and say to her what you would haue mee know because shee is a Lady both vertuous and faithfull No lesse Madame haue I alwaies found her quoth Palmerin therefore I beséech you make account of her and acquaint her with your greatest affaires for shée is daughter to one of the most gentle Princes in the world But Madame I would gladly know what became of Trineus after that so vnhappily I departed from you The Admirall Olimaell quoth shée came with his Gallies so soone as you were departed who tooke vs and then seperated vs in sunder scant permitting me to speake to him or Ptolome nor knowe I what is become of them It sufficeth then Madame aunswered Palmerin that I haue founde you for on you dependeth the life of Trineus who shall not long I hope bee concealed from vs therefore aduise your selfe on the day when you will departe for I haue a shippe readie to carrie you from this seruitude Thanks be to heauen quoth she for so good fortune I will be so readie as you shall not stay for me Now entred Hippolyta who brake off theyr talke to other occasions where we will leaue and returnâ— to the Prince Trineus Chap. XLII How Trineus beeing enchaunted into the shape of a Dogge in the Isle of Malfada there came a Princesse of the Moores who requested him of the aged Enchauntresse to whom he was giuen and what happened to him afterward I Thinke as yet you remember without repetition of the former discourse in what manner the Knight Cozin to the Admirall Olimaell to whome the Prince Trineus was giuen arriued by tempest in the Isâ—le of Malfada and how he with his people were transformed into diuors shapes of Beasts among whom Trineus bare the likenesse of a goodly Dogge Béeing thus disguised a yong Princesse named Zephira Daughter to the King of the same Countrey came to demaund counsell of the aged Enchauntresse Malfada for the cure of a certain disease which by strange aduenture happened to her in this manner This yong Princesse one day béeing pleasant in her Fathers Court among many of her waiting Ladyes entred a goodly Garden which abounded with great diuersitie of swéet flowers and after shee had walked a prettie while in an Arbour of Muske-roses shee espied a Gille-flower which séemed so faire and beautifull in her eye as shee was prouoked to goe crop it from the stalke Hauing this dellicate flower in her hand wherein by misfortune a venemous worme was crept she tooke such delight in smelling it as her breath drewe vp the worme into one of her nose thrilles not béeing able to get it out againe So the venome and poysome of this little worme engendred a putrifaction and other like worms which gaue a smell so filthy and lothsome as hardly could any abide to stand by her Her Father not a little agréeued at this mischaunce sent for the most skilfull Phisitions to sée what remedie might bedeuised but all their paine and trauaile was in vaine for the disease continued still without any amendment In the end the King fearing it would change to a Canker incurable and hauing heard what straunge actions the Enchauntresse Malfada performed sent the Princesse Zephira to her where shée béeing arriued without anie daunger because she would not hurt anie inhabiting in the Isle declared to the Sorceresse the whole manner of her misfortune The Enchauntresse answered that shée could giue her no remedie and hardly should she finde any at all except it were by an ancient Knight who remained in the Court of the King of Romata and Grisca Realmes subiect to the Soldane of Persia and the knight was named Muzabelino The Princesse was so displeased at this answere séeing her intent frustrated as shée would receyue no sustenaunce wherefore walking in the Féeldes to represse her anger and so to the Sea-side where the Ships lay confused shée behelde the Dogge which was the Prince Trineus and so farre in liking was shée with him as she desâ—red the Enchauntresse to giue him her and hauing obtained her request returned to her Father who lay sicke in one of his Citties called Nabor whereof the whole Realme bare the name When the King saw his Daughter returned without cure his Melaâ—cholie conceit so strooke to his heart as with in thrée daies after he died Hauing made his Testament before his deceasse hee gaue his Daughter as her portion a Citie called Elain one of the greatest and surest strength in the Realme with all the signories belonging thereto To Maulerino his yongest Sonne he gaue an other like portion which was a dayes iourney distaunt from Elain After the Kings funerall rytes were solemnized the Princesse with her brother Mulerino went to their owne possessions doubting the furie of the Prince Tyreno their eldest Brother who alwayes had showen himselfe proude and contentious Shée béeing thus in quiet by her selfe tooke no other pleasure then in playing with her Dog because hée seemed verie subtile and politique so that shée prepared a Couch for him at her beds féete Tyreno béeing crowned King after his Fathers deceasse began greatly to despise that his Sister should enioy the fayrest Cittie in the Realme for which cause hée practised all the meanes he coulde to put her to death And that he might the better compasse his purpose hee secretly sent a Messenger to the maister of the Princesse horses that if hée woulde kill or poyson his Brother and Sister hée would giue him thirtie thousande Seraphes and make him gouernour of Elain The wicked noble man gréedie and couetous séeing the large promise of the Tyrant consented thereto so that one night the Princesse béeing asléepe he entred her Chamber with his Sword drawne there to haue murthered her and afterward the Prince her Brother Trineus who had lost nothing belonging to a man but bodily shape and voyce seeing the Traytour enter his Ladies Chamber with his weapon drawne started vp presently and setting his two foreféete on the villaines breast bit him so cruelly by the face and thraote as he being vnable to helpe himselfe was constrained to crie out aloude With this noyse the Princesse awaked and her Brother likewise who lay in the next Chamber comming in haste to sée the cause of this outcrie and knowing the Traytour beate him so fore with the Pommell of his Sword about the stomacke as in the end enforced him to confesse his treason Whereat Maulerino not a little maruailing and wrathfull at his villainous intent smote his heade from his shoulders In the morning he appoynted such guarde in the Cittie as no straunger might enter without great examination The Princesse knowing howe her Dog had saued her life loued him afterwarde so tenderly as shée would féede him at her owne Table and none but her selfe might giue him anie foode Héere will we likewise pause a while and declare the deliuerance of the Princesse Agriola Chap. XLIII Howe the great Turke became enamoured with the Princesse Laurana by means wherof he
howe he excused his consent by the promise he had made before to Tarisius through the dailie and earnest perswasions of the Empresse Notwithstanding quoth he in respect you haue not consented thereto I hope they shall finde themselues farre beyonde their reckoning Nowe for the Princesse she neuer knewe that Tarisius had laboured to haue her to hys Wife because she made so light account of him as she wold rather die then consent thereto whereuppon shee returned Florendos this aunswere The Emperour my Father hath reason to thinke hardlie of my Mother and great discredite will it be to her to procure my mariage against my wil for neuer shall I consent thereto and therefore my Lord I desire your aduise how I may preuent this ensuing daunger Madame answered Florendos my deuise is layd already so please you to accept thereof I will conuey you hence secretlie and before the Emperour or any one know of it into my Countrey of Macedon where I and mine shall entertaine you with great and reuerend honour and you shall be our gracious Lady and Princesse Beléeue me sayd she it is doubtfull in such a iourney what daungers may happen notwithstanding hauing vowed my selfe onlie yours be it to the lyking or dislyking of my Father and Mother I had rather breake through the straights of a greater hazarde then be forced to marrie him whome while I liue I can not like therefore doo you expecte the aduauntage of the time and I will aduenture with you whether you please Madame answered Florendos continue you this resolution and referre the rest to my charge which you shall see effected ere thrée daies be past in the meane while I entend to take my leaue of the Emperour your Father with this excuse that the King my Father commaundeth my returne home for which cause I will sende my traine before reseruing onelie but tenne of my best Knights to accompany me For that quoth Griana doo what you thinke best without anie further expecting me in this place certifie me how things happen by your Cozin Frenate or my Maide Cardina But nowe you sée the daie beginnes to breake wherfore let me desire you to depart that no sâ—andall or suspition arise of our méeting Florendos kissing the Princesse hand though longer hee woulde haue stayde humbly tooke hys leaue and by the helpe of Lerina hee got ouer the Wall againe where Fâ—enato stayed his comming to whâ—m when he was entred his lodging hee imparted the appointment betwéene him and the Princesse desiring him to discharge his trayne except ten of his best approoued Knights to help him if any hinderance preuented his intent as for the rest they should be going on before and stay his câ—mming at an appointed place thrée daies iourney from Constantinople In the morning he awaited the Emperours câ—mming abroad to whom he said that he had receiued Letters from yâ— King his Father with expresse commaundement to make spéedy returne home therefore my good Lord sayd hee I desire to depart with your fauourable lyking and in respect I may not contrary where I am bounde to obey I intend to morrow to set forward on my iourney assuring your highnesse that in what place I shall chaunce to come I am yours in loyall and faithfull seruice My good Cozin aunswered the Emperour I giue you thankes with all my hart for yâ— honour you haue doone me with your gentle presence and if you haue occasion to vse mâ—e in ought you shall perceiue howe highlie I loue and estéeme of you My Lord said Florendos I desire to deserue the great kindnes I haue found alreadie so taking his leaue the Emperour embraced him and as he issued forth of the Chamber he met the Prince Caniano of whom he tooke his leaue likewise who desired him to staie thrée or foure daies loÌ„ger In which time there came to the Courte certaine Ambassadours which yâ— Kinge of Hungaria had sent to the Emperour to conclude the mariage betwéene his Sonne Taâ—â—sius and the Princesse Griana the Duke of Gramay béeing chéefe in this Embassade who was accompanied with manie Knightes and Gentlemen of name and account to whom the Empresse gaue verie gracious welcome in that shee had priuatlie procured this their comming As these Ambassadours entred the great Chamber Caniano and Tarisius who accompanied them perceiued Griana to withdrawe her selfe aside very sad and mellanchollie whereupon Caniano came vnto her greatlie abashed at her angry countenaunce and thus hee began Fayre Sister at this time when you ought to shewe the moste cheerefull countenaunce you are more sadde then of long time I haue séene you me thinkes you haue good occasion to be merrie séeing the Emperour my Father hath prouided you so braue a Husbande as is my Cozin the Prince Tarisius who I am sure loues you as his owne life Ah brother quoth she I knowe not what should mooue him so to doo séeing I neuer thought so well of him and more gladlie could I entertaine mine owne death then bee constrained to loue where I cannot These words did Tarisius easily vnderstand notwithstanding he made shewe as though he did not but going to the Empresse he desired her to stay there with the Emperour séeing the Ambassadours were come from the King his Father that what was begun as concerning him and Griana might nowe be finished according to her promise Uppon this occasion the Empresse called Griana aside and with smoothe and swéete spéeches began to breake with her howe for her good shee had induced the Emperour to giue her in marriage to her Cozin Tarisius and what honourable aduantage she shoulde receiue thereby wherefore faire Daughter saide she resolue your selfe with childlike obedience to thinke well of that your Parents haue determined All these perswasions coulde not drawe one pleasing word from the Princesse but shee excused her selfe still by the desire shee had to remaine as sâ—ee was and rather then to marrie shee would take a religious life vpon her with which words she brake into such teares as the Empresse was constrained to leaue her alone not doubting to finde her the next time in better tune Griana then considering with her selfe how she shoulde be enforced at length to yéelde whether she woulde or no if Florendos did not the sooner accomplish his enterprise called Cardina vnto her and sent her with this charge to Florendos that that present night he shoulde not fayle to méete her in the Garden where she would be readie to depart with him otherwise he should neuer gaine the like opportunitie with which message Cardina departed CHAP. VII How Florendos came that night to the Garden to conclude what he and Griana had intended and what happened to them FLorendos vnderstanding the will of his Mistresse with great dilligence laboured to execute what they had intended and taking his leaue at yâ— Courte feigned he woulde returne no more but take his waie straight towards Macedon Tarisius whose iealousie increased
maist be deceiued but God is alwaies fréende to iustice and equitie and enemie to such as goe against them But because you shall know the occasion why these foure Knights would haue taken the glass from Vrbanillo you must note that they were all Sonnes to a great Lorde of a Castell which was a daies iourneie off the Mountaine Artifaeria who hauing intelligence by Shéepe-heards and other pesants what good fortune had befallen Palmerin to kill the Serpent and bring away the fatall water repined greatlie thereat for the Lorde did highlie mallice the King of Macedon because he had enforced him to surrender a Manour which he against all right held froÌ„ one of his Sisters and for this cause knowing that by the vertue of that water the King shold recouer his health hée sent his foure Sonnes to take it from Palmerin whose successe in their attempt fell out as you haue heard Now Palmerin by this time is come to Macedon to the King whom with great reuerence he saluted on his knée when yâ— King embracing him so well as he could saide Trust me my good Fréende next God I must néedes estéeme you dearest for that as he by his Godhead hath made me breath this ayre though weake and sicklie by diuine prouidence hee hath sent you to restore me my bodilie health from hencefoorth therefore I shall intreate you to commaund mee and mine at your pleasure My gratious Lorde saide Palmerin the heauens giue me successe to doo you seruice for I knowe no Prince liuing this daie for whom I would more gladly aduenture my life I thank you good Sir quoth the King but the gréefe I haue sustained for the sorrow of my Sonne Florendos brought me into such a long and lingering extreamitie as well may I blesse the time that by your good successe am so happilie deliuered let me therefore entertaine you as my seconde Sonne and perswade your selfe of such a Father who wil loue you as if you were his owne naturall Childe in that I and the greater part of my Kingdom shal be at your disposition Woorthy Sir saide Palmerin woorthilie might I be reputed amongst the worst in the world refusing the honour you please to offer mee especiallie in such an extraordinarie kinde of fauour for the rest beeing thus accepted in your princely grace I haue sufficient béeing furnished with Horse and Armour to doo me seruice With these wordes the King embraced him and méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes so that Palmerin staied longer with him then he made account to doo till the Duke of Durace sent for him as you shall reade in the discourse following CHA. XIX How Duke Astor of Durace sent to the King of Macedon desiring him to sende him the Knight that had slaine the Serpent on the Mountain Artifaeria to ayde him against the Countie Passaco of Mecaena who laide straight siedge to one of his Citties SO farre was spread the fame of this victory which Palmerin in had against the Serpent on the Mountaine Artifaeria as at length the Dake Astor of Durance hearde therof against whom the Countle Passaco of Mecaena wargeâ— battaile and seeing himselfe vnable to resiste his enemic minded to sende to the King of Macedon requiring ayde of teh Knight that slewe the Serpent at the enchaunted Fountaine and heereuppon he dispatched one of his Gentlemen towards the King who made good haste till he came thither when dooing his reuerence and deliuering his Letters of credite to the King he saide Dreadâ— Lorde the Duke of Durace my Maister most huÌ„bly salutes your Maiestie by me The King hauing read the Letters and noting the contents bad the Messenger discharge the rest of his message It is so Sir said the Gentleman that of long time my Lord and maister hath béene assaulted by the Countie Passaco and in such cruell sorte hath warred on him as he hath well neere destroyed his whole Countrie for he hath taken the Cittie of Mizzara and againste all right dooth challenge it for his owne After this the Duke my Maister raysing his siedge to bid him battaile Fortune hath béene so contrarie to my Lorde as his noble Sonnes are slaine and the greater part of his worthyest Gentlemen Yet not contented with all this the Countie pursues him sâ—il to his very Cittie of Durace which he hath begirt with siedge so stronglie as hee is doubtfull of a further daunger But within these eyght daies he vnderstood that your highnesse hath heere a Knight that slewe the Serpent on the enchaunted Mountaine in whose valour my Lorde reposeth such confidence as woulde you graunt him licence to come thither my Lorde will accompany him with so manie hardie men at Armes as he doubts not to enforce the Countie to leaue his Country and for that the matter requireth expedition he desires your assistaunce with all possible spéede I am sorrie quoth the King that the Duke my Nephew is in such extremitie and I promise you I did not thinke as yet to part with Palmerin but séeing the necessitie is so vrgent I will intreate him to goe with you and so manie approued Knights with him as the Countie shal perceiue I am not well pleased with his hard dealing towardes my Nephew Nowe was Palmerin present when the Gentleman deliuered his message which pleased him not a little because he would gladlie leaue the King to followe his fortune and was thus held from his desire by importunate requestes but seeâ—g the King had graunted to sende him to the Duke he fell on his knées vsing these spéeches In respect my good Lord that the Duke your Nephew hath vrgent occasion to imploy me and in that his sute is onely for me without any other of your people I beséeche you suffer me to goe alone to him for my hope is so good in a cause of trueth and 〈◊〉 that wee shall bee sufficient there to ende the controuâ—â—ie Not so my good fréende Palmerin said the King you 〈◊〉 not haâ—arde your selfe alone but take such companie 〈…〉 with you My Lord quoth Palmerin he demaundes me without any other companye and therefore let mee perswade you to satisâ—fie his request so turning to the Gentleman he bid him prepare to set forward for he was readie Worthie Sir answered the Messenger with what expedition you please for neuer was Knight expected with more earnest longing for then you are This suddaine resolution of Palmerin displeased Florendos wherefore taking him aside he said I sée then my déere Fréende you will needes bee gone albeit your companie hath giuen mee greater sollace delight then any thing els since I lost mine onelie content yet is my regarde of your honor such yâ— I feare more to heare your mis-fortune then I pittie the necessitie of my Cozin the Duke of Durace Yet let me intreate you that finishing your intent with fortunate successe you make your present returne to the King my Father whose loue and whose liberalitye you neede not
