull head shâ—…ulde not searche the depth of their intent When the two Cozins were thus determined Arnedes imagining it no wisedome to iugle with his Father went and requested a fauour at his highnes hande the effecte whereof was thus Gracious Lorde and Father quoth hee my desire is without your displeasure that I may got â—…ee the Princesse Philocrista as well to like as loue before any motion of marriage and for my Cozin Recinde will beare me coÌ„pany I wold haue your Maiestie so perswaded y â— in secret disguiâ—…ng we wil passe vnknowne of anie much lesse giue occasion of suspect what we are not doubting but by our vertuous behauiour to yeelde you content by our â—…oyage and our selues good report Beside the worlde is well acquainted therwith that this Emperour of Constantinople had not wâ—…nne such fame and renowne but onely by the innumerable Trophes erected in diuers Regions of hys youthfull trauailes which are examples sufficient for Knights of high desire not to desist from worthy enterpryfes for the obiect of death who without regarde of time or place pursueth in ambush the steppes of the woorthiest Nor let doubt of our stay in Greece hinder vs good father for as we goe not to build any dwelling there so is y â— hope of our returne to be expected more spéedie It greatlie dyspleaseth mee answered the King that I haue promised to myne owne dyscontentment and which much more wyll redownde to your disaduantage but seeing I haue past my worde and in thys sorte you meane personally to vysite Greece goe in Gods name who guyde and sende you safely home agayne els will your stay more hurt mee then you can imagine Humbly taking his leaue of the King because he wold not haue his departure knowne hee secretly gotte him to Marseilles accompanied with none but his Cozin Recinde his
thrusting himselfe among the thickest gaue â—…elcar a very great stroke with his Swordâ—… on the Helmet for which he receiued spéedie repayment for Belcar raysing himselfe in his stirrops returned the Duke such a cruel blow through the sight of his Helmet as he fel to the ground astonied betwéeue his Horse legs Then breaking in amidst the preasse he gaue such sharpe entertainement to all that met him as the King Florendos and the other great estates that accompanied him were driuen thereby into great admiration nor was he knowne to anie there but the Princesse Alderina who being seated on the right hand of y â— Quéene Denisa could not smoother her thoughtâ—… but thus spake What thinke you Madame of the Knight in Greene Armâ—…r What dâ—… I thinke â—… aunswerâ—…d the Quéene certâ—…â—…uer did I sâ—…e tâ—…e man who â—…ight equal or paragon himselfe with hun for that he alone hath doone more in this â—…ourney then all y e other and greatly wold it content me to know if he be discended of noble bloode as hee deliuerâ—… gâ—…d testimonie of his knowledge in feates of Arinoâ—… Madame qâ—…oth Alderina I cannot thinke him lesse then you doubt of in respect he concealeth himselfe so close lie and would not willingliâ—… be knowne of anie Heer with she recounted how she founde him at the Fountaine bare headed without his Helmet and this I can assure you ê™ â—…he that as you confesse him valiant at Armes so canne I witnes him of such braue â—…cature and complexion as there is no one absolute point wanting in him Your spéeches said the Quéene makes me much more desirous to knowe him wherefore I will sende one to him for the same purpose Then I beséeche your Maiestie answered Alderina to sende one of my Pages who shall attend for him til the ende of the Tourney and then coniure him in your name that he send you worde of whence and what hee is and if he stand lothe to be known to resolue him from your Maiestie and me that no liuing creature shal bâ—…wraie him by our meanes Your counsell I verie well allowe saide the newe â—…aried Queene but I woulde that this Embassage should rather goe from you because hee remembring what knowledge you had of him at the Fountaine will happilie manifest himselfe vnto you rather then anie other Heerâ—…vppon Alderina called one of her Pages named Graciaâ—… artificiallie instructing him in his erranâ—…e to the Greene Knight that vsing instant intreatie accompanied with a singuler desire he should gaine the mâ—…ane to returne with his name and parentage All this while Belcar shewed such rare déedes of Chiualrie as hauing well laboured the aduersarie and none left that wouldâ—… confront him hee went aâ—… Coâ—…querour forth of the Lystes where he mette the two Knights that came with him thither who staied more destroâ—…s to note his behauiour in the â—…ight then to intrude themselues in place of such daunger and béeing not a little gladde of the honour he had doone them in that their companion bare awaie the palme