where the two Giants and all their Knights were either slain or vanquished Thus was this fight happily ended to the eternal honor of Don Bellianis The Damsels of the Princess presently applyed some remedies to the wounds of Don Bellianis his Knights and then every one mounting his horse they rid on the Prince Baltasano was very thankful for this assistance and promised Don Bellianis an eternal friendship thus they rode on together sometime till at length the Princess her brother were resolved not to procéed in their journey with so slight a guard but to go back to Babylon to which place they invited Don Bellianis who made his excuses for the present promising them that within a moneth he would not fail to wait upon them there and thus after many several discourses they coming to a way that went towards Babylon they took their leaves of Don Bellianis and parted thither-wards leaving him and his Knights to travel to the City of Shyraz to méet with the Princess Persiana and Duke Alfiron CHAP. XIV How Don Bellianis and his Knights overtook the Princess Persiana Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Company and how they all entred into the City of Shyraz DOn Bellianis and his Knights travelled so fast that within thrée hours after they overtook their company for the Princess and her Husband made but easie marches and had stayed at a Town not far off to dinner When Don Bellianis came before the Duke and the Princess they asked him how he had sped in his Enterprize whereupon he gave them such an account that they rested very well satisfied they were now come within two leagues of Shyraz and many of the Nobility had already come to them to give them the welcome which they thankfully received After they had passed the Tapyrian Mountains they came to a great River called Bradamir which watereth the City and afterwards falleth into the Persian Gulph with twenty miles circling about on the land when they came near the City it was the pleasantest thing in the world to behold so stately a Building twenty stately Temples appeared at one time and the Pallace with its lofty Towers made an extraordinary splendor in the eyes of the spectators Infinite was the resort of the Plebeans that came out to behold their New King and Quéen and when they were a mile off from the City the Chief Magistrates came out to do their homage to the King and Quéen and in this manner they entred the City which is one of most ancient and famous throughout all that part of the World Here Art Magick was first hatched Here Nimrod after the Confusion of Babel lived and was buried Here Cyrus the most excellent of Heathen Princes was born and all but his head intombed Here the Great Alexander glutted his ambition and drunkenness Here the first Sybilla sung our Saviors Incarnation Hence the Magi are thought to set forth toward Bethelem and here many Kings have swayed their Scepters in fine it is a place defended by nature inricht by trade by art made lovely the Vineyards Gardens Cypresses and Temples ravish the eye and smell in every part swéet and delightful These excellent persons were received into this most delightsome place with a great deal of solemnity and joy and in all the principal places of that City and all other places of the nation they were immediately Proclaimed King and Quéen of Shyra z Lar and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormis Maqueroon Kermoen Chusestam Sigestan and Farsestan Prince and Princess of the Gulph of Persia and of the Isles there These were the titles and great was the joy and acclamations of all that vast kingdom which reaches above six hundred miles round about If I should recite to you the many shews pageants and triumphant arches that were built and the several congratulatory Spéeches that were that day made to their new King and Quéen I should as much weary you with the reading and my self with the writing thereof as they were that day wearied with the hearing of them and indeed they were so tedious that although they came to the City by two of the clock afternoon yet was it nine of the clock at night before they came to the pallace whither they being arrived they dismissed most of their subjects and being much wearied they went to take their ordinary repose which thorough weariness every one enjoyed except Don Bellianis whose desires were wholly fixed on the incomparable Florisbella from whose presence he had béen so long absent that he was in great doubt of his reception into her service but the promise that day made him by the Princess Mattarosa did somewhat consolate his disturbed fancy Thus spent he the whole night in continued contemplations till day appearing he rose and went to salute the King and Quéen and humbly besought them since he had séen them safely received into their kingdom they would be pleased to give him leave to depart about his more weighty affairs This discourse much troubled them hoping that they should enjoy his company for a longer season but since he was so desire us to be gone they prayed him that he would do them so much honor as to stay ten days longer in which time they intended to be Crowned Don Bellianis not well knowing how to deny any thing to persons so bliging consented to this Request provided that as soon as the Solemnity was ended they would no longer desire to detain him from his other Adventures To which they both engaged themselves and thereupon that day the King issued forth his Commands to all persons concerned to repair to the Court on that day seven-night to assist at the Ceremonies which were accustomed at the Coronation with free liberty for all Knights as well Christians as Pagans to go and come at the same time and during their stay to shew their Valor and Manhood in Tilting Iousting and all other Knighty Exercises This Proclamation being sent abroad occasioned many knights to resort to the Court so that by the time prefixed for the Triumph as well the fields adjoyning to the City as the City it self was filled with Knights so that it was a most delectable sight to behold and most delicious to hear the sound of so many Warlike Instruments as was at that time heard And the King caused certain Earls to be made on the out-side of the City within which the Knights were to Tilt and perform their Déeds of Knighthood and caused a Throne to be placed there for himself and his Quéen and Seats for the rest of the Nobility where they might sit and sée the Tournaments and he further ordained twenty Knights of his own who were commanded by one Don Lorino Son to his Brother Don Gorino a young and hardy Knight to resist all strange Knights These things being thus ordained all people waited with a great deal of impatience till the appointed day for the Solemnity of the Conoration was come which day being now come
came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did well enough to maintain the Fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that they caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner flie This gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the néerer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those who fled informed themselves of the manner of the Fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolved to receive them but they still made haste and arriving néer the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirâ—ops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blyws they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had dismounted and stain above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with their Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him He coming néerer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great pains have you taken to come thus far to my assistance The Phenician courteously replyed to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me Then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Fliorispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keyes and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through the Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he flew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were néer him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him Greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself so assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to see who it was that hindred his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead None of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up néer the City walls and the Prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he
your Commands which though it was altogether untrue yet he expected your Daughter as a Guerdon of his merit accordingly your Highness though much against the good will and liking of your said Daughter caused them to be Married but he for his other wicked doings was justly slain and the Knight of the Golden Image and his companions vindicated her credit and mine as to your Highness is fully known but such was the continual anger of your Highness that contrary to the word of so great a Personage you kept me in prison till both my self and your Daughter were released by means of the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and many other Knights who with your Daughters free consent caused us to be lawfully Married as in justice we ought whereupon your Highness hath since still followed us with all the violence possible endeavoring to destroy us but the Gods be praised we have hitherto valiantly defended our selves from all your Forces and question not still to do But however our inclination to peace is such that we humbly and heartily desire it and that you will give us your Royal word for the same in expectation of which or of such other Answer as you shall send I rest Your Son and Subject Duke Alfiron This Letter being read the Souldan was much perplexed that any one should in so open a manner declare his unjust actions and charge him with unjustice told the messenger that he might depart and the next day he would send an Answer by a messenger of his own The Knight being gone the Souldan and his Son entred into consultation what was necessary to be done and the Knight of the Images knowing that the Emperor of Greece and his Son Don Bellianis and many of their kindred were in the Camp of Duke Alfiron for they had learned so much by some prisoners they had taken of the Emperors Army they therefore resolved to be revenged of all their wrongs in general and that they might the more easily bring their determination to pass they concluded that the Knight of the Images the two brothers Caroliano and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace should enter in Combate with the Emperor of Greece his Son Don Bellianis Duke Alfiron and any other Knight of their Army and in order to this their resolution the Souldan writ a Letter and sent it to the Camp according as he had promised The messenger that carried the Answer of the Souldan arriving at the Camp was conducted to the Tent of the Emperor where he and the rest of the Commanders being assembled he delivered the Cartel to Duke Alfiron who immediately causing the same to be opened they read as followeth The Letter of the Souldan to Duke Alfiron and his Companions I Know not what reason thou hadst to contradict or hinder our will in the marriage of our Daughter to Don Gallaneo or any other to whom it was our pleasure to bestow her but that thou wouldest shew thy self false to our Imperial Crown and Dignity in taking part with our greatest enemies and those whom we have the greatest cause to hate such as is the Emperor of Greece and his Son and many of the Knights of their linage by whose help and assistance thou hast falsly stollen away our Daughter and dost still unjustly detain her and with whose help thou endeavorest to destroy this our Empire contrary to thy Allegiance Therefore we let thee to understand that