for which where euer thou câ—mmest be thou named the most vngrateful Knight that euer drew Sworde séeking her death so cruelly who loues thée deerer then her owne life These complaints made the sorrowful Laurana before the Duchesse not sparing to discharge the whole burthen of her oppressed hart her Mother not daring to gainesay her but expected when the shoulde depart this life wherefore perswading her from dispaire shee swéetelie promised to worke so with Palmerin as he should staie and enioy her to his wife But all was in vaine for he mounted on horsebacke and accompanied with Ptolome and Vibanillo left the Cittie of Durace no one knowing which way they were ridden Palmerin coÌ„uerted into such heauines as nothing coulde torment him more so earnest was his desire to sée her whome fate and Fortune had appointed for him CHAP. XXI Howe Palmerin and Ptolome met with a Damosell who made great mone for a Casket which two Knights had forcibly taken from her and what happened to them BEeing thus departed from Durace these Knights rode along thinking in what heauines they had left the Dukes Daughter when Palmerin accusing himself as guiltie of this mischaunce within himselfe thus sadlie discoursed Unhappy man that euer thou cammest into this CouÌ„try where thou hast left so harde an opinion of thy selfe as while thou liuest thou shalt be the worse estéemed and well worthie for iustlie maist thou be accused of disloyaltie in making meanes to obtaine the loue of the faire Princesse Laurana and hauing conquered wher thou desiredst to make so light account of her as thou haste doone Had death preuented thée before shee had béene satis-fied thine honour defended and thy vnknowne Polinarda no way iniuried which spéeches made the teares to trickle down his chéekes when Ptolome looking aside espyed him and gessing the cause of his sadnes said Uerily I neuer thought to sée such womannishe behauiour in you nor that any gréefe or mis-fortune should haue teares so soone at commaundement Howe will you héereafter withstande so manie casualties hard aduentures and daungerous stratagems with manie sundrie narrowe brunts that you must passe thorow when I sée you vnable to ouercome your own selfe béeing supprized by her teares to whome you haue doone honour to affoorde a good countenaunce If you had receiued of her the swéetes of loue reason might then plead in your excuse but hauing no way misprised her honour or offered offence to modest chastitie what iniurie may shée saie that you haue doone her Forget I praie you these vnséemelie fashions hardly agréeing with a Knight of such report as you are let vs finde some thing els to talke on and tell me which way you intende to iourney By my life ê™ Palmerin I knowe not but let vs take which way Fortune shall please to conduct vs. I thinke it best then sayde Ptolome that we shape our course towarde Rome where we shall finde people of all Nations by whome we maie be instructed as concerning aduentures worthy our trauaile and guyding to honour On then chéerelie quoth Palmerin and so they trauailed eight daies togeather not méeting with any aduenture worthy to be spoken off till at length they met a Damosell heauily mourning who saide Alas what will shee saie whose trust was onelie in mee hauing lost the thing wherein consisted her hope to recouer yâ— highest of her noble desires Palmerin hearing these wordes and mooued with compassion rode to her demaunded the cause of her mourning Sir Knight quoth she I was sent by a Ladye with a Caskette wherein was one of the best Swordes in the whole worlde which is so enchaunted as none can drawe it out of the skabbard but hee that is esteemed the worthiest Knight liuing but before any be admitted to make proffe of this aduenture hee must graunt a request that I am to aske him With this Sword haue I trauailed many strange Countries as Fraunce Italie Sclauonye and diuerâ— other where many haue tryed but no one yet could finish the aduenture whereuppon I was thys daie trauailing towarde the Emperours Courte of Greece and heereby I met with two Knights who hauing hearde the cause of my long trauaile made proofe of their fortune one after another and bothe failed whereat they were so offended as they tooke the Casket from me perforce and are gone there with I knowe not whither which dooth so gréeue me in respect of her losse towards whom I am as death woulde be more welcome to mee then life Faire Uirgin saide Palmerin doo not discomfort your selfe but she we mee which way they rode that dealt with you so discourteouslie Gentle Knight quoth shee if your hap be to restore my losse againe you doo the most gracious acte that euer Knight did for a distressed Damosell These Traytors to honour whereof the one is in Crunson Armour bearing in his Shéelde thrée Lyons heades tooke this waie by the woode and as yet I am sure they canne not be farre hence Then Palmerin clasped his Helmet and taking his Sword and Launce desired Ptolome to garde the Damosell and follow him galloping that way which she had shewed him and by the time he had rid two miles he espied them he looked for talking with an other Knight they had mette and they thrée togeather were assaying to open the Casket to whom Palmerin cryed Trecherous villaines that can not méete with Ladies on the waie but must offer them iniurie deliuer the Casket or yee die One of the two turned presently and séeing him that thus threatned them to be alone not moouing a â—ote began to laughe and scornefullie returned this aunswere Softlie softlie good Sir God pardon their soules whome you kill so easilie but for all hys words Palmerin ran against them and they at him so that he receiued a small wounde on his shoulder in recompence whereof he gaue one of them a pasport into another world and laid so lustilie on the seconde as he set him quicklie beside his saddle When the third sawe his companions at so harde a reckoning he said to himselfe By my faith he spake not vnaduisedlie that said A safe escape is better then a bad tarrying And allowing this sentence for currant in his owne opinion gaue the spurs to his Horse making hast away with the Casket so fast as hee coulde but Palmerin béeing somewhat better mounted got such aduauntage of this runaway as with his sword he parted his right arme from his bodie whereuppon he fell to the grounde and the Casket with him Then Palmerin alighted and tooke it vp and leauing the Knight there returned which way he came when opening the Casket he tooke great pleasure in behelding the Sworde which was meruailous costlie yet would he not prooue to drawe it foorth because he knewe not her pleasure to whom it appertained At length he espied Ptolome comming who came apace if néede had béene to assist him but when he knewe how he had ouercome yâ— Knights and recouered the
perceiuing the high fortune he was borne to chéefelie that he shoulde prooue a most noble Kâ—â—ght and the greatest Lord in Europe hee was desirous to contract a marriage betwéene him and his Niece Polinarda presenting her to him in his visions as hath béene declared Hee thus deceasing the King highly discontented at his Uncles harde fortune caused him to be buried in most sumptuous maner making him a Tombe in forme of a Piramides the most excellent stately that euer was in Bohemia and ouer against it were hanged the bodies of the Countie and his two Cozins for his Trophe Thus euery thing quieted and the funeralles of the Prince Adrian solemnized Palmerin woulde presentlie depart towardes Allemaigne but Ptolomes woundes were so daungerous as he was constrained to staie longer then he intended In the meane space the King did them all the honour could be deuised in hope to stay them still in his Court but it was impossible for Palmerin told him he must néedes goe to the Emperour about affaires of very great importaunce I knowe your meaning well enough saide the King you intende to goe Combat with the enchaunted Knight and in so dooing you shall loose both your paines and your life as manie other haue doone before you What enchaunted Knight is it saide Palmerin on my faith my Lord I neuer hearde anie one talke of him but you Then will I tell yee quoth the King since I haue begun the matter Not long since in the Country of the Emperour mine Uncle in the Cittie of Yâ—manes dwelled a welthie Knight who had a fayre Daughter amorous of a Gentleman and their loue kept so secrete as none knew it but themselues It so fell out that her Father marryed her to another Gentleman in his house but for any good acceptation or chéerefull countenaunce of the Gentlewoman the bridegrome could haue none so highlie estéemed she her first loue and continued in opinion towards him so firme as she graunted him enteraunce into her Chamber at an appointed time where hee murdered her Husbande and carryed the Lady with hym whether he pleased The bruite heereof was so soone spred abroade as the mother of the murdered Gentleman heard thereof whereuppon she made her complaint to the Emperour who immediatlie sent to summon the other before him but they refusing to come and hauing taken themselues to a very strong Castell were in the ende so straightly besieged as the Lady with her louer at length were taken hauing confessed the trueth of their offence sentence was giuen on them yâ— they should be burned The Father to this Knight offender so gréeued heereat as hee went to one of his Sisters entending neuer to sée the Emperour or his Court againe His Sister séeing him in this extreamitie as no mallice or bad inuention is comparable to a Womans deuised to enchaunt one of her Sonnes a good hardy Knight in such sort as he shoulde neuer bee ouercome in fight but with an enchauntment of greater force Beside shee gaue him a Bow and a great companie of impoysoned arrowes wherewith he should kill the Emperour and his Children or anie other whome himselfe pleased which hee had not failed to haue doone but mine Uncle Adrian vnderstanding thereof did take such regarde to the matter as hee coulde not hurt them but many of his people so that the Country is wonderfully perplexed For hee is mounted on a Horse enchaunted as himselfe is the swiftest in pace yâ— euer was séene wherewith he flies into manie out places of the Empire committing a thousand harmes and cannot be stayed for whosoeuer comes to him armed Knight or pesant all dies the death and none escapes him And that which is worst of all it is commonly reported that if mine Uncle will not giue him his eldest Sonne Trineus and faire Poliâ—arda his Daughter to doo with them what shall like his humour hee will neuer departe the Countrey til he haue thorowly ruinated it By my Sworde my Lorde sayde Palmerin in all my life I neuer heard so strange a tale were I sure to die a thousande deathes I will fight with this deuill and deliuer the Countrey if my strength wyll compasse it Alas my good Fréende sayde the King it would much displease me that you should hazard your selfe in such daunger for where such deuillish enchauntments are the strength of man howe great soâ—uer it be dooth not auayle and therefore for my sake I pray you to forbeare Let come what pleaseth God said Palmerin for if I die nowe I shall be excused for euer hâ—ereafter Wâ—ll sawe the King that he coulde not chaunge him therefore he left off any further to intreate him and too long he thought hee tarryed for Ptolomes health so desirous was he to be with the Emperour hoping that his Combat with the enchaunted Knight would graunt him meanes to sée and talke with fayre Polinarda Wherefore when his coÌ„panion had gotten a little streÌ„gth they tooke theyr leaue of the King and the Ladies chéefelie of the Prince Dyardo fayre Cardonya who after theyr departure had such successe in their loue as with yâ— Kinges consent the marriage was finished Nowe are Palmerin and Ptolome on their way to Gaunt where the Emperour made his continuall aboade the enchaunted Knight so persecuting him as he durst at no time come foorth of his Castell CHAP. XXVI Howe Palmerin and Ptolome arriued at the Cittie of Gaunt where the Emperour of Allemaigne kept his Courte and of the Combat betweene Palmerin and the enchaunted Knight GOod expedition made these Knights in their iourney tyll at length they arriued at the Citty of Gaunt where the Emperor of Allemaigne then soiourned not knowing howe to depart thence because the enchaunted Knight watched him at all howres our Knightes béeing thus come thether lodged in the house of a welthie Burgesse where they were entertained in very honorable maner They were no sooner dismounted from theyr Horsses but the whole Cittie was on a suddaine vprore and the people ranne on heapes from one place to another which made him remember what the King of Bohemia had tolde him and presently he imagined what after followed for his Hoste in great feare came running to him saying Alas Sir we all are vndoone the enchaunted Knight hath gotten the Gates of our Cittie and in despight of the guarde he is entered wonderfull is the harme that he will nowe doo if the Prince Trineus and fayre Polynarda be not reskewed God defende such harde fortune saide Palmerin rather will I fight with him and if I die I shall accompanie many other in vnfortunate successe With these words hee tooke his Launce and galloped that way where hee hearde the tumult which was at the Emperours Castell where the enchaunted Knight was shooting his arrowes at the windowes he espied open Ioyfull was Palmerin to finde him in so fit a place where his Lady Polinarda might giue iudgment of his valour which opinion did so renewe hys courage as
And though I vanquish one Knight it shall not be lawfull for me to rest a minute space but presentlie take him in hande that shall followe and bee it my fortune to bâ—â—oyled by him he shall kéepe the fielde in manner as you my Lord deuised And to the ende all may be the better executed pleaseth you yâ— in such places where your intelligencâ—rs shall come my enterprise may likewise bee declared in respect I hope to behaue my selfe so well as my Ladie will make speciall account of me The Lady for whoÌ„ the Duke of Sauoye thus attempted was Daughter to the King and Sister to Lewes named Lucemania whom he loued intirelie and aboue all thinges desired in marriage which to compasse and to honour his Ladie he thus offered the Combat against all Knights These Princes intending to goe thorow with their intent concluded betwéene them that the Duke of Sauoye shoulde breake it to the King to gaine his good-will whereuppon the Duke departing towards the Quéenes Chamber to finde the King espyed him aâ— very good leysure walking in his Garden to whome hee went in all haste and on his knee thus began So please it your highnes to graunt me oneâ—boone I shall be bounde to continue the â—oue I haue borne your Maiestie which is to prolong my life in your seruice as the most forwarde Knight in your royall Court The King who had long time fauoured the Duke 〈◊〉 him by the hande thus aunswered Demaâ—nde my good Cozin what you please and it shall bée graunted Then the Duke deliberatelie discoursed what the Prince Lewes and he had intended for the loue of theyr Ladies wherwith the King scant content and mâ—ruailing at this hastie enterprise said Why Cozin do you imagine your selues able to maintaine so hard a taske in resâ—â—â—ance of so manie hardie Knights wherewith the worlde is now plentifullie stored Beléeue me in maine Countries are Ladies of greater beautie I doubt then is at this 〈◊〉 in our Realme of Fraunce I promise you I hardly like what my Sonne and you attempt but seeing my worde is paste you shall not nowe be hindered doo â—herefore what your thinke expedient with this consideration alwaies that the ending of matters is greater then the beginning The Duke humbly thanking the King aunswered Wee doubt not my Lorde but by the hope of God and fauour of our Ladies to ende our affaires with fortunate successe but if nowe we should giue ouer and not goe forward with our promise we might woorthily be reprooued of shame cowardise the most villainous reproches that can be to any noble hart The King perceiuing the earnest affection of these two yong Princes and that to denie their request would be more hurtfull then to graunt commaunded him againe to procéede with their intent with such suretie against all strange Knights as what losse or victory happened to them they must be content with all that fell out The Duke not a little ioyfull kissing his highnes hande departed and immediatly acquainted Prince Lewes therewith but nowe the Queene vnderstanding her Sonnes enterprise sent for him and with sad countenance thus spake I would my Son that the intent of you and the Duke of Sauoye were eyther awhile deferred or vtterly forgotten because I greatlie doubt that the ende will bring a further consequence then you expect For thinke you that by all your forces and Chiualries the beauties of your Ladies shal be any iote increased no beléeue me but if they loue you as loyall Freendes ought to doo as greatlie wil they dislike your enterprise as feare the daunger whereinto you may fall a matter causing other desire then you thinke on more offensiue perhaps to them then anie honor you may winne can please them Lewes who by no meanes would be disswaded from his conceit aunswered Good Mother if for no other feare this matter shal not be reuoked in regard of the shame neuer dying dishonor I shall gaine thereby which makes mee desire a thousande deathes then not to bee so good as my worde therefore perswade your selfe good Mother that albeit her beautie for whom I enter the Combat cannot bee more perfect hereby in that it is without imperfection yet such is my resolution in a matter so certaine as her sweete lookes shall deliuer me strength enough to ende my taske without dreade of any inconuenience yâ— may happen The Duchesse enflamed with loue hearing these wordes on her behalfe must needes speake and thus began I knowe not my Lorde who is the Ladie you loue nor what are her vertues but heereof I can assure you that she is highlie beholding to you and except great reason to the contrarie ought to loue you considering what perill you thruste your selfe into for her beautie Madame quoth the Prince the trauaile I shall take and the bad fortunes may befall mee are little of no account in respect of her gracious deserts therefore for her honour I will beare my inwarde paines with secrete content and attempt these outwarde actions with the greatest courage I can possible desiring no other recompence then her fauourable conceit whereof once assured nothing can seeme difficult to me no were it to dye in her diuine seruice And as he would haue continued longer the King not yet thorowlie content with his promise past to the Duke of Sauoye entered the Chamber by whose countenaunce Lewes wel knewe he was mal content wyth him wherefore falling on his knée hee saide My Lorde no one is ignoraunt how all my welfare and reputation consisteth onelie in your Maiestie as a Prince and Father the most vertuous that I know which great good in some part to recompence I haue enterprised a matter vnwoorthie of dislike so please your highnes of your accustomed bountie to excuse accept it in good part in respect that such as are borne to the highest places of dignitie ought to bee more prompt and readie to all magnanimious actions then theyr inferiors chéefelie in prowesse chiualry and deedes of estimation What brought such renowne to Horatius Mutius Scaeuola Marcus Curtius Manlius Torquatus and a number more of Romaine Knights if not the couragious folowing of occasions offered What made for euer immortall the fame of Marius the Romaine Cittizen Hanniball the Carthaginian and Agesilaâ—â— the Greeke if not the vndaunted valour of their minds deliuered in their déedes of kinglie consequence Assuredly I beleeue that their Fathers Uncles and auncient progenitours neuer made them noble or ought renowmed what then onely vertue the very formatrix of all nobilitie For this cause my good Lorde and Father hauing now oportunitie as my Cozin yâ— Duke of Sauoye hath informed you may it please your grace to permit my endeuours with fauour to the ende I may deliuer perfect testimonie that I no whit degenerate froÌ„ your heroycall and kingly vertues The King somewhat moderating his former opinion answered Trust me Sonne full well you know howe to disguise and couer your follye