of victorie they rode on eache side of him towardes their Tent béeing followed all the way by the Princesse Page who awayting due time to deliuer his message tooke Belcars Horse by the bridle and vsâ—…ng such meanes of secrete conference as Belcar stouped to heare him hee softlie thus whispered with him Sir â—…mght I wold it might like you to ride aside a little that I may deliuer a matter of secrete to you He who was so courteous and affable as anie man coulde be presentlie left his two companions when Gracian thus began his message My Lord Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus Durace hath at this time sent me to ye to let you vnderstand that she hath receiued iust cause of offence towards you in that shee â—…omming to sée this Tourney you disâ—…ained to make offer of your coÌ„panie Notwithstanding if you wil graunt one request that she makes by me forgetting al passed vngentlenes shee will gladlie leaue further to misdâ—…me of you My Fréend answered Belcar the thing must bee very difficult or unpossible that I woulde not enterprise to obtaine the gracious pardon of so choise a Ladie as is thy Mistresse it may bee that I haue trespassed in duetie towards her excellencie but in sooth meere ignorance of her estate was the onâ—…lie cause And when I left her at the Fountaine farre was my intent frâ—…m comming to this Tourney in so much as I was thereto in a manner constrayned notwithstanding excuses of as great importance as those I vsed to thy gentle Ladie It resteth nowe quoth the Page that you graunt my Mistresse her earnâ—…st desire which is to knowe what you are and why you conceale your selfe in such sorte for beholding your noble and valiant behauiour shee sets you beyond all other in her conceit and promiseth withall vâ—…der the word of so great a person as shee is not to reueale it to anie if you be willing it should be so Highlie may I commend my fortune said Belcar that a Princesse so gentle and perfect would daine to enquire after my poore deserts and though I had vowed to conceale my selfe from the whole world yet would I straine courtesie wyth that vowe for her sake Saie to her therfore courteous Page that my name is Belcar Nephewe to the Emperor of Constantinople and the cause why I woâ—…lde not willinglie be knowne to anie is the small portion of time since I receiued my Knighthoode and hauing not yet doone any thing worthie my name or to be accounted among the actions of honor I determined not to publish y e same vntil I might dâ—… it with gâ—…d testimony Thou maist also assure her froÌ„ me y e henceforth I shall serue as her deuoted Knight hoping vnder fauour of her name to gaine such account as I and mine shall remaine perpetually bound to her excellencie And when I haue accomplished anie thing that may be reputed worthy honourable commendation I wil come my selfe and offer therwithall to her my hart which hath receiued such an impression of obeysaunce to her as hencefoorth it will attempt nothing but in her sweete regarde Prâ—…fe may she make heereof in coÌ„maunding me for sâ—…ch is my desirâ—… to be imployed in her seruice as were I assured my death consisted in the attempt yet coulde not anie feare thereof with-holde me Let me further intreate her not to disclose my name to anie one because at this time I will not visâ—…te the â—…ing Florendos and the Quéene albeit I am so nâ—…re allied vnto them With this aunswere returned Gracian to his Ladie who attended his comming in great deuotion that he was no sooner entred the Chamber but she demaunded the successe of his message All wel Madame answered the Page but you must kéepe it very secret because the Knight himselfe hath so desâ—…red Which after she had faithfullie promised to doo hee tolde her that the Knight was Belcar Son to the King of
was excéeding braue bothe in attire and countenaunce for the hope he had to sée faire Philocrista to whom he hadde religiously dedicated hiâ—… hart Nowe set they forwarde in order to the Temple the Empresse with Phylocrista and her other Daughters accompanied the Bryde with al the Ladies of blood royal in the Courte so that iâ—… one shoulde sitte downe to decipher their sumptuous attire or els in speeches to coÌ„mende theyr surpassing beautie it would ouer-trauaile the eloquâ—…nce of Demosthenes or Cicero But Philocrista was the fayrest starre among them all which drewe the Prince Arnedes minde into such admiration as hadde not his eyes beene witnesses of the same hardlie coulde report haue induced him to beleeue it For euen as the Sunne the most excellent of all the Planettes she wing it selfe in the Horyzon dooth confounde the brightnes of all the starres together and dazels theyr eyeâ—… which long gaze theron euen so resembled the Princesse Philocrista whose celâ—…stiall