Prince told him that the Request he was to make was this That he would be pleased to permit him to have the honor to attend him in his intended Expedition for saith he I cannot but acquire much honor and renown in being in the presence and company of so brave and worthy a Knight Don Bellianis who had already promised his Sister that he would permit him to go with him told him that he could not acquire any fame in his company but however if he would give himself that trouble he should be glad of his good company The Numidian being very glad that he had granted his Request gave him many thanks and told him he should estéem his life happy so long as he had the enjoyment of his good society and said he hoped that having so good a Pattern both of Chivalry and Vertue he did not question but he should profit himself very much thereby In these Discourses they continued some time till all the Court was risen but it was somewhat late before the two Princesses arose they having sate up so late the night before that it was Noon before they came into the Presence Chamber being come the Tables were covered and every one sate down to Dinner Don Bellianis could eat but little for observing the rare Perfections of his Divine Princess who was seated just against him who attired her self in most sumptuous manner that her Clothes might give some lustre to her Beauty but although she was habited in an extraordinary manner yet her face and person appeared like the Sun and they like clouds that obscured her other beauties She often cast amorous glances at her Knight and séeing his eye still fixed on her she was often moved to blush Thus did he spend two days in the greatest content and satisfaction in the world still accompanied by the Prince of Numidia and by that means he had the opportunity with him of courting the Princess his Cousin with the greater fréedom sometimes they walked in the pleasant Walks and Gardens of the Pallace and at other times they went abroad in the Fields to divert themselves in all which time he endeavored by his most ordinary actions to let her sée the estéem he had of her Vertues The night before he was to depart he took the opportunity to speak to the Princess Mattarosa humbly desiring her that since his time was so short that he was to depart the next day she would do him the favor to speak to the Princess Florisbella to give him the happiness of her Company in her Chamber that he might take his farewel of her to which his Request she soon consented So Evening being come and every one retired to their several Lodgings he attended not long before one of the Princesses Damsels came to his Chamber to advertise him that the two Princesses were together and expected him He thereupon very joyfully went to the Chamber where they were and prostrating himself on his knée he humbly kissed her hand but she not permitting it caused him to arise and seating her self by him said unto him Worthy Sir Since it hath pleased the Heavens to put so great a cross upon us as so soon to part us I beseech you by the friendship and love that you have so zealously professed to me that you will not onely make all the expedition you can in returning back from this Adventure but also do the best you can to secure your person not thrusting your self into any unnecessary hazard for know Sir that since you are become my Knight I resolve to keep such a strict power over you that I shall not be won to consent that you shall do any thing to endanger your person and were it not on so necessary an occasion I should not give you leave to depart Having said thus she hung down her head and fetched a déep sigh expressing by that the sorrow she took for his departure wherefore he thus replyed to her Gracious Madam Since it hath pleased you to give your self so much trouble to have some care of my unworthy person I shall endeavor in this as well as in all other things to obey your Commands assuring you that this Adventure being finished I shall immediately return back and shall not hereafter undertake any Adventure without your leave first obtained not questioning but I shall be able to perform whatsoever I shall begin through the mighty assistance I have received by being under your protection Thus did these two Lovers discourse with one another sometimes embracing each other and Don Bellianis knowing that he was to be gone the next day took more fréedom than ordinary and ravished from her lips many amorous Kisses which to him were more pleasant than Nectar and Ambrosia or the food of the Gods Thus spent they much time and would have continued their amorous discourses longer but that the Princess Mattarosa caused them to break off and depart which they at last very unwillingly consented to Thus at length they retired to their several Lodgings and went to Bed taking their ordinary repose The morning being come Don Bellianis arose early to put all things in order for his departure but he had not béen long up before the Prince of Numidia and two of his Kinsmen came to wait on him in his Lodging but not finding him there they walked into the Garden where they found him and there the Prince of Numidia told him that he was ready to go with him whensoever he should appoint him but told him that he humbly begged him to permit those two Knights to go in their company Don Bellianis who was unwilling to deny him any thing he should ask at length at the intreaty of the two knights themselves consented and thereupon he bid them be ready for that Afternoon he intended to set forward on his Iourney they resting very well satisfied and prepared all things accordingly Thus Noon being come and Dinner ended he took his farewel of the Empress the Princess Florisbella and the Princess Mattarosa and all the rest of the Court The Princess Florisbella gave him a new Shield wherein was her own Picture drawn to the Life and richly guilded whereby he went by the Name of the Knight of the Golden Image The Prince of Numidia was armed in an Azure Armor and in his Shield he had a Boars-head he having formerly killed a monstrous Boar and therefore he was called The Knight of the Boar. The other two Knights were armed in white Armor they being new Knights the one who was amorous of the Princess Mattarosa had Hope painted in his Shield and the Princess gave him a Scarf as a Favor from her and the other had a flaming Sword painted on his Shield because when he was knighted it was with a Sword that resembled a Flame Being thus most richly armed and bravely mounted after several Complemental expressions had passed between many of the Souldans Knights and Don Bellianis and his Companions