with him into England where he founde the Countrey very much desolated with warres to his no little greefe but leaue we them and returne to Palmeâ—in CHAP. XLII Of the great courtesie the King of Fraunce vsed to Trineus and Palmerin and of their returne into Allemaigne SO dilligently were Palmerins woundes attended which he had receiued by the hand of Frysol as not long after hee recouered his health whereof the King and Prince Lewes were highly glad and much more Trineus to whoÌ„e the King desired to giue his Daughter Lucemania in marriage which to compasse hée intended a sumptuous banquet whereto hee woulde inuite these twaine yet first he would acquaint the Quéene therewith and therefore began the matter with her thus I see Madame that our Daughter Lucemania is of yéeres sufficient for a Husband and because I euermore desired her highest preferment and that I would knâ—w if the Prince Trineus to whom I could wish she were espoused were anie thing in loue that waie affected for hardlie in my iudgment shall we finde a greater Lord béeing heyre to the famous Emperour of Allemaigne for this intent I say will I ordaine a banquet whereto hee and noble Palmerin shall bee inuited and our Daughter to beare them company in yâ— best sorte you can deuise The Quéene who more desired this marriage then the King her Husbande aunswered You doubt not my Lord that I request her chéefest aduantage wherefore let it be as you haue determined and shee shall be present as you haue appointed This matter thus procéeding two daies after were Trineus and Palmerin called to this banquet and to honour them the more the King caused his Sonne Lewes with a braue companie of Knightes and Gentlemen to conduct them into the Pallace where they were royallie receiued by the King and Quéene and so led vppe into the Chamber appointed for their banquet After they had washed the King caused Trineus to sitte by him and Palmerin against him aboue whom sat faire Lucemania his Daughter béeing placed iust opposite to yâ— Prince Trineus the Quéene to furnish the Table satte downe by the King And albeit nature had bestâ—wed on yâ— Princesse most exquisite beautie yet her sumptuous accoustrâ—ments made her appeare most amiable but all coulde not mooue the hart of Trineus to forget her to whose shrine hee was dedicated The banquet ended and yâ— Tables withdrawne Trineus daunced with the fayre yong Princesse courting her with manie honest decent spéeches which made Lucemania suppose he loued her but the Prince noted it well enough albeit his affections were bound to English Agriola In this time the other Ladies were conferring of Palmerins knightlie valour when the Countie of Armignac his Sonne intreating the Duke of Orleaunce Daughter to daunce was thus staied by her spéeches to yâ— other Ladies You sée faire Ladies quoth shee that Palmerin hath misprized our beauties to reuenge our iniurie let vs all fall vppon him and shut him in some place where hee may neuer come foorth for if he escape vs the Allemaigne Ladies shall beare the honor from the French which will bee to vs perpetuall discredite These wordes she spake with such a pleasant countenaunce as mooued all the other Ladies to smile whereupon the Duchesse of Burgundie answered In sooth it is necessarie we should doo so and let vs not suffer him to gette out of our handes so easilie as he did from the Knights that came to the Combat All the companie lyked this motion well but the King said Ladies I will not consent that Palmerin shall haue anie wronge because I haue taken him into my guarde And who shall make recompence quoth another Ladie for the wrong hee hath doone vs You ought to suffer for satis-faction saide yâ— King and bee glad that you had the meane to sée the best Knight in the world for mine owne part I promise you I rest so contented Palmerin hearing the King so commende him bashfullie thus aunswered Alas my Lorde there is no such matter in me as pleaseth your Maiesty to report but what my abilitie is it remaines to doo you seruice accounting my selfe more then happy by comming to your Courte to haue knowledge of a Prince so noble and vertuous and no man liuing next my Lord the Emperour that maie commauÌ„de me more then your highnes Among other speeches yâ— King broke the matter of his Daughters marriage to Palmerin desiring him to labour in the cause to Trineus which hee promised but al in vain for after they had taken their leaue to returne towards Allemaigne though Palmerin was earnest in the matter in respecte of the beautie and nobilitie of the Princesse as for the support he might haue by matching with the Daughter of Fraunce yet Trineus thus answered I thanke you my Lord for the good you wish mee as also the honour the King affoordes mee but another beyond her whose renowne hath conquered me is Lady and Mistresse of my affections And because you are hee frâ—m whom I will not hide my most secrete thoughts know that it is Agriola Daughter to the King of England to whom though my Father be an enemie yet by your aide mine owne good endeuours I doo not doubt to compasse my loue You knowe my Lord quoth Palmerin that I wish as wel to you as mine owne hart and when occasion serues tryall shall make manifest And séeing you haue fixed your loue on faire Agriola of England imparting likewise the same so confidently to me I am perswaded you coulde neuer make a better choise therefore let nothing chaunge your opinion Thus rode they on with manie sundrie spéeches not a little gladde they were returning to the Emperour but Palmerin much more then was Trineus for the desire hee had to sée his Ladie Polinarda wherefore with the consent of the Prince he sent a Squire before to aduertise the Emperour of their comming before whom he had no sooner doone reuerence but he was presentlie knowne and demaunded in what estate his Son Trineus and Palmerin were where he had left them what accideÌ„ts had happened in Fraunce Then the Squire rehearsed the Combats and victories of his Maister against the Princes of Fraunce and the Dukes of Gaule Sauoye with their royall entertainment by the King and his Sonne howe manie portraits of Ladies Palmerin had conquered with the whole discourse of euerie action Whereof the Emperour the Empresse and all the Lords Ladies were maruailous glad yet was not theyr ioy comparable to the Princesse Polinardas hearing the Squire reueale the honourable déedes of her loue so that her conceit might be discerned by her couÌ„tenance needes she must thus demaunde of the Squire I praie thée tell me my Fréende howe fares my Lord and Brother with his noble companion Sir Palmerin The Squire wel abuised because he knewe the loue betwéene her and his Maister sette his knee to the grounde againe with this aunswere I left the Prince your Brother accompanied with
Lord matched not with you the greatest Princesse in Europe would not triumph in his loue Yes certainly Madam when you may at leysure sit downe recount your 〈◊〉 which you sustained by flatterers parâ—sites Think what will be the danger after our departure the Emperour his father not minding to pocâ—â—t the losse of his late armie will send such a puissaunt strength into England as the King your father nor 〈◊〉 duke your husband that must be wil scant excuse yâ— who le ruine of this country The mean to preuent this mishap and assure your continual tranquilitie is in entertaining the counsell I haue giuen you where otherwise your selfe conceit makes way to manifold misfortunes dangers Thus concluding his spéeches in great heauines he turned from her wherat the Princesse inwardly gréeued for the Ring which he had giuen her was of such vertue that after she had put it on her finger shee was wonderfully affected toward Trineus as she could not thinke on any other wherfore in this sudden change and trembling with the doubtful conceit of her owne spirit she called Palmerin to her thus answering Alas my Lord and only comfort in these heauy passions what feare hath these hard and rigorous spéeches brought me into It is very true that folowing the counsell of yong Ladies like my selfe I haue béene perswaded to cast off the Princes loue accounting him but a simple knight errant but now being assured of his nobility loialty and great gentlenesse that he would not request as I hope any thing contrary to vertue and honor I beléeue what you haue said submit my selfe to your discretion as willing to obey any thing you shall commaund me Yet this I must request that aboue all things mine honour may be defended for rather would I suffer mine own losse for euer then this famous realme or my father should be any way endangered Beléeue me Lady quoth Palmerin if thus you continue you may wel venture to gain this generall benefit for henceforth there will none be so hardy as to molest your father with warre hauing matched his daughter with the great Emperours sonne of Allemagne To confirme this promise you shall giue me this swéete hand which I kisse as the hand of the soueraigne Lady Empresse of high Allemaigne that you will not shrinke hereafter froÌ„ this honorable determination but for your owne regard you must conceale this contract from your most trustie friends and dispose in such sort of your selfe for I hope to compasse the meane and opportunitie that you shal leaue England and go to the noble regions of your worthy Lorde and husband What I haue promised sayd Agriola I will performe and with what spéede you shall thinke conuenient albeit I repose such trust in you that hauing béene so fortunate hitherto in your interprises you wil be carefull in accomplishing these daungerous intentions Thus before they departed the mariage of Trineus and Agriola was concluded and because they would not as then bee suspected they stept into the daunce next the yong prince shewing very amiable pleasant gestures which Trineus in his often turning diligeÌ„tly noted imagining that Palmerin had not so long conferred with his Lady but some assured resolutioÌ„ was determined yet he dissembled his inward ioies so cunningly as he could Ech eie was fixed on these two braue knights the Ladies and Gentlewomen perswading themselues that they neuer beheld more noble personages deseruing like estimation for their special chiualrie as also for their bountie and Courtly â—iuilitie Thus passed the feast in all kinde of pleasures and these two Knights withdrawing themselues into their chamber Palmerin discoursed to Trineus his talk with Agriola and how he had with such cunning pursued the matter that in the end be obtained what he demaunded reporting the gentle conclusion hee made with the Princesse These ioyfull newes droâ—e the prince into such a quandarie as he could not expresse his secret content wherefore Palmerin awaking him out of his musing said As I am true knight I neuer thought yâ— a man of your estate could be of so slender courage What countenance woulde you vse in a matter of sorrow when such dainty tidings make you so effeminate Be of good chéere man Agriola is your owne and none but Trineus must bee her Lorde and husband I must confesse my lord said Trineus that my behauior but little beséemes my calling but yâ— cause therof is that I know no desert in my selfe yâ— may be estéemed worthy yâ— least fauor of my Lady Beside these newes brought me such special contentmeÌ„t as I am no longer mine own but in her onely I liue and shée holdes the ballanâ—â— of my daunger or felicity in that I was borne to be her â—eruant But now I desire you my Lord séeing the occasion offereth itself we hinder it not by any negligence for if now we loose the fauour of the time we neuer I feare shal recouer the like therefore let vs so soone as we can proâ—â—dâ— al things ready for our departâ—â—e Refer that to me quoth Palmerin be you as ready as I shall make prouision The next day he went to the maister of a ship to knowe when time would serue for their secret departure who answered him that the time was then very conuenient the winde seruing prosperously and the Sea calme and nauigable and he would furnish him with all necessaries for his passage Quoth Palmerin sée that your men and all things be in readines yâ— we may launch away vpon halfe an houres warning So departed the maister about his busines and Palmerin to the prince Trineus whom he informed with these glad tydings now nothing remaining but to know the princesse pleasure â—he being 〈◊〉 wiâ—e as ready to depart as yâ— most forward But quoth Palmerin how shall we safely get you foorth of the Court I will sayd the Princesse this night feigne my selfe sicke and for my greater quiet cause my Ladyes to absent my Chamber and so secretly will I escape disgâ—â—sâ—d to the 〈◊〉 gate of the Pallace which is not far from my todging wherto I may passe vnséene of any and from thence go with you saâ—â—ly to the Hauen This practise was faithfully concluded betwéene them and Agriola withdrewe her selfe closely to her chamber where at night she began her câ—uÌ„terfeit sicknesse commanding her Ladyâ—â— to 〈◊〉 hâ—r alone because â—he 〈…〉 Her Ladyes little thinking of 〈…〉 went to their owne lodgings very peâ—siue and sorowful which Agriola perceiuing couered her self with her night mantle and came to the place where the Knights staid her comming Palmerin taking hir vnder his arme conuaied hir in that maner to the princes chaÌ„ber where they altogither laid downe the order for their embarking Trineus extolling his happy fortune séeing his Lady so ready to accomplish his desire They arming themselues and taking with them the princesse costly iewels wherof she had plentifully stored her self they came to the hauen where they fouÌ„d
shee sawe before her eyes woulde often times haue cast her selfe into the raging waters At length the tempest ouer-passed they discryed an Island wheretâ— with the helpe of theyr Oares they coasted shrouding them selues vnder the sides of an highe mountainâ— and although the place séemed casuall yet there they determened to caâ—tâ— Anker vntill the Seas were more calme and quiet Bâ—ing thus vnder the lée and defended from the winde with the hâ—ge Râ—cke Palmerin came vp on the haâ—ches to sée what iudgement he could make of the Island aâ—d so delectable thâ— country seemed vnto him as he was desirous to go on shore taking his Faulcon on his fist that was giuen him in England so with no other defence but his Sworde he went to viewe the soyle not suffering any body to beare him coÌ„pany Trineus and Agriola perswaded him to the contrary but all would not serue for the scituation of the Countrey pleased him so well as he walked on in great contentation not minding to returne againe to the ship till toward the euening Chap. LXV How Trineus Agriola Ptolome and all their Mariners were taken by the Turkes after that Palmerin was gone to viewe the Island THe Historie reporteth that while Palmerin was thus absent there arriued foure or fiue Turkish Gallies who likewise glad to shun the tempesteous weather cast Anker néere to Trineus ship and séeing no bodye on the decke of this strange vessel because fearing no harm they were all at rest they enuironed it about and hauing boorded it the Captaine of the Turks called to them saying What are yée asléepe within that ye let vs boord ye without any resistance by the reuerence of our gods we shal awake yée but litle to your ease So came the Souldiours on boorde after theyr Captaine who put the Pilote the Maister and many of the Marriners to the Sword sparing none but such as they pleased to ransome Then searching the Cabins they â—ound Trineus Agriola and Ptolome whom they tooke prisoners by reason they were vnarmed as also somewhat sicklye after theyr roughe passage This rouing Captaine or Pyrate named Olimael noting the singuler beautie of Agriola commaunded her to be â—arryed on boord his Galley When the Princesse sawe her selfe so hardly handeled and that her Lorde was prisoner with these villainous Moores so that perforce they must abandon one another she brake foorth into pitifull acclamations and looking on her husband thus spake Ah my Lord how hard straunge is this fortune haue we escaped a tempest so daungerous now to fall into this mercilesse extremitie Oh that you and Sir Ptolome had béene Armed that these Moores might haue bought our liues with the sword but despightfull chaunce hath 〈◊〉 thwarted vs as no meanâ— is left to preuent our perill Ah Palmerin how gréenous iâ—â—hine absence and how displeasaunt will our mishap bee to thée how much would thy valour now auaile vs being vtterly destitute of any succour or refuge I knowe our mishap will so offend â—hée as I feare thou wilt vse some outragâ— on thy selfe With these words shée fell downâ— among them in a dead traunce the sight whereof so enraged Trineus and Ptolome as snatching weapons out of the Moores handes they layde about them so lustily that in short time they had â—laine halfe a score of them But vnable were they to conâ—â—nd against so many wherefore being taken againe they were bounde so cruelly with cordes and chaines as renâ—e their tender and delicate flesh in many places and being so conueyed into an other Galley theyr Squires likewise prisoners with them the Moores tooke what they pleased out of the Shippe and when they had done set it on fire Then presently they weyed Anchor and launching away made haste least any reskewe should followe them so that quickly they losse the sight of the Islande and Olimael comming to sée Agriola assaied by many meanes to asswage her heauinesse embracing her in his armes and promising her great â—icheâ— if shée would be paciâ—â—ed But 〈◊〉 his spéeches were in vaine for shée séeing the Moore imbrace her with angry 〈…〉 like a Lyon enraged caught him by the haire and the throat saying Thou villaine Dogge thinkest thou I take any delight in thy company How darest thoâ— traitourlye théeâ—e lay hande on mee And so roughly did shâ— struggle with Olimael as if his men had not assisted him shée had strangled him notwithstanding hée tooke all patiently perswading himselfe that by gentle speeches smooth â—latterings and large promises hée should in time win her to his pleasure So came he forth of the cabin with his throat and face brauely painted with Agriolaes nayles washing away the bloud which made comely circles about his phisnoâ—ie then called he the Captaines and chiefe of his companie willing them to share the bootie among them and hée would haue nothing but the Princesse for his parte for he was so inueigled with the beautie of his prisoner as he had no delight but onely in beholding her In this manner then he bestowed his prisonners Trineus he gaue to one of his 〈◊〉 and Ptolome to a Knight that seruâ—d the Soldâ—â—â— of 〈…〉 hee gaue among thâ— common 〈◊〉 But when the Prince sawe hée must néedes leaue his Ladye and each man would carye his prysoner whether him pleased his gréefe for his wife and sorrowe for his friendes I leaue to your iudgement as not â—able to â—ée expressed Yet some hope of comfort hée reposed in Palmerin thaâ—by his meanes 〈◊〉 escaped theyr hands he should get againe Agriola else was there no waye lefte to helpe him Ptolome who déerely loued the Prince before they parted thus began Why how now my Lorde where is your woonted prudence and disâ—â—etion Where is that constant magâ—â—nimitie which in so many fortunes héeretofore you vsed what is it lost or haue you forget it What meane ye will ye be subiect to passions as a weake effeminate person You that are sprung from the most auncient noble and generous race of Christendome esteemed for a most couragâ—ous and vertuous Knight will you â—ée driuen into these sad and desolate â—pinions What then would a Turke Moore or barbarous Myrâ—â—don doo in like afflictions when he yâ— hath assurance of his God and knows that all persecutions fortunes and mishaps are prooues of his fidelitie and the meanes to attaine eternal quiet shewes thâ—se vndutifull behauiors as though he had lost all meanes of hope and comforte If the body be afflicted let the spirite be animated and armed with patience against all infirmities of the flesh Leaue these soft countenances for Women and if you will not perswade your selfe that these troubles happen for the encreasing of our ioye it maye bée the meanâ— that God will forsake vs. Then neyther feare or dispayrâ— I praye you for he that suffered vs to fall into these Moores handes both can and will deliuer vs againe As for your Lady Agriola doubt not of her vnconquerable loyalty for shée hath in