our pleasure is that thou either presently send us our daughter and assist us in the destruction of those Christians our mortal enemies or prepare thy self to be chastised according to thy demerits but if thou thy self and they are still so hardy to resist us we have given leave to our noble Son Perianeo our Cousins Caroliana and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace to meet thee and the said Emperor and his Son and any other Knight you shall chuse to mortal Combat promising that our Army shall not during the Combat hinder you and we expect your performance of the same conditions This if you will do we shall be ready to perform tomorrow before our City gates this is all at present from Your Lord the Souldan Great was the amazement of the Duke Alfiron and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and the rest of the Pagan Knights when they understood that the Emperor of Greece and his Son and kinsmen were those who they had so long entertained amongst them but they were soon satisfied when the Emperor Don Bellaneo arose from his seat and spake as followeth KIngs of Armenia and Tessifanty and Duke Alfiron with all the rest of your Companions it cannot be unknown to you how unjustly the Souldan your Master has endeavored oftentimes to take away my life as the undertaking of Don Gallaneo doth sufficiently testifie and I do not conceive but any of you being so wronged would use his utmost endeavors to revenge himself in order to which I came from Constantinople accompanied with these Forces but they have done little yet in prosecution of my revenge As for my Son he came not hither to injure the Souldan but to do justice to the Princess of Aurora who is truly Princess of Antioch and to destroy that Usurper Don Gallaneo who usurped the same Since our arrival many occasions have presented themselves whereby we have lost much blood in your Cause and have wronged none of you and do resolve still to continue constant to you till we shall cause the Emperor to do you justice and that shall be our satisfaction therefore resolve your selves what Answer to return him for I and my Son will undertake the Combat After the Emperor had finished his Spéech the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty thanked him and his Son and the rest of the Knights for what they had said and done and resolved that since the cause at present was but to bring the Souldan to do Iustice that they would still continue with them and force him to do it or venture their lives and fortunes in the compelling him thereto And Duke Alfiron who was one of the persons that was challenged answered That he was of the same opinion with them and thanked the Emperor his Don and the rest for the assistance they had given him and told them that he was willing to accept the Combat propounded whereupon Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia desired that he might be the other Combatant which was granted and the Messenger was sent to the Souldan to signifie the same accordingly CHAP. IV. Of the Combat between the Eight Knights and of the end thereof NO sooner had the Golden Charioteér of Heaven set forward on his dayly Iourney to illuminate the world with the refulgent Beams of his Countenance but all our Combatants prepared themselves for the Combat Don Bellianis of Greece in whose heart was not onely revenge but jealousie desired that he might combat with his Rival Perianeo Knight of the Images The good Emperor his Father resolved to
during life and concluding her Spéech she shed many tears To which the Souldan replyed That her disobedience to his Commands had occasioned the loss of the lives of many of his Subjects and that therefore she might expect the Gods to be continually angred with all her undertakings but as for his part séeing she had made so frée a Confession of her fault he did fréely forgive her and then arising from his Throne he came down and took her by the hand and raised her from the ground and then caused the Duke Alfiron to arise to whom he gave her wishing the Gods to bless them Thus this being done to the content of all that were present the Souldan commanded the Tables to be covered and desired the strangers to sit down to Dinner promising in the Afternoon to give them satisfaction in order to a general Peace CHAP. VIII How the Wars were ended between the Souldan and the Emperor and a Peace concluded for ten years NO sooner was Dinner ended but the Souldan entring into his Council Chamber sent for Don Bellianis and Don Brianel and told them that since he was satisfied in his Daughters Marriage which had béen the greatest cause of these Wars it should be at their own dispose whether they would have Peace or War The Souldan having understood formerly of the Affairs of that Kingdom and that it was now in the possession of her Deputies granted the Request of Don Bellianis on condition that She and her Heirs would for the future pay the accustomed Tribute the which she on her part promised to perform The next thing that was propounded was Peace betwéen the Emperor and the Souldan which the Souldan consented to hold firmly for ten years And to conclude all promised a frée Pardon to the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty who were his Tributaries Whereupon Don Bellianis and Don Brianel departed from the Souldan to carry this News to the Camp where the Chief being assembled joyfully received the News and for that night made continual Bone-fires so that both in the City and Camp it was all night as light as day The next morning early a Messenger arrived in the Camp to give an Invitation to the Emperor and the rest of those great Lords to come into the City to dine with the Souldan which Invitation was accepted of and accordingly about Eleven of the Clock they all set forwards and so entred the City being attended with great Ceremonies and Pomp by many of the Souldans Knights As soon as they came near the Pallace the Souldan had notice thereof and came to receive them and although till now they had béen the greatest enemies in all the world yet the Souldan and the Emperor embraced one another with much fréedom and amity And thus the Souldan received all the rest of the principal Knights and so conducted them into the Great Hall of the Pallace where all things were provided for Dinner in most sumptuous manner which being ended the Souldan and Emperor ratified and confirmed the Peace which had béen before concluded on And to signifie his love to Duke Alfiron he then gave unto him the Kingdom of Shyraz which was a place under his subjection and belonged to his Empire and then the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana his wife were immediately owned by all for King and Quéen of Shyraz Nothing was now wanting in the Court of Persia to give it its full lustre but the presence of the Prince Perianeo whose absence much discontented the Souldan All things being thus fortunately concluded the Souldan disbanded his Army and the Emperor sent his away by Sea under the command of Sabian of Trebanto who accordingly embarqued himself and within ten days departed there was nothing now wanting but to put the two Princesses in possession of their Kingdoms the Princess Aurora into her Kingdom of Antioch and the Princess Persiana and her husband into possession of the Kingdom of Shyraz for which purpose he writ Letters to the present Governor to give them possession thereof the Princess Aurora desired the company of some Knights to go with her the first that offered his service was Don Brianel and then Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly because they had formerly béen there desired to attend her and so did Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia his Cousin these all chose to attend the Princess Aurora On the other side Don Bellianis desired his Father to permit him to attend the Princess Persiana and her Husband to Shyraz and he chose rather to go thither because it was néerest to Babylon where his beloved Princess did remain and to which place he intended to go His Father intending to carry him home with him hardly consented to this separation but at length at the intreaty of the Princess and her Husband he was content provided his Son engaged to return home again in six moneths which he consented to do They that accompanied the Princess besides were the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty so that there was not any left to accompany the Emperor home but Arsileo Prince of Hungary and Don Gorino was sent back to the City of Bollera to signifie the conclusion of the Peace Thus all were appointed to travel onely Boraldo Don Fermosel and Crisalaneo who stayed with the Souldan Things being thus concluded every person after they had taken leave of the Souldan within two days after departed CHAP. IX How the Princess Aurora and Don Brianel with the rest of their Company arrived at Antioch and what happened to them there That which the Quéen took first into her consideration was the ordering of her houshold and the first Officer she made was the Controller thereof which Office she gave to Don Brianel intending ere long to make him Controller of her person This joy continued many days and many were the Iousts and Tournaments that were exercised to delight the quéen in which exercise the Knights that accompanied her thither still bore away the prize however the Count Gariano demeaned himself like a valliant and hardy knight maintaining the Iousts for one day against all Knights-adventurers in which time he dismounted above twenty Knights The Quéen understanding one day that Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano intended to leave her Court and to go séek out adventures else where resolved before their departure to consummate her marriage with Don Brianel to whom she communicated the matter and he had demeaned himself so courteously that he questioned not but that it would be to the general satisfaction of her Nobility and therefore knowing the minde of the Princess he discovered it to Damartino and Gariano and several others of the Nobility and the next day the Quéen being in Counsel one of her Nobility propounded a husband to her which proposition was no sooner made but the general debate of the Counsel was of that matter and after several propositions Don Brianel was by several of
