some matter of great importance And if the Emperor did call for him in the meane time he should make him that answere in like manner to his cousin Recindos who was for his part in a great perplexitie séeing no meane how he might quickly enioy Melissa to himselfe Moreouer that he should in any wise speake oftentimes to Philocrista giuing her alwaies to vnderstand the sincere and perpetuall deuotion he had vowed to her seruice and for to be able to satisfie the same in better manner he was by maner of recreation gone to take a little the aire of the countrie which the dwarfe promised to accomplish in euery point for he desired neuer to disobey him all the daies of his life in the least thing hée should command The next day following the whole citie went out into the field to behold the iousting where met of the one and other side a great number of very braue knights but those of the Court woon the honour of the â—ield thorow the great prowesse and valiancie of Arnedes Recindos and Rifaran who did all thrée that day maruellous feats of arms which were not buried in obliuion by the lookers on Those who did looke for Marcomyr in that conflict purposed to put their enterprise in execution and caring not to returne into the citie for feare of finding some cause of stay there departed as soone as the tourney was ended without knowing one of anothers mind in any thing euery one tooke a contrarie way which hée thought was the best to find him out Great was the ioy and pleasure of the Emperour that his knights had gotten the honour of the day and hée did neuer cease to praise sufficiently the two gallant knights of France and the others also who had done their vttermost endeuours not to let the victorie slip out of their hands but when he arriued afterwards at his palace and could set eye of none of these â—iue who were alreadie departed in quest of Marcomyr he was much abashed he demaunded of euery bodie to heare some tidings of them but there was none found who could tell him any newes except Bruquel only of the prince Arnedes his maister by means wherof he straight iudged what the matter might be whereof he was very glad hoping to know by this meane who was the vnknowne knight In bréefe when the solemnitie of the mariage was finished all the strange knights departed euery one into his owne countrie and soon after departed the new espoused Ditreus and Esquiuela to go for Hungarie accompanied with many hardie knights whom the emperour commaunded to guard them least peraduenture some Turkish pyrat should set vpon them to take away their great riches that the Souldan of Babylon had sent them after the departure of his sonne Abenunq Greatly was Philochrista displeased at the departure of Esquiuela for the loue which she bore her appeared to be no lesse then that of sister to sister hauing bene both from their tender age brought vp togither and Abenunq her brother might beare her companie no farther than to the hauen because Diocles who loued him so entirely would haue him tarie to kéepe him company King Frisol receaued his sonne Ditreus and his faire daughter Esquiuola with vnspeakeable ioy and gladnesse for the same occasion he purposed to hold open court to the end to make a more sumptuous and magnificent feast for the time Then thanking much the Emperour by a letter which he wrote vnto him for the honour which hée had done his sonne sent backe all his knights enriched with many goodly presents which he gaue them Such largesse shewed he very liberally for he estéemed himself the most fortunat prince who euer reigned in the countrie of Germanie in that he heard of the woonderfull chiualries that Belcarin his other sonne did in Macedon for the prosperitie of whom he praied God dayly to preserue him from all euill incombrance But let vs returne to the fiue knights who were gone before in quest of the vnknown knight Marcomyr CHAP. XVII How Arnedes meeteth Marcomyr by whome hee is left halfe dead How he had afterward slaine Lechefin cowardly as hee did a good Hermit who came by chaunce that way whilest they were in combat if Pernedin had not come in the meane time to his succour IT hath bene said before how Arnedes séeing his enemies vanquished and the victorie of the turnie apparant on his side departed the iousts secretly and taking his way as he thought best for the accomplishment of his desire lodged that night in a faire gréene meadow at the signe of theseuen starres although he were very wearie and tired with the sore trauaile he endured all the length of his iourney He past away a great part of the night in thought of Philocrista so that he little felt the Serena or any other night blastings and in the morning betime betooke himselfe againe into his way along which he demanded of all he met if they had not séene a knight wearing a coat of arms red with a little Flower Argent vpon his sheild but he found none who could tell him any tidings So trauelled he on two daies the second wherof he lodged in an hermitage built vpon the top of a little hill where he tooke a poore but a ioifull refection the morrow morning he tooke vp into a narrow way not knowing well whether he went and as he was a good bow-shoote from the hermitage he discouered two knights comming a long way which crossed ouer his for whom he purposed to attend at the place where the waies met recognishing Marcomyr as far off as he could discerne his shield whereat he was the gladdest man in the world hoping by force or faire meanes to bring him to Constantinople therefore he stept out and thus saluted him Sir knight I hold my selfe highly fauored by fortune hauing here met with you now who for none other occasion am departed from the Emperor Cleodomyrs court but to séeke you and that for so much as he hath a singuler desire to vse you courteously with the kindest entertainement he can make you since he saw you last in the tourney So that I pray you for the courtesie and amitie you may beare him to come now with me to the end I may acquite my promise by which I find my selfe for the same effect bound to his maiestie You haue done euil qd Marcomyr to promise a thing which dependeth of anothers will for at this present hauing very vrgent affaires abroad otherwise I cannot obey his will albeit I am readie to doe him seruice in all other things as I lately sent him word and as I request you to tell him againe from me Knight replied Arnedes I pray you take a little better resolution herein and thinke these words doe in nothing discharge me of mine obligation wherefore determine with your selfe to come quickly with me with a good will otherwise you must goe thether by force By force neuer replied Marcomyr
on the one side on the other side washeth and watereth it a floud which dischargeth it selfe in the salt water very néere the castle at the foot whereof is built a bridge by meruellous architecture whilome accessible to all wandering knights But since Celestina was there shut vp and enclosed within the great dungeon no stranger might euer enter in there those of the Isle only doe goe and come all other not Upon this bridge are placed thrée litle turrets one in the middest the other two at both the ends In the first is a knight surpassing the common measure and proportion of men so fierce hardy and valiant that since the beginning of this enchauntment hath not any one looked him in face who could euer take any aduantage vpon his Prowesse except onely the lord of the Isle Liquie his sonne whom the emperour Marcomyr vanquished at the Iust when he conquered the Sagittarie He being called Linedes by name was so magnanimious and laborous that hée fought against the knight of the bridge from morning to night and albeit the battell were rough and cruell yet was there neuer perceiued any want of courage or fear at all in him which happened not to him of the bridge for that the bloud which he lost did make him so féeble that his heart began to faile him But a crumpshouldered and ilfauoured dwarfe who stood sentinell in the top of the first towre to discouer the knights who came a farre off along the fields winding then swéetly his enchanted horn which he weareth at his necke in a skarfe did so restore him all his force that he séemed euen then to haue entred fresh into the combat In this manner held he out till the sun setting when Linedes his enemie beganne to be weakened in his strength by meanes whereof before the dwarfe returned to sound his horne he gaue the knight of the towre such a girde that he made him saue himselfe on the ground with his hands Then running swiftly along the bridge got quickly to the middle turret the gates wherof standing before wide open shut themselues at his comming with so fearefull â—reaking and trembling of the wholâ— bâ—â—lding that Linedes fell to ground in a sound yet for all thâ—t hâ—e was quickly vp againe A good part of the night was already slipt away before he came to himself out of his sound whereby his Squiers thinking verily he was dead did make the most gréeuous complaints that might be when he was come again to his former senses he â—ound himselfe so giddy and frushed that he remained more then â—oure houres before he could recouer his spéech In the meane while he was borne into a bed which his squiers had set vp for him in a tent where he soiorned thrée daies and neuer went abroad the fourth day féeling himselfe strong inough to endure horâ—eback for that he sâ—w there was no way for him to returne once more to prâ—â—e this aduenture hée departed thence sad and in greaâ—â—holler And I tell you Sir for a certaine that when the dwarâ—e who sâ—ood sentinell in the top of the fâ—â—st â—urret saw the knight of the bridge waxe faint and to haue the worst of the battell sounding but his horn he put him again into his former strength whereby it commeth to passe that no man can stand out long time against him séeing then such an enterprise bringeth great danger and sometimes death with it mine aduise should be that no man henceforward would come to aduenture it any more You count me meruelous things then quoth Belcarin sure the Fairies were very