but well may I content my selfe for this is a iust scourge for mine offence and vndutifull obedience to the King my father Ah my Lord and loyall husband Trineus neuer shall I sée thée againe for God dooth know whither these villaines hath sâ—nt thee Ah noble Palmerin who was woont héeretofore to comfort me too much hast thou failed vs all thy former promises are nowe altered for in steede of imperiall soueraigntie pleasure anâ— honor I am requited with pouerue greefe shame and mockerie Ah death sweet death too long desired â—rath why commest thou not to end all these miseries But God will not permit thée because by my torments and afflictions I may féele the weightie burthen of my offences and large bountie of his mercies Ptolome séeing her in this mournfull vexation sayde It is no time nowe Madame thus to offende your selfe but rather as wise and well gouerned is beare these aduersities euen with as great content as your former prosperities taking in good part whatsoeuer shall happen for I am in good hope and my minde perswades me that wée shall be deliuered by noble Palmerin who I am sure endureth greater gréefe in his libertie hauing left vs 〈◊〉 wee can doo in our imprisonment Olimael excéeding angry to 〈◊〉 Agriola wéepe violently puld Ptolome from her charging his men not to suffer him once to come in her sight which he suffered patiently because he saw it was in vaine to kicke against the pricke When they were come to the Pallace and admitted to the Emperours presence Olimael knéeling downe and kissing his foote presented Agriola to his maiestie who séeing her of such rare and wonderfull beautie said to Olimael This present my Fréende is of such surpassing value as thou couldest neuer honour me with the like good reason is it therefore that a gift so precious should be rewarded with like recompence and so perswade thy selfe I will and thou shalt say the Emperouâ— is bountifull As for the Ladie thou hast giuen me I â—â—â—ceiue her so faire and gracious as I inteâ—d neuer to haue any other wiâ—e and that I may espouse her with the 〈◊〉 magnificence I will stay till the hallowed day 〈…〉 â—â—ronation when all my Princes Barons and 〈◊〉 wil be héere assembled and then in their prsence shal our nuptialles be solemnized Nowe had the Emperour a Woman captiue named Hippolita who was a Marchantâ— Daughter of Scicile and better skilled in all languages then anie Ladie in the Court for which he made speciall account of her reposing great confidence in her and acquainting her with his chéefest secrets wherefore hee sent for her before Agriola and sayd Hippolita I giue you this Ladie in kéeping commanding you to intreat her as our owne person and that all meanes may be practised to cause her forsake this sad mellancholy In conference you may shewe her what honour and happinesse she shall receiue by falling into our hanâ—es and what incomparable fortune it is to her whom we shall please to accept for our Wife All which Hippoâ—ita with great humilitie promised to accomplish and so conducted her into a maruailous princely Chamber the floore couered all ouer with cloth of Tissue and hung about with such sumptuous Tapistrie and bloth of Golâ— as hardly might the richnesse thereof be valued There Hippolita caused the Princesse to fitte downe in a Chayre of state which was purposely prouided for her demaunding her name and of what countrey shee was The Princesse answered that shee was of England but further of her state shee would not bewray Hippolita speaking perfectly the English tongue tooke great delight daily to commune with her and because Agriola should the better like of her conuersation she tolde her that she was like wise a Christian but by constraint she followed the Law of Mahomet and his Alchoran In further spéeches shée acquainted her with the estate of the Sultanes in the Court of the great Emperour of Asia which communication serued well to weare away the time albeit the Princesse tooke small pleasure therein Olimael in consideration his noble present was created high Admirall of the Mediterranean sea and furnished with greater store of Foystes and Gallies then 〈◊〉 before Chap. II. How the great Turke summoned all the Kings and Princes his Subiects because hee minded to hold open Court and howe he married with the Princesse Agriola his prisoner HIppolita daily conuersing with Agriola â—ecause shee could not so well speake her language at length the Emperor came to her chamber and because he might the better behold the princesse hee sate downe in a Chaire opposite to her anâ— there he sate a long time not able to coÌ„tent his eyes with looking on her for speake to her he could not because shee vnderstood not the Turkish language Wherefore he commanded Hâ—ppolita to request her name and what her Parents were which to satisfie his maiâ—stie shee did Agriola thus answering her In vaine Lady séeke you to know of me the thing which death cannot force mée bewray let this suffice you that I am a poore Gentlewoman the most infortunate that euer liued with which words shee wept very greeuously The Emperour moued with pittie departed to his Chamber so surprised and enflamed with her loue as hée could take no â—est one minute 〈◊〉 the night considering with himself that seeing she estéemed so little of the riches she sawe in his Pallace and refuseâ— the offers made her by Hippolita that doubtlesse shee was extract of sâ—me noble Image The next morning he called his foure Secretaries commaunding them to write to all the Princes of his Empire that they should not fayle to honour the day of his coronation with their presence and to bring with them theyr Quéenes and Daughters and this they should do on paine of displeasure all which was performed with present expedition In the meane time hee caused sundrie sumptuous ornaments to bee prepared with all manner of precious Iewels could be deuised and these he daily sent to Agriola but all these presents promises and munificent entertainment could no way mooue her not so much as to grant him a gracious countenance He likewise sent for the brauest Ladies in his Court that they should kéepe the Princesse companie but she would be conuersant with none but Hippolita of whom she had so prettily learned the Arabian tongue as many times she could indifferently answere the Emperour But when he behelde her continually so pensiue and that by no meanes shee would bee comforted hée doubted least his presence did offende her and therefore hée forbare so often to visit her For so déerely he loued her as for the halfe of his Empire hee would giue her no occasion of discontent hoping in time which is the Lorde and conquerour of all things to alter that humour and purchase her loue which he desired with earnest affection But now at this day where may we find a Lady so vertuousand wel gouerned being captiue as Agriola was that could
not be woon by such a mightie Emperor considâ—â—ing her youth and beautie and the wonderfull riches incessantly offered her Yet the highest Lord so protected her that the more liberall the Turke was in honors and perswasions the more loyall continued her loue to Trineus whose perfect image was engrauen in her heart And not fearing torments or death she boldly answered the Emperor that he trauailed in vain for she might not loue him in that she was married to an husband more noble euery way then he and none but him shée would loue while she liued yet made he no great account of her words considering what frailtie commoâ—ly is in women The day being come of this great preparatioÌ„ and al the Princes present to vnderstand their soueraigneâ— will he béeing placed in his imperiall seate said That hée intended to take to wife one of the most beautifull Ladyes in the world for that cause he sent for them to vnderstand 〈◊〉 they liked thereof Their aunswere was that they liked well thereof and would gladly honour her as wel beseemed them Then sent he for Agriola and before them all saide vnto her that it was his pleasure to accept her for 〈◊〉 wife and therefore shee should prepare her selfe on the 〈◊〉 to be married The Princesse abashed at these spéeches fell downe before him in a dead traunce where vpon by the Quéenes and Ladies present shée was conuayed into her Chamber where béeing againe reuiued she began most pitifull and dolorous lamentations so when all the companie had left her that shée was alone with Hippolita falling downe on her knées at her beds â—â—ete shée thus began O my God and benigne Father pittie thy poore distressed creature and forget the offences I haue heretofore committed for what is a sinner vnlesse thou in mercie suffer her to come before thée Wilt thou then vouchsafe O wonderfull wordeman of the whole worlde one eye of pittie vpon thy humble forsaken seruantâ— and suffer her not to fall into subiection to the vewed enemie of thy holy worde arming me so strongly in this temptation that I no way iniurie my Lord and husbande Trineus but rather graunt this desolate spirit may leaue this bodie and the worlde togither Ah my honourable Lord Trineus where art thou nowe that thou art not héere so defenâ—e the shamâ— and wrong this Tyrant offers thée What art thou dead or hast thou forgâ—tten me No no so well am I assured of thy fidelitie as no forment can diuert thée from mée Yet if I knewe directly that thou art not liuing the lesse woulde â—ée my feare to follow thée for then the greatest pleasure this Pagan could doe 〈◊〉 were to make mée happie onely by death But for the matter is vncertaine and that I liue in hope once more to see thée I will patiently endure all afflictions whatsoeuer for so swéete a reward as is thy louâ— These sorrowes of the Princesse so gréeued Hippolita as one coulde hardly iudge who was most passionate yet at length shée thus spake to Agriola I beséech you good Lady to leaue these gréeuous lamentations and regarde the high estate honour and dignitie that you shall haue in marrying with my Lord. Neuer perswade me quoth the Princesse to manifest disloyaltie for such preâ—erments if they bée not gotten iustly and by vertue they ought not to bée coueted but to be shunned as diuelish Serpents Thus spent they the whole night and in the morning came the Quéenes and Ladies newlie come to the Court to bid the sorrowfull Bride good morrow in her Chamber attyring her in wonderfull gorgious vestures after their Country maner farre beyonde the royaltie of Helena after her arriuall at Troy Betwéene foure Kings shée was brought into the greate Hall and from thence conducted to the Temple where they were espoused by the Mosti To recount here thy royall solemnitie in the temple the Maiestie and vnspeakable dignitie at the pallace the excellent Comedies rare triumphs Maskes Momeries Moriscoes and such like courtly pleasures would bée a matter too prolixious for they are not to our purpose Let it then suffice yee that after they were magnificently entreated at Dinner and Supper the daunâ—ing began and God knowes how the Turks Moores Arabes and Medes set foorth themselues in thâ—ir dâ—uises and sports before their Ladies much lyke the Satyres and â—orned Faunes giuing new inuasions on the Nimphes of Diana But all these maruayles ioyes and follies coulde not chaunge the Princesse countenaunce for shée continuing in her penâ—â—uenesse these sports were worsse to her then the tormentâ— of death aboue all fearing the losse of her chastitie which was a Iewell neuer to be recouered The Pastimes ended by the Quéenes and Ladies shée was conducted to the nuptiall 〈◊〉 so braue and â—â—ately as the Prince Aeneas when he came to Quéene Dido of Carthage and there was the vnfortunate Bride committed to her rest Soone after came the hastie Bridegroome calling for Torches that hée might be holde the Goddesse hée honoured and as hée was preparing himselfe to bed he was troubled with such feares passions and apâ—plexie as nowe he séemed more lyke a ghost then a man Perforce hée was constrained to forsake the Chamber when the extremitie of the fit somewhat asswaging and his former louepassions freshly assayling him comming to the Princesse againe heauily hée thus spake Ah Agriola Ladie and sole Mistresse of my heart I thinke thou art some Goddesse or at least excéeding all humanitie so strange is this aduenture as neuer any man I thinke heard of the like Alas cannot thy anger be appeased nor thou induced to loue him who for thy sake endures most horrible torments I pray thée bée not the cause of my death or if thou néedes wilt suffer mée first to eniâ—y the fruites so my desires Know my Lord answered Agriola that with my will yoâ— neuer shall enioy it and if perforce you séeke to dishonour me assure your selfe I am resolued rather to suffer endlesse miseries then to violate my faith to my loyall Husbande for such is my trust in God that hée will not forget such as call on him But in respect thou hast not béene cruell to mée nor hast exercised mée with any tyrannie I shall suffer thée to lye vpon the bed by mée as my Brother might doo and sometime though it be more then modestie embrace thée in mine armes but if fartheâ— thou presumest thou mayst not bée permitted but shall loose that fauour thy selfe and mee togither Madame quoth hée in graunting mée that courtesie you saue my life for I haue many Concubines to qualifie those passions and neuer will I attempt your dishonour while I liue if I but offâ—r the motion refuse mée foreuer I shall therefore account of you as my Sister and death shall not make me doo contrarie to your appoyntment The yong Princesse glad of this solemne promise gaue him a kisse or twaine and suffered him to embrace her but other kindnesse could be neuer obtaine
contenting himselfe with this because hée loued her so specially At fiftéene dayes end the feastes béeing ended the Princes tooke their leaue of the great Sultane who with many rich presents sent them home into their Countryes Thus remained Agriola with the great Turke and the Knight to whom Olimael had giuen Ptolome and Colmelio sailed with his prisoners into Aethiopia and thenceforward vsed them not as slaues but as Gentlemen of good qualitie especially Ptolome whom hée reputed a hardie Knight and a man borne to great enterprises Chap. III. How Palmerin after his recreation returned to the sea side and seeing the Ship and his companie gone made great lamentation and what after followed BEfore in this Historie you haue heard how Palmerin walking on shore with his Faulcon on his fist desired to see the pleasantnesse of the Isle and finding so manie delights to with-holde him returned not towarde the Ship till it was néere night but when hée came thither againe and could not sée the Shippe nor anie one to question withall he was greatly amazed running héere and there yet all to no purpose Sometime 〈◊〉 imagined that Trineus had betrayed him because he had acquainted him with his loue toward his Sister and then againe resolued himselfe on the contrarie All about hee looked for his companions not knowing what to think whether they were carried away by Pirats or taken prisoners by the Inhabitants of the Island In the end hauing compassed in his minde all imaginations hee could and séeing that by his regard of pleasure he had lost his Friendes hee entred into many sorrowfull lamentations farre 〈…〉 Cadmus when hee lost his Souldiers by the horrible Serpent cursing and exclaiming on himselfe as he had béene guiltie of the death of his father Alas quoth hee why did I not remember these wretched misfortunes by poore Varnan whose sorrowes was likewise procured by a Hawke in haplâ—sse houre was this wicked Byrde giuen me Ah trecherous and deceiuing strumpet I thinke thou art some incorporate Fiende sent from Hell to iniurie the most constant Louers and therefore gentle Oâ—le or rather enchanted Diuell thou shalt neuer hereafter displeâ—â—â— any other so taking her by the necke hée pulled her in 〈◊〉 and said Ah sweete Lady Polynarda how contrarie is Fortuneâ— and howe vnhappily our desirâ—s preuented well am I assured if Trineus come to the Court without me it will endanger your life and the onely thing that sheeldes mée from death is comfortable hope to sée you once again Therfore diuine mistresse I call for your succour that by your gracious assistante I may endure these vehement occasions Ah gentle Princesse Agriola howe haue I deceiued you but in requitall of your wrong no rest nor ease shall possesse my soule till I haue brought Trineus and you 〈◊〉 as great ioy as by my meanes you haue receiued discomfort In these complaints 〈◊〉 laide him downe 〈…〉 and so wasted the time till morning camâ— when 〈◊〉 no treatures to speake withall nor any meane for his to pâ—sse the Sea hee determined to passe through the Island till hee might méete some body to â—oâ—ferre with Thus hauing no defence but his sword vnder his arme hee walked along and at length he met a Moore with foure Spanielles and a Marlin on his fist whome hee humbly saluting demaunded the name of the Countrey and if there were any shipping neere for his passage The Moore perceiuing by his language that he was a Christian in great anger answered Art thou come so farre to séeke thine owne misfortune by Mahomet I shall welcome thee hither with a vengeance So laying hande on his Semitary Palmerin perceiuing by his gesture though hee vnderstood not his talk that he wished him no good wherefore drawing his sword hee gaue the Moore such a stroke on the head as he cleaued it to his very