command such an Army from other parts in defence of the Royal Princess Florisbella as should not onely be able to expel thy Master from the Souldans Dominions but also to destroy him and all his in the very heart of his own Kingdom And tell thy Master that since he hath neglected the gracious and favorable Propositions of the Souldan that he now expect no more but prepare himself for all the misfortunes that a cruel and bloody War can bring him And tell him that I the Knight of the Golden Image do resolve when next I meet him to bereave him of his life or lose my own in the attempt and hereupon I bid him mortal battel This was the answer of Don Bellianis and it was spoken with so much fierceness that the very fire issued from his eyes for anger and he could hardly utter his words for the inward vexation that he took at the demands of the Emperor Thus the messenger being returned Don Bellianis and Baltasano resolved both to assault him on the next day and use their utmost endeavors to gain the City and thereupon they provided all things ready for an assault CHAP. XXVII How Don Brianel Prince of Macedon was Married to Aurora Queen of Antioch and of the Tilts and Tournaments that was held at the Wedding and of an Adventure that happened there VVE will now for a while leave the two Princes of Greece and Numidia and all their companions and armies in their field encamped before the City of Pharez as you have heard in the foregoing Chapter and turn back to Antioch where we left the Princes Don Brianel of Macedon Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly Don Contumeliano of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia who attended there to assist at the solemnization of the Wedding There was so great joy for the return of the Quéen that most of the Nobility of the countrey resorted to Antioch to sée her and to tender her their dutiful Allegiance which she graciously accepted and they still stayed to continue the Triumph that should be at the Wedding The day being come and all things provided the Quéen and Don Brianel were married in great pomp and she that day was most richly attired so that notwithstanding all her sorrow in her travels she appeared to be one of the most handsome Princesses in the world Dinner being ended every one resorted to the Tilt-yard which was néer the Pallace where a Scaffold was erected and on that was placed two Chairs of State for the King and Quéen to sit and behold the Tournaments and Feats of Chivalry that was to be performed Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano and a young Knight called Trion or the Knight of the Wolf who was Son to Damartino the late Governor were the Challengers who undertook to Ioust and kéep the Field against all corners for six days and accordingly they being armed at all points entred the Lists and commanded the Trumpets to sound and the Herald to proclaim that if there were any adventurous Knights that would in honor of the King and Quéen break a Lance they were there ready to receive him which was no sooner done but there came a Knight armed in white Armor who taking a Lance entered the Lists and expected the sound of the Trumpet that he might begin his Course the Knight of the Wolf did the like and they bravely méeting brake their Lances in the encounter and so passed on at the next encounter the Knight of the Wolf had so good fortune as to overthrow the other Knight out of his Saddle and passed on being unshaken and expected another Assaylant when presently another Knight armed in azure Armor entred the List and doing his obeysance to the King and Quéen expected the encounter which was so fierce that he lost both his stirrops and the horse of the Knight of the Wolf was on his buttocks but he soon made him rise and so went bravely on when taking another Lance and resolving to be revenged of his late disgrace he ran so fiercely against the Knight in the azure Armor that he sent him from his horse to the ground with his Saddle betwéen his legs After this another Knight entred the List armed in a gréen Armor and on his Shield was painted a Knight leaning on the ground under a tuft of trées and he went by the name of the Solitary Knight This Knight after his due reverence to the King and Quéen pranced about the field with a great grace at last he arrived at the end of the Lists and taking a Lance from one of his pages at the sound of the Trumpets began his Caress and performed so well that he made the Knight of the Wolf lose both his stirrops he being very little shaken with the encounter At the second course the Knight of the Wolf in revenge of the former blow ran so fiercely that he threw the Solitary Knight horse and man both to the earth at which there was a great shout And thus did the Knight of the Wolf throw many Knights from their horses so that he that day dismounted sixtéen and the night coming on they left off that sport and retiring into the Court they disarming themselves fell to dancing In which exercise they were as perfect as the other so that they are as fit for Venus as Mars Much of the evening they spent in these kinde of exercises but at length they left off and conducted the King and Queen to Bed where the fair Princess gave to Don Brianel as full and frée possession of her Body as he had formerly given her