portrature disgraced all the other Ladies and altred the iudgement of Arnedes in such sort as he reputed her far beyond the 〈◊〉 that appeared to the Sheephearde Paris on the Mountaine of Ida when of him she was iudged to bee fayrest of the three The Empresse and her Ladies all mounted on theyr Palfrayes with such pompe and state as was neuer séene the like Primaleon on a lustie Courser of Barbarie wyth rich caparisons after the Turkishe manner conducted the Bryde and Abenunco her Brother rode with the Princesse Philocrista Lecefin who looued her more aduisedlie rode on her other â—…e for coÌ„panies sake but Arnedes whoÌ„ loue impatiently ouermaistred vsed such meanes by managing his Horse as he gotte the Prince of Babilon out of his place mooued thereto by earnest desire that he might contemplate her beautie more easilie whereat Lecefin waâ—… meruailously offended conceiuing a mortall hatred â—…gaint him perceâ—…ing he had a ryuall in his loue Recind accompanied the Princesse Melicia who in his eye séemed bothe fayre and modest Rifarano telling her by the way that this Knight came with him which conquered the Countie and for his laudable vertues deserued estimation wherupon she began to conferre with Recinde which she coulde doo with singuler regarde in respecte of the rare gyfts bestowed on her by nature In breefe thys royall trayne is come to the Temple and there is the marriage sollemnlie effected returning to the Pallace with selfe-same maiestie they went thether What should we waste time in speaking of the Feaste when there is none so simple but considereth that the Feastes of Emperours exceede common repetition then may wee repute this sollemnitie aunswerable to that of the Gods made at y â— nuptialles of Peleus with the Goddesse Thetis After Dinner the Lordes and Ladies fell to dauncing a fitte occasion sor Louers to commune with theyr Ladies yet dyssembled with such cunning modestie as the eye and action were chéefe messengers of the hart eche Ladie holding such opinion of her beloued as their seuerall hope was for the honour of the Tourney The time béeing so passed ouer aâ—… the newe married couple must to y â— place of amourous contentation the Empresse with her Daughters brought Esquiuela into y â— briâ—… Chamber leauing her in bedde attending for the comming of the Bridegroome who was soone after honourably conducted thether by the Emperour and so committed to enioy her whom he had so long desired Now are y â— Knightâ—… close in their Chambers when Arnedes thus communed with Recinde What thinke yee Cozin of the beautie of Madaâ—…e Philocrista did you euer sée a more rare perfect creature right soone must I giue end to these vrgent affaires and ease the burthen of mine oueâ—…-charged spirit therefore wil I presentlie dispatch a Courrier to the King my Father that he may with spéede send honourable Embassadors to the Emperour whereby this desired mariage may be concluded Meane while I wil sound the bottome of this amorous floode and trie if the iudgement of fayre Philocrista bee aunswerable to her exeelling beautie and if the inward vertue agrée with the outward singuler perfections I may repute my selfe the happiest Knight in the world in compassing the looue of so inestimable a Iewell In sooth my Lord aunswered Recinde great cause haue ye to commend the Lady and I desire that the like fortunate successe may befall mee as I doubt not but will speedilie happen to you for on mine owne behalfe the grace and courtesie of Melicia hath giuen me a fauourable entrance which if it procéed not to my harts desire much better had it beene that I neuer had séene her With these wordes Arnedes embraced his Cozin saying Howe sweetlie dâ—…o these spéeches sound in mine eares séeing thereby thou art my trustie companion in all thinges lette this hope perswade thee that he on whom all actions doo depende wyll by his diuine bountie so direct our course as we shall enioy a succes-full ende If I spéede according to my harteâ—… content in thy cause will I endeuour my selfe to the vttermost therefore let vs continue our resolute courage and make the Grecians vnderstand that Fraunce yéelds as good Knights as anie Countrey els and thus concluding they slept for that night On the morrowe the Emperour the Empresse the Bride and the young Princesses went to the Scaffoldes richlie prepared for tâ—… sight of the Tourney where no boyde place was left but euery where filled with Lords Ladies and Gentlâ—…women Wonderfull was the resort of Knights and harâ—…ie Champions eche one in Armour verie costlie and curious hauing their fethers pendents and fauours deckt with the deuises and coullers of theyr Ladies as it was a most beautifull spectacle to beholde them yet héereon consists not the substance of our Historie Now stryue