téeth and sayd By God villaine thou shalt not take me prisoner or send me into the sea to séeke my raunsome and so may all discourteous varlets be serued as resemble thée in conditions Thus leauing the Moore dead hée tooke another way least if he should bée followed hée might fall into danger but séeing hee was vnarmed and could not speake the Arabian tongue hée imagined that at length he must néedes be taken Hereupon he returned backe to the Moore and taking his garments left his own there and thence forward determined to counterfeit himselfe dumbe by which subtiltie he thought to escape vnknowne and preuent his imprisonment till hee founde meanes to returne to wards Allemaigne againe The day stealling on apace and darke night approching he came to a fayre Fountaine of the cleerest water in his opinion that euer hee sawe where laying him downe to rest consumed the night as quietly as he could On the morrow he began to remember his miseries his dangers past and such as 〈◊〉 imminent the conceit whereof made him very melancholy so after hée hadde eaten a little bread which hee â—ound in the Moores budget according to the maner of Diogenes he layd him downe againe and slept Chap. IIII. How Palmerin counterfeiting himselfe dumbe in the Isle of Calpha was found by certaine Turkes as he lay a sleepe by the Fountaine and howe hee was receiued into the seruice of Alchidiana Daughter to the Soldane of Babilon NOw that you may the more easily vnderstand in that which followeth the full intent of our discourse you must call to memorie how Gamezio who was slaine before Constantinople by the Prince Florendos as you haue heard in the first parte of this Historie was Sonne to the Soldane of Babilon named Mysos and brother to Maulicus who at his death was a verie yong prince Mysos vnderstanding by his Subiects that Gamezio the hope of his declining age was gone by the summons of Atropos to the habitation of the Gods could not afterward enioy the health of body or quiet in minde and therefore ere a yeere was fully expired hée went to séeke his sonne among his equalles in the fields of Elysium Before hée tooke his iourney wherein no creature returneth againe hée charged his succéeding Sonne Maulicus to reuenge his brothers death béeing perswaded that himselfe should not be discharged of his infortunate remembrance in the other world if hée failed to accomplish his latest commaundement Maulicus not to hinder his departure promised he would yet could hee not fulfill it beeing troubled in his own Kingdoms more then 20 yeeres after But after he had reduced the rebellious Prouinces into obedience he married with the King of Armeniaes Daughter by whom he had the Princesse Alchidiana one of the most beautifull and gracious Laâ—ies of her time who beeing come to age of experience was so loued of her fathâ—r as he would neuer suffer her out of his sight so that he made 〈◊〉 to all such as requested her in marriage Alchidiana when shee vnderstood her owne singularitie desired the 〈◊〉 of the most beautifull Ladies in Asia because she held this
Ladyes eares Neyther can you in my iudgement honour him sufficiently because my Daughter and mée hee hath shéelded from death expulsed our ignominious slaunder and slaine our false accusing enemy to make vs liue in perpetuall fame and memory The most part of them well 〈◊〉 his words and confounded with the remembrance 〈◊〉 theyr shame when they 〈◊〉 not enterprise the Combat for their Lady knew not what to answere but fearing to grow in further offence sought how to change his minde to some other talke Alchidiana béeing all this while in her Chamber prepared her selfe to goe visite 〈◊〉 not knowing how to shape her 〈◊〉 for fresh bewraying of 〈…〉 for the Goddesse Iuno when shée stoode before Syr Paris for sentence of her beautie was not more sumptuously adorned then the Princesse Nowe be 〈◊〉 shée to dispute in her thoughts the honourable graceâ— of Palmerin his nobilitie so farre renowmed his knightly prowesse and magnanimitie whereof herselfe had so good experience as shée resolued neuer to haue any other Husband Then 〈◊〉 she of her Ladies how she might 〈◊〉 her Knight if her head â—yre 〈◊〉 orderly if her 〈…〉 were tressed as they ought and if her garments were braue enough For conclusion the louely Mayden knew not how to dispose of herselfe to gaine his loue shée so earnestly longed for In this equipage she goes to sée her Friend and in his Chamber shée findes her Mother who hindered her languishing Daughter from discouering her sicknesse to him that onely had the power to helpe her wherefore liuing in hope of some better oportunitie for this time she smothered her gréefes so wel as she could finding other talke with her Ladies least her mother should suspect her Chap. XIII How the brethren of Amarano would haue buried his bodie in the Tombe with Ardemia which Alchidiana would not suffer but constrained them to carrie him home againe into his Countrey AMarano thus slaine his Brethren according to his charge thus giuen them before hée entred the Combat tooke his bodie and with great mourning they brought it to the Princesse Ardemiaes Tombe thinking to burie him there with her but Alchidmia aduertised héereof came presently and intreated her Father that hée woulde sende an Herauld to the Brethren of the vanquished Prince to charge them not to leaue the bodie of Amarano in his Dominions for if they did he would cause it to be burned as a Traytor deserued Moreouer that they themselues should depart within foure and twentie hours on paine of the daunger should ensue by their default For good Father quoth she if you should permitte their boldnesse it will be great blame and dishonour to you in that it is commonly knowne with what great pride and arrogancie he came to your Court thinking to iniurie your good report and eyther to shut mée from your presence for euer or else with open scandale to ende my life The Soldane well regarding her wordes willingly graunted her request whereupon the Princesse Brethren were certified of the Soldanes pleasure by a Trumpet whereat they maruailed not a little but séeing they could no way remedie it they said Herauld it is reason that your Lord should bée obeied within his owne territories neuerthelesse you may say vnto him that the crueltie he shewes to a dead bodie is verie great and against all equitie which he héereafter happilie may repent So opening the Tombe againe they tooke foorth their Brothers bodie and the Princesse Ardemiaes likewise conuaying them into a Litter of Cipres to kéepe them from corrupting and thus returned with them to Phrygia where the Princes death was greatly lamented but chéefly by the aged King his Father who séeing his Sonne dead before him after many dolorous passions thus complained Ah Fortune howe cruell doost thou shew thy selfe to the mightie as well as the meanest Ah my Sonne Amarano too déere hast thou bought thy loue to Ardemia Wretched and dispised olde man howe vnfortunate art thou among all other For when thou perswadest thy selfe to haue ioy and comfort by thy Sonnes thou findest the chéefe cause of sorrowe and discontent O death thou sufferest me too importunate Yet if the Soldane had graunted thée buriall where thou diddest desire it before thy death the lesse had béene my gréefe But soone shall I cause him repent his hard dealing and reuenge thy death with sufficient requitall The second brother to Amarano named Gramiel séeing his father in such extreame heauinesse assayed by all meanes he coulde to comfort him promising in the presence of all his Knights with all possible spéede to reuenge his Brothers death and so did all the sixe Brethren solemnly vowe togither Which spéeches did somewhat comfort the aged King who commaunded the bodies of the two louers to be taken from his presence and for a perpetuall memorie of his Sonnes death he caused a sumptuous monument to be made of marble and Porphire whereon was grauen the cause of their vnhappie death All this while Gramiell who vndertooke his Brothers reuenge gaue charge to the people round about him as also to the Kinges and Princes of Suria who were then enemies to the Soldane to prepare themselues in readinesse so that within a Moneths space hée had assembled a power of fiue thousand hardie Soldiers himselfe béeing appointed leader and generall ouer them In this sort they tooke themselues to the Feelde hoping to ruinate the Soldanes Countrey with fire and sworde but they were better entertained then they expected as hereafter shall bée largely discoursed Chap. XIIII Howe Alchidiana ouercome by vehemencie of her loue offered her selfe to Palmerin as his wife and of the aunswere he made her REmembring what hath past in the chapters before we may not forget how by the message of the Quéene of Tharsus sent to the Soldanes Court Alchidiana who began as it were to despise Palmerin was coÌ„strained to renue her loue thus conferring with her selfe that if so great a person as the Quéene of Tharsus commended estéemed and honoured him hauing neuer séene him the better meane had she béeing dayly in his companie to practise the furtheraunce of her earnest desires Shée therefore continually awayted oportunitie to discouer the fire newly raked from the embers and which day and night consumed her with languishing but so well it came to passe that not many dayes after the Combat with Amarano hee came to visite her in her Chamber right ioyfull of the talke hee had with the Soldan as coÌ„cerning the prouision of his strength to goe ruinate the Citie of Constantinople which gaue him hope of his returne to Allemaigne Alchidiana hauing courteously saluted him and shewing better countenaunce then before shée did caused him to sit downe by her and soone after began in this sort I desire you Sir Knight by the reuerence you beare our Godâ— and the â—ayth you owe to her for whose loue you tooke the enchaunted Crowne from the Prince Maurice to tell me your name what your Parents be and of whence
foure daies iourney to méete him and entertaining him with excéeding honor offered himselfe his people and substance to his seruice Palmerin verie thankfull for the Princes kindnessâ— woulde nothing but certaine Horsses of him because diuers of his owne had miscaried By this time were the Brethren entred the confines which belonged to the Admirall of Tharsus where they had doone verye much harme by exactions and great misusing of the people This Admirall was a verie gentle Knight and named Alfarano which seeing what iniurie they did him and vnderstanding that they had béene conquered and now flâ—dde without anie place of assuraunce leueyed an hoste of hardie Souldiours wherewith he intended to kéepe a straite through which they must of necessitie passe béeing so narrowe as they could passe but two togither and no way else couldâ— they escape him except they woulde climbe the tops of the Mountaines In this place lay the Admirall ambushed with so manie men as he thought conuenient and within thrée dayes after Paâ—merin with his power came to assist them The Phrygians hauing heard héereof were greatlie amazed at this vnexpected aduenture and had no other helpe but to climbe the Mountaine where in wholes Caues they were glad to hide themselues and there they continued fiue or sixe daies in safetie albeit they were readie to die for want of sustenaunce Palmerin foreséeing the incommoditie of the place and that they could not escape him nor néeded hée anie further to followe them caused the Mountaine to be enuironed on all sides thinking the ende heereof woulde bée such as indéede it afterward prooued to be For these poore distressed menne hauing neyther foode or other prouision came foorth of their Caues and assembled togither on the side of the Mountaine where entering into conference of their estate some gaue counsaile to goe fight it out but other better aduised would not consent thereto for better is it quoth they to yéelde our selues to the mercy of our enemies then to aduenture our fortune where no hope of successe is to be expected Héereuppon they concluded and the two Brethren of Gramiell were the first that vnarmed themselues and comming in this manner to Palmerins Tent thus they began Noble Knight Palmerin more fortunate then any man in the world we Brethren to the renowmed Prince Amarano whom thou hast with thine owne hand slaine and thrée other of our brethren likewise whereof the noble Orinello deserueth spéeche all sonnes to a King and themselues héeretofore worthy accomplished Princes though nowe â—oyled and consorted with the deade we noble Lord more certaine of thy clemencie and courtesie then any successiue ende of a battaile so vnreasonable and desperate come to yéelde our bodies and goods to thy disposing desiring thee to pittie our estate and regarde the works of Fortune so whom thou art Subiect as well as we Beside that the more shall greater persons bée praised for honorable fauour then by vsing rigour and vnnaturall crueltie which maketh them euery where hated and despised When Palmerin sawe them so humble considering his owne estate and how time might frowne on him returned them this aunswere Now my Lords haue you doone wiselie to laye by Armes and submit your selues for otherwise your destruction was at hande Notwithstanding in respect you haue thus yéelded your selues to me I entertaine you into my safe defence assuring you peace with the Soldane so that you sweare your faithfull loue and doo him homage So gaue hée them in kéeping to one of his Knights whome hée especially trusted returning to Alfarano in recompence of his wrongs and losse sustained by the Phrygians gaue him all theyr spoyle and the â—aunâ—â—me of all the Knightes taken prysoners The Admirall humblye kissing his hand desireâ— him to rest himselfe in one of his Citties which was within fiue or sixe miles of the place which gentle offer Palmerin would not refuse because he was sore wearied with trauaile wherefore by the Admiralles appointment the Pallace was prouided for Palmerin and his Fréende Olorico Chap. XX. How the Queene of Tharsus came to see Palmerin in the Citie belonging to Alfarano her Admiral where by the meane of an enchaunted drinke shee accomplished her pleasure with him HHere our History willeth vs to remember how in our former discourse was mentioned that the Quéene of Tharsus sent a rich Helmet to Palmerin and at the Damoselles returne was acquainted with his singular composed feature rare courtesse and Knightly chiualrie the reporte whereof caused her amorously to affeâ—t him and in such vehemeÌ„t maner as she determined her onwn death vnlesse she might enioy his louelie company Which the better to compasse shee discouered her desires to a cunning Magitian hée by whose meanes she 〈◊〉 the Helmet to Palmerin who gaue her such an 〈◊〉 powder as Palmerin drinking it in wine or otherwise should soone after become so forgetfull of himselfe as the Quéene might accomplish whatsoeuer shée desired He likewise did reueale to her the seuerall loues of Palmerin and Olorico which tale made her more earnest in following her intent And vnderstanding his arriuall in the Realme of Paâ—meria concluded in person to goe sée him furnishing her selfe with all things necessary both rich Tapestry and great store of Gold and Siluer plate habillements precious stones rings and vnualuable Iewels With thesâ— shée adorned her Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen to the vttermost and when she had finished her traine to her own liking shée sette forward with such expedition as within thrée dayes shée arriued at the Cittie where hée was but first shée aduertised her Admirall of her comming that hée shoulde imagine nothing by her suddaine presence The Admirall so ioyfull héereof as could be deuised in that by this meane hee shoulde the more honourably entertaine his guestes acquainted Palmerin and the Prince Olorico therwith who likewise were excéeding glad of the newes especially Palmerin desirous to know by her his offspring Therefore in most magnificent order with theyr men at Armes and the Admirall Alfarano they rode to méete the Quéene for her greater honour who by the speciall intelligence was giuen her knewe Palmerin among them all in that hee marched formost with the Prince Olorico and the Admirall of Tharsus Shee regarding in him farre more singularities then sparing report had acquainted her withall after that Palmerin had saluted her with very great reuerâ—nce as he was not to learne courtlyâ— courtesie the Quéene requited him with a swéete kisse and thus began Sir Knight the fayrest beyond all other that euer I sawe well woorthie are you to be esteemed among the most happie béeing able to winne the loue of Ladies that neuer sawe you Aduise your selfe well of this great fauour and what a precious Iewell you receiue of them in requitall of your seruice or acceptaunce of any amorous contentment Then wonder not not Gentle Knight if to sée you I haue left my Country for beside your great valour bountie and loyalâ—ie which neuer can be