of her Kingdom and there be received a full satisfaction for all the travels he had sustained in her service Much was the content they both received and I suppose there was but few Knights in the Court but did envy their happiness and would have béen glad to have had the company of so swéet a Bed-fellow as he enjoâ—ed in which enjoyment we will leave him and all the rest to their several thoughts till the morning which being come they all arose and the Quéen signified by her blushes that she had parted from that Iewel which till then she had preserved They being all dressed noon was come when they sat down to Dinner which being done they all went to the Tilt-yard to prosecute that Sport they had begun where every one being seated in the same order they were the day before the five Champions rid about the Field expecting the arrival of some adventurous Knight they had not stayed long ere they had their desire for there entred a Knight into the Field armed in black Armor causing his Horse bravely to praunce about the Field performed his Duty to the King and Quéen and then taking a Launce expected the sound of the Trumpet which being heard he put forwards but he was encountred with such force by the Knight of the Wolf that he was thrown from his horse and
forced to measure his length on the earth which having done he retired and then there entred into the Lists a Knight armed with a white Armor as a New Knight and on his Shield he had two Keyes of Gold painted very artificially this Knight gave all the Spectators cause of admiration for he demeaned himself very courteously not onely in his saluting the King and Quéen but in his respects to all the Spectators and taking a Launce in his hand he ran against the Knight of the Wolf so furiously that at the first encounter he threw him to the earth to the great amazement of the Company who now took him for a very brave Knight Having performed so well with the Knight of the Wolf he faced about and expected to méet with some other Knight and be failed not long in his expectation for Fliorispiano of Swevia taking a strong and knotty Launce at the sound of the Trumpets met him with so great fury thinking to revenge his Companions quarrel but he was deceived therein for he onely brake his Launce upon his Enemies Shield without doing him any other harm and the Knight of the Keye having likewise broke his Launce took another and so they began a new Caréer but that second was more to the dis-advantage of Fliorispiano than the former for he lost both his Stirrops and was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to kéep him from falling at which he was much enraged séeing his Adversary still on horse-back and having onely lost one of his Stirrops but before he came to the end of the Lists he bravely recovered himself and so they did both and taking new Launces ran again but to the greater misfortune of Fliorispiano than before for he was now tumbled from his horse This gave much wonder to all present to think who the Knight of the Keyes was for he was wholly unknown there and came then by chance as shall be told you hereafter The Knight of the Keyes having performed so valiantly expected another Knight to encounter him when presently Contumeliano Prince of Phenieia prepared himself for the Encounter and taking a Launce in his hand went forwards to the Knight of the Keyes and said to him Sir Knight I have one request to make to you before we try our fortunes with the Lance which is that you would tell me your Name and of what countrey you are To which the Knight of the Keyes courteously replyed Sir Knight I am known by no other Name than the Knight of the Keyes and to tell you any other Name would little satisfie you for I was born in a Countrey so far from hence that it hath seldom here béen heard of and I le assure you I came hither by accident and never was in your company nor in this place before till this day and therefore if you have nothing else to say to me let us procéed with our Lances To which the Prince of Phenicia replyed I to my experience know Sir Knight that you do perform very well with the Lance therefore I pray grant this Request that if we chance both to break one or two Lances without any effect and neither of us have any advantage that you will procéed to the Sword where we may have more occasion to try our valors To this Request the Knight of the Keyes consented and so they forthwith brake off their discourse and began their Caréer Great was the fury with which both these Champions met and they resolving to shew all their strength brake their Lances in pieces and so passed on at the next encounter they resolved to perform better and so they did for they not onely brake their Lances as before but méeting with their bodies with great fury fell both to the ground Great was the admiration at this wonderful encounter and both the Knights were themselves much amazed but they nimbly got on their féet and the Knight of the Keyes being angred at this misfortune went to the Prince of Phenicia and said Sir Knight it was your desire before we tryed our fortunes with the Lance that if we should have no advantage with the Lance that we might end the Controversie with the Sword now since we have both had an equal misfortune and thereby are uncapable to end the difference with the Lance let us finish it with our Swords To which the Prince of Phenicia consented And so they drew their Swords and began a marvellous brave Combate to the satisfaction and admiration of all the Beholders they being equally resolved to make amends with their Swords for the default of their Lances laid on many lusty strokes The Knight of the Keyes being a young and lusty Knight behaved himself very nimbly giving his Adversary very many strokes and still avoiding those of his Enemy which so enraged the Prince of Phenicia that he should be so used before so many brave Knights his Friends and Companions that be resolved to fasten one blow on