Lynedes and the Countie his Cozin like two furious Lyons to recouer the foyle they sustained by Arnedes who perceiuing this was the time teâ—…winne him honour when the Goddesse of his thoughts sate to beholde him welcommed the challengers as hee had doone before In like sort did Rifarano behaue himselfe for he vnhorsed euerie Knight that ranne against him But by this time iâ—… Ozalio got in through y â— thronge and he begins to deale with the Courtiers very roughlie which made the Lordes and Ladies wonder what hee was And then Palmendos séeing his Freende well wearied comes brauely prauncing into the fielde so disguised as Abenunco and Rifarano could not knowe him A while hee stoode regarding the Emperour his Father so honourably placed with his noble Lordes and Barons on the Scaffoldes then viewing the Empresse with her gracious traine of Ladies he wondred at such pompe and magnificence thus speaking to himselfe Soueraigne Creator and director of all thinges hâ—…w 〈◊〉 I bounde in duetie to thy Maiestie hauing made me the Sonne of such a Father as not 〈◊〉 is reputed the best Knight vnder heaueÌ„ but also is the mightiest Prince on the face of the earth Seeing then thou hast
am offended that thou didst promise Bruquell to acquaint mée with thâ—…se newes â—…ut séeing what hath happened cannot be preuented thou shalt then goe to Arnedes and tell him from me that I meruaile he would thrust himselfe into so manie perrils for which I account my selfe beholding to him and promise in requitall of his hard sufferings to accept of him as my loyall Husband if my gracious parents will so permit it with this condition that hee aduenture not the least spéeches hereof to me but hold himselfe suffised by knowing my will héerein And that I may bee assured of the vehement affection he beareth me desire him to feede on this aunswere as on the most soueraigne Balme or perfect Cataplasme that may soonest of all consolidate his woundes so hastening his cure and conualescence that if it may be he honour me with his presence to morowe After Philocrista had instructed Amenada in her Embassade she tooke Melicia aside to whom because they loued eche other with sincere 〈◊〉 Philocrista discouered this amorous intent and Uerbatim reported what the Dwarffe had tolde to her which discourse well contented Melicia cheefely when she heard that her Knight Recinde was of the royall blood of Castile By this time is Amenada come to the French Prince and hath deliuered the message from Philocrista wherwith he was so chéerfully animated as soone after he determined to forsake his bed but before the Dwarffe returned againe he desired her to conuay a French dittie to her Mistresse which for her sake he deuised that morning and withal to intreate the Maister of the Emperours Chappell to order it in partes after the arte of Muâ—…que the dittie was thus The finest Gold is by the touch discernd The Adamant the sturdie yron drawes The proofe heereof in loâ—…e may well be learnâ—… For by these twaine I shape a louers cause You Madame framed of the finest Golde Upon the touchstone of my hart is tryde And I composed of the yron molde Followe the vertues that in you abide Then sith the touch telles if the Gold be pure And rugged yron shewes the vertuous stone Take touch and yron both into your cure For Madame they belong to you alone After that Amenada had receiued this Dittie she saide to the Prince that shee coulde not tell howe her Mistresse would like of her bringing her such a presumptuous message yet if she were displeased therewith she woulde disguise euery thing so well as eache of them in the ende should receiue contentment So returning to y â— Princesse Philocrista she tolde in what eâ—…treamitie the Prince was for her loue and to mittigate his passions had framed that dittie which when she had read and well noted shee accounted her conquest greater then if shâ—… were possessed of all Asia Sundry times did the Empresse and her Dâ—…ghters visite the French Prince to the vnspeakeable contentment of the secrete Louers who awaited nothing but the comming of the French Embassadours for the confirmation of their long desired hope but let vs leaue them a while and come to Rifarano who is all this while in thâ—… searche of Palmendos CHAP. XIX Hoâ—… â—…ifarano beeing in the search of Palmendos â—…ette â—…th a Dwarffe traâ—…ailing toward the Emperour to complayne on the â—…rong a Knight had doone him and howâ—… to reuenge the Dwarffe and gratifye the Emperor heerein Rifarano went to combat with the Knight before hys Castell SIxe dayes together rode Rifarano after his departure frâ—…m Constantinople without hearing anie tydings of the Knight he sought for and nowe in the euening hée mette a Dwarffe on horsebacke accompanied wyth foure Squires