Palmerin hearing either fearing to offend them or induced by modest bashfulnes he went to his Sister the Princesse Armida whose thoughts hée sounded by such subtilties and dissimulations as he found the effect of her desires which was to enioy Sir Frysoll to her Husband He not a little contented héerewith confirmed her choyse to be commendable sealing the assurance thereof with an honourable report of his knightly déedes of Armes Then the Emperour called for the Duke of Mecaena and the Counte of Reâ—foâ—t as also his principall Secretarie whom hee commaunded to write to the Emperour of Allemaigne touching the marriage of the Princesse Polinarda and his sonne Paâ—merin shadowing the secret agréement betwâ—ene themselues and committed tâ—e rest to the discreâ—ion of the Ambassadours The Letters sealed with his great Signet was deliuered to them that had the charge of this message who could not so spéedily departe from Constantinople because the winde and weather was not nauigable Now had Palmerin promised Frysoll that he would speake to the Princesse his sister and solemnely resolue vpon their marriage wherefore méeting with this earnest Lâ—uer hee thus laboured to please him Trust me Cozin I haue so surely imprinted your especiall generositie in my Sisters minde as the carracters can neuer be defaced but remaine more perfect by your spéedie marriage Frysoll reuiued with these newes as all pretenders of loue may well imagine offered to kisse his hande which Palmerin would not suffer whereupon hée thus procéeded Ah my Lorde howe am I more and more indebted to you right wise was hee which saide that affabilitie and liberalitie are continuall companions with noblenesse and magnanimitie And though by al my seruices I cannot deserue the honour you do mee in accepting me for your Brother yet am I so faithfully vowed yours as the honours of my Father nor loue of the Princesse your Sister can seperate mee from your companie vntill you haue founde your long desired Friende Trineus And for this cause my Lord I earnestly intreate you to hasten Apolonio towards my Father for I will sende him to 〈◊〉 place where he shall be assured to finde him Palmerin accorded thereto immediatly and so labored with the Emperour that the Letters were deliuered and the oathes taken of all the Hungarians they were sent home into theyr Countrey with a Lieutenant appointed to gouerne them vntill the comming of Netrides to whom Frysoll wrote the truth of all his fortunes with earnest request of his spéedie presence And to enduce him to the greater haste hée feigned that many Princes laboured for the Crowne of Hungaria and were in likelihood to obtaine it all which was but to enioy the faire princesse Armida The same day Florendos sent to the King his Father at Macedon that hée should send the cheefest states of his Realme against the day that Palmerin should be sworne the Prince of Greece Chap. XXXIIII How Câ—tdyna the Gentlewoman attending on the Queene accompanied with her Brother and diuers other Squires brought Gerrard his wiâ—e and daughter to the Court and what entertainment Palmerin made them CArdyna with those that were commaâ—ded to kéepe her company in short time came to Gerrards house whom shee found sitting at dinner with his familie The good man was at first amazed séeing such courtly personages enter his house a matter estéemed rare among yâ— persons dwelling on the mountaine but séeing they came in decent and modest sort not proffering any discourtesie he entertained them very friendly when Cardyna taking him by the hande said Good Father are you the man that is called Gerrard I am the same quoth he gentle mistresse You are then the man aunswered Cardyna that I séeke and therefore I pray thée tell me what thou didst with a Childe that twentie yéeres and more since thou foundest in swadling clothes vnder a Palm Trée on this Mountaine for certaine I am that thou didst take him home with thée to thy house Ah mistresse quoth the good old man you haue killed my heart in remembring me of him whom I loued déerer then any of mine owne The infant of whom you speake I founde not farre hence vnder a Palme Trée for which cause at his Baptisme I named him Palmerin From that time forwarde I nourished him as hée had béene mine owne Sonne till hée rame to tall stature and as he grew in yéeres so did hee in vertuous and noble qualities which made him not a little beloued in these parts for when hee attended my Cattell he tooke pleasure to course the Wolfe Hart Beare Bore and Lion and oftentimes would kill them when him listed which none of mine owne Children durst at any time aduenture Ah swéete Mistresse when I remember his many seruices the dutifull reuerence and loue hee bare mée I am readie to die with conceite of gréefe that it was my ill hap so soone to loose him Yet came not this misfortune alone for mine eldest Sonne who loued him as he had béene his owne Brother immediately went after him and yet could I neuer heare any tidings of them Notwithstanding Mistresse if you know of whence hée was I can shewe you all the clothes wherein I founde him I shall be contented to sée them quoth Cardyna but what will ye giue the partie that can tell ye whee he is Cerrard at these wordes fell on his knée before her and with the teares trickling downe his graie beard saide By my troth mistresse if it shall like you to doo me so great pleasure of all my substance I will giue yée the one halfe or all my heard of Beastes which ye saw féeding on the Mountain as ye came beside my continuall seruice while I liue Gramercies Father sayd Cardyna but call for your Wife and Daughter and then shall I tell ye newes that well content you As for him whose friendly Parentes you were so long time hée is nowe at Constantinople and is the Sonne of Madam Griana daughter to the Emperour who commaundeth you thrée to come to the Court that she may content ye for nourishing so well the noble young Prince The olde man excéeding ioyfull without ordering his affaires or appointing his Seruaunts their course of labour saide to his Wife and Dyofena his Daughter Make ye readie presently in your best garments and let vs goe sée that noble Gentleman for all the Golde in the world cannot make me staie nowe I haue heard so happie tidings The good woman and her daughter trickt vp themselues in their countrey fines and taking the rich swadling clothes sette forward to Constantinople so merely as sometime did the foster Father of Paris Alexander his Wife and their Daughter Pegasis when they brought the Cradle and acoustrements of the infant royall to the Cittie of Troy after he was knowne by his Father King Priam and Quéene Hecuba his Mother Palmerin being aduertised by one of the Ladies of Honour attending on the Empresse that Cardyna had brought Gerrard to prouoke greater contentation he would
offended yée By our Gods if I knew him presently shoulde he die the death The Princesse trembling with feare séeing Hippolyta was not present spake thus in English What will my Lorde and Husband Trineus say if hee be in this companie séeing I haue so dissloyally forsaken him and thus though God knowes perforce in stéed of him haue taken the enemie to him and our faith Yet one comfort haue I that this Infidell hath not carnally knowne me for which perfection I thanke the heauenly maiestie At these spéeches Palmerin was so glad as the feare of death could not withholde him but in the same language he thus answered Feare not good Madame Trineus is not in our companie but so please you to say I am your Brother you may happily saue my life and practise your deliuerance The Turke misdoubting by Palmerins perswading that hée had caused this sodaine alteration imagining him to be her husband of whom he had heard her talke so often in a great rage said Knight how durst thou presume my Ladies presence knowing the sight of thée would any way displease her By the Prophet Mahomet thou shalt immediately die that all such audacious villaines may take an example by thée Agriola knowing the Turks censures were very peremptorie and commonly no sooner saide then excuted embracing him thus replied Ah my Lorde do not the thing in haste for which afterwarde you will be sorrie for I assure you on my honor the Knight that spake to mée is my Brother and hath left his Countrey onely to finde me and him I do loue so effectually as if you put him to death impossible is it for me to liue afterward When the Turke heard her speake with such affection qualifying his anger saide I promise ye Madame for your sake hée shall haue no harme but bee entertained with loue and honour conditionally that you forgette this melancholy and hencefoorth shewe your selfe more pleasant for in séeing you sad I am more gréeued then if I had lost the moitie of dominions In sooth my Lorde answered Agriola now shall I be merrie séeing you intende to loue my Brother for greater good cannot happen to me then this gentle entertainment and hencefoorth shall I tread vnder foote the sad remembraunce of my Countrey and Parents hauing him with me by whom I hope to gaine my greatest comfort So the Turke arising from his Chayre caused Palmerin and Laurana to accompanie Agriola and the other fiue Knights hauing kissed his hande hee went to his Chamber commaunding Olimaell for his greater honor to vsher Agrola who as she went thus spake Beléeue me Admirall if I was offended when thou broughtest me prisoners hither thou hast now made mée sufficient amendes in that by thée I enioy my Brother whom I was out of all hope to sée againe Alas Madame quoth he little did I thinke him to be such a one for had I his vsage should haue béene much better which fault I hope heereafter to recompence I commend him to thy countesie sayde Agriola let him and his friendes haue all things they want according as my Lorde hath appointed So taking her leaue of them she entred her chamber where she and Hyppolita conferred with Laurana of all her fortunes passed and the aduentures of her Brother Nowe was Palmerin and his companions by the Turks commaundement lodged néere the Pallace and to each of them he sent a goodly Horse with costly furniture thinking by these meanes to conquere Agriola and purchase that of her which he long had desired and talking with Palmerin sayde Right well may you be Brother to my Lady Agriola in that your beautie and complexion deliuers great likelihood séeing then our Gods haue permitted that for her comfort you shoulde be brought hither perswade her I pray yée that she be no longer repugnant to my will for could I haue a Child by her I would thinke my selfe the happiest Lord on the earth Beside I would haue you forsake the follie of your Christianotie and yéelâ— your selfe to our Law which is much better then yours and you shall sée how our Gods will fauour you likewise what great good you shall receiue therby My Lord quoth Palmerin I will labour with my Sister so much as lies in me to doâ— as for your Law as yet I am vnacquainted therwith but when I shall find it to be such as you assure mee easily may I bee drawen thereto and to serue you with such loyaltie as so great an estate doth worthily deserue I confesse my selfe likewise greatly bâ—unden to your maiestie in that you haue accepted my Sister as your Wife and to mee a poore slaue giuen life and libertie which I beséech you also graunt to the Marriners in whose Uessell it was my chaunce to bée taken in so dooing she may be greatly mooued by your magnificent libertie and mercie The great Turke presently gaue his consent causing their safe conduct to bee openly proclaimed so Palmerin and his Friendes humbly departing to their lâ—dging the Turke went to Agriolaes Chamber where sitting downe by her he thus began Now shall I perceiue Madame how much your Brother may preuaile with you for hée hath promised me so to order the matter as you shall graunt my long desired sute My Lord quoth shée my Brother shall command me nothing but I will doo it with all my heart as for your request it is not in my power but in the hande of God who defendeth me as best him pleaseth Nor can I change the opinion I haue held so long though by hauing my Brother with me I enioy farre greater content then I did before It sufficeth me saide the Turke to sée you so well pleased and as for your Brother that you may perceiue howe well I loue him before one moneth be expired I will make him the chéefest Lord in my Court next mine owne person so kissing the Princesse he departed to his Chamber The day following Palmerin saide to his companions You sée my friendes how friendly Fortune smileth on vs but least shee change as euermore she is wont wée must practise some meanes to escape from these Turkish infidels Beside séeing wée haue founde the Princesse Agriola I hope Trineus is not so secretly hidden but we shall heare some tydingâ— of him Of her will I therefore enquire if she know what became of him and Ptolome wheÌ„ we left them in meane while you may closely conclude with our Marriners that they be euer readie at an howres warning for I hope we shall set hence before eight dayes be past Palmerin went to Agriolaes Chamber and there by good hap hée â—ound her alone whome after he had humbly saluted the Princesse thus spake to him My noble friende you must be carefull howe you speake to me especially before the aged Lady you sawe héere yesterday for shee vnderstandeth all languages and if we be discouered there is no way but death therefore when you sée her with me conferre rather with Laurana
by and sée not the Pillar send one of the Ladies to them to let them vnderstande that they may not passe before one of them haue 〈◊〉 with the Prince and his Knights If they be vnhorssed by him the Ladie must be deliuered to him yet with this condition that he refuse not to graunt her one demaunde By Mahomet sâ—yd Drumino husband to the Lady I will not meddle in this matter he may be such a one as if he hap to winne my Wife he will be loth to restore her backe againe Feare not that quoth the Magitian hee is so courteous and hath so faire a Fréend himselfe as he neyther may or will with-holde her By heauen said Tomano I will cope with him and to morrowe let the Pillâ—r and Pauillions bée erected there will I with my companions stay his comming Sée heere the cause why the King Aâ—imar commaunded the Princesse Zephira and her Knights to be so honourablie entertained By this time is the Princesse come within a daies iourney of Romata and Tomano with his Brother Sister Ladies and knightes betake themselues to â—he pauillions hearing that Zephira was come so neere and being themselues Armed their sister decked likewise in most sumptuous ornaments they vowed to breake many launces for her sake Chap. XLVIII How Palmerin Iousâ—ed against Tomano Drumino and their knights whome he all dismounted and what entertainment the king Abimar and the wise Nigromancer Muzabelino made them BY this time is the princesse with Palmerin and her companie come to the place where the pauillions were erected and not séeing the Piller they passed on wherefore Tomano sent a Damosell to declare the conditions of the passage Palmerin feigning himselfe somewhat wearie made this answer Damosell you may saye to the Prince and his knights that the Princesse Zephira is not in our guarde as the Lady he fights for abideth with him Nor comes she hither to he fought for rather doth she intreat him to spare vs the Ioust in that it will be small honor to him to conquer knights ouerlaboured in trauaile and whose horses are not able for that exercise The Damosell certifying the Prince of this aunswer he grew into anger swearing they should not passe before they tryed their fortune wherefore hee sent the Damosell againe who thus spake to Palmerin Sir knight your excuses may not serue you you must eyther Ioust or leaue the Princesse behind you Trust me Damosell answered Palmerin sorrie woulde I be to accompanie her so far and leaue her in the custody of one I know not did your Prince shewe more courtesie if woulde agrée much better with his order but because he shall not think that we refuse the Iouste through feare or cowardise say hee shall haue his desire both he and all his shall try their fortune ere wee passe further This answer returned to the Prince Drumino first shewed himselfe in the Fielde and by importunate intreatie certaine of the Princesses Knights would first try their valour but such was their ill fortune as Drumino vnhorsed them one after another Zephira somewhat offended heereat intreated Palmerin eyther to win them passage or else with his successe she was content to staye Prisoner I goe Madame quoth Palmerin and Fortune spéede mee as I regard the safetie of your honor Muzabelino hauing acquainted the King with this pastime they came in habits disguised to beholde it at what time the Prince Drumino encountred Palmerin But not to hold you with tedious discourse considering which way the victorie is intended the twe Princes and all their knights were manfullye foyled by Palmerin The Ioust béeing ended and the king returned again to the Cittie Muzabelino came to Palmerin and hauing saluted him with great reuerence thus spake Woorthie Lord who onelie deseruest the name of chiualrie let mee intreate you to excuse the kings Son who to make proofe of your valour by my meanes attempted this noble aduenture from which you haue escaped with great honour and to their shame that made the challenge What are you Syr said Palmeiin that know me so well and the cause why I came into this Countrey Your Fréend Muzabelino quoth he whome you haue taken such paines to finde and who knowing you to be a Christian will kéepe you from all dangers among these Mahumetistes Palmerin suddainlie allighting from his Horsse came and embraced him saying Noble Fréend suffer mée to kisse your hand as a witnesse of my reuerence to your honourable age Not so my Lord answered Muzabelino rather suffer me to doo my dutie to that incomparable person by whose meanes ere sixe Monethes be past the greatest nobilitie in the world shall receyue incredible honour While these courteous ceremonies endured the conquered Princesse with her Ladies came from the Pauillion and saluting Palmerin with great courtesie sayde Sée héere Sir Knight the Lady who trusting in your honourable benignitie commeth to submit her selfe at your disposition béeing woonne with more choyse chiualrie then euer any other Ladie was Notwithstanding I hope that you will not refuse to graunt me one demaund according to the conditions agréed in the Ioust Palmerin séeing her so discréet and modest so sumptuous in apparell and accompanied with so manie Ladies iudged that she was the Kings Daughter and Wife to the Prince Drumino wherefore entertaining her verie graciously hée thus replyed Unfitting it is faire Ladie that a Princesse of so high and speciall qualitie shoulde bée subiect to a poore and vnknowne Knight and though the agréement of the Ioust bee such yet do I humblie thanke you for this honour bequeathing you to your former libertie and restoring you to him that hath best right to you A thousand thankes worthie Lorde said the Princesse now I se'e the words of Muzabelino to my father are true that the Knight who conducted Madame Zephira as in chiâ—alrie hée surpasseth all other so in sranke ininde and ltberalitic hée hath not his seconde which was the chéefest cause why I aduentured my selfe in this hazarde of Fortune Madame quoth Palmerin if the wise Muzabelino hath vsed any speach of mée in mine absence and to my honor it procéeded not by my vertue but his good will in so â—â—â—ing which if I liue I will one day acknowledge Right welcome are you saide the Princesse and faire Zephira the rather for your sake and such be the houre of your arriuall héere as you may obtaine the ende of your desires Zephira humblie thanked the Princesse Tomano Drumino and all the rest embracing Palmerin thinking it no dishonour to bâ— conquered by him they mouâ—ted all on horsebacke and comming to the Cittie founde the King there readie with an honorable traine to receiue them who saluting the princesse Zephira verie kindly said No maruell Madame if you durst vndertake so long a iourney hauing yâ— only knight of Fortune in your companie as my Sonnes haue good occasion to witnesse and shée that ommits her selfe to his charge may bée well assured of 〈◊〉