his Enemy that should end the Combate but he was deceived for though it was so mighty a stroke that the Knight of the Keyes was forced to lay one hand on the ground to save himself from falling yet he quickly recovered himself and gave his Adversary a mighty blow on the Thigh so that he was wounded there extreamly Which the King and Quéen séeing and doubting that what was begun in Iest and for Recreation would end in earnest and in the execution of one or both of their lives caused them to be parted much pitying that two such brave and valiant Knights should so injure one another upon so slender an occasion They being parted the Sport for that day ended and every one returned to the Pallace much wondring who the Knight of the Keyes should be CHAP. XXVII Who the Knight of the Keyes was and some of his Adventures and an end of the Tournament IN the west Part of Christendom there is an Island called Ireland in which Island the Knight of the Keyes was born in a City called Wexford scituated néer the Sea-side his Parents being Christians at the time of his Baptizing gave him the Name of Peter His Father was Earl of one of the Provinces of that Island called Munster and Brother to the King of that Island This was the place of his Birth where being the onely Son of his Father he was bred up with all the diligence and care that might be he providing Masters to instruct him in all things fit for so great a person At the age of eightéen years he being dubbed Knight begged leave of his Father to séek Adventures to which his Parents hardly consented in regard he was the onely Comfort and Ioy of their old Age but his importunity prevailing providing himself of things necessary be caused a strong Suit of Armor to be made and in respect his Name was Peter in remembrance of that holy Saint and Apostle be caused two Keyes to be painted on his Shield And providing himself
THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY Or The Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE CONTINUING As well the valiant Exploits of that Magnanimous and Heroick Prince Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece as also the Wars between Him and the Souldan of PERSIA Wherein is likewise described the strange and dangerous Adventures that befel him in the prosecution of his Love towards the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon His Releasing of her Father the Souldan from a strange Enchantment and vanquishing the Emperor of Trebizond The Second Part. Illustrated with Pictures Now newly Written in English by F. K. Licensed and Entred according to Order LONDON Printed by Tho. Johnson and are to be sold by Andrew Kembe at St. Margarets Hill in Southwark 1664. To my loving Sister MARY KIRKMAN The Wife of my Brother Thomas Kirkman And to my dear DAUGHTER ELIZABETH KIRKMAN THe time which I have spent in Composing and Writing of this Piece might have been employed in the Company or Instructions of one or both of you and that with more profit to you and my self but since I have been so employed I think it most convenient that you should reap the benefit of my Labors If in the reading of it you finde any of my Princesses endowed with any Vertues such would I have you to be What is of good in it I intend for your Instructions the worst that is in it I wrote for a harmless recreation and for such a one I would have you to take it If you wisely imitate the Bee you may get some Honey from this indifferent Flower as well as from the best and choicest I hope to see you both arrive to great perfections in your mindes and that what you read if good or excellent you will make this use of it to imbetter your spirits and mindes so far that you may every day adde one Vertue to another so that in short time you be accomplished persons to the great content and joy of me who am Your Brother and Father Francis Kirkman TO THE Courteous and Discourteous READER IT is now above ten years since my occasions would permit me to read any Book of this nature I confess that in my minority I was a great lover of Books of Knighthood and my fancy cost my purse for I then translated and printed two Books of this quality since which time I wholly left that study but some friends of late knowing that I formerly recreated my self in reading these sorts of Histories desired me to write this informing me that it was much wanted Their importunity and my own leisure permitting me I began it and have whether happily or not I know not now finished it I am sure I shall be censured by many and some will suppose me to be as wild and extravagant as Don Quixot to renew Knight-errantry but if he had been Master of so much reason as to have written one it would have prevented him from exercising that quality and I believe have returned less to his disadvantage for he might have saved both his Ribs and Teeth and his Squire Sancho Pancha would neither have been blanketted nor cudgelled without doubt had he been possessed of so much brains as to have written one he would then have known that there was more of fancy then truth and by consequence not have exposed himself to those many hazardous adventures which he undertook and not have taken Wind mils for Giants Flocks of Sheep for Armies and a Barbers Bason for the Golden Helmet of Mambrinâ— I know he intended to have begun that adventure which I have now finished as the Author of his History in the first Chapter of his first Book learnedly writes but he was hindred by his extravagant madness That which he attempted and was some years in atcheiving I have now written in a few days for in the invention and writing I spent not a full week They that will bestow the pains in reading of it will finde somewhat of recreation I am sure the Story in the first Part is well enough continued in this Second and all the adventures that are promised there are prosecuted here Many people love Romances but some are grown so squeamish that there must be nothing of improbability neither