he had left behind at the water followed him He thus being arrived at the City fortified it both within and without and sent thoroughout his Empire to all places for help resolving to make that place the seat of war for else he knew that the Souldans Forces would follow him further The next day after their departure Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those he had left at the water side wherefore he marched down thither but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken which when he had done he passed over with his whole Army resolving to pursue his enemy which he did accordingly and thus in good order he marched till he arrived néer the City of Pharez where he saw that the enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town so that all he did at present was to encamp himself néer them which when he had done he prepared to give them an assault which he did as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVI How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez sent Ambassadors to Albanta Georgia Muscovia and several other Kings his Allies to help him in his Wars with the Souldan of Babylon and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City DOn Bellianis being extreamly desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy before any other help came to him that he might acquire the more honor thereby resolved to set upon his enemies Camp that was without the City and if possible force them to retire into the City that he might lay a close Siege thereto and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions In order to which resolution after his men had rested themselves he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there took care for fresh supplies for he not onely sent thorough all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance such as were the Kings of Albania Georgia and the Emperor of Muscovia desiring them not to fail him in this occasion and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition and had such good success in their Embassies that the Emperor had great assistance as you shall hear hereafter In the mean time knowing that he had not onely a valiant but a politick enemy to deal with he kept strict Guards both within and without the City lest he should be surprized Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took did surprize him for having drawn out a Squadron of fifty thousand Knights the most accomplished in the whole Army caused them to put a piece of white silk or cloth in their Helmets that they might know one another though in the dark and in the middle of the night when his enemies expected no such matter he came to the Camp and killing the Centinels fell in among the Emperors Forces and slew many of them before they could arm themselves and such was their confusion in the dark that they without knowledge slew one another not knowing their enemies from friends by reason of the darkness of the night and their not being acquainted with his stratagem In this manner he run thorough the Camp and being followed by the best of his Army came to the walls of the City desiring them to open perswading the Guards that they were of their own party telling them that they must néeds speak with the Emperor but the Guards who had commands to the contrary went immediately to the Emperor and told him thereof who arising from his bed came to the wall and then he very well understood that the Army was alarmed wherefore he refused to open the Gates not knowing whither they were of his own Army or Enemies Don Bellianis perceiving this and that it would be to little purpose to continue there departed and so returned thorough the enemies Camp killing and staying all that were in his way and so being gone thorough the Camp and passed all the Guards he caused the retreat to be sounded which his Souldiers hearing soon understood the meaning thereof and so left the Camp and came to him who when they were câ—â—e fairly retreated to their own Quarters But Don Bellianis who had an intent to surprize the City and fayling therein as you have heard was somewhat vexed but however he considered that he done them a sufficient mischief for he had killed above twenty thousand of his enemies and came off with the loss of not above five hundred men This action gave the Emperor a sensible displeasure and did resolve if possible to revenge it but he could not at present put his resolves into execution wherefore he gave strict commands to kéep double Guards and more strict Watches hoping in short time to have such aid that he might be able not onely to revenge that loss but to beat his Foes out of the field But before any Forces came to his assistance Baltasano Prince of Numidia arrived at the Camp of Don Bellianis with one hundred thousand men and with new Orders from the Souldan that if the Emperor would pay the cost of the War and disband his Forces that then he should have peace otherwise that they should prosecute the War against him to the utmost such was the desire and inclination that the Souldan had for peace These Orders much troubled Don Bellianis being very discontented that the War must end and that he could not sacrifice the life of his rival fearing him so long as he should live lest he should so propound the having of the Princess Florisbella as the Souldan should accept of it and indéed when the prepositions were sent to the Emperor he was willing to accept of them provided be might have the Princess for his Wife otherwise he would stand to the utmost hazard of the war not questioning but by the help of his Allies and Friends but that he should not onely be able to beat his enemies out of his Country but to assault them in theirs and give them such trouble that the Souldan would be willing to propound his Daughter for a composition of the War This Answer being returned to the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano displeased them both but the anger that Don Bellianis was in at this proposition was so great that I am not able to express it for rising from the place where he sat he delivered this answer to the messenger Go tell thy Master that so long as the Souldan of Babylon has Subjects in his whole Empire that he shall never compel him to such baseness as the prostituting his most Royal Daughter to one so base and unworthy and were all the treasure of the Souldan exhausted all his Subjects slain and none left in his whole Empire to defend him yet I would
saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other and so they both agréed to retire to their own Forces to sée how the Fight was maintained and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries they arrived at their own Camp where they saw the two Knights of Hope and the Flaming Sword bravely engaged with six couragious Knights and yet they defended themselves very valorously they soon joyned with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights In the mean time the Emperor being frée endeavored to withdraw his Forces and coming to the two Kings of Albania and Georgia after some Complements he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces which being done they all retired into the City but with the loss of twenty thousand men Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very gates When they were entered the City the Emperor conducted the two Kings to the Pallace where he entertained them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenthed themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with all his Forces issued out of the City with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparrel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into his Enemies Camp where with his own arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followed him imitating his example slew many of their enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition be furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleaved him down-right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were néer him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom he at length found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side Thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both parties that came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which that they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran furiously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his Stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights before he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way thorough all this Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he reached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off of one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and
should willingly not only hear her but also give her consent thereto provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valor deserving and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto The Princess Mattarosa very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in procéeding replyed That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valor Vertue and Princely Descent in the whole world and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to and says she I shall not néed to name him further for this Character does sufficiently testifie that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece The Emperess replyed That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughters minde and says she I am sure that he has deserved more of her than all men living and could I finde that she would be willing to accept of him I would not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you this but also to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever stâ—ce I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a person not onely fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his minde herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefâ—re they all wished for an end of the War In these tearms they were when a Knight armed at all points came into the presence of the Souldan and dâ—ing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupâ—n the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord SInce my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for although your Forces did rather diminish than increase yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Souldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavors we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Souldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Souldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your Incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I finde my self capable of any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that He himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given
me a very sensible trouble not for any thing of difficulty I met therein but for my absence from your Divine Presence but now thanks to the Gods we have put a period thereto the justice of your Cause commanding no less for we have not onely sacrificed the lives of many of your Enemies to your just Anger but I have in my custody the persons of two of the most considerable the Emperor your Grand Enemy and the King of Georgia one of his Alliance I beg an excuse for my not giving you a particular account of our Battel and Victory doubting the tediousness thereof would displease you I shall bring the Emperor my Rival into your presence but I suppose he will not be so impudent as to persevere in his wilfulness of having your divine Person at his dispose nor at the least discontent you if I thought he would I should hinder him there-from by bereaving him of his life It was my intention to have sacrificed his life long since to your just displeasure and thereby have rid my self of a Rival but he fell into my hands at such a time that I could not in point of Honor kill him wherefore he shall come and receive his Doom from your own mouth and I am indifferent whether you give him life or death so you will pronounce so favorable a sentence for me that I may enjoy that with your good will which he would have compelled you to Madam I hope and partly expect your performance of this not for any merit or desert of my own but out of the excess of goodness and mercy the Gods have so plentifully endued you withal Madam I shall now cease writing till I come to your presence but be confident of this that I shall never cease to be The humblest of your Servants Don Bellianis The Princess was sufficiently satisfied in the receipt of this Letter but she hoped for a further satisfaction in that of his presence which she expected in a few days and was glad she had used the late discourse with her Mother Thus was both Court and City in great content and the Souldan the next day went out of the City accompanied by his Nobility and others to méet the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions CHAP. XXXV How the Souldan of Babylon met the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and how they all arrived at the City of Babylon VVIth great content and pleasure did the Souldan and all his company ride to méet Don Bellianis and all his Companions who were all merry and jocund for the good fortune they had in vanquishing their Enemies but he who was best pleased was Don Bellianis himself in that he was now so néer the presence of his Honorable Lady at whose hands he hoped to receive so much