wel learned y t deuised this enchantment wherefore I thinke they haue not shut in the damsel there without great occasion being assured some Knight must exploit this aduenture towards the which euery one presuming a little of himself may march couragiously with a hope that it is he for whom it hath ben reserued Wherevpon I do not wonder if many fall into this errour séeing that for my part I wil not refuse to go for any thing whatsoeuer may befall me Iâ— peraduentuâ—e I die in the conflict I shall augment only the number of those who cannot attaine the purpose of their enterprises without receiuing any 〈◊〉 â—â—shonour thereby Lipâ—â— intreated him of all loues to forbear the voiage and so did his sisters in like maner in the swéet acquaintance good fâ—uor of whom he was entred very far already especially of the yonger very faire and courteous aboue the other but little auailed them al their persuasiue reasons propounded to turne him for that Belcarin being come expresly frâ—m a far country would not for any thing in the world haue failed to make some assay of his prowesse and valour in thaâ— so famous aduenture When Lipeâ— saw him so resolute in his opinioÌ„ he offred to bear him company were it but to shew him the way which courtesy Bâ—lcâ—rin accepted most willingly by this good occasion getting to horsebacke the morrow morning very early they were in the isle about noon For that day y e yong prince pleased to rest himselfe a little within a rich tent which thrée squiers had already reared there who were sent thether before by Lipeâ— sisters with necessary prouisioÌ„s for such a purpose so soon as they vnderstood the resolution When it grew late Belcarin went to vew the isle and beholding the towre wherein Celestina was he praied vnto God in his mind to giue him so much force that he might deliuer hâ—r out of that place and purchase aboue al others the honour to haue happily atchieued such an aduenture So déepely wâ—s his mind occupied in that thought that of all the night hée could not put it away but said often in himselfe Ah Belcarin God forbid thou shouldest suffer thy heart to abase it selfe delay not to plonge thy selfe manly in the execution of this enterprise for albeit courage and strength fit for so worthie Prowesse should faile thée yet ought onely to pricke thée forward the renowne and generositie of thine auncestors being the sonne of one of the best knights who is this day vnder the Zodiake and nephew to that great Emperour with whom none can euer make compare Thus discoursed hée in his mind ouercome with amourous fancie tâ—â—l the breâ—â—e of day when he began to arme himselfe leisurely at all points then went he towards the bridge where in a little place right before the first Turret waited for him the knight of â—he guard so huge and fierce that although Belcarin were hardie and valiant he was notwithstanding somewhat afraid albeit he shewed no signe thereof outwardly but couering himselfe brauely with his sheild hardie past wonder marched on forward to enter the bridge when the garder came to debar him saying very proudly Stand backe knight if you will not haue the combat against me for this step I forbid all those that are like you For none other end am I come hether quoth Belcarin but to â—ight with
THE DELIGTFVL HISTORY of Celestina the Faire Daughter to the king of Thessalie Shewing how she was inchaunted by the three Fairies with the strange Aduentures Trauels Chiualries Tournies Combats Victories and Loues of diuers wandring Princes and knights errant but especially of Sir Marcomyr of Tharsus who did conquest hir by the sword and enioied her afterwards in mariage with the Thessalian kingdome for hir dowrie and his perpetuall inheritance Done out of French into English NON PLVS WB LONDON Printed by A. I. for William Barley and are to be sold at his shop at the vpper end of Gratious street 1596. To the Worshipfull and his verie good friend M. Barley of Petworth in Sussex W.B. wisheth health and prosperitie REmembring sir the great good wil and vndeserued kindnesse which your Worship hath shewed vnto me makes mee to thinke my self much bound vnto you so much as if I should not by some means shew my selfe thankfull to your Worship I might be condemned of great ingratitude Wherefore I haue thought good euen now being vrged thervnto by the kindnesse which I haue found at your hands to shew my thankfull mind towards you although not in so ample manner as I would doe or as I hope hereafter I shall doe when it shal please God to make me better able till which time I humbly desire you to accept at my hands this token of my feruent good will wherein I haue made bold to set foorth vnder your Worships Patronage this Booke entituled The delectable Historie of Celestina the Faire hoping it wil be the better regarded of your Worship first in respect of the indeuour and pains which hath bene taken in translating and publishing of the same to the intent the reading thereof might be some pleasure and delight both to your Worship and your good friends and secondly in respect of my thankful and willing mind towards you who wisheth vnto your Worship all bountifull happinesse in this life according to your hearts desire and in the life to come eternall felicitie Your Worships to commaund William Barley The delightfull Historie of Celestina the faire daughter to the king of Thessalie Shewing how she was inchaunted by the three Fairies with the straunge aduentures trauels chiualries tourneys combats victories and loues of diuerse wandring Princes and knights errant but especiallie of sir Marcomyr of Tharius who did conquest her by the sword and enioyed her afterwards in marriage with the Thessalian kingdom for her dowrie and her perpetuall inheritance CHAP. I. THe time being then come that Belcarin king Frisols sonne should receiue the order ofknighthood hee humblie besought the Emperour to knight him with his owne hand the like request made yong Tiraquell sonne to duke Eustace of Micene who desired likewise the honor of the same order which the good Prince graciously graunted foreséeing how worthily on them knighthood would be employed Therfore after obseruation of the Uigill as the vse was on the Monday morning next after Easter day hée armed them both knights with great magnificence beséeching God of his goodnesse to make them of that valour which should neuer degenerate from their auncesters Belcarin especially to whom with a louing kisse on his chéek he began thus Deare nephew I pray our Soueraigne aboue to accomplish in you the perâ—ection of all noble vertues that euerie one may say you are sonne to the good knight Frisol no lesse hardie and valâ—râ—us then anie whosoeuer bore Armes in his time The ceremonie being ended they all reâ—urned to the Palace where the new knights as soone as they could be disarmed attired themselues in most rich and sumptuous robes for the more honour of the feast which for their sakes was solemnised with verie great pompe throughout all the Court But Belcarin made no tariance to behold the â—â—litie of that assemblie his mind was rather occupied in the high intended thought of his future glorie then in the excesse of a feast which made him begin thus to debate with himself Belcarin thou hast now no more idle time to spend hauing taken vpon thée the honourable degrée of knighthood and art therewith inuested by the hâ—nd of thine vncle the Emperour one of the best knights whom euer the diuine prouidence hath adorned and made illustrious through many laudable vertues which neuer wanted thy father also in any thing that might bée requisite to a man perfectly accomplished in armes if thou hast liued hitherto in delights and pleasures yet now it is high time for thée to trauaile the world to shew wherein thou resemblest thine ancestors treading in their steps who with great paine wandered before thée and purchased therby that famous renoâ—me the memorie whereofshall euer remaine immortall the which if thou wilt not blemish thou must hasten thy departure from hence and looke out to séeke some strange aduentures as they did After manie cogitations which perplexed his mind not a little he resolued in as secret maner as might be to depart with one onely Squire to attend vpon his person purposing to take his voyage directly into Macedon there to make his first assay of Armes in the aduenture of Celestina the Faire who was at that time enchaunted within a castell of the I le of Carderie for at that season there was no other talke euery where but of the great number of knights who dayly flocked thither enterprising to win her by the sword being to haue her in mariage afterward with the kingdome of Thessalie for her dowrie so great should be the recoÌ„pence and guerdon of him who could deliuer her out oâ—the inchanted dungeon But as yet had no knight been séene there who could set foote within the castell to set frée this yong Princesse Now were Belcarins eares oftentimes tickled with the fame of this aduenture which euerie one reputed so strange that he determined to goe thither to trie what he could doe with an incredible desire to performe it for besides he should thereby purchase great honour and a generall commendation of the world he might yet thinke himself most fortunat making his so rich and faire a Damosell and that by dint of sword So that being excéeding glad through the hope which he had conceiued to atchieue his desired purpose hee did onâ—ly but thrée daies honor this solemne feast with his presence and the fourth day endossed verie early in the morning a rich armour burnisht greene which he had caused very priuily to be made and commaunded to paint on his shield in a siluer field a castell of Gâ—wles representing a Iasper stone in verdure for his deuise Departing thus the citie without knowledge of any person hee tooke his voyage towards the kingdome of Macedon The Emperour who heard afterward ofhis secret departure was passing glad of this enterprise and in presence of many knights began thus in his fauour Now as God mee helpe I haue an opinion nay a confident hope Belcarin will be haue himselfe so valiantly in feates of armes that