Giant nor Enchantment because there is none in our age To whom I answer That this History is not of people of our time but of many ages past and we know that sacred Writ mentions both and Poetry allows of them There is somewhat in this Book both of the old manner of Romances and somewhat of the new Indeed the newest form as that of Cleopatra and Cassandra contents me best but I was not to follow that way in this History lest this Second Part should neither be brother nor have affinity with the first and so be either as a bastard or stranger Such as it is you now have it they that delight in this sort of Romances if they approve of this may have a third Part it is possible more as the Stationer receives incouragement If it be not liked there is too much of it already and to those that wholly dislike it and would be accounted the onely Wits of the times let them mend it and I then doubt not but I shall finde somewhat to dislike in theirs This is no translation but fancy we have many pleasant and ingenious Romances in the English tongue but we are obliged to other nations for their invention of them very few have been written originally in English and onely Sir Philip Sidneys Arcadia hath had the success to be not onely approved of in our own language but rendred into French and other languages If this piece had been written a hundred years ago though it be in nothing so worthy as that yet it is likely that it might have been likewise translated because the first part was written originally in Italian Thus have I given you a taste of my Fancy if it recreats or contents you in the reading as much as it did me in the writing I have my desires and by your approving of this you may incourage me to hear further from me till when I rest if you like me Yours F. K. THE SECOND PART OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE OR The Honor of Chivalry Continuing the valiant Exploits of that Heroick Prince Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece CHAP. I. How the City of Bollera being straitly besieged by the Souldan was well near taken but that it was rescued by Gorino Brother to the Duke Alfiron and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions IT is now full time to return to the City of Bollera where we left the thrice renowned and most magnificent Emperor Don Bellaneo in company of so many valiant and renowned Knights and great Personages who were straitly besieged by the Souldan of Persia and his son Perianeo Knight of the Images After the last Battel was ended which is largely
serve you and my actions in hazarding my life for the recovering of your Kingdom hath given you some testimony thereof And Madam were I capable of Reducing all the Kingdoms in the world to my Obedience I should willingly surrender them with my self to be disposed of by you therefore Dear Madam since my love is so great I beseech you vouchsafe me yours whereby I may be eternally blessed When he had finished this Spéech fetching a great sigh he held his peace and she who as earnestly loved him as he did her replyed to him Sir Knight I have understood your love to me and therefore have formerly reposed so much trust to you as I never did to any other for to you alone I committed the disposal of my Kingdom and for the good you did me there I heartily thank you Assure your self that so soon as I shall be peaceably setled therein I shall dispose my Affairs in such order that I shall do all things to your content and liking and assure your self that none other living shall enjoy my person and kingdom but your self At the ending of this Spéeth she blushed extreamly that she had béen so frée in discovering the thoughts of her heart but Don Brianel was extreamly satisfied herewith and not being able to speak with the excess of joy that he was in he fell on his knées and straitly embracing her legs he very amorously kissed her fair hands and there at her desire he arose and gave her many amorous kisses and kinde embraces promising for ever to be her true Knight and she promised no less to him that she would not fail to be always his and in token of her love she gave him a Scarf embroidered with Gold where in Letters of Gold was her Name which he thankfully received and promised never to leave off wearing the same till he had the frée enjoyment of her person in marriage And hereupon they brake off their friendly and amorous Discourse taking a farewel of each other he returning to put all things in readiness for the next days Expedition and she retiring her self into her Closet to contemplate what she had done Thus every body employed themselves in somewhat for the next days Iourney till it was time to go to rest but the two Lovers Don Brianel and Aurora could sléep but little that night for the content they had received in the evenings Conference and therefore they were the first that did rise by whose example all the rest soon rise and made themselves ready Don Gorion and Don Brianel summoned the Knights and Magistrates of the City together to whom they declared the will of thei◠〈◊〉 Alfiron And leaving a sufficient Guard in the City 〈◊〉 went to the Pallace where they found the Princesses 〈◊〉 diness to depart Charriots being brought for them they â—…ly mounted therein and so accompanied with several Daâ—â—â—… and a Guard of ten thousand Knights they departed from the City and took the right way for Persepolis CHAP. VII How Don Brianel and Don Gorion arrived at the Camp of the Emperor of Greece and how the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana presented themselves before the Souldan WIth much joy and pleasure travelled this company especially the Ladies the one being in company of her most beloved Lord and the other going to her loving Husband but the joy of Don Brianel was extraordinary for the favors he had received at the hands of the Princess and as a testimony of his joy he wore the Scarf which she had given him on his arm Thus travelled they with much