favor as would sufficiently satisfie him for all his pains and travel Thus did they all ride on when coming within half a days Iourney of Babylon a Messenger came to them to inform them that the Souldan himself in person and several of his Grandées and Nobility were in the way coming to méet them At which news they all put themselves in order to receive him and so in very good order they marched forwards Don Bellianis being mounted on a stately Horse came in the Front riding betwéen his two Princely Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore next to them came the four valiant Knights Contumeliano of Phenicia Fliorispiano of Swevia Peter of Ireland and Trion Knight of the Wolf and all the rest of the other Knights and great Personages in good order In this equipage and order did they march when the Souldan and his followers met them At the fight of whom Don Bellianis lightly leaping from his horse marched on foot to the Souldan who séeing him dismounted did likewise alight and Don Bellianis falling on his knée humbly desired the Souldan to permit him to kiss his hands but the Souldan refusing that caused him to arise and then the other Knights being come together the Souldan having embraced Don Bellianis with much affection in the sight of all those many worthy Personages in the hearing of them all he said as followeth Most mighty Prince We have great cause to be thankful to the Gods for the mercy they have shewed us in sending you into this Countrey at a time when We were in so great distress for without your presence we had all ere this bin in so great a strait that our fortunes nay our very lives had been in very great hazard there is none of us here but if he enjoys Wife Children or Estate or Liberty is obliged to you for the protection thereof so that this whole Empire is of right belonging to you it having been so marvellously protected and miraculously defended by your invincible Valor Therefore most noble Prince as all We have or enjoy is absolutely your right to possess so let Us know what or how We shall make you some satisfaction As for Our own part Our Self Our Emperess and Our Daughter shall be wholly at your dispose and We shall all joyfully obey your just Desires or Commands knowing that the Gods who have endowed you with so much Valor have certainly bestowed on you the like quantity of Virtue and therefore most Noble Prince let Us know your desires and they shall be absolutely obeyed Don Bellianis held his peace with very much difficulty being very unwilling to hear the Souldan go on in such Commendations of him but withal he was unwilling to disturb him till he had done but so soon as he saw he had ended his Discourse he thus replyed Most redoubted Souldan I am very sorry that I should give your Highness so much trouble as to come thus far to meet your poor Servants but much more discontented and ashamed that you should here before this Noble Company heap so many commendations on me who have acted the least of all this Company but if I had done any thing worthy of note it is no more than I am bound by the Order of Knighthood and the Bonds of Civility and true Vertue to do for what I have done hath been to relieve the oppressed and nothing but Justice with which Actions the Heavens are pleased we should exercise our selves and for that end are we created one bare acknowledgement is a sufficient recompense but what I have performed has been by vertue of the Commands of that Incomparable Princess your Daughter who hath made me so happy as to admit me to be her Servant and in whose just Quarrel I shall dare to do any thing that she shall further command me not questioning but her goodness will give me a reward sufficient and if you please to let me continue her Servant and give me freedom in that I shall esteem my self in the greatest height of happiness To this the Souldan replyed Prince of Greece I am so far satisfied in my Daughters minde that she has not onely a great esteem of
your Vertues but also an affection for your Person and if you are pleased with her and think the enjoyment of her Person will be any recompense for your great Labors be confident that you may have a free possession thereof and We shall think Our selves happy that We can have so brave a Prince for Our Son in Law by whose power and magnanimity we question not but we shall be able to defend this Empire Don Bellianis having heard this immediately fell on his knées and notwithstanding all the resistance of the Souldan kissed his hand and straitly embracing him in most humble manner thus replyed Ah Mighty Sir What Thankes or Returnes am I able to make for this so immense and most desireable Favour were I possessed of the whole Worlds Empire I should yet esteem my self too mean a person to enjoy so great a happiness as that of the Person of your Incomparable Daughter whose rare Perfections commands all the Potentates in the whole World to be at her dispose And Sir assure your self that for the future it shall be my endeavor to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forward and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came néer the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliments and made a Congratulatory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the middle of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Fetters of God and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladies The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her Divine Countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies representing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious than the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazled the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess away he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly Banquet being prepared they all sat down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was Married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Solemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came thither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to render their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were extream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness these great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by
was ready to have descended the wall entred the City when the Emperor himself and several other valiant Knights in his company came and resisted him Many fierce and hardy blows were given and received on both sides for they had both an implacable hatred to each other and the Emperor knowing that if he could vanquish that enemy he should easily force the rest to retire laid mighty strokes on the Knight of the Images so that in the end he put him quite out of breath and inforced him to retire from the wall in despight of all the resistance he could possibly make all this while the rest of the Knights and Giants on both sides were not idle but did their uttermost endeavors the one to possess and the other to defend the wall which indéed was so well guarded by so many valiant and magnanimous Knights that indéed the flower of all Chivalry was there present and therefore the Moat which incompassed the City was in a manner filled with the blood and dead bodies of the assaylants which the Souldan perceiving and knowing that his presence was required and indéed more necessary in another place he caused his Forces to retreat which he could hardly effect in regard of the desperateness of the Fight in all places at last he withdrew his Forces and finding that he had gained nothing but that this Onset had cost him the lose of fifty thousand men he resolved to depart that night and retire to Persepolis Those in the City séeing their enemies withdrawn in good order returned to their several Quarters where they greatly rejoyced in their good fortune The Emperor and his Son with all the rest of those couragious Knights resolving the next day to issue out of the City and set upon their enemies in the open field but when the next morning was come and they were ready to put this their resolution in execution they found that all their enemies were departed having taken the benefit of the night for that purpose wherefore they went and disarmed themselves and then went again to counsel where they resolved to do as followeth CHAP. III. How Don Bellaneo the Emperor and the rest of the Knights and Forces followed the Souldan to Persepolis and that which happened there THe Emperor Don Bellaneo and the rest of the Knights being entred into council it was concluded that every one should provide himself to depart from that City and follow the Souldan They very well knowing that the Forces of the Emperor under the command of Don Clarineo being arrived at Persepolis and the Souldan being informed thereof was the cause of his so sudden departure wherefore Don Alfiron the Emperor Don Bellianis the rest of the Knights went immediately to put their Forces in readiness which when they had done they came to the Court to the Ladies to take their farewel of them The Princess Persiana was much troubled and perplexed that she should so soon leave her husband the Duke and was greatly discontented that all this war was occasioned thorough her Marriage with the Duke whereby the lives of so many brave Knights were put into continual jeopardy wherefore she besought the Duke her Husband Don Bellaneo and his son Don Bellianis to use their uttermost endeavors to reconcile this difference betwéen her husband and her Father without the effusion of any more blood which they promised to endeavor The Princess Aurora was likewise much troubled that her affairs was thus hindred by these Wars but her discontent was the greater in that Don Brianel and she must part wherefore she applied her self to Don Bellianis and calling him Her Deliverer desired him to make all the haste he could possible in his return thither that he might put her in possession of her Kingdom which he promised to do but she not satisfied with this desired that some one of his companions might be left in that City for the guard thereof He thereupon resâ—lved to give her all the pleasure he could told her that he would so order it that Don Brianel should be left behind for that purpose at the naming of whom she blushed and returned him thanks therefore So he took his leave of her and of the two Damsels that belonged to the Princess Florisbella and departed to his Father and the rest of the Knights telling them what he had promised to the Princess Aurora and that it was necessary to leave Don Brianel for guard of the City which was accordingly done Thus these brave Warriors left the City in guard of Don Brianel and ten thousand men and marched onward to Persepolis with sixty thousand men The Emperor and his company with easie matches at length arrived neer Persepolis where they found Don Clarineo with all his Forces ready to receive them who informed them that the night before the Souldan and his Son with all the rest of the Army arrived there and with the loss of many men had entred the City Thus these Forces being united made a very considerable Army and therefore Duke Alfiron did not question but he should in short time compel the Souldan his Father in Law to consent to his Marriage and therefore he desired that the rest of the Knights would give him leave to write to the Souldan to know his minde whether he would be for peace or war To which they consented and he writ to him accordingly and sent it by one of his Knights who coming to the gates of the City was questioned what he was and what he would have Who replyed That he came to speak with the Souldan from his Lord the Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Knights in his company whereupon the Souldan being advertised hereof commanded that he should be brought before him which was done accordingly and he coming unto the great Hall of the Souldans Pallace made his due reverence to him and to his Son the Knight of the Images and the rest of those high Personages there assembled and delivered his Letter to the Souldan who gave the same to his Secretary who opening the Seal found therein written as followeth The Letter of the Duke of Alfiron to the Souldan of Persia MOst Mighty Sir it is not unknown to your Highness the great love and affection that I have for a long time bore to the most incomparable Princess Persiana your Daughter and how that I have always been ready to do all reasonable things to testifie to her my Love and to your self my service but so it is that your Highness being blinded with revenge on Don Belleano the Emperor of Greece did decree That whosoever should vanquish and kill the said Emperor should not onely have your Highnesses Daughter to wife but half your Highness Dominions with her which was proudly and indiscreetly undertaken by Don Gallaneo of Antioch who though he attempted it could never bring the same to pass but was forced to return to your Court and there falsly reported that he had effected