all ye will be glad in heart to heare me make the discourse therof God graunt it may be so and may he fortunatly direct him in his courses and so well prosper the generous forwardnesse that all men may beholde shining in him that hée maie winne thereby honour and aduauncement such as his heart desireth Surely this act of Belcarin did well please them except Tiraquâ—l who wâ—s greatly offended because he imparteâ— to him no part of his entent for he would glâ—dly haue kepâ— him companie so that he resolued immediatly to put himselfe in quest after him as soone after it fell out In the mean time Belcarin made such expedition in his iournies that without any let by the way he got out oâ— the boâ—ds of the Empire in a small tiâ—e and being entered the frontiers of the kingdome of Macedonie he lodged the first night in an old knights castle who very affable and courteous séeing him passe before his gate because it was alreadie late geÌ„tly desired him to take his rest that night with him which offer he willingly accepted at the instant request of the venerable old father who tooke great pleasure in beholding Belcarin after he had disarmed himself as well for his goodly stature and proportion of members as for his eloquence and affability wherewith he much enriched and graced his language which was occasion that they conferred long time together and falling from one matter into another in the end the old man discouered that this knight was one of the chiefest fauorites of the Emperour Cleodomyr But the Gentleman had three sonnes very vngratious â—mpes and of a wicked natâ—re who were veâ—y much offended at the courtesie and liberall hospetallitie their father vsed toward strangers wherefore he who knew well their mallice went to méet them in the way homeward for at that present they were hunting abroad to admonish them how they should welcome and entreat this new guest Know my children quoth hee we hâ—ue this night in our house a knight descended of the Emperours house whose physiognomie bewraieth him to come ofsome great and high linage for which cause I pray you do him all the honor you can in the best sort deuise and feasting him with all chéere and gladnesse speake nothing before him which may not beseeme his honourable estate Father answered they we shall doe all your commandements But assoone as he was gone they conspired to assaile this knight on the morrow at the entraunce into a forrestnot farre distant from the castle to proue if he were so braue a man as their fâ—ther had signified vnto them Therefore came not thâ—y to supper as they promised but on the morrow morning betime salied out of the castle all three wel mounted and in armes The honourable and good knight séeing the ingratitude and disobedience of his childeren did his best to do all the honour he could to Belcarin who returning him many thanks the next day departed and tooke his leaue of him to put himselfe againe into his way wherein hee had rode little more then two miles but he met the thrée brethren lying in ambush for him at the side of a wood the eldest hauing his launce vanced vpon his thigh stept before him and thus began to play the champion Faire knight you must ioust with me otherwise you can passe no further for now I will try whether you be so hardie and valiant as your report is or no. Belcarin who doubted a greater ambuscado tooke a lance out of his esquiers hand and speaking very courteously made him this answer Knight ye offer great wrong to assaile thus the Emperours gentlemen perhaps you may quickly find one who will giue you both your hands full and little leisure to repent your hast Trouble not your self therfore replied the eldest brother haue don and prepare your selfe to breake a launce This said they retired from ech other the length of a good carrier then setting spurs to their horses they came to encounter with such a violent â—ury that the assailants staffe flying in shiuers could not stir neuer so little Belcarin out of the saddle who on the other side for that he was strong and puissant hit him so soundly with the first blow oâ—his launce that piercing his shield and armour he ran him more then a foot and halâ—e thorow the body with his sword so that there was no néed to send for a Chirurgion to cure his wound The two other brethren which beheld this piteous spectacle supposing truely their elder brother had his deaths wouÌ„d came in a great rage galloping towards him called to him aloud Ha knight in a curled hour didst thou strike that blow for thou shalt presently receiue thy death So they can boâ—h full at him but the one misâ— his blow and the other lighted vpon his slanke where he made a little wound wherof when Belcarin felt the smart he began to stir himselfe couragiously in his owne defence And albeit these two brethren dâ—d trouble him sore yet the bickering lasâ—ed but a while for this yong prince being very resolute and experâ— in armes did deliuer such a full blow vpon the massard of one of them that hée set him tumbling to the ground to beare his brother companie And to make briefe with his falchion doubled his blowes so thicke against the other that hee was faine to fall from his horse al amased to the earth where he lest them all three thus vanquished and betooke himselfe to his voiâ—ge againe The squier who came with the brethren hauing séene the end of the skirmish rode backe presently towards the castle and finding their father in his chamber certified him of this heauie news Alas sir quoth he man vnlucky houre did you lodge yesternight the strange knight who euen now hath made an end of sâ—aieng your three sonnes Thâ—â— hâ— began to rehearse the whole discourse of the combat whâ—â—e sorâ—â—wfull issue drew vp the fludgates of a stream of tears which distilled froÌ„ the miserable fathers eies who bewailing their so great disaster called them many times fellonious and prowd children His vassals vnderstanding afterward the occasion of his gréeuous lamentation went incontinent to the place where their young lords were discomfited Two wherof they found stone dead and the third in danger of his life if he had not present succour Whom they put into a litter and the other two they laid vpon a Béere couered ouer with dolefull black and so did they conuey them with much sorrow and mourning into the castle where was their wéeping mother powring forth a sea of salt teares wringing her hands with pittifull and lamentable complaints sâ—réeching vp to the heaueÌ„s with continuall yelling and crying that you would haue iudged her rather to haue resembled some senceles thing then a woman in any thing partaking humaine wit and reason The like did her daughter also who after she came againe to her best senses did protest and déepely sweare before
â—er mother y t her hart should neuer rest at ease before she had caused this murtherer to die a cruell death wherefore as soone as the two dead corpses were enterred she departed against her fathers will accompanied only with two squiers to séeke out Belcarin with full intention to be reuenged of him by hooke or by crooke whensoeuer or howsoeuer CHAP. II. How Belcarin came vnknowne into Macedon where he caried away the price of the Tourney that king Florendos caused to be held at the nuptials of the Infant Deniâ—e discouering himselfe onely to Alderine daughter to the duke of Pontus and Durace BElcarin roode two daies iourney in great diligence kéeping on still his way towards the Isle of Carderie and the third day following for that it was so extreame sultrie and hot which hée could not well endure in his armour he alighted about noone of the day hard by a â—â—eare fountaine to refresh himselfe a little but he had not ben long there when he perceiued comming along by a little way which crost in to the very place where he was a great traine of knights and ladies which came riding amaine It was the duke of Pontus and of Durace who was going into Macedon to the wedding which king Florendos did make of his daughter Denise with the king of Thrace nephew to the wife of Caniam This duke of Pontus had riding along with him his Spouse Laurena with a very faire daughter of theirs also called Alderine who roode formost of al the troupe deuising in matters of parly with her Damsels not without a ful entâ—â— to stay somewhile to solace theÌ„selues at the â—oâ—tain and there she was ariued before Belcarin had setled his helmet on his head againe so that the princesse by a glaunce had a perfect view of him and discrying him to be of a beautiful visâ—ge richly armed and without any company but of one onely Squire as she was sage and well aduised saluted him with a comely grace whereof Belcarin was much astonished supposing she had knowen him but he chaunged quickely his opinion for supposing that to procéed rather of her gentle nature and curtesie than otherwise thought shée must néeds come of some great house therfore making a low obeysance in signe of reuerence he very curteously resaluted her Soone after perceiued he the traine of this ladie and for that he feared to be discouered by some of the companie caused his horse to be brought him and mounted he tooke againe into the way wherein he was going before whereat Alderine somewhat displeased for she would verie faine haue knowne who he was boorded him thus Sir knight stay here boldly at your ease and forsake not this swéet and delectable place for our comming for considering the great heate of the day it is yet no time for you to trauell on your way And if you go peraduenture to the tourney which is held in Macedon you may come thither in good time with the Duke my father who shall bée verie glad of your companie I much more who met you here by chance first of all Belcarin humblie thanking her for this curtesie made his excuse that he could not go into Macedon because he had many other more vrgent affairs in another quarter whether he did pretend his voiage therefore once more he tooke leaue of her againe and spurred his horse that way which séemed fittest for his purpose onely to