content till at length they met some of the Knights of the Emperors Army who were come on purpose to méet them and then some were sent back to signifie to the Emperor and the rest of the Princes the Approach of those Princesses which they no sooner understood but they went out to méet them Two leagues from the Camp they were met by the Emperor Don Bellianis the Duke Alfiron the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and all those other most Renowned Princes and States who coming near them dismounted from their horses to salute them The Princesses séeing that descended from their Chariots and kindly received them Then two stately Palfreys were brought whereon the two Princesses were mounted and Don Bellianis took hold of the Reins of the Princess Aurora's Palfrey and the Emperor himself did the same for Persiana Don Bellianis during the remainder of their Iourney asked the Princess Aurora whether she had received any content in the company of Don Brianel For saith he I sée by his countenance that he is very much pleased and he sheweth very gloriously with the Favor that he hath tyed to his arm and therefore I desire to know what Mistriss he hath gotten since our departure To which Discourse the Princess replyed Sir Knight the content that I have received in his company cannot chuse but be much in respect of the service that he hath already done me in helping to restore me to my Kingdom and therefore in token of my gratitude I have given him that Scarf as a small Token of my Favor to him In such like communication spent they their time till they arrived at the Camp where they alighted and were received with great Ioy signified by the sâ—und of Drums Trumpets and Clarions The Princesses Persiana and Aurora were conducted to a Tent for that purpose provided where they both lodged together the Duke Alfiron being contented not to lye with his beloved Princess till she should be given him by her Father which he hoped would be done the next morning Night being come every one repaired to their several Lodgings and there took their ordinary repose onely Don Bellianis was much troubled that he was still kept there and hindered from visiting his Princess Florisbella and besides he knew not how to go to her for his Father expected upon the Conclusion of the Peace that he would return with him to Constantinople In these meditations he spent most part of the night and when morning came he arose and dispatched a Messenger into the City to certifie the Souldan of his Daughters Arrival and to know his pleasure what should be done To which the Souldan returned answer That he expected her and the Duke to come to his presence that day in company of what other Knights they pleased The Duke and Princess being certified hereof prepared themselves for that purpose and about Noon onely accompanied with the Princess Aurora Don Bellianis and Don Brianel they entred the City and came into the presence of the Souldan who was seated on a Throne and his great Lords about him The Princess Persiana and the Duke humbled themselves on their knées and she humbly desired her Father to forgive her rashness for it was onely true love that caused her to do the same and promised him that if he would deign to pardon that great fault she would in all things continue his obedient Daughter
Thus this brave Martiallist taking his leave of the Souldan and Ladies departed from that great City and that evering marching ten miles to a little Town where for that night he took up his Quarters CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond and increasing his Army arrived at last neer to his Enemies Camp EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise and caused the Drums Trumpets and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March which Command being accordingly obeyed they advanced forwards but he was much hindered in his marches by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles his Army was one hundred thousand men compleat at which he was very joyful and therefore he made all the expedition possible to méet the Enemy before he should be come out of his own Kingdom But the Emperor of Trebizond having carryed on his business with great privacy had gotten his Forces together and mustring two hundred thousand men besides many fierce and strong Gyants he was advanced with his Army very far and was come into part of the Dominions of the Souldan of Babylon before he heard the News of the Souldans being returned which did somewhat trouble him but however he resolved to go on and not leave his Enterprize unattempted Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemies Forces he sent to sée what number they were and who had the Commanding of them The Messenger returning to him told him that the Souldans Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men and that they were conducted by a famous Knight called The Knight of the Golden Image Hearing this news he was somewhat discontented thereat for he had béen in the Wars betwéen the Souldan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron and there he had both heard and séen the valiant Acts of the Knight of the Golden Image but however he resolved to persist in his Enterprize and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward and endeavor to give his Enemy battel before he should increase his Forces not questioning but thorow the magnanimity of his own valor and that of his Knights and Gyants under his Command he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy caused his Army the next morning to march forwards intending that if his Enemy continued his march to joyn Battel with him Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forwards advanced apace being resolved as well as he to give him battel that day if it were possible but when they approached néer to one another their men were so wearied with that days travel that before they could put them in any good order and bring up the Rear