serve you and my actions in hazarding my life for the recovering of your Kingdom hath given you some testimony thereof And Madam were I capable of Reducing all the Kingdoms in the world to my Obedience I should willingly surrender them with my self to be disposed of by you therefore Dear Madam since my love is so great I beseech you vouchsafe me yours whereby I may be eternally blessed When he had finished this Spéech fetching a great sigh he held his peace and she who as earnestly loved him as he did her replyed to him Sir Knight I have understood your love to me and therefore have formerly reposed so much trust to you as I never did to any other for to you alone I committed the disposal of my Kingdom and for the good you did me there I heartily thank you Assure your self that so soon as I shall be peaceably setled therein I shall dispose my Affairs in such order that I shall do all things to your content and liking and assure your self that none other living shall enjoy my person and kingdom but your self At the ending of this Spéeth she blushed extreamly that she had béen so frée in discovering the thoughts of her heart but Don Brianel was extreamly satisfied herewith and not being able to speak with the excess of joy that he was in he fell on his knées and straitly embracing her legs he very amorously kissed her fair hands and there at her desire he arose and gave her many amorous kisses and kinde embraces promising for ever to be her true Knight and she promised no less to him that she would not fail to be always his and in token of her love she gave him a Scarf embroidered with Gold where in Letters of Gold was her Name which he thankfully received and promised never to leave off wearing the same till he had the frée enjoyment of her person in marriage And hereupon they brake off their friendly and amorous Discourse taking a farewel of each other he returning to put all things in readiness for the next days Expedition and she retiring her self into her Closet to contemplate what she had done Thus every body employed themselves in somewhat for the next days Iourney till it was time to go to rest but the two Lovers Don Brianel and Aurora could sléep but little that night for the content they had received in the evenings Conference and therefore they were the first that did rise by whose example all the rest soon rise and made themselves ready Don Gorion and Don Brianel summoned the Knights and Magistrates of the City together to whom they declared the will of thei◠〈◊〉 Alfiron And leaving a sufficient Guard in the City 〈◊〉 went to the Pallace where they found the Princesses 〈◊〉 diness to depart Charriots being brought for them they â—…ly mounted therein and so accompanied with several Daâ—â—â—… and a Guard of ten thousand Knights they departed from the City and took the right way for Persepolis CHAP. VII How Don Brianel and Don Gorion arrived at the Camp of the Emperor of Greece and how the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana presented themselves before the Souldan WIth much joy and pleasure travelled this company especially the Ladies the one being in company of her most beloved Lord and the other going to her loving Husband but the joy of Don Brianel was extraordinary for the favors he had received at the hands of the Princess and as a testimony of his joy he wore the Scarf which she had given him on his arm Thus travelled they with much content till at length they met some of the Knights of the Emperors Army who were come on purpose to méet them and then some were sent back to signifie to the Emperor and the rest of the Princes the Approach of those Princesses which they no sooner understood but they went out to méet them Two leagues from the Camp they were met by the Emperor Don Bellianis the Duke Alfiron the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and all those other most Renowned Princes and States who coming near them dismounted from their horses to salute them The Princesses séeing that descended from their Chariots and kindly received them Then two stately Palfreys were brought whereon the two Princesses were mounted and Don Bellianis took hold of the Reins of the Princess Aurora's Palfrey and the Emperor himself did the same for Persiana Don Bellianis during the remainder of their Iourney asked the Princess Aurora whether she had received any content in the company of Don Brianel For saith he I sée by his countenance that he is very much pleased and he sheweth very gloriously with the Favor that he hath tyed to his arm and therefore I desire to know what Mistriss he hath gotten since our departure To which Discourse the Princess replyed Sir Knight the content that I have received in his company cannot chuse but be much in respect of the service that he hath already done me in helping to restore me to my Kingdom and therefore in token of my gratitude I have given him that Scarf as a small Token of my Favor to him In such like communication spent they their time till they arrived at the Camp where they alighted and were received with great Ioy signified by the sâ—und of Drums Trumpets and Clarions The Princesses Persiana and Aurora were conducted to a Tent for that purpose provided where they both lodged together the Duke Alfiron being contented not to lye with his beloved Princess till she should be given him by her Father which he hoped would be done the next morning Night being come every one repaired to their several Lodgings and there took their ordinary repose onely Don Bellianis was much troubled that he was still kept there and hindered from visiting his Princess Florisbella and besides he knew not how to go to her for his Father expected upon the Conclusion of the Peace that he would return with him to Constantinople In these meditations he spent most part of the night and when morning came he arose and dispatched a Messenger into the City to certifie the Souldan of his Daughters Arrival and to know his pleasure what should be done To which the Souldan returned answer That he expected her and the Duke to come to his presence that day in company of what other Knights they pleased The Duke and Princess being certified hereof prepared themselves for that purpose and about Noon onely accompanied with the Princess Aurora Don Bellianis and Don Brianel they entred the City and came into the presence of the Souldan who was seated on a Throne and his great Lords about him The Princess Persiana and the Duke humbled themselves on their knées and she humbly desired her Father to forgive her rashness for it was onely true love that caused her to do the same and promised him that if he would deign to pardon that great fault she would in all things continue his obedient Daughter
were conducted to Shyraz by Don Bellianis of Greece and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty where by the way they met with an Adventure THus having left these two Princes and Ladies in all content and pleasure let us return to the Princess Persiana and the Company that attended on her who travelled many days without happening on any Adventure at length Don Bellianis being very pensive travelled one day before the rest of the company and being very melancholly for the thought of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella on a sudden he heard a voice call to him saying Sir Knight I beséech you tell me where is the next City that I may go quickly to it and procure some aid to some persons of great quality that stand in néed of help Don Bellianis giving attention to this discourse and séeing it was a Lady that spake to him he thus replyed Fair Lady if you be not in extream great haste I beséech you relate to me the occasion of your travel it is possible that I may furnish you with that assistance you expect Ah Sir Knight replyed the Lady it is not in the power of any one particular Knight to effect that which must be done therefore good Sir either answer me the question or permit me to go forwards Lady said Don Bellianis not far from hence there is much company coming who will be with us presently therefore I pray relate to me your business while they come to us and then I shall furnish you with such help as shall be néedful The Lady understanding that he spake nothing but reason thus replyed Know then Sir Knight that I belong to the vertuous Princess Mattarosa Daughter to the King of Numidia and Niece to the Souldan of Babylon this Princess hath for many years lived at the Court of the Souldan her Vncle in the company of the Princess Florisbella her Cousin but of late her Father being grown old and desirous to dispose of her in marriage before he died sent her Brother Baltasano to the Court of the Souldan to bring his Sister to him Baltasano after he had continued some time in the Court of the Souldan desired leave to depart with his Sister to her Father that expected them to which it was a long time ere he could get the Souldans consent in regard of the great love that hath béen betwéen her and his daughter Florisbella About two moneths since there was great Iousts and Tournaments held at the Souldans Court in honor of his Coronation Day at which time many strange Knights and Gyants repaired thither to do their utmost devoirs amongst the rest that came there was one Gyant called Altifer the Proud Lord of an Island in the Sea and his two Brothers and forty Knights This Gyant beholding my Mistress the Princess Mattarosa began to affect her and performed some things for her honor hoping thereby to get her good will but she who always hated him as well for the deformity of his mind as body would by no means consent to come into his company much less to receive him as a Servant and he having desired her of her Vncle the Souldan and her Brother who both refused him went away with all his company in much discontent resolving to put in practise some treasonable action that he might obtain her Our Princess and her Brother who suspected no such treason some time after he was gone having taken leave of the Souldan and the Prindess Florisbella departed in the company of twenty Knights for their Guard but we had not travelled above two days when this Traytor Altifer with all his company set upon us slew many of our Knights and took the Princess and her Brother prisoners I séeing that they were taken fled from them and have followed them these thrée days to sée still where they lodged at night and endeavoring to finde some help to relieve them and Sir Knight this is the last day before they will embarque themselves for the Island whereof he is Chief and then all the means that I can use will be ineffectual for their Release This Sir Knight is the substance of my Message and therefore pray fail not to give me the best directions you can Don Bellianis having heard this Discourse and considering that in relieving