get himselfe as farre as hée could from this companie and méeting a Squire who came after the traine and carriages he demaunded of him if hée knew not the Lord who rode before with so great a traine the Squire answered him it was the Duke of Pontus who was going into Macedone to the feast which king Florendos celebrated for the mariage of the infant Denise and that he had in companie with him his daughter Alderine to sée the iustes tournaments which they were there preparing So soone as Belcarin vnderstood this newes he began â—o think that the ladie which came first to the fountain should be the dukes daughter of whom he had many times heard talke before By meanes whereof he purposed to go sée this assembly in as secret maner as he might possibly â—or he should haue time enough afterward to perform his voiage Thus did Belcarin forsake the way towardes the Isle of Carderie to take that of Macedon which was little more than thrée daies iourney from thence On the third day being come néere the citie he met with two knights armed who went to this tourney and after enterchange of salutations the two knights asked him if hee came not thither to iust I go thither quoth Belcarin to behold the braue meÌ„ at arms who wil appeare within the lists Let vs go then togither in companie if it please you said they because we are for the same effect departed from our countries So they road on their waies talking of many matters toward Macedon where being ariued they found a large plain couered with tents of the nobilitie which were already come to sée the solemnitie Therfore they two knights commanded their squires to set vp a faire and rich Pauilion which they caused to be brought thither expresly for y e same cause requesting Belcarin very louingly that he would there stay with them whervnto for that he would not enter into the citie he most willingly condiscended fearing also not to find any lodging so fit for his purpose On the morrow morning arriued there the duke of Pontus before whom came the king Florendos accompanied with his new son in law for to entertaine welcome him But Alderine who went formost with a passing comly grace shewed her selfe faire in perfection yet something sad pensiue for the desire shee had to know who was that knight of the Fountaine whom she could neuer cancel out â—â—her thoughts since WheÌ„ Belcarin beheld her come arme 〈◊〉 with the king of Thrace trickt vp in her finest attire she séemed â—arre more fâ—ire to him then when he sawe her at the Fountaine Iâ—soâ—â—â—h thâ—t he purposed if peraduenture he could not 〈…〉 â—â—uenture of Câ—lâ—stina to act such things wiâ—h 〈…〉 thâ—t hée miâ—â—t purchace the loue of this 〈◊〉 But the 〈…〉 wife to King Florendos 〈…〉 the Dutchâ—â—â— Lâ—â—rena honourablie and the 〈…〉 â—aking Aâ—derinâ— with her would not pâ—rt 〈…〉 the euening of her mariage day whose solemâ—◠〈◊〉 was grâ—â—t and magnificent in all things The next day folowing â—he â—ing the Quâ—ene and their sonne and daughter newly esâ—ouseâ— went forth into the large field to behold the Tâ—â—tâ—s whiâ—â— were alreadie in a readinesse where as sâ—â—ne as they were mounted vpon the scaffâ—lds richly hanged and prouided for them and manie other Ladies and Gentlewomen of estate they began to bestirre themselues to the encounter of armes In the which of the one side and of the other there were séeâ—e a great number of braue knights and especially of the Emrours court
that it may be registred in the number of the valiant I resolued not to publish it but with very good testimoniall Further you shall assure her from me that I offer my selfe from henceforth to serue her as her most humble knight hoping vnder the fauour of her famous name to win so great reputation that I and my posteritie shall for euer remaine her bounden seruaunts And then when I haue done those thinges whereby I may merite honour and commendation I will come vnto her my selfe to make her the offer of my heart which féeleth it selfe so much affectioned to obey her that it shall not attempt any thing hereafter which may not be to her liking and pleasure So much she shall know in commanding me for I haue so readie a will to employ my selfe in her seruice that notwithstanding the hazard of my life did depend vpon doing it I will not spare any of my best forces Beséeching her moreouer not to disclose my name to any one for that I would at this present visit the king Florendos and the Quéene my grandfather and grandame With this answere returned Gracian to his mistres who staied for him in so great deuotion that so soone as shée saw him come a farre of she could not containe but must néeds aske him what successe had followed the exploit of his ambassage Well Madame answered the page but you must kéepe it secret for so is his humble request That shal wée doe most willingly quoth they and then hée recounted to them all that hée had vnderstoode of him saying that hée was Belcarin the king of Hungaries sonne What is it he Quoth Quéene Denise scréeking alowd for ioy why hée is then my nephew and what so great iniury haue we done him that he vouchsafeth not to visit vs Truely I should bée verie glad to see him for I loue him entirely for that from our infancie wée were brought vp together And well can I assure you Madame Alderine that he hath béene alwaies verie courteous and gentle from a youth wherefore I reioice greatly that his valour in arms doth so wel second his courtesy â—nd mildnes Neuertheles séeing he wil be so â—â—â—ret he shall not be disclosed for vs. We néed not demaund whether Alderine were ioifull when she heard say that Belcarin was descended of so noble and famous bloud séeing also he proffered himselfe alreadie very cordially to be her knight wherefore from that very instant hour she began to loue him without measure and to imprint so well his remembrance in her spirit that shée could neuer blot it out but euery houre more then other did she multiplie in her heart the amourous passion that Cupid who was then in ambush had before brewed for her at the Fountaine CHAP. III. How Belcarin fearing to be discouered departed secretly out of Macedon to fal again into his way in which he met a knight whom he afterward vanquished and how hee had a fierce combat with him who guarded the bridge where Celestina was enchanted AS soon as Belcarin had dispatched away Alderines gentlemâ—n he resolued to depart that court doubting the king Florendos would send to séeke him all about as soone after â—ell out for he desired greatly to know who was the knight that was the vanquisher But he found himselfe frustrate of his attempt for that Belcarin gâ—t him quickly away which the king could hardly haue beleeued had he not perceiued it in his second iusting which he ordained for the nonst the which séemed to him but a sport of little children in comparison of the former tourney where this vnknown knight shewed such incredible acts of chiualry and albeit quéen Denise and the princesse Alderine heard theÌ„ speaking hereof many times yet would they neuer open any other thing butthat hee should be some one of best account in the emperours court Belcarin then after that he had in most courteous maner thanked the two knights for their great humanity courtesie towards him tooke of theÌ„ honestly his leaue â—aining he was constrained to be gone in all hast for some affairs of importance which he was to manage in another place whereat the two knights shewing themselues greatly displeased of this suddain departure offered to kéepe him companie but he thanked them againe saying as then he had no néed thereof So hée put himselfe againe into the way which he left before to sée Alderine and road that day little more then thrée mile onely to dislodge himselfe from the court It chaunced he tooke vp his lodging all that night in a faire gréene meddow where for that there was no house-roome néere he purposed to rest and to passe that night away as well as he might But euen as he thought to close his eies and to take a nappe a déepe thought of the surpassing beautie of Alderine troubled his spirit During which he entred this combat with himselfe Truly Belcarin thou maiest by good right be noted oâ— ingratitude and discourtesie hauing shewed so little ciuility towards so noble a princesse as is the duke of Pontus daughter Ah Thou must amend this fault and shew her in effect that the innocent mistaking of dutie is nothing where repentance and satisfaction for the offence committed presently ensue After many amorous discourses he resolued himselfe if he could not atchieue the adueÌ„ture of Celestina to accept her with all his heart for wife And in this point of his thought a swéet sléepe fell into his eies which continued without waking till the morrow morning when séeing it cleare day he mounted on horsbacke But he had not gone farre ere hée met a knight armed at all points who asked him whether he came from Macedon and whether the marriage of the kings daughter were solemnized whereunto he answered affirming that they were notwithstanding if he went to the Tourney he should come thether time enough to be set a worke 〈◊〉 knight bidding him farewel without further talke road on â—is way And if you will know-what newes with him he was Sergin the sonne of Cardin he who departed from Constantinople with Colmelie to follow the damsâ—l who came to do the hastie embassage to the emperor Cleodomyr as you vnderstood in the last chapter of his hystorie And albeit they had raunged ouer many countreis to finde her yet could they neuer heare any newes for that she was retired verie quicklie within the castell of Carderie from whence the Fairie sent her away in haste to the Court for the dispatch ofthat businesse which tended to the greater glorie and renowme of the future prowesse of Marcomyr sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus and the Emperour Cleodomyr To the end that this knight comming one day to vndoe the enchantment of Celestina hée might be enterned with greater honour and magnificence Now had Sergin made his assay in this aduenture but being not able to goe anie further in it than others hauing vnderstoode of the solemnitie and open Court helde in Macedon went