of their Armies the Evening came on so that they were both forced to alter their Resolutions and therefore they both encamped themselves in fight of one another and all that night both Armies made great Fires so that it was an artificial day now and then running into one anothers Camp in small parties and doing some harm but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battel and so they did encouraging one another in the best sort that might be resolving to loss all their lives ere they would permit themselves to be overcome by their enemies Don Bellianis knowing what was necessary to be done by a good General having béen in many other battel 's ordered his Army and divided his Squadrons as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXIIII How Don Bellianis ordered his Forces and of the cruel bloody Battel between the Emperor of Trebizond and his Army and the Forces under the command of Don Bellianis THe morning being come wherein this great Battel was to be fought Don Bellianis arose early and dividing his Army into thrée Squadrons took forty thousand men under his own command twenty thousand men he ordered to be commanded by the Knight of Hope and twenty thousand men under the command of the Knight of the Flaming Sword and twenty thousand men more he ordered to be under the command of the Prince of Mesapotamia and not to stir to the Battel until there should be an absolute necessity or that he should be commanded by himself Thus having ordered his Battalions he commanded the Heads of every Troop to come to the Front of the Army where he encouraged them by this following discourse Gentlemen and fellow Souldiers the cause of this war I shall not néed to inform you of you being already satisfied in that particular the courages of your enemies you likewise are acquainted with having by often experience found that never any of your nation was overcome by them but that you still marched away conquerors giving laws to them rather then obeying any of their commands Their presumption that your King was absent was the chief occasion of this boldness in them or else they would not have béen so hardy as to enter your Land and now being ashamed after all this provision to turn back again without abiding the hazard of a Battel they with much unwillingness expect you their intention was to force your Princess command your Estates dispose of your persons and to make all the Inhabitants of this kingdom their Vassals hoping to have found you in disorder and without a Head but thanks be to heaven you have not onely a Head to rule over you in that your gracious Soveraign is restored but also a General who will hazard his person to the utmost with you and therefore I question not but you will have hearts to follow my example and if you sée any thing of courage in me to imitate me therein and follow my example and assure your selves that I resolve to conquer or die thus hoping you have all the same courage and resolution let us bravely fall on our enemies This spéech being ended caused a great shout throughout the whole Army and presently every one repairing to his own command they marched on to assault their enemies who all this while were not idle but the Emperor not forgetting what was necessary to be done did likewise order his Battel and divided them into four parts one of fifty thousand men he commanded himself the Prince of Albania commanded the like number and two mighty Giants of his kindred commanded the other two Squadrons Thus having divided his Forces and ordered his Battel he was likewise about to make an Oration to his Souldiers but the noise which his enemies made in their approaches diverted him and therefore causing his Trumpets and Drums and all maner of millitary Instruments to sound he being armed at all points in the Front of the Army went forwards to receive the Babylonians Don Bellianis being
should willingly not only hear her but also give her consent thereto provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valor deserving and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto The Princess Mattarosa very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in procéeding replyed That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valor Vertue and Princely Descent in the whole world and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to and says she I shall not néed to name him further for this Character does sufficiently testifie that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece The Emperess replyed That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughters minde and says she I am sure that he has deserved more of her than all men living and could I finde that she would be willing to accept of him I would not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you this but also to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever stâ—ce I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a person not onely fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his minde herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefâ—re they all wished for an end of the War In these tearms they were when a Knight armed at all points came into the presence of the Souldan and dâ—ing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupâ—n the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord SInce my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for although your Forces did rather diminish than increase yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Souldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavors we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Souldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Souldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your Incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I finde my self capable of any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that He himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given