found so good â—ase and my louing Brother Trineus hath wonne this Sword I thinke it best that wee set forwards to Romata which after they had séene the sumptuous buildings in the Castle the rich Tombe the beautifull Garden and all other mounments worthie view they did Béeing come to Romata and there receiued with speciall signes of honor the wise Muzabelino caused the fatall Bird to féede of the flowers which Palmerin hadde brought from the Castle of the tenne Rocks No sooner had the Bird tasted the flowers but presently shee deliuered such melodious notes as swéeter harmonie was neuer heard before and during the time of her singing fell so many droppes of precious water from her beake as before Dinner time the Cuppe was well néere filled Which when the wise Nigromancer perceiued hee brought a verie faire Lute to Palmerin saying I beséech you my Lorde play some exquisite péece of Musique that the Bird listening to your melodie may cease her owne recordes els shal we loose the soueraigne vertue contained in the Water Palmeâ—in taking the Lute plaide thereon so artificially that the Princesse of Romata whom he woonne in the Ioâ—st was enforced to vse these spéeches How can wee sufficiently maruaile at the perfections of Palmerin for if in prowesse he surpasse Hercules of Libia who ouercame Tyrants and Monsters at his pleasure well may wee name him another Amphion or Orpheus of Thrace who with theyr melodie â—amed the Fishes Beasts and Birâ—s Trineus taking the Cup brought it to the Princesse Zephira who dipping her handkercher therein bathed her face therewith the precious vertue whereof was such as all the enuenomed scarres the wormes had made were presently washed away and her face so delicate as euer it was before whereupon the Princesse falling at Palmerins féete ioyfully thus spake Doubtlesse my Lord I am greatly beholding to the Prince Trineus who saued my life when the Traytour would haue slaine mee in my bedde but I must confesse my selfe much more indebted to your worthinesse by whose paines the venomous putrefaction is extinguished whereby I endured torments farre excéeding death Madame answered Palmerin your happie recouerie must not be imputed to me but to the soueraigne Lorde that so prouided for you and seeing your health is so worthily restored I thiâ—ke best that wee sette forward to morrow on our iourney that we may finish the Magicall coniurations of Malfada as wee haue alreadie doone those at the tenne Rocks The Princesse of Romata hearing these words preuented the answere of Zephira and comming to Palmerin said I beséech you Sir Knight in honour of that God which you reuerence that you will not refuse me one demaund according to your promise made me when you ouercame my Brother and his Knights in the Ioâ—st Aske Lady saide Palmerin what you will and you shall not bee denied so that the matter consist in my power to performe Well may you performe it quoth she and to your endlesse honour I hope The summe of my request is that you wil not forsake the King my Father till his warre against the Soldane of Persia be finished And that you would entreate your Friende to accompanie you therein Denie mée not good Sir for no greater shame is to a Knight then breach of promise nor will I stirre from your foote vntill you haue graunted what I request In sooth Madame answered Palmerin although my Friendes and I haue great affaires in our Countrey yet in respect of my promise we will assist your Father let vs in meane while intreate you to pardon our returne with the Princesse Zephira who thinks the time long before shee come to Nabor Doubtlesse my Lorde quoth Zephira rather then you and my Lorde Trineus shall breake your promise to the Princesse in giuing succour to the King Arbimar her Father I can content my selfe to stay héere more willingly then to returne to the King my Brother Madame saide Muzabelino assure your selfe that Palmerin is the onely meane whereby you haue attained your present felicitie and by him shall you with honour sée your Countrey againe In sooth my Lord saide the Princesse full well I know his owne gracious nature induced him first to aduenture his life for the safetie of my Countrey then to passe strange Countreyes with daunger onely to finde you and lastly his rare fortune at the Castle of the tenne Rocks from whence hée brought those precious flowers and the fatall Byrd wherby my long infirmitie hath béene cured To offâ—r him fauour or all my possessions in way of recompence of so great paines they are not comparable for though I made him Lorde of my selfe and all those territories my father left me yet doth my conscience tell mée they are too base In bréeâ—e I know his deserts so excéeding my reach as well may I sitte downe to imagine but neuer bee able to contriue a sufficient rewarde Beleeue me Madame aunswered Muzabelino you haue spoken truth and his noble magnanimitie must onely helpe my Lorde and this I assure you that were it not the daunger of his kingly honour and hazard of the whole Monarchie of Asia hardâ—y might the knight be stayed héere of such waight and importance are his other affaires Then calling Palmerin to him whose inward thoughts were busied with the remembrance of his Lady he said Let not your stay héere my Lorde offende you though well I knowe the waight of your gréefe for that God who hath called you to this present estate hath forepoynted things that you cannot shunne in recompence whereof before your departure from this countrey great victorious honours are appoynted you Beside for a perfect resolution in your further doubts take you no care for nourishing your Birde for when your Musique made her cease singing at that instant I threw such a charme on her as hencefoorth shée shall liue without taking any foode And when you returne to your Citie of Constantinople let her bée pearched in some conuenient place in the great hall of your Pallace and there shall she remaine as a certaine Oracle vntill the day of your death to deliuer tydings of good or bad If anâ—e Knight or Ladie shall enter your Court either with intent of treason or bringing ill newes the Birde shall giue such fearefull shrikes as she did at the time when you tooke her in the Arbour but if the newes be of ioy and for your good then shall she sing more swéetly then when the souereigne water fell from her beake wherewith the Princesse Zephira was cured In bréefe my Lorde at the time when you must leaue this life for the glorious habitation among the blessed shée shall foretel such strange occasions as shall dismay the most resolute courage By this meane shall you be guarded from all inconueniences and your good fortune continued in such sort as you shall bee the most peaceable Emperour that euer liued in Greece Certes my Lord answered Palmerin not by any desert in me am I thus
of so straunge and variable fortunes said I thought my Daughter had learned more modestie then leauing her Fathers Court to followe a Knight vnknowne to her in straunge Countries but séeing the ende hath fallen out so well hencefoorth I shall remaine in better contentment séeing a Prince of so great renowne hath now espoused her While this conference endured the Duke earnestly beheld the Princesse Sabinda Daughter to the Prince of Sansuega and Néece to the Quéene and of such excellent grace and beautie he estéemed her as forgetting the death of his Father who deceased since his departure from Allemaigne hée became so amourous of her that he demaunded of the Quéene if shée were her Daughter Shée is not my Daughter quoth the Quéene but the Daughter of my Brother the Princes of Sansuega Right glad was the Duke thereof and resolued to request her of the King in marriage who knowing the honourable place he held among the Prince of Greece and what account Palmerin made of him consented thereto so that within fewe dayes after they were espoused togither Herevpon to accompany the Princesse and to confirm the peace the King sent the Duke of Gaule and another great Lorde with them into Allemaigne the Quéen likewise sent twelue English Ladies to attend on her Daughter Thus returned the Duke of Mecaena to Vienna where 〈◊〉 was worthily welcommed by the Emperour Palmerin and Tryneus especially the yong Duchesse and the Ambassadours of England by whom the peace was faithfully ratified and confirmed Chap. LXII How Palmerin and Polinarda departed from Vienna toward Constantinople where after the decease of the aged Emperour Remicius Palmerin was crowned Emperour of Greece and what ioy was made at the byrth of Polinarda her first sonne AFâ—â—er the Ambassadours of England were returned home Palmerin pereciuing the Empire of Allemaigne was in quiet tooke his leaue of the Emperor minding to conduct his Polinarda to Constantinople not without manie sorrowfull lamentations of the mother to forgo her daughter and faire Agriola her new acquainted sister yet the Emperour pacified them well inough by shewing what benefit this contract would be to Christendome and so procéeded to his daughter in this maner Thou goest Polinarda to the séate of a great Empire but more pleaseth mée the péerelesse name of Palmerin d'Oliua thy husbands then the regiment of such a mightie Monarche Farewell faire Daughter continue in faithfull loue and obedience remembring the reuerende honour a Wife oweth to her Husband Polinarda hearing with what earnest affection her Father spake was so ouercome with modest duetie of a Childe to her Father as shée was not able to aunswere one word which Palmerin beholding kissed the Emperours hande embraced Tryneus and tooke a courteous farewell of all the Ladies commaunding the Pages presently to bring away the Princesse 〈◊〉 saying to her Madame the longer you staie héere the greater will be your conceit of sorrow by absence the griefe will be forgotten let vs then merely iourney to the Cittie of Constantinople where they that neuer sawe you wil reioyce more at your comming then all the Allemaignes can sorrow for your departure With like comfortable spéeches Palmerin frequented his Ladie by the way till at length they entred the Realme of Hungaria where Frysoll with his chéefest Lords attended their comming to whom Palmerin in iesting said Brother I haue aduentured to bring your Sister Polinarda into your Kingdome take héede if you laie claime to her now as sometime yée did for I am readie to defende her against whosoeuer dare I perceiue my Lorde quoth Frysoll that you will haue my follie generally knowne I pray 〈◊〉 let no such youthfull pranckes be nowe remembred for as you are the chéefest in chiualrie so haue the destenie giuen you a Ladie whome no one in the whole world may paragon Well may it be said that God and Nature fore-pointed this match nothing inferiour to louelie Paris and faire Helena or puissaunt Hector and wise Andromacha Frysoll accompanied them so farre as Alba where courteously parting from each other Frysoll returned to his Kingdome and Palmerin soone after came to Constantinople where no litle ioy was made for his safe arriual especially for the Princesse Polinarda who was a right welcome Ladie into Greece the olde Emperour prouiding such deuises and tryumphes as the Chronicles to this daye recorde the memorie thereof About tenne or twelue Monethes after Polynarda was deliuered of a goodly Sonne who was named Primaleon whereat the good olde Emperour so inwardly reioyced as his spirit onely comforted in the good fortune of his Sonnes and fearing afterwarde to sée anie sinister chaunce fall to them departed this fraile and transitorie life whose death was signified thrée dayes before by the enchaunted Bird. His Funerall was performed as beséemed so great an estate and faine woulde Palmerin haue had his Father the King Florendos crowned Emperour earnestly labouring the Princes in the cause But he desiring them to holde him excused returned them this answere Great offence were it to God my Friendes that the honour due to him who gaue me libertie defended my renowne and saued my life shoulde bee taken from him and giuen mée for if vertue authoritie and good fortune are the properties whereby to make choyse of an Emperour Palmerin is verie many degrées before me As for his generositie it is so well knowne to you that it were but lost labour to make report thereof For his authoritie the â—arbarous nations among whome hée hath liued and conqueringly controlled deliuer sufficient testimonie And for his high good fortune in all his enterprises where is the man that may bee equalled with him or what hath hée at anie time attempted but he hath finished the same with wonderfull honour I could name Kings and Princes that raign onely by his meanes To speake of the victories he hath obtained either in battell or single Combate your eyes haue beheld and the whole worlde apparantly witnesseth This dare I boldly say and some of you doo know it better then I that his onely name will be more feared in Greece then all your fore-passed Emperours haue bene by their greatest puissance So well did the people like what the King Florendos had sayd as immediately was the Prince Palmerin proclaimed Emperour of Constantinople and the same day he was crowned according to the accustomed rites and ceremonies Not long afterward did the King Florendos stay with his Sonne but returned with his Quéene to Macedon where hée goueâ—ned in loue and iustice among his Subiects daily sending Messengers to Constantinople as well to vnderstand the health of the Emperour and Empresse as also of yong Prymaleon who daily increased in strength and beautie Chap. LXIII How the Prince Olorico and Alchidiana thinking to trauaile to Constantinople to see the Emperour Palmerin and the Empresse Polinarda strayed on the Sea And what sorrowful mone she made and how she was found by Palmerin IN one of the Chapters before you
great Turke the Calâ—â—â—â— of Siconia and the heyres to the Prince Amarano of Nigrea not much inferiour in this condition is the Soldane of Babylon whose daughter with her Husband I héere beholde The victorious Ambimar King of Romata and Griscâ— the worthie Maulerino and the puiâ—â—aunt Soldane of Persia my Maister Husbande to the vertuous Quéene Zephira who with their Brother haue sent your highâ—esse thrée Shippes laden with the most wealthie riches their Countreyes can yéeld My Lord and they humbly kisse your Maiesties hande desiring you to forget his disceurâ—â—sie to the gentle Knight Tâ—yneus when hee became â—â—amoured on the Princesse Aurecinda But if their loue then sorted to a philosophicall trope or figure it hath sithence prâ—ued effecâ—â—uall in procreation to the no little ioy of my Lorde and Maister The Princesse was deliuered of a goodly Son growing in such exquisite forme and feature as it is expected hée will one day resemble his Father in châ—ualrie as he dooth alreadie his Mother in amiable perfection Ambassadour quoth the Emperour for the great vertue and nobilitie I haue founde as well in the Princesse Zephira as also her noble Brother I graunt the fréendly allâ—ance thou demaundest Yet heereof am I sorie that the Son to the Prince Tryneus should be nourished and spend his youth among Maâ—umetists without knowledge of hiâ— God and Redéemer for in such sort should hée be instructed after he is come to the yéeres of vnderstanding that all the Alchoran is tales anâ— fables and doubtlesse God will so deale with him in time as hée shall imitate the steppes of his noble Father As for the presents sent Vs by the King Maulerino the Solâ—aâ—e and his Queen Zephira we accept them as from our Fréenâ—s and will returne them some remembraunce of our thankfulnesse His Maiestie commaunded the Persians to bée lodged in his Pallace and continued still their former ioyes and tryumphs but to alter those Courtly pastimes and delights this misfortune happened which héereafter followeth Chap. LXV Howe the great Turke refused to assist Lycado Nephewe to the Admiral Olimaell against the Emperor Palmerin and what trouble happened to Constantinople by the Traitor Nardides Nephew to the King Tarisius Lycado Meuadeno and their father SUch was the humanitie and pittie of Palmerin when hee finished the enchantments at the Isle of Malfada as he gaue libertie to all the Turks and Christians which were before transformed as you haue heard among whom was Lycado Nephew to the Admirall Olimaell hée that at the taking of Agriola had the Prince Tryneus for his prisoner This Lycado séeing himselfe in his owne Countrey and out of daunger where he heard howe the great Turke was slaine and his Uncle likewise hée came before the Sultane that then raigned saying Worthy lord as men are naturallie inclined to bemone their losses so are Subiects bound to aduertise their Soueraignes of any shame or iniurie done to their Maiesties This speak I my Lord because you haue not as yet reuenged the death of your deceassed Brother now sléeping in the Armes of Mahomet albéeit traytâ—rouslie slaine by Palmerin and his Companions at which time my noble Uâ—cle was likewise murthered with many Knights of cheefe and especiall account And least you should be ignoraunt in the truth of the déede and who also â—arryed hence the Princesse Agriola I haue credibly vnderstood that Palmerin is Nephew to the Emperour of Greece one of his companions is the Emperours Sonne of Allemaigne and all the rest were Princes and Lords of Greece onely sent as spyes into Turkie Wherefore séeing you now holde the state in such peace and quietnes it were necessarie you should leauie a mightie Armie and please you to commit the charge thereof to mée I will loose my life or make an absolute destruction of all Greece I remember said the great Turke that your Unckle made like entraunce into my decâ—ased Brothers Courte as you by your spéeches now labour to doo but I will so warilie looke to such intrusions as no Traytors shall rest héere if I can hinder theÌ„ Your Unckle vexed the Christians what followed thereon the death of his maister and a daungerous confusion By you likewise may â—nsue as bad fortune departe you therefore from the Court and but that we are loth to bee noted with tyrannie thou shouldest presently be drâ—wne in péeces with Horses False Traytour thou that commest to counsaile vs in a matter wherein we cannot meddle but with great dishonour it behâ—ues thée first to regard the end of thy intent and what he is that gouerns in Greece Go villaine go and on perill of thy life neuer presume before our presence againe Lycado was greatly astonied at this sharpe answere and séeing he could haue no better successe hee went to his Father the Brother to Olimaell béeing one of the chéefest Magitians in all Turkie to him he made his complaints saying he would die in that resolution but he would cause the Turke to knowe that hee was no Traytour and this quoth he shall be the meane whereby I will compasse it I meane to disguise my selfe and trauaille to the Cittie of Constantinople where priuily I wil murder the Emperor Palmerin so 〈◊〉 my Lorde the great Turke tâ—uch mée with no further suspition but will reward me with greater benefits then euer my Unckle had My Sonne answered his Father thinkest thou that thy deuise will sort to effect thy Brother Menadeno would helpe thée héerein but hée is too yong yet when time serueth for thy departure I will not onely tell thée but conduct thee my selfe I beséech you good father saide Lycado further me in what you may for neuer will my hart be at rest till I haue paid Palmerin with the selfe same coyne the great Turke was In meane while do you studie and search all our Bookâ—s of 〈◊〉 Diuination Magique and Nigromancâ—e as Zabulus Orpheus Hermes Zoroastres Ciroes Medea Alphonsus Bacon Aponius and all the rest that write of the blacke speculatiue reade them againe and againe deuiâ—e such spâ—lles exorcismes and coniurations as the very â—pirits may speaâ—e of the feast I will make at the Cittâ—e of Constantinole Héereupon the olde man made his Sonne Menadeno Knight and with Lycado betooke themselues to Sea saying My Sonnes I will bring ye to Constantinople where by vertue of mine arte we will arriue before thrée dayes be expired remember your vnckles death and behaue your selues in such sort as you may be Registred for euer The time doth nowe fauour you with sufficient reuenge and therein shall you be assisted by a Christian Knight whome we shall finde readie landed there for the same cause Their Ankers being wâ—yed they launch into the déepe and cut through the waues with such violence as if the deuill himselfe were in their sailes so that they tooke landing at the selfe same houre as Nardides arriued at Constantinople As concerning what this Nardides was you remember the two Traytors Promptaleon and Oudin Nephewes