the Princess Mattarosa he should do his Princess her Cousin a considerable service resolved to undertake it and therefore the Company being now come up to him he went to the Princess Persiana and her Husband and recounted to them the Damsels discourse and told them that he must beg leave of them to go and relieve the Princess and her Brother promising them to return with all spéed possible as soon as he had effected his Enterprize They not onely consented to his departure but also gave him leave to take what company of Knights he desired but he choosing onely twenty of the most hardy left the rest to conduct them to Shyraz and so he took his leave and departed with the Damsel who séeing her Iourney turn to so good account was very thankful and rode on apace to assist her Princess CHAP. XIII How Don Bellianis went with the Damsel of the Princess Mattarosa to relieve her out of the hands of the Gyant Altifer and his Company And how he and his Company overcame the Gyant and his two Brethren and Company and Released the Princess and her Brother Baltasano And how she knew him to be the Knight of the Golden Image and how she and her Brother left him to depart towards Babylon IT was yet but early in the morning when Don Bellianis and his Company parted and therefore we will leave them in their Iourney towards Shyraz to tell you what befel Don Bellianis who travelled so long with the Damsel that at last they arrived in sight of a Castle seated on a Rock which when the Damsel espied she said Sir Knight this is the Castle where the Gyants and the other company lodged this night and I believe they are not as yet come out of it because he that is Lord of this Castle is of kinred to the Gyant Altifer and therefore I pray let us attend herefor their coming forth Don Bellianis therefore advising with himself left two of his knights to attend there whilest he and the rest travelled on the way the Gyants were to take and there they hid themselves in a thicket of Trées It was not fully an hour before the two Knights came galloping a main to Don Bellianis informing him that the Gyants and their company were come out of the Castle and were coming thither-wards with the prisoners The Prince Baltasano they tyed on a horse with his hands behinde him and so they did to about twelve Knights more that were prisoners and the Princess Mattarosa and several of her Damsels were carried before certain Knights on horseback and did make great lamentation The Knights did likewise advise Don Bellianis not to set on the Gyants
there happened that which shall be declared in the chapter following CHAP. XV. How the Day of the Coronation being come there entred into the Court a Knight who termed himself to be The Knight of the Island of Pearls and demanded the Kingdom of Shyraz as his right and offered to defend his Title in single Combate against any one Knight which Combate Don Bellianis undertook and vanquished him and of his departure for Babylon THe Kingdom of Shyraz whereof the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana were now in possession had for many years belonged to the Souldan of Persia Father to the Princess who had given the same to his Daughter as hath already béen declared but we have not yet told you how the Souldan of Persia came by the same So it was that the Father of this Souldan onely had tribute for the same of one Gozmin a valiant Knight but the said Gozmin for some trayterous enterprize was dispâ—ssessed of the same He being executed and his sons for ever disenabled to possess the same for a just reward of their fathers treason and then the Souldan took the same into his own possession and ever after that took the immediate Profits thereof to his own use onely appointing a Governor there whom he placed and displaced as often as he thought fit and in this condition he left it to his Son when he died who as I told you gave it fréely to his Son in Law Duke Alfiron as a Portion with his Daughter Now this Gozmin left two Sons behinde him both valiant and stout Knights the eldest whereof lived in an Island in the Persian Gulph called The Island of Pearls The day being come wherein this great Ceremony of Crowning the King and Quéen was to be performed every one arose early either to assist at or behold the Ceremony The King and Quéen being ready mounted in a Triumphant Chariot and by four Vnicorns were drawn to the great Temple where they being arrived mounted on a Scaffold prepared to that purpose and then the Chief Flamin of the City after the ordinary Ceremonies placed two Crowns of Gold enriched with many precious Stones of inestimable value on their heads praying to the Gods to bless them with perpetual blessings and blessing all their friends and true and loyal Subjects and cursing all such as were or should be their enemies This Ceremony being performed they both descended from their Thrones and walking through the Temple remounted their Chariot riding therein through the City with their Crowns on to the Court where they were no sooner arrived but the Tables were spread with all manner of delicious Viands that the Countrey could afford many Healths going round the Table for the prosperity of the King and Quéen After Dinner was ended before any person did arise from Table the Herald at Arms according to custom did after the sound of an innumerable company of Trumpets again proclaim the said Duke and Princess to be King and Quéen of Shyraz Larr and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormus Maqueroone Kermoen Chusestan Sigestan and Farfestan Prince and Princess of the Gulph of Persia and of the Isles there These words he pronounced twice and at the end of every such Proclamation he said if any one had any right to the same or any part thereof he bid them come forth and declare the same This had béen done twice and the Herald was about to begin the third time when a Knight armed in an azure Armor commanded him to hold his peace which he obeyed and then the Knight going up to the place where the King and Quéen sat spake as followeth Duke Alfiron for by no other name shall I own you It is not unknown to most of the people here present that my Title to this Crown of Shyraz and all the Territories thereto belonging is just and good when they shall know that I am Son to the famous Gozmin sometimes King of this place I had long since expected that the Souldan would have restored me to my undoubted right but since I see that he hath been so unjust as to give it away I am to tell thee that if thou wilt enjoy it I must first be dead and therefore I will thee presently to appoint at thy Champion to defend thy Title and to enter into the Lists with me immediately not questioning but the Gods will so far do me iustice that I shall be enabled to destroy thy Champion Having thus said he held his peace This Spéech gave a wonderful astonishment to all the persons there present and gave the King and Queen a sensible trouble to be thus interrupted in the midst of their Solemnity The King answered That he was so well satisfied in the Iustice of the Quarrel that he was ready himself to enter the Field to vindicate his Right but the Queen diswaded him therefrom not questioning but that they should finde some other Champion Many Knights presently arose and desired the King and Queen that they might have the Honor of the Combate but the King was resolved not to venture his Title in the hands of any but such a one as he should be very confident of his worth Don Bellianis thinking himself obliged to do somewhat was resolved to undertake the Combate and therefore arising from his seat desired the King and Queen to admit him to be their Champion and to put the trial of their Cause into his hands The King would willingly have excused it by reason of the many Obligations which he had already received from him but Don Bellianis who was resolved not to be denyed pressed them so hard that at length they condescended Whereupon he desired that the Combate might presently be performed To which the other Knight willingly consented and the place intended for the Iousts was the place appointed for the Combate to which place every one presently repaired much wondring at the presumption of the Knight of the Island of Pearls for so he was called and was known to be the best Knight in all that Countrey Don Bellianis having Armed himself presently repaired to the place appointed for the Combate where when he came be found the Knight of the Island of Pearls and the King and Queen and most of the Nobility seated near the Lists to behold this Combate Both the Combatants were armed with very good Armor Don Bellianis being armed with that famous Armor enriched with Basilisks and his Shield whereon was the Picture of the Princess Florisbella and mounted on an excellent Horse The other Knight was as well armed and mounted when taking each of them a Launce at the sound of the Trumpets they câ—uched their Launces and Don Bellianis with the great desire he had to hit his enemy missed his encounter but the other Knight did not so but hit his enemy so firmly on the Shield that Don Bellianis lost both his Stirrops whereat he was so extreamly enraged that throwing away his Launce without making any use thereof he
command such an Army from other parts in defence of the Royal Princess Florisbella as should not onely be able to expel thy Master from the Souldans Dominions but also to destroy him and all his in the very heart of his own Kingdom And tell thy Master that since he hath neglected the gracious and favorable Propositions of the Souldan that he now expect no more but prepare himself for all the misfortunes that a cruel and bloody War can bring him And tell him that I the Knight of the Golden Image do resolve when next I meet him to bereave him of his life or lose my own in the attempt and hereupon I bid him mortal battel This was the answer of Don Bellianis and it was spoken with so much fierceness that the very fire issued from his eyes for anger and he could hardly utter his words for the inward vexation that he took at the demands of the Emperor Thus the messenger being returned Don Bellianis and Baltasano resolved both to assault him on the next day and use their utmost endeavors to gain the City and thereupon they provided all things ready for an assault CHAP. XXVII How Don Brianel Prince of Macedon was Married to Aurora Queen of Antioch and of the Tilts and Tournaments that was held at the Wedding and of an Adventure that happened there VVE will now for a while leave the two Princes of Greece and Numidia and all their companions and armies in their field encamped before the City of Pharez as you have heard in the foregoing Chapter and turn back to Antioch where we left the Princes Don Brianel of Macedon Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly Don Contumeliano of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia who attended there to assist at the solemnization of the Wedding There was so great joy for the return of the Quéen that most of the Nobility of the countrey resorted to Antioch to sée her and to tender her their dutiful Allegiance which she graciously accepted and they still stayed to continue the Triumph that should be at the Wedding The day being come and all things provided the Quéen and Don Brianel were married in great pomp and she that day was most richly attired so that notwithstanding all her sorrow in her travels she appeared to be one of the most handsome Princesses in the world Dinner being ended every one resorted to the Tilt-yard which was néer the Pallace where a Scaffold was erected and on that was placed two Chairs of State for the King and Quéen to sit and behold the Tournaments and Feats of Chivalry that was to be performed Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano and a young Knight called Trion or the Knight of the Wolf who was Son to Damartino the late Governor were the Challengers