oâ—… whom hee enquired likewise as concerning the Knight In sooth quoth the Dwarffe I saw not any such but tell me I pray yee from whence you nowe come From the Court of the Emperor Palmerin â—…unswered Rifarano Howe happy then am I sayd the Dwarâ—…fe to meete you here because I haue euermore heard that thence commeth manie good and vertuous Knightes wherefore I shall pray in respecte of the good I wishe to so benigne a Prince that you may soone finde the man you looke for and likewise that his Maiestie may pittie my cause in 〈◊〉 mee on a Knight that hath shamefullie oâ—…t-raged mee I giuing him no caâ—…se of offence in the world With these words he gaue a meruailous sigth whereuppon Rifarano desiring 〈◊〉 vnâ—…stande the cause the Dwarsfe thus begaâ—… Knâ—…we gentlâ—… Knight that albeit God hath fashioned me as ye sée yet did hee beâ—…tow on me riches possessions and among other thinges I haue a strong Castell not farre hence there fel I in louâ—… with a beautifull Damosell Daughter to a Gentleman my neere neighbour with whome I dealt in such sorte aâ—… soone after I enioyed her in mariage Liuing afterwarde in all prosperous felicitie wee walked abroade to recreatâ—… our selues in a pleasant field neer adioyning to my housewhere this proud and discourteous Knight who long laboured to haue my Wife in mariage and by reason of his euill conditions could not obtayne her came accompanied with two of his Kinsemen as badde disposed men as him selfe and there tooke my Wife perforce from me carying her to a Castell of his two dayes iourney hence where he kéâ—…peth her vnder strong guarde and hath sent me worde by one of his Squires that if I complayne heâ—…re of to aniâ—… liuing creature he will come kill me with his owne 〈◊〉 in my Castell Yet being vnable to endure this villainoâ—… oppression I am going to tell my cause to the Emperour Palmerin who I hope will speedilie doo me iustice herein beeâ—…ng a Prince thereto greatlie addicted as I haue heard report Rifarano meruailing at this horrible iniurie sayde to the Dwarffe Shewe me the Castell where the Knight abideth for I doubt not but to do so much in the right of thy cause as he shall yéelde recompence for this faulte feare heereafter to offer any one the like without any further troubling the Emperour heerein The Dwarffe accepting this frâ—…ndlie offer that night lodged Rifarano at hys Castell where hee was excéeding well entertained and â—…n the morrow taking sixe Squires with them râ—…de to the Knights Castelâ—… where espying one vpon the walles Rifarano demaunded if his Lorde were within Mary is he answered â—…he Squire on the walles hee is nâ—…we sporting himselfe with that tall â—…llowes loue but I am sorie that you would be so badlie councelled quoth he to Rifarano as to come ende your life in this place Be not thou so careful â—…or me aunswered Rifarano but goe lette thy Maiâ—…ter vnâ—…erstand that I woulde speake two or three wordes wyth hiâ—… â—…n matters that greatlie concerne his honour The Squire went presentlie to his Maister who hearing that the Dwarâ—…e had brought a Knight with him tooke the Gentle woman by the hande and brought her with him to a windowe where opening the Casements y â— they might see her said Knight that didst call me hether say boldly
him but all was in vaine shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe-willed therein Wherupon the Quéene hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded vnderstanding the obstinate refusall of the Damosell she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Quâ—…ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court But these prayers and requests nothing auailed to mooue any pittie in this inexorable Damosell which the Quéene perceiuing and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie she made a sollemne othe that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and flaunderous that her selfe should die a most shamefull death The Damosel séeing the Queene so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina wherfore she alighted from her Palfray and falling at the Quéenes féete desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to y â— King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Maiesties sake shée was coÌ„tent to pardon both y â— Knights The Queene embraced her in signe of thankâ—…s sâ—…nding word to Recinde that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace and bothe the Champiâ—…ns acccmpanied the King who bringing them to their Chambers commaunded that his cheâ—…fe Physitions and Chirurgions should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed Dailie woulde the Queene accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter come to visite them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amitie