thither in a great perplexitie to bée present at the Tourney at that time when Belcarin gaue him certaine newes thereof These two knights could not haue ridden farre more than halfe a mile the one from the other when Sergin met the Damsell sister to the two brethren whom Belcarin slue at the wood side who hauing pursued him as far as king Florendos Court was aduertised by one of her squires whom she sent after him in post that hee had woon the honour of the triumph from the which withdrawing himselfe verie secretly afterwardes he tooke right the high way of Carderie into which way she made such hast after him that she met with Sergin soone after Belcarin had left him and thus to him gan she say Gentleman I pray you shew mee whether you met not before a knight who carried a gréene armour vpon his backe the most traiterous and disloial man who liuith this day in the whole world For my father hauing done him al the honâ—â—â— thâ—t he could dâ—uisâ— one 〈…〉 him in his Casâ—ell and the 〈…〉 him the more commâ—unded three brethren I hâ—d to accompaniâ— him on his way The ingrâ—tefull and fellon wretch without anie other occasion cruelly did two of them to death and lest the third in danger to go quickly to kéepe them companie so that I now go after him in hope to 〈◊〉 some vâ—lerous man â—t Armes who abhorring the iniquitie â—nd crueltie of 〈◊〉 may hâ—ue some compassion tâ—â—uenge me of thâ—s â—â—trage Full well knew this tâ—â—â—teresse to colâ—ur her spâ—â—châ—s â—nd by this meane finely to fâ—ame and lâ—y together a caâ—â—elâ—us Prosopopoâ—a that she impriâ—ted in Sergâ—â— hart â— desire of reuenging so foule an imâ—cie Wherefore he made hâ—r â—his answere Faire damsel if it he so â—s you say the knight â—annot excuse himself but he is in 〈◊〉 a traitor a 〈◊〉 anâ— you shal sée that God aboue will not permit him to liue lâ—ng in this world vnpunished The damsel began to sweare â—â—eâ—rably it was troth which she had said prâ—ying him very instantly hée would helpe her in this dâ—â—â—resse iâ— his opportunitie might serue most willingly answered Seâ—gi◠〈◊〉 I doe my best endeuour to make him pay â—eare for this his villanie for I am a capitall enemie of viâ—e murthâ—rers Then turned they bridle incontinently to follow after Belcarin but they could not ouertake him all that day nor the morrow because he road a very round pace The third day afterward bâ—ing newly gon out of a litle place where he had lodged all night they discouered him a farre off vpon the top of a little hill wherof the damsel was very glad and then againe she 〈◊〉 Sergin to employ all his best force to take reuenge on this â—yrâ—nt The knight promising still so to do â—purd liâ—ely his â—ourâ—er to ouertake Belcarin the sooner To whom he 〈◊〉 aloud a far off speaking in a great braâ—â—d◠〈◊〉 sâ—â—y â—hou traitour and caitife Knight to receiue of my â—aâ—â— the guerdon for murthering so cowardly those who hâ—d entertained thée with all humanitie into 〈…〉 who heard himselfe thus reuiled was moued to great choler then furiously turning bridle towardes him who did vrge this disloyaltie wrongfully to him made this stout answere Euill for thy profite commest thou now to publish in this Countrey to foule a lie At the instant downe with his beauer and by and by vayling his Launce ranne with a most violent furie agaynst him â—he like did Sergin brauely for his part who breaking his 〈◊〉 vpon the enemie pearced his harnesse quite thorow 〈◊〉 his pouldrons and scarde his flesh a little as the 〈…〉 But Bâ—â—carin chargeâ— him with so great force 〈…〉 him neate out of the Saddle being thus smittâ—◠〈◊〉 full downe vnder his horse héeles and by no meane was able to recouer his feete wherefore séeing him lie thus without moouing arme or foote hee proceeded on his way The â—amsâ—ll who was arâ—iued by this time séeing Sergâ—â— in that 〈…〉 from her palfrâ—y very sorrowfull and angrie 〈◊〉 wrâ—pping vp his wounds as well as shée could with her Squires â—etermined to carrie him into some place to cure his wounds making the greatest lameÌ„tation that might â—e for so strange an accident Alas good God qâ—â—th she how giue you power to the wicked thus to wrong the good and iust Suffer not I beséech you this traitour to doe any further hurt but hastening the houre of his death giue your consent that he may quickly bee trust vp or come to some vnhappie end The two squires who had alreadie lifted him on horsebacke returning the verie way they came conducted him to the lame lodging where Belcarin had soiourned the night before There vnderstood they oftheir host how that he went to trie himselfe in the aduenture of Celestina whither the Damsell had willinglie followed him but loth to leaue Sergin in so euident daunger shée tâ—rried three dayes with him seruing him in the best manner she could because for her loue he had incurred this perill So we wil leaue them there togither to returne to Belcarin who road so hard that at last hee arriued at a castell standing within half a daies iourney of the I le where Celestina was This fortresse did belong to a gentlewoman being a widow who had two faire daughters and one son knighted not long before no lesse valiant in feates of Armes then learned and prompt in manie other disciplines In this place hée was maruailous well entertained for the Ladie of the Castell was a verie honourable woman and her daughters verie courteous Gentlewomen and of comely grace Supper time come he was serued in good sort with manie fine dishes reâ—ection taken he began to discourse with them and entering in talke of diuerse matters hée enquired of the déedes of knights who did make the aduenture of the Isle wherevnto the Gentlewomans sonne called Lipes made this aunswere Truely Gentlman I should hold him for ill aduised who wil enterprise to goe thither to labour in that matter séeing it is but a while since a knight arriued there and is returned but with dishonour forasmuch as the deâ—ise of this enchantment as well haue the thrée Fairies knowne to doe it hath béene of such efficacie that he who shall exploite the vndoing of it had néed bee of singular prowesse and valour But can you tell me replied then Belcarin the condition of this aduenture and wherin consisteth the greatest difficultie for yet haue I neuer found any who could tell it me truely nor satisfie the great desire I had to learne it Better then any man liuing can I now discourse it to you quoth Lipes because I haue beene there oftentimes to accompanie Knightes who came to this place as you doe and I haue seene manie of them combat with him who gardeth the entraunce of the Bridge albeit to their disaduauntage Knowe you then sir that the Isle of Carderie is by diameter of great extendâ—e inuironed with the sea
thée and to passe the bridge if it be in my power with that word he tooke him such a rap with his sword that he started the fire from his eies vnder his helmet but the knight was quit with him presently for he payd Belcarin two for one so well set on with his club wherewith he fought that he taught him the way where he might goe fet the like â—s often as he would Neuerthelesse by his dexterity and skil in managing his armes hée did beat by afterwards almost all the rest of his blowes and did reach his enemie some sound knocks very often In this maner continued they about thrée houres hacking and hewing one another till Lipes who commended Belcarin greatly and mucâ— more then he did before spake aloud a word of courage that hée had neuer in his life séene knight who quitted himselfe so well kéeping his weapons in his hand These words did so animate and prouoke the courage of Belcarin that perceiuing the knight of the bridge somewhat wearie he would haue done that which he heard say Linedes did but the guard which stood a little on the left hand lent him such a villanous polte which hit him on the shoulder that Belcarin was faine to kisse the ground with one knée Then did the dwarfe sound his horne so swéetely that al Those which heard it were verie ioyfull and pleased except the Prince who felt a great â—eaâ—e and aâ—â—king in his heart neuerthelesse as a man notâ—ing but heart and valour he dissembled it The knight thâ—n râ—stoâ—â—d to his former force by the sound of the horne 〈◊〉 the assault more â—uriouslie than hée did at first in the which Belcarin behaued himselfe alwayes so brauely that he helde him shrewde tugge and one thing comforted him aboue all other it was that none of all the blowes that his enemie lighted vpon him had giuen him a bléeding wound but did onlie bruise the flesh vnder his armour and therefore could hée fight verie well at his ease Thrise blewe the watch which was aboue at the sentinell his horne to fortifie his champion to the battell which continued so long that in the end Belcarin felt himselfe a little wearied by reason he had not rested himselfe all that day Neuerthelesse hée imagined with himselfe that shewing no other valour then that which he vsed in this skirmish in vaine had hée taken so great paine to come thither which hée would haue counted a great shame if the Emperour had béene aduertised thereof Being in this imagination his stomacke began to encrease in him maruellously wherefore he gathered néere his enemie thinking to lay him along on the ground but the knight of the bridge was too warie for him to be taken at that disaduauntage for stepping a little aside he deliuered him so sound a blowe on his crest that he cleft it in two péeces When Belcarin saw himselfe in this daunger hée threw with a mightie violence the two péeces at his aduersarie and by great chaunce hit him so full ouer the shinnes that the knight fell backeward and turned round twice or thrice in the place Then the Prince séeing that hee might easilie get the bridge without resistance of any ranne verie swiâ—tlie to the middest Turret the gates whereof closed at the instant with so great impetuositie that hee sell from his height downe to the ground all amazed and without any féeling at all Now Lâ—peâ— who was