escaped valiantly PAlmerin béeing brought to his Chamber which was one of the most sumptuous in all the Pallace accoridng as the Princesse had appoynted he made signe to the Gentlman that attended on him to withdrawe himselfe for he was accustomed to bee alone in his chamber which he immediatly did being loath to offend him Palmerin béeing alone by himselfe gaâ—e thanks to the God of heauen who in midst of his misfortunes caused such a gracious Ladie to fauour him so kindly as defended his life when hee was in daunger and by whose means hée conceyued good hope to escape his enemies hands and to returne safely toward Allemaigne His meditations ended he betooke himselfe to rest and in the morning Linus the Gentleman that had him in charge came and presented him before the Soldane who commaunded him to bée carryed presently to the Lions Alchidiana vnderstanding that the dumbe Knight was with her Father sent him a rich Mantle of scarlet desiring him to weare it for her sake which hee putting about him went frankely with his kéeper to the Lions Denne where the doore béeing opened hée boldly entered desiring God to assist him in this perill Palmerin being in the Denne because none of the Lions should get forth to hurt any other howe euer God disposed of him made fast the doore after him and with his sworde drawne his Mantle wrapped about his arme went to sée how the beasts would deale with him The Lions comming about him smelling on his cloathes woulde not touch him but as it were knowing the bloud royall lay downe at his féete and licked him and afterward went to their places againe But there were among them thrée Leopards that furiouslie came and assayled him the formost where of hée paunched with his Sworde that hée was able to doo no more harme The other two although they had torne his Mantle and put him in verie great daunger as they that looked in at the windowes and creuises perceyued yet to their no little admiration in the end hée slue them both and so went forth of the Denne againe to whom Linus came and louingly taking him by the hand brought him to the Soldane to whom hee discoursed his fight with the Leopardes and howe gentle the Lions had beene to him The Soldane greatly astonished hereat made more estimation of him then hée did before and because the Lions refused to touch him reputed him of royall parentage Whereupon he sent for his Daughter praying her to intreate him not as a Knight but as a noble and vertuous Prince considering his behauiour so well deserued The Princesse entertayned him very graciously and hearing the successe of his happy fortune spake thus in the hearing of them all Because euery one shall know Sir knight how much I honour your good gifts I will cause my Father so well to loue you as hée shall repent himselfe a thousande tymes of the â—aunger hée put you to and so veriâ— louingly embracing him desired paâ—don on her own behalfe because she suffered him to be thrust to the Lions Palmerin in signe of attonement that hee was nothing displeased kissed her hand and sitting downe in a Chaire by her behelde Aâ—demia who resembled his Mistresse so equall in beautie and could not holde his eye from her so that hée conceiued such pleasure in his regard as he iudged it sustenance enough to maintaine life But she that was ignorant of the cause presumed that he loued her wherfore thenceforwart she began so amorously to affect him as shee enioyed no rest but in his presence Thus were these two Ladies Alchidiana and Ardemia touched with one disease and that so sharpely to the quicke that the least torment they endured séeing hée could neither speake nor vnderstand their language was woorse to them then death And so it fell out that each of them thinking her selfe best beloued concealed her thoughts from the other and would in no case be reputed amorous least so her desires should be discouered Alchidiana for arguments of her loue gaue him horses esquires seruants and pages so that the greatest Prince in the Court was no better equipped then he and in this fortune such was his mind that for all the honor and fauour the Soldane and his daughter bare him he did not outreach himselfe in behauiour but was benigne and full of courtesie that each one loued and desired to be familiar with him And if any enterprise of Ioustes or Tourneyes were in hand Palmerin was the formost in the field and carried the prize away from all whatsoeuer which incited Maulicus to loue him in such sort that he entertained him into such speciall credite as he would neuer resolue on any matter of importance without his shew of good liking And albeit the Princes of the Court shewed him good countenance yet Enuy that neuer can rest in ambitious hearts caused them in the ende to raise slaunder against him which Palmerin perceiued but being vnable to remedie awaited conuenient time for his departure notwithstanding the earnest affection Alchidiana bare him He knew likewise so well to disguise his matters that so often as the Princesse would hold him in talke he still feigned not to vnderstand her which made her iealous towards Ardemia her Cozin who by Alchidianaes iniuries and Palmerins refusall of her loue lost her life as you shall read in the chapters folowing Chap. VI. How the Prince Maurice sent his Ambassadors to the Soldane to desire safe conduct for his comming to the Court to trie if he could find any Knight there able to deliuer him of an extreame trouble that hee dured by enchauntment DUring the time that Palmerin was thus estéemed and beloued in the Court of the great Monarch of Assiria vpon a Sunday after dinner as the Soldane was in the great Hall conferring with his Daughter and many other great Princes and Lordes present there entred a Moore Knight armed except his Helmet and Gauntlets which were carried after him by two Squires and making his solemne reuerence humbled himselfe at Maulicus féete saying Most high and redoubted Monarch my soueraigne Lord Maurice sworne Prince of whole Pasmeria kisseth your highnesse hand sending to require your gracious safe conduct that himselfe may come to your Court to trie among all your knights if there bee any one so loyal and valiant as can deliuer him from a torment he endures the most cruell and straunge that euer was heard of and happened to him in this sort The King of Pasmeria great gouernour of the Moorâ—s and father to my Lord béeing vnable through extreme age to weilde the gouernment of his Realme gaue the administration thereof and made his Lieutenant generall my Lord Maurice a Knight so hardy and puissant as any of his time and so renowned for his beautie sagacitie and braue lineaments of body as there is none of the Kings of Iudea Egypt Ethiopia and neighbour Countreyes round about but gladly desire his 〈◊〉 and friendshippe So that
many haue sent their Ambassadours to him presenting their Daughters and Kingdomes to him the greater part whereof he hath hitherto refused â—xcusing himselfe by his fathers age and his owne youth But as often times it happeneth Fortune enemie to all good endeuours not suffering him to remaine in quiet permitted that the quéene of Tharsus the fayrest of the Orientall paâ—ts a young Widdow and rich as is very well knowne after shee had sent him many presents of incomparable value intreated him to come and sée her shaddowing in this message the great desire shée had to matâ—h with him The Prince being benigne and courteous would not denie her but in short time after iourneyed to her The Quéene entertaining him with great royaltie and séeing in him farre more gracious and beautifull gifts then before she heard reported was so surprised with loue as in stéede of looking to be wooâ—d her selfe was constrained to demaund knowing so wâ—ll to declare her desirous and affectionate passions as the Prince mooued with amorous pittie granted what she requested without any further condition or promise presuming on himselfe in respect of her great and fauorable entertainment that hee would not leaue her for any other But herein was she deceiued for the yong Prince hauing staied with her tâ—nne or twelue dayes desired leaue to departe saying that hée had receiued Letters from his Father which commaunded his spéedy returne home againe promising her if so his father consented to take her in marriage and that with such expeâ—ition as might bée The Queene somewhat contented with this answere thinking hee would performe what hée promised let him depart He being come home into his owne Countrey forgot his loue to his newe Fréend and by his Fathers commaundement marryed with a yong Princesse Daughter to the King Lycomedes The Quéene hearing these newes was almost dead with conceit of gréefe and conceiued such hatred against my Lord Maurice as she determindd to be reuenged on him whatsoeuer came after And the better to compasse her intent shée sent to search out one of her knights a learned Magitian promising him if he would help her to be reuenged on him that so deceiued her shée would make him one of the chéefest in her Realme The Magitian who euermore was desirous to please her promised her to worke such a deuise that Maurice should endure such cruel torments as her selfe should be constrayned to pittie him And to accomplish this practise hée onely desired the King her Fathers Crowne which was one of the richest in the whole world which Crowne he coniured in such sort as the diuell himself could not imagine the like and comming therwith to the Quéen said Madame you must sende this Crowne to the Prince of Pasmeria desiring him for your sake hée will weare it on his head in the chéefest affayres of his estate which hée immediatly will accomplish but this I dare assure you that hereby hée shall suffer so many vexations as hee would endure a thousand deaths if hee could possible to be deliuered from this torment which he neuer shall be till the most loyall louer in the world take it from his head The Quéene so ioyfull hereof as could be sent the Crowne to the prince who receiued it thankfully and beholding it sumptuous sodainely put it on his head but presently flew out of his head such a flame of fire as it had béene the blaze that commeth from a discharged Cannon Then called hee for ayde and succour making the greatest lamentations that euer were heard but all was to no ende for no Knight or Lady there could do him any good and so all the whole day hée remained in this cruell martirdome burning aline yet not perishing resembling the Salamander in the extreame fire When his people saw that they could procure him no ease they sent two of the greatest Lords of the Realme to the Quéene who humbly intreated her to pittie the Prince and to recompence the fault he had committed hée should take her to his Wife and endow her with those honourable possessions belonging to him The Quéene entertained them very nobly and after she had vnderstood their message answered My Lordâ— the marriage betwéene your maister and me is intollerable and no way can hée nowe contract himselfe againe for I remembring his disloyaltie and hée the torments hée suffers by my meanes it were impossible that wée should louingly liue togither therefore in this matter you shall excuse me And let him know that séeing hée was so presumptuous contrarie to his faith and promise to refuse me for his Wife I now so much disdain and contemne him as my heart by no meanes can be induced to loue him And no other remedie is there for his torments but that hée séeke through Asia Europe and Affrica a louer so perfect who by his loyaltie may cease the paines he suffers for trecherie and treason With this short answere depart my Countrey for your Maister is so worthie of fauour as for his sake I hate his people The Ambassadours maruailing at this fatall destenie returned to their Lord to whom they reported the Quéenes answere and what remained to ease his affliction which more and more encreased his gréefe wherfore séeing what he was enioyned to doo the next day hée left the Court entending not to stay a day in any place till he should finde a Knight so vertuous and loyall Thus hath he trauailed Ethiopia India Tartaria the greater part of your realmes but as yet hee hath founde none to remedie his misfortune but if any other disloyall Knight in triall touch the crowne his vexations are far more greater then before For this cause most mighty Lord haâ—ing heard the great fame of valiant knights in your Court especiall of a stranger Knight being dumbe who came hither but of very late time he desires your maiestie his assurance graunted to suffer him trie his fortune heere if in your presence â—e may finde any helpe or else to seeke further in other Princes Courts These are the principall points of my charge may it please your highnesse to consider of mine answere how I shall returne and certifie my Maister that you may like wise sée an aduenture maruailous Chap. VII How the Prince Maurice came to the Court of the Soldâ—ne of Babilon where he was deliuered of his burning Crowne that tormented him by the loyaltie of Palmerin MAulicus wondering at this strange discourse thus answered the Moore You may my friend returne to your maister when you please and say from vs that hee shall be welcome to our court with as safe aâ—â—urance as our own pâ—rson as well for his valour and bountie which I haue heard greatly esteemed as for that wee are desirous to see so strange an aduenture ended in our presence And wee cannot sufficiently maruaile howe he could bee so forgâ—tfull of himselfe that after his faith so broken hee could extinguish her remembraâ—ce that loued him so vnâ—eigneâ—ly but heeâ—ein
good chéere as if you were now in Assyria And although we cannot compare with the Court of Babylon yet théere shall you be vsed as be séemes so great a Princesse I doubt not thereof good Madame said Alchidiana the more am I indebted to the Emperour and you yet can I not forget the absence of my Lord beeing separated from him in a place so vncouth He that â—s the defender of the iust quoth the Empresse will send ye to méete againe in place more comfortable in that hope I pray ye to perswade your selfe laying aside these moutning garments the very sight therof cannot but affend yée These gracious spéeches somewhat contented her and expelled all priuate conceit of sorrow yet would she not chaunge her habite till she heard either good or bad newes of the Prince Olorico Chap. LXIIII. Howe the Prince Olorico was reskewed from the Moores by the yong Knights that the Emperour Palmerin sent in his search and what ioy was made at Constantinople at his arriuall VPon the Emperours resolution for the search of Olorico the Dukes of Mecaena and Saxon with each of them fiâ—tie Knights were prepared to see with two Gallâ—â—s and Colmelio Bellechino Sergillo Sonne to Gardino and the Marchant Estebons two Sonnes whom the Emperor had newly knighâ—edâ— with thirtie hardie Souldiours departed in an other Eight other vessels were sent on the Coast of Propontida and the Bosphor to séeke the Prince It so cause to passe that the same day Alchidiana was preserued from drowning Alibarbanco a Pirat was sayling towardes Natolia and passed verie néere where the Princes Carricke was split and him did hée espie floting on a Chest which was filled within with Martin skinnes being then mooued to behold him in such daunger hée caused his men to take him into the Shippe who readie to yéelde vp his ghost hée was so â—â—â—â—mmed with colde When Aliâ—arbanco sawe him so richly apparâ—lied and the Chest stuffed with thinges of such value hée imagined him presently to hée some great Lorde for whom he shoulde haue some large raunsome wherefore he vsed him verie courteouslie Olorico seâ—ing he was so happily escaped lifting his eyes to Heauen sayd Great is thy mercie O God that hast so fauourablie vouchsafed to regard thy poore creature nor were losse woorthie reckoning so my Ladie Alchidiana were safe in Assyria What angrie planet raigned when we be tooke our selues to Sea what answere shall I make to the Soldane your Father that gaue me such charge of your person at my departure hardly may I dare to come before him any more Alibarbanco hearing these complaints reioiced thereat By Mahomet quoth hée to himselfe nor shalt thou sée him anie more if I can hinder it for I will present thée to the great Turke his mortall enemie and for thy raunsome I shall receiue a bountifull recompence So thinking to strike toward Natolia he happened among the Emperours yong Knights ere hée was beware wherefore hée thought to takeÌ„ their ships likewise yet therein hée â—ound him selfe greatly deceyued For Bellechino knowing them to bée Turkes by their Banners said to his companions We are now I feare in the daunger of Turkish Piratâ— let vs therfore with courage winne our deliueraunce Héereuppon they fiercely assayled Alibarbanco and buckled so closelie that in the ende they hoorded him making such a slaughter among his men and throwing him likewise slaine into the Sea as none were left to resist their further entraunce where they found the Prince Olorico and béeing not a little glad of their good successe they each one embraced him with gracious courtesie Alas my Fréends quoth the Prince how knew you my béeing héere who gaue you in charge to séeke mée forth who hath béene the Messenger of my misfortune My Lord the Emperour Palmerin aunswered Colmelio vnderstoode thereof by your Ladie Alchidiana whom hée founde by good happe as hée râ—de on hunting But may I giue credite to your woordes said the Prince is my Ladie with his Maiestie at the Court Shée is in trueth my Lorde sayde Bellechino and the Mariner likewise that saued her life whome the Emperour hath highlie recompenced for his faithfull seruice I beséech you quoth Olorico let vs hoâ—â—e â—aile presentlie towarde Constantinople for my heart cannot bee perswaded till I haue séene her â—so great is my doubt considering our vnfortunate separation Neuer may I beare Armes in Knight-hoode sail Bellechino or lift my Sworde in honourable Chiualrie if Alchidiana be not at Constantinople where I both sawe her and spake to her before our departure So taking the vessell that belonged to the Pirate Alibarbanco with them in short time after they arryued at Constantinople where their chéerefull sounding of Drums Trumpets and Clarions at their landing deliuered testimonie of their good successe If the Emperour was glad for the recouerie of his Fréend the Princesse Alchidiana of her Husband and euerie one generallie for the man lost by such mishappe I leaue to your iudgements that can censure the rare ioyes of loue and fréendship What Triumphes Tournamentes Bonfires Maskes Momeries and other delightfull exercises were performed for ioy of the Prince Oloricos safetie whome the Emperour made account of as you haue heard before it would demaunde a larger volume to set downe you must therefore héere imagine that you behold his Maiestie highly contented Alchidiana thorowlie satisfied and the whole Court well pleased by this happie event giuing themselues to expresse the same in open manifest signes beséeming so great estates to prosecute and therefore of as great honour as may be deuised The yong Knights are especially welcommed for their woorthie seruice the Dukes of Saxon and Mecaena likewise though they failed of bringing the Prince yet they brought two Foystes belonging to the Pirate Alibaâ—banco richlie laden with manie wealthie spoyles which were giuen among the yong Knights in recompence of their paines During the time of these surpassing pleasures and delights there entred the hauen of Constantinople thrée shippes laden with meruaâ—lous sumptuous gifts and presents from the Quéene Zephira and her Brother the King Maulenno beeing sent to the Emperour Palmerin and his Empresse Polynarda by two great Lords Ambassadours from Persia to request familiar loue and alliaunce with the Emperour the Soldane confessing his iniurie to Trineus while he was in his Court When the Persians came before the Emperour who was honourably accompanied with Kings Dukes Princes Counties and many braue Ladies they were grâ—atly abashed yet thinking on the argument of their Ambasâ—ade one of them began in this manner It is no maruell redoubted Emperour and Monarch of Greece if thy subiects both loue thé◠and â—site thee when thy behaâ—â—our hath conquered the mindes of forraine Poteâ—tates who to enter aâ—ititie and peace with thée some haue left their Countreys to sende their Ambassadours hither other dare not stirre or assemble their men in warlike manner so is the name of Palmerin feared thorowe all Asia Hereof beare witnesse the