who undertook to Ioust and kéep the Field against all corners for six days and accordingly they being armed at all points entred the Lists and commanded the Trumpets to sound and the Herald to proclaim that if there were any adventurous Knights that would in honor of the King and Quéen break a Lance they were there ready to receive him which was no sooner done but there came a Knight armed in white Armor who taking a Lance entered the Lists and expected the sound of the Trumpet that he might begin his Course the Knight of the Wolf did the like and they bravely méeting brake their Lances in the encounter and so passed on at the next encounter the Knight of the Wolf had so good fortune as to overthrow the other Knight out of his Saddle and passed on being unshaken and expected another Assaylant when presently another Knight armed in azure Armor entred the List and doing his obeysance to the King and Quéen expected the encounter which was so fierce that he lost both his stirrops and the horse of the Knight of the Wolf was on his buttocks but he soon made him rise and so went bravely on when taking another Lance and resolving to be revenged of his late disgrace he ran so fiercely against the Knight in the azure Armor that he sent him from his horse to the ground with his Saddle betwéen his legs After this another Knight entred the List armed in a gréen Armor and on his Shield was painted a Knight leaning on the ground under a tuft of trées and he went by the name of the Solitary Knight This Knight after his due reverence to the King and Quéen pranced about the field with a great grace at last he arrived at the end of the Lists and taking a Lance from one of his pages at the sound of the Trumpets began his Caress and performed so well that he made the Knight of the Wolf lose both his stirrops he being very little shaken with the encounter At the second course the Knight of the Wolf in revenge of the former blow ran so fiercely that he threw the Solitary Knight horse and man both to the earth at which there was a great shout And thus did the Knight of the Wolf throw many Knights from their horses so that he that day dismounted sixtéen and the night coming on they left off that sport and retiring into the Court they disarming themselves fell to dancing In which exercise they were as perfect as the other so that they are as fit for Venus as Mars Much of the evening they spent in these kinde of exercises but at length they left off and conducted the King and Queen to Bed where the fair Princess gave to Don Brianel as full and frée possession of her Body as he had formerly given her of her Kingdom and there be received a full satisfaction for all the travels he had sustained in her service Much was the content they both received and I suppose there was but few Knights in the Court but did envy their happiness and would have béen glad to have had the company of so swéet a Bed-fellow as he enjoâ—ed in which enjoyment we will leave him and all the rest to their several thoughts till the morning which being come they all arose and the Quéen signified by her blushes that she had parted from that Iewel which till then she had preserved They being all dressed noon was come when they sat down to Dinner which being done they all went to the Tilt-yard to prosecute that Sport they had begun where every one being seated in the same order they were the day before the five Champions rid about the Field expecting the arrival of some adventurous Knight they had not stayed long ere they had their desire for there entred a Knight into the Field armed in black Armor causing his Horse bravely to praunce about the Field performed his Duty to the King and Quéen and then taking a Launce expected the sound of the Trumpet which being heard he put forwards but he was encountred with such force by the Knight of the Wolf that he was thrown from his horse and
forced to measure his length on the earth which having done he retired and then there entred into the Lists a Knight armed with a white Armor as a New Knight and on his Shield he had two Keyes of Gold painted very artificially this Knight gave all the Spectators cause of admiration for he demeaned himself very courteously not onely in his saluting the King and Quéen but in his respects to all the Spectators and taking a Launce in his hand he ran against the Knight of the Wolf so furiously that at the first encounter he threw him to the earth to the great amazement of the Company who now took him for a very brave Knight Having performed so well with the Knight of the Wolf he faced about and expected to méet with some other Knight and be failed not long in his expectation for Fliorispiano of Swevia taking a strong and knotty Launce at the sound of the Trumpets met him with so great fury thinking to revenge his Companions quarrel but he was deceived therein for he onely brake his Launce upon his Enemies Shield without doing him any other harm and the Knight of the Keye having likewise broke his Launce took another and so they began a new Caréer but that second was more to the dis-advantage of Fliorispiano than the former for he lost both his Stirrops and was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to kéep him from falling at which he was much enraged séeing his Adversary still on horse-back and having onely lost one of his Stirrops but before he came to the end of the Lists he bravely recovered himself and so they did both and taking new Launces ran again but to the greater misfortune of Fliorispiano than before for he was now tumbled from his horse This gave much wonder to all present to think who the Knight of the Keyes was for he was wholly unknown there and came then by chance as shall be told you hereafter The Knight of the Keyes having performed so valiantly expected another Knight to encounter him when presently Contumeliano Prince of Phenieia prepared himself for the Encounter and taking a Launce in his hand went forwards to the Knight of the Keyes and said to him Sir Knight I have one request to make to you before we try our fortunes with the Lance which is that you would tell me your Name and of what countrey you are To which the Knight of the Keyes courteously replyed Sir Knight I am known by no other Name than the Knight of the Keyes and to tell you any other Name would little satisfie you for I was born in a Countrey so far from hence that it hath seldom here béen heard of and I le assure you I came hither by accident and never was in your company nor in this place before till this day and therefore if you have nothing else to say to me let us procéed with our Lances To which the Prince of Phenicia replyed I to my experience know Sir Knight that you do perform very well with the Lance therefore I pray grant this Request that if we chance both to break one or two Lances without any effect and neither of us have any advantage that you will procéed to the Sword where we may have more occasion to try our valors To this Request the Knight of the Keyes consented and so they forthwith brake off their discourse and began their Caréer Great was the fury with which both these Champions met and they resolving to shew all their strength brake their Lances in pieces and so passed on at the next encounter they resolved to perform better and so they did for they not onely brake their Lances as before but méeting with their bodies with great fury fell both to the ground Great was the admiration at this wonderful encounter and both the Knights were themselves much amazed but they nimbly got on their féet and the Knight of the Keyes being angred at this misfortune went to the Prince of Phenicia and said Sir Knight it was your desire before we tryed our fortunes with the Lance that if we should have no advantage with the Lance that we might end the Controversie with the Sword now since we have both had an equal misfortune and thereby are uncapable to end the difference with the Lance let us finish it with our Swords To which the Prince of Phenicia consented And so they drew their Swords and began a marvellous brave Combate to the satisfaction and admiration of all the Beholders they being equally resolved to make amends with their Swords for the default of their Lances laid on many lusty strokes The Knight of the Keyes being a young and lusty Knight behaved himself very nimbly giving his Adversary very many strokes and still avoiding those of his Enemy which so enraged the Prince of Phenicia that he should be so used before so many brave Knights his Friends and Companions that be resolved to fasten one blow on his Enemy that should end the Combate but he was deceived for though it was so mighty a stroke that the Knight of the Keyes was forced to lay one hand on the ground to save himself from falling yet he quickly recovered himself and gave his Adversary a mighty blow on the Thigh so that he was wounded there extreamly Which the King and Quéen séeing and doubting that what was begun in Iest and for Recreation would end in earnest and in the execution of one or both of their lives caused them to be parted much pitying that two such brave and valiant Knights should so injure one another upon so slender an occasion They being parted the Sport for that day ended and every one returned to the Pallace much wondring who the Knight of the Keyes should be CHAP. XXVII Who the Knight of the Keyes was and some of his Adventures and an end of the Tournament IN the west Part of Christendom there is an Island called Ireland in which Island the Knight of the Keyes was born in a City called Wexford scituated néer the Sea-side his Parents being Christians at the time of his Baptizing gave him the Name of Peter His Father was Earl of one of the Provinces of that Island called Munster and Brother to the King of that Island This was the place of his Birth where being the onely Son of his Father he was bred up with all the diligence and care that might be he providing Masters to instruct him in all things fit for so great a person At the age of eightéen years he being dubbed Knight begged leave of his Father to séek Adventures to which his Parents hardly consented in regard he was the onely Comfort and Ioy of their old Age but his importunity prevailing providing himself of things necessary be caused a strong Suit of Armor to be made and in respect his Name was Peter in remembrance of that holy Saint and Apostle be caused two Keyes to be painted on his Shield And providing himself