verie glad to sée him runne along the bridge chaunged his ioy into sadnesse when he perceyued him halfe dead neuerthelesse lifting him vp betwéene his armes with the helpe of his two Squires carried him presently vpon his bed where disarming him straight and sprinckling Uinegar and cold water on his face they vsed so good remedies that he came quickly to himselfe againe But he had no sooner recouered his spirits when he began to lament in straunge manner as well for his misfortune and disgrace as for the murthering blowes which his enemie had giuen him whereof bore witnesse his armour thrust thorow and pierced in manie places While he thus complained and lamented so grieuously Lipes begun in most courteous manner to comfort him againe Sir quoth he bée of good cheare take a good heart to passe ouer and let slip this anguish of minde assuring your selfe without doubt that it is more than eight yéeres since euer Knight came into this Isle onelie Linedes excepted who hath woonne so great honour as you haue done now so that you haue farre greater cause to reioyce than to complaine as you doe Alas my brother answered Belcarin a sorrowfull man may I be who haue not atchiued my purpose pretended but séeing I sée none other remedie I must take in patience the disaster that hath so shamefully put me to this foyle For of things so diuelishly enchaunted neuer succéedeth any good Accursed be the Fairies with all their infernall charmes and sorceries which make poore wandering Knights suffer so many mischiefs and diseases for their pleasures CHAP. IIII. How Belcarin resolued to fight with all those who came to make assay in the aduenture of Celestina and how amongst others he made front against the marques of Trosse whom he ouercame and afterward against Tiraquel to whom he discouered himselfe LIpes tooke great paines to cause the knight Belcarin to be attended with all diligence whilest he kept his bed who in y e meane time was proiecting a thousand new fantasticall discourses in his mind Sometimes imagining with him selfe that hauing not effected this aduenture he must performe so rare and admirable matters of chiualrie therby to amend and couer this shame For this cause he purposed to make stay long time in this place to combat all those who should come thither to make their trials in the aduenture with resolutioÌ„ that the braue feats of arms which he should exploit there wheresoeuer else he should employ himselfe abrode should be for loue of Alderine the duke of Pontus daughter whoÌ„ from that time forward he purposed to loue aboue all other in the world and if peraduenture he were vanquished by any knight he determined to go incoÌ„tinent vnto king Florendos court This desseigne discouered he to Lipes who maruelled much thereat and told him that this was no small thing that he did vndertake because there were woont continually to arriue good knights from all parts neuertheles knowing him before verie resolute in his deliberations he procéeded with him in this sort Séeing you are fully resolued thus to doe I will not forsake you but to sée your prowesse and great chiualrie which I am most certaine resteth vnder the dexteritie of your person I offer my self frankely to do you seruice with my loyall companie Commanded moreouer incoÌ„tinent for their greater expeditioÌ„ that they should bring him froÌ„ his house horses and armeâ— â—s well offensiue as defensiue brieflie all manner 〈…〉 which were necessarie for so long a time of 〈…〉 as they hoped to spend in this
enterprice But so soone as Belcarin could endure the trauaile of armes he sailed not to endosse them to be in a readinesse if perâ—dueÌ„ture any thing chanced in the mean time so it fel out that the Marques of Trosse who came then to make his assay in thâ—t aduâ—nture arriued there the same day He was a braue and a hardie mâ—n at Armes and albeit hée parted from his countries wel accompanied with knights pages and gentlemâ—n he had neuerthelesse caused them to stay behind short of this place and towards him he marched with one onely squire who bore his launce When Belcarin saw him come so couragiously directly to the bridge he mounted incontinent on horsebacke then drew néere him saying Gentleman this way can you not passe before you Iust with me because I haue established this for a law that no knight shal haue battle with him on the bridge who hath not first ouercome me for a fewe dayes past my strength hauing failed me in the assay of this aduenture I will that no other shall accomplish it if he cannot preuaile against me This your rashnes séemeth to me verie great replied the Marques seeing you enterprise to carrie a burthen of such weight but I beléeue you doe it to depart hence more ashamed and dishonoured 〈◊〉 you haue done heretofore Happen what shall 〈◊〉 Belcarin then with some disdaine you must passe 〈◊〉 my handes and take héede of me if you thinke good The Marques had alreadie drawne his sworde which was the cause that in the violent running of the horses they made a furious encounter and hauing both a desire to behaue themselues brauelie brake their Launces downe to their handles brushing one another with their Shéeldes and shouldring so fiercelie that the Marques fell to the ground féeling himselfe hurt a little â—ith his fall gâ—tteth quickly on his 〈◊〉 drâ—w â—orthwith his sword with which he 〈…〉 such a blow on the ribs that he made 〈…〉 but Belcarin who was nimble lâ—apt 〈◊〉 the saddle and setting hand to his blâ—de likewise ran vpon him in a great rage Ill for thy profit saith he learnest thou euer to vse such cowardise in combating for thou shalt receaue by and by thy deserued guerdon then charged him with two such deadly blowes vpon his helmet that before the sword was from it the bloud ran downe in the place The Marques who was actiue and couragious went alwaies eagerly to worke and defended himselfe with a wonderfull stomack neuertheles Belcarin who surpassed him in valor and actiuity fetcht him quickly so liuely about that the Marques who could not almost stand before him did but void the strokes Which his aduersary spying laid so fiercely vpon the edge of his shield that he laid him along at his féet where the miserable Marques lost all possibility and meane to defend himself for so soon as he was down Belcarin began to batter him cruelly with the pommell of his sword saying Catif yéeld thée now for vanquished and sweare vnto me thou wilt neuer séeke to meddle or make any more in this aduenture if not I send presently thy soule to the diuel In good fâ—ith knight answered the Marques you haue passed me so far that I warrant I shall neuer passe further in it and of fauour I beséech you to leaue me in this pittious estate in the which now I yéeld my self at your mercy Belcarin who heard him speake so gently thought he was in danger of death therfore withdrew himselfe a side a little whilst the Marques squier approched him to sée in what state he was who when he had quickly raised him on his féet bound vp his wounds with a kercheif which he tore in péeces he set him faire and softly on his horse which he took at the end of the carrier But before the Marques departed from thence he requested Belcarin very amiably to tell him who he was to the end he might know the name of his vanquisher which hee graunted him willingly Hâ— quoth the Marques truely I haue no cause to complaine nor to bée sorrowfull for my mishap séeing it is by the hand of so valiant a knight that I see my selfe now vanquished the Marques hauing spoken these words marched towards the place where he had leâ—t his people from thence to a town from whence he stirred not til he had recouered his perfect cure health then toâ—ke his iourny directly into Macedon there recounted what had happened to him with Belcarin The king Florendos and the quéen his wife were very ioifull hearing so good report of Belcarin for they said they had a nephew so called who might very wel be the same then demanded him what arms he caried the Marques answered green As sure as God liues theÌ„ said the king it is none other but he getting a few daies since the best at the tourney departed thence secretly fearing to be discouered whereof I am very glad and con him thanke that he can doe so well for that in Prowesâ—e and chiualrie he séeketh to resemble king Frisol his father Great was the ioy that the nobles of the court receiued by this news but aboue al other was Alderine most ioifull because she had set her heart and all her most secret thoughts vpon him and loued him euery day more ardently then other for the great praises she heard were euery where spread abroad of his singular déeds of armes so that by the only blast of this renowne many knights departed from that court to goe trie themselues against him who being all vanquisht augmented his fame daily more and more But to return to the damsel who pursued to be reuenged of Belcarin for the death of her brethren after that she had thrée daies serued Sergin very courteously séeing him on the fourth well amended she purposed to depart his companie honestly to follow after her enemie It fell out by fortune Tiraquel son of duke Eustace who weÌ„t to sée his companion Belcarin euery where abroad arriued the same euening in a lodging where seeing the Damsel make such pittious mone for she could very well play her part at the arriuall of any one was moued at the last with pittie and compassion to promise her his aid if she stood in néed therof and as he demaunded the cause of her lamentation and sorrow she made answere how shée hauing two brethren slaine treacherously by a disloial person whâ— her father lodged one night in his Castell did put her selfe presently in pursute after him and méeting by the way a courteous knight besought him to take reuenge of the murtherer who had committed that vile act in briefe that this valiant Gentleman also had béene by him daungerously wounded which caused him so much the more to gréeue and sorrow at her fortune Full well knew she how to worke him by her enticing and sugred words so far that Tiraquel promised her once more his aid and enquiring what was become of the wounded