and shortly after the Queene in regarde of her promise caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married when Belcar made her openly confesse that her accusations were mâ—…st false and vntrue in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Bretheren before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell But leaue we these and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio were embarqued for Turkie they landed at a port neere the Cast ell of Albayzo where the King of Thessalie was kept prisoner and howe Palmendos intended to bee at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captaines sonne and what was his successe AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Quéene of Thessalie her daughter Francelina they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship the Marriners hauing in the time of their abode there happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame sâ—…cknes wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arriuall he had verie wâ—…ll recouered his health He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie desired to graunt him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenes hee would direct him whether hee pleased because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the 〈◊〉 and most of the Citties and Townes on the land Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patrone and without concluding to what place they would first saile hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tubant demaunding of the Turke if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place My Lord quoth the Turke I will conduct ye if you please into a straight of the Sea which is verie secret where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels and no other place of lodging is néere at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant and thâ—… like from the Castell of Albayzo where the great Turke at this present kéepeâ—… the king of Thessaâ—…e and all his treasure vnder the charge of a good â—…night who is the Captaine of the Castell and this plâ—…ce hee reputeth aâ—… the strongest holde in all the Countrey Moreouer this I â—…are 〈◊〉 Sir that there is no part so little in all that Coâ—…ntrey but I knowe it as well by night as by day â—…uen as perfectly as the porte whereof I tell ye there may you abide in 〈◊〉 and dâ—…e what best your selfe shall please vncontrouled by any this wyll I make good for â—…e gâ—…eat 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 found Palmendos seing how Fortune faâ—…oured him coâ—…mitted his conducting to the Turke who was named Orycano when at length they came to the porte neere Tuâ—…ant then Oricano went on shore with the Knightes to take some order for their good entertainement but â—…nding not his father at home entreated his mother 〈◊〉 two bréethren who were not a little glad of his â—…afe return to vse those Gentlemen so curteouâ—…y as might be expressing what kindenesse hee hád found at their hands Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret and â—…éere Albayzo Castell where the Kâ—…ng of Thâ—…ssalie was detained in captiuitie yet kept he on his rich black Armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia his good sworde likewise hee had by his side wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion most artiâ—…cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds the whoâ—… sheath béeing composâ—…d of one the mosse-barre and pomell of an other and the handle of the crost raâ—…e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde in bréefe the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde By this time Orycanos father was come home who reioycing to beholde his Sonne shewed very louing 〈◊〉 to the princeâ—… for his sake wheâ—… among other talke Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came â—…o late whereto the poore man humblie 〈◊〉 answerâ—…d I come Sir from a Town not far hence whether I went in the morning to sell fish becauâ—…e greatâ—… number of Knightes are assembled there againâ—… thâ—… mariage of the Lordes daughter with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and I staied the longer â—…o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister who is reported to bee the fairest woman in the worlde By manie great Priâ—…ces she hath béene requâ—…sted in mâ—…riage but â—…he hath refused euery one saying she will neuer be marriâ—…d but with him that can winnâ—… her by Martiall prâ—…wcsse for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third daye of the feast haue appointed a Tourney for her loue the resort being so great to sée this Ladie as iâ—… the great Turke with all his Bassaes aâ—…d 〈◊〉 kept Court there Palmendos attentiuely noting this tale conâ—…idered