Letter and then knéeling on his knées he delivered the same to the Souldan who causing the same to be opened it contained these words The LETTER of Aurora Queen of Antioch to the Souldan of Babylon Most Illustrious Vncle MY hard misfortune in being expelled my Kingdom hath long since arrived to your knowledge and now having so great a good as to be restored thereto I thought it convenient to inform you of the truth thereof The Illustrious Prince Don Bellianis of Greece and Son to the Emperor has by the appointment of the Gods been the chief Instrument of my Restauration for not onely he and his Friends killed the Usurpers Gallaneo and Tramolcano but also have caused the Souldan of Persia to give me full and quiet possession thereof where I am now peaceably setled And I have also joyned my self in Marriage with Don Brianel Prince of Macedon and Cousin to the same Don Bellianis who as I hear under the Names of the Knight of the Basilisks and the Golden Image hath done you some services Assure your self Sir that he has not his equal throughout the whole Universe as I by sufficient experience can testifie both for valor and vertue and I think my self the most happy in his Alliance having married into his Family This Noble Company that are now come to you are his Brethren and Alliance and are come in quest of their Brother and Friend What kindness you shall do to them I am confident they will deserve and it shall be likewise acknowledged to be done to Your affectionate and obliged Kinswoman Aurora of Antioch Greatly satisfied was the Souldan when he had read this Letter for now he knew that which he so much desired the Quality of Don Bellianis and séeing his two Brothers and knowing that they were all of his Alliance he arose from his Seat and kindly embraced them and bid them heartily welcome telling them that he accounted himself extreamly happy in their company and that he was more obliged to their Brother and Friend Don Bellianis than to all the persons on the earth They gave him many thankes for the good estéem he had of them and told him that they were likewise ready to serve him in what occasion soever he should employ them and since Don Bellianis was absent they desired his leave for them to depart towards him The Souldan consented to this but withal he desired them to take some Forces with them which was accordingly agréed on Thus after this Discourse with the Souldan he conducted them to the presence of the Emperess and her Daughter the Princess Florisbella and her Cousin Mattarosa and the rest of the Ladies which pleasant Sight gave a great content to all the Knights but Peter of Ireland but in him it renewed his sorrow for the loss of his Princess Magdalena The Emperess and Ladies being informed by the Souldan of the Quality of the Knights and that they were Brothers and néer Relations of Don Bellianis was much pleased with their company and giving them their hands to kiss told them that she was very joyful to sée them the Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa did likewise kindly receive them and the Princess Florisbella was not onely joyful for their arrival but also greatly contented that now her Father was satisfied in the true Quality of Don Bellianis The Knights were all very sensible of the occasion that continued Don Bellianis in the Souldans service and did truly think that it was for the sake of the Princess Florisbella whom they did estéem to be the most beautiful Lady they ever saw and therefore worthy to be served by so good a Knight At length after several Complements the Knights were disarmed and after a short repast the Souldan called them to Council wherein it was concluded that they should depart the next day and carry with them fifty thousand men who were all ready for the march to go and assist Don Bellianis CHAP. XXXI How the Emperor of Trebizond was relieved by the Arrival of the Kings of Albania and Georgia with one hundred thousand men and fifty thousand men sent by the Emperor of Russia and how he appointed a pitcht Battel with Don Bellianis and Baltasano Prince of Numidia and their Armies and how the two Princes Brothers to Don Bellianis and all the other Knights came with the Aid of fifty thousand men and engaged with Don Bellianis and his Army against the Emperor of Trebizond whom in the end they conquer and take him prisoner And so leaving one hundred thousand men in the Field under the Command of Baltasano Don Bellianis and the rest of his Friends and Alliance with the rest of the Army marched back with their prisoners to Babylon IN some distress was the Emperor of Trebizond by reason of his being so closely besieged in the City of Pharez but the expectation he had to be relieved by his Friends gave him some satisfaction and still continued him in his former Resolutions of not agréeing to the end of the War unless it were on the Conditions he had formerly propounded to Don Bellianis who you know was resolved rather to die than to yield to any such Proposals and therefore he and the Prince of Numidia endeavored all they could to gain the City but it was so well fortified that it was very difficult however they caused the Mines to be made to undermine the Wall but before they hadended that news came of the Arrival of fresh Supplies to to the Emperor whereupon they prepared themselves to resist them and to hinder if possible their entrance into the City The Emperor heared in battel gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow over the Helmet but be soon required it by returning him another on the shoulder which descending down wounded him on the Arm. Thus was the Fight on all sides vigorously prosecuted But the Kings of Albania and Georgia being wholly desirous to force their way into the City made it their whole business to yet thither and so by degrées they got ground till at length both the Armies came in sight of one another and then the Emperors Forces séeing that they were likely to be so well relieved gave a great shout and jâ—yned all their Forces together the noise that they made gave some disquiet to Don Bellianis who was still fighting with the Emperor and being desirous to know what was the matter he reached the Emperor so mighty a blow that he remained without féeling and so he turned his horse towards the place from whence the noise came and then he soon discovered that the occasion of it was the Arrival of the two Kings into the Army with their assistance He presently furiously rode through all the Ranks of his Enemies doing much execution till he arrived at the place where the Prince of Numidia was engaged in fight with two mighty Gyants one of which he presently assailed and with less than thrée strokes laid him dead at his féet when turning about he
Bellianis according to his resolution he had already taken did engage him and all his Forces in another Field-battel before the arrival of his other Forces as shall be shewed you at large in the Chapter following CHAP. XXV How Don Bellianie fought another Bâ—ttel with the Emperor of Trebizond and how he forced him to leave the Field and how he followed him into his own Countrey TWo hours before day the next morning did Don Bellianis without any noise of Trumpets or other Warlike Instruments leave his own Camp and with his whole Forces marched to assault his Enemies who having kept a strict Watch took the Alarm but before they could put themselves in a readiness Don Bellianis and his Forces had sacrificed the lives of above twenty thousand men The Emperor of Trebizond being enraged at this surprisal soon called for his Armor and having armed himself therewith and being mounted on a lusty Courser soon revenged himself of some of his Enemies for before be brake his Lance he dismounted above twenty Knights and being accompanied with twenty fierce Gyants who were appointed for his Guard by reason of the last days misfortune they with their broad and sharp cutting Cymetars and Battel-axes made a woful destruction to what place soever they came present death followed to those that resisted them at length they met with the Prince of Mesapotamia who having béen idle all the last Battel was resolved to make amends in this days Combate and went with a Guard of one hundred Knights killing and forcing their ways thorow the enemies Camp Him and his Knights did the Emperor and his Giants assail and betwéen them happened a bloody Conflict for the Giants being of the best in the whole Army had presently slain twenty of his Knights which so enraged the Mesapotamian that maugre all their resistance he sent two of their black souls immediately to accompany his Knights and fiercely breaking thorough the midst of them he ran against the Emperor with great advantage for he well nigh dismounted him from his horse for he not being provided for the encounter was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to save himself from falling At which assault he recovering himself and being enraged with his Sword gave his adversary so mighty a blow on the helmet that he bent his head to the horses neck and would have soon dispatched him of his life but that the Knight of Hope came then timely enough to prevent him and so received the blow and returned it so fiercely on the Emperor that he was wounded on the Thigh and by this time the Prince of Mesapotamia was recovered to his senses and finding the danger he was delivered from was first thankful to the heavens and then revenged himself on one of the Giants who was next him whose Arm he cut off and wounded him so in the side that his life was sacrificed to his revenge Thus the Battel was in this part of the field but the Knight of the Golden Image and the Knight of the Flaming Sword kéeping company with one another made very great havock of their enemies and being followed by a great party of valiant Knights gave the enemy so terrible an On-set that after two hours contention they fled and left the field having first left it thickly strewed with the dead bodies of the Emperors Forces Don Bellianis pursued him so long that in the end they came to a great River and séeing that death was both before and behind them they made a stand and bravely resisted him and all his Forces where they fought so desperately that the streames of the River which were went to be of a christaline hew were now by means of the great slaughter was there made become of a scalretâ—dy All this while the Emperor and his Giants with great part of his Forces were engaged as I told you with the Prince of Mesapotamia and the Knight of Hope where though they on both sides performed miracles yet in the end be in despight of all the resistance he could make after the death of many of his Giants and a very great slaughter of his men was likewise forced to retreat which he did with a great deal of sobriety hoping that the other part of his Army was in better case then that which he commanded But he was not long without the knowledge of what had happened to them and hearing that they were engaged at the River side he then commanded some of the most valiant of the Grants to make good the Retreat with the best advantage and the least loss that they could while he himself went in all haste to his Forces hoping by his presence to put new courage into their breasts When he came to them he found that they had made a mighty resistance and that she Fight was very bloody wherefore that he might exercise the part of a discréet General and bring them off with the least loss he knowing that there was a Bridge not far off sent to possess it which when he had done he commanded his Army to retire thither as fast as they could he himself with the most valiant Knights of his whole Army making good the Rear as well as they could but notwithstanding all the diligence and valor that they could use Don Bellianis and the Knights with him plyed their business so well that ere they got over the River many of them lost their lives At length they got to the other side of the River and in despight of Don Bellianis and all his Forces they cut down the Bridge so that there was no way for him and his Forces to follow them This being done he left a strong Guard at the Rivers side and then returned to the place where the Emperor had encamped where they found great Treasure for so great was their haste in their Retreat that they had not time to take any thing with them All the Booty of the Emperors Camp he gave to the Souldiers which gave them a great satisfaction and caused them ever to have a great estéem of him This being done he dispatched messengers to inform the Souldan of what he had done not forgetting to write to his Dear Princess the remembrance of whom made him the more desirous to put an end to these wars that he might solace his spirits in her company The Emperor of Trebizond being thus forced to leave the field and séeing that fortune was a little contrary to him yet being of an extraordinary courage resolved still to persevere in his enterprise and not to leave off basely hoping in the end to attain his desires and in order to the strengthning and recruiting his Forces he sent commands to those Forces that were behind to a wait his coming to a City called Pharez which was the first City in his Empire which being accordingly done one evening leaving some horsemen at the River side he raised his Camp and departed to Pharez and the next day those that