a lie doe I nowe heare My companion most true it is that I slept one night in the Castell that she speaketh of where I neuer saw man but the Lord of the place who was a verie honourable and courteous knight of whom taking my leaue the morrow morning all alone when I had scant gone little more then two miles I founde at the side of a forrest thrée knights all armed who forced me to Iust against them and my fortune was at the first encounter to lay one on the ground with my launce which the other perceiuing ranne both with great violence vpon me but I deliuered my selfe from them as well as I might If they were the sonnes of the Lord of the Castell that knowe not I greatly it should displease mee if they were for the honour and good entertainement I receyued at his handes I beléeue assuredly as you say then replied Tiraquel and this damsell can not be but some shamelesse and badde woman who hath deceyued mee with this lie But shée maie thanke the great gladnesse which hath seased my spirites in seeing you otherwise I should chastice her sharpelie for her impudencie and craftie malice Shée who heard all these spéeches and saw peace established betwéene the two Knights hauing the verie teares standing in her eies begins to exclaime thus Oh most accursed and vnfortunate wretch ah what collusion is this Certes this knight whom I brought hither séemes to me as false and disloial as the other of whom I séeke reuenge neuerthelesse séeing he hath circumuented me and ill performed his promise if I die not speedily I hope to make him repent it and to see my selfe reuenged of them both Hauing vttered these speeches shee returned the same way she came and the two knights retired into their Tents There Tiraquel recounted to Belcarin how the knight whom the Damsell caused first to fight against him vpon this supposed treason was Sergin whom hee had also left in the Chirurgians hands whereof Belcarin was grieuously displeased much blaming and cursing the shamelesse woman who had induced them both falselie to beléeue her Then for his part he discoursed to Tiraquell all that had happened to him in this aduenture also what determination hee had set downe against all those who should come thither with like intention for as much as he could not vndoe the inchantment himselfe By the faith of a Knight quoth Tiraquel then your attempt séemeth to me farre greater and more difficult than the execution of that of the Castell wherein the Ladie is prisoner in the which I haue no minde to make assay séeing it cannot by you bee brought to an end but well content will I be to kéepe here in your good companie So they dwelt there together being most exquisitely serued of all that was necessarie for them and taking all pleasure that they might best deuise they did there passe time merily with the daughters of Lipes who came thither manie times to visite them Albeit Belcarin found that hee had some what to doe for that it behoued him to make good against so great a number of Knights who came thither from all parts to proue themselues in the aduenture besides against those whom the damsell conducted thither to reuenge the death of her brethren But this was a strange and admirable case that all the long time that Belcarin soiourned there neuer came any knight thither who could go beyond him in chiualrie and prowesse so that this renowme accompanied with a singular and most commendable praise spread it selfe ouer all the kingdome of Madedon and moreouer in the empire of Gréece During which painefull exercise that he continued without intermission the delicious life which by their industrie they studied to prouide was verie necessarie for him in that place for that it did diminish much the sorrowe and trauaile that he endured Wherein wée will leaue him a little to recreate his spirites to speake of the good Knight Marcomyr sonne of the Emperour Cleodomyr and of the Quéene of Tarsus CHAP. V. How Marcomyr hauing knowledge he was the Emperour Cleodomyr son caused himself to be knighted then demāded license of the queene his mother to go see him in Constantinople which he very hardly obtained and of that which fortuned therevpon THe Quéene of Tarsus caused with great care to be brought vp Marcomyr her sonne whom she had by the Emperour Cleodomyr at that time when following the exercise of arms he arriued in the Cittie of Alfarin scituate in the kingdome of Pasmerie as you haue read amply in his historie This child was of so good a nature that the quéen and all those of the kingdome held themselues very well pleased because the more he grew in corpulence so much the more he shewed himselfe vertuous and to descend of roiall and illustrious bloud so that to put him out of all desire euer to goe sée his father fearing he would haue a will to make himselfe a Christian they would neuer tell him of whom he was engendred But to the end he should bée brought vp and well instructed as did the Heroical generousnes of so high and great a prince require the quéen committed the charge and gouernement of him to a brother of the defunct king of Tarsus her husband a knight both very valiant and wise of whom he was so vertuously instructed in litterature that his naturall enclination his fashion of life and good manners did appeare euery day more then other most commendable whereby he was excéedingly made of and reuerenced by his friends especially because they saw a wise discretion in him to prefer mercie before rigour for he tooke great pleasure to doe any fauor or charitable act to those who did require him Neuertheles if he appeared courteous and louing towards the good so contrariwise he shewed himselfe bitter and seuere against the wicked so that by reason of his meruellous wisdome and naturall care he had in good things from his very infancy and tender age he would vnderstand the managing of the affairs of the kingdome wherin within a little while his spirit being maruellous apt to be taught capable of all good things he ordred himself so wel was so good a politician in his gouernment that the quéen began to lay vpon him the gouernment of the whole estate If he enriched himselfe by little and little in the perfection of all vertues there wanted not in him the blossome of a liuely beautie of his bodie wherein were all comely graces so excellent well bestowed in euery part with the which he could so well behaue himselfe with all temperance and modesty towards al braue knights who hearing his praises published thorow al the marches of Tarsus bordering round about came of their owne accord to offer him their seruice So that the court was quickly ful when on a day before he was armed knight for in truth beside the roiall nature which he brought with him from his mothers wombe
giant and his son was slaine there was all as many as they could finde within the prisons of the castell their sorrow was turned into an vnspeakeabe ioy Moreouer the Prince commaunded to be brought before him the armes of all the knights to the ende euery man might recognish his owne to arme themselues quickely therewith who then perceiuing this man should set them frée from so miserable slauerie fell downe all at his féet to thanke him euery one praying his God to guerdon him for so great a benefite as hée did tâ— them all But amongst the rest there were two yong men very proper and well fauoured for they were but arriued in that place not long before who shewed by their Physiognomie to be descended ofsome illustrious and heroicall race both of them said they were Moores the one was Rifaran son to Trineus Emperour of Almaigne and of the Infant Aurencida the other Lechefin son of the Soldan of Persia the youngest of the thrée which the Princesse Zephira had by him These yong gentlemen were both two brought vp together by the Soldan because he knowing the doâ—ilitie and good inclination of Rifaran did hope to sée him one day a valiant knight Therefore being both the son ofhis sister and of the Emperour Trineus his great freind hée loued him as if he had ben his owne child This Rifaran béeing come to the age of ten or twelue yéeres became so studious of all vertuous actions that vpon a time talking with his mother he praied her to shew him plainely the cause why she was alwaies lockt vp and clothed in mourning wéeds whereof she made him the whole discourse deciphring in few words vnto him his genealogie assuring him the prince Trineus Emperour of Almaine was his father When Rifaran vnderstood he was sonne of one of the principall houses in Christendome he began to make better estéeme of himselfe and to shew himselfe in all things more sumptuous then before so that being come to the age fit to receiue knighthood he besought the Soldan he would honour him therewith who gaue him willingly the acolladoe and for the same occâ—sion was there made a great and magnificent feast in the which he alwaies won the honour and price of many Iusts that were held there Afterwards he left the court life and continuing militarie profession he did so great and maruellous actes in armes that he was much renowned and hath his neuer dying praise spread thorow all the Marches and Prouinces of Persia whereof the Soldan was so glad that he sought many times to marrie him with the only daughter of king Maulerin But he would neuer heare on that eare for he had concluded in his mind first to goe visit the Emperour Trineus his father the which Aurencida his mother who died not long afterward did of all loues persuade him to to the end the emperour séeing the fruit of his loues by the obiect of his person might know they were not vaine in the time they were acquainted together Wherevnto agréed most willingly Râ—faran and after he had finished the obsequies and funerall pompes in such sort as the greatnesse of so high a princesse did require it for he would neuer breake her coÌ„mandement he demaunded license of the Soldan to passe to Constantinople there to sée the court of the Emperour Cleodomyr from thence to take his iourny to that of his father in Almaine The Soldan gaue him license albeit sore against his will but yet more against the will of Lechefâ—n who loued Rifaran as his owne soule therefore besought he most humblie his father to let him goe with him for companie for by this meane quoth he I shall quickly moue my cosin to returne which pleased wel the Soldan wherefore incontinently he knighted him although he were yet very little and yong in yeares Beside before their departure he bestowed on them goodly presents and Zephira his wife gaue them both letters directed to the two Emperours Cleodomyr and Trineus after wards when they were gone to shipboord with thirtie knights well furnished and equipped with all necessaries for them there aroâ—e a mightie storme at sea which forced them to anker in the goulfe of this Isle of Deâ—phos where being lockt in with the chaine and made fast by the giant being all weatherbeaten they saw no other remedy but to goe on land to refresh themselues there And being freindly entertained by the giant as soon as they were disarmed he caused them immediatly to be both put in prison then going strait to their ship sâ—ue twentie of the knights who came with vs sauing the life of the other ten to sâ—rue them with the same sauce as they had serued their masters whom they made kéepe companie in the prison so sóone as they had pillaged all that was within the ship Then were presented before him all the arms of the knights who had ben taken prisoners in that hauen out of which Rifaran and Lechefin did presently choose out theirs so did in like manner the other ten who remained of thirty that came thither who armed all themselues albeit they were brought very low and féeble thorow the long imprisonment they had endured vnderthe giant CHAP. VIII How Marcomyr establisheth a verie sage knight for gouernour of the isle of Delphos of whom he vnderstood the great danger and difficulty of the aduenture of the temple which hee performeth by slaying the enchaunted wild boare and vanquishing the knight of the horne MArcomyr then causâ—â— the people of the Isle to bée assembled to whom hée made this oration My freindes and brethren I beléeue you are all ioifull to sée your selues frée from the miserable slauerie in the which Baledon did detaine you you shall be content to hold hereafter for your liege Lord the iust and good prince Cleodomyr whom I will intitle vnto this Isle which I haue now conquested by force of armes for you know the giant is alreadie out of this world his wife sonne and daughter are my prisoners and tied here in chaines to that stonepiller before your eies whom I meane to send shortly to the Emperour for a present I pray you in the meane space to liue peaceably vnder the gouernement of this venerable knight Guilladoâ— by name whom I haue for his singular wisedome chosen for ruler amongst you vpon condition hee shall at the Emperours pleasure consigne it ouer into his hands Unspeakeable was the pleasure and content they all receiued to become the Emperours vassals wherefore he caused them all presently to sweare allegeance to him and then to burne openly the bodie of Baledon for the most enorme and cruell aâ—â—es he had committed in his life time To behold which execution came in all the people of the island and also to know the knight Marcomyr vnto whom they brought many presents and gifts who hauing pacified all things in good order purposed now to trie himselfe in the aduenture of the temple but the new gouernour dissuading
him from it all he might besought him he would not hazard himselfe into that perill wherein many braue knights had most vnfortunately ended their daies Which made him the more eager to know wherein did most consist the danger wherevpon Guillador made this discourse vnto him My lord quoth he know ye that the temple wherein lieth the Priests rich treasure is enuironed round about with a heath full of bushes and shrubs for a long time no man hath euer come néere it Within this heath liueth a furious and cruell wild boare farre more terrible then that which Heâ—cules slue vpon the mountaine Erymanthus in Arcadia whose bristles on his back are so sharpe prickly and of so great and hideous forme that there is none in the world but feares the sight of him Such is his rage that so often as any offers himselfe to enter into the temple this beast rowseth himselfe from his thorney and wild leare shaking his head cracking his téeth and foming in fearefull sort then shaking his bristellie bodie hée launceth forth his bristles more sharpe then so manie rasors or arrowes with such a violence that they pierce quite thorow the best armor which may be borne by any that shall make head against him But most of all he torments them with his great tusks wherwith he committeth such carnage and slaughter vpon them who assaile him that he kils them as fast as they come néere him You tell me wonders quoth Marcomyr yet is there no so difficult aduenture in the world which may not and ought not to be by mâ—ns hand brought to an end whereof being well assured and trusting in the helpe the gods will giue me I will not â—ease for any obstacle to try my vttermost force and séeing this enchantment cannot be perpetuall I will be somewhat the more hardy hoping to prouide me a good target to receiue the boores bristles as oft as he shall shoot them Soone prouided he what was necessary for such a voiage for all his companie both knights marchants and others which he had deliuered out of the prisons before with whom they tooke some of the Isle to conduct them to the temple Now had Marcomyr caused to be made by subtill and meruellous cunning workemanship a coat of arms of many canuasses glued together with waxe sticking fast together with which he couered all his harnesse to the end the boores bristles being launced at him might not hurt him at all but sticke fast therein and with this his new gabardine did he march very merrie among the troupe towards the temple néere vnto which they were now come where he and Ozalias vewing the place round about as far as they could sée could perceiue nothing but thick briars brambles thornes and other prickly bushes so enuironing the temple on euery side that Marcomyr could find no way to enter in with his horse which gréeued him much wherefore he resolued to make abode there two daies to sée what might be done in the meane time came thither to him the people from all places néere hand who had before heard of his fame spread abroad for the victorie hée had obtained against the giant and his sonne The third day after he armed himselfe with all his harnesse and put on vppermost vpon his habergion his new iacket then taking in his hand a great mace of stéel wherwith he thought to aid himself in this passage he went coragiously towards the Temple commaunding all his followers to tarry behind wherat Ozalias and Rifaran were greatly grieued neuerthelesse not to contemne his commandement they remained behind fell to deuout praier that it would please the gods to preserue him from daunger of death Marcomyr began to enter the thickets making way with his great Mace when hee saw a knight winding a great base horn before him at the noice wherof the furious and fearefull boare rushed out of his den and setting his taile against the gate of the Temple staid there for Marcomyr with such a horrible crackling of his téeth that the verie sight would haue affrighted the best man liuing The Prince in the meane time had scant gotten a place large inough which was on the side of the Temple by which the brute animall spying him to come in amain shewed himselfe farre more fierce and cruell than before For then setting an ende his sharpe and ineuitable bristles he launced them so thick against him as you would haue thought a dozen Archers could not so soone haue discharged their arrows out of their bowes but for as much as they lost their force by the defensible streÌ„gth of his coat made of waxe for the nonst they did not pierce his armor as they had done to many other knights by means wereof the boare hauing shot away all his darts came furiouslie vpon him with an open mouth Then Marcomyr who stoode firme without stirring one way or other lifting vp valiantly his great Mace stroke him such a blow vpon the groyne that hée tooke away one iawe with part of his lower téeth The boare féeling such a deadly stroke would haue taken holde of him to haue pulled him to the ground But Marcomyr drawing out quickly his falchion saued him that labour by thrusting it déepe into his throate with all his force pushing it still further in The boare not able to endure the paine recoyled backeward more and more casting out so great abundance of gore blood at his mouth that the knight was alberaied therwith neuertheles holding still his falchion firm in his throat with his left hâ—nd with the right he redoubled such monstrous blows with his mace of stéel that he laid quickly along the infernal beast dead on the grouÌ„d And albeit this were a naturall boare yet hee was enchaunted by some diuelish arte for béeing come into this place by the exorcismes of the high priest as were the Lions which slue the Duke of Fera hée had afterwardes charmed him to garde his treasure locked fast within the Temple neuerthelesse hée was fatallie to die by Marcomyrs hand And euen as that of Calidonia which was sent thither to plague that Countrie died by the hand of Meleager who afterward sent his head in present to the faire Ladie Atalanta to shewe her the experience of his strength in like manner the Prince of Tarsus to make his valour appeare to all those who should come thither cut off the head of this and in signe of spoyle and trophée raysed it on the ende of a pole which he planted in the same place where he ouercame him Marcomyr hauing then dompted this terrible monster he thanked the gods for so great fauour and puld off his false iacke which he had put ouer his armour because the boares bristles sticking so thicke therein it did somewhat annoy him But hee had no sooner laid it downe when he sawe the knight of the horne making towardes him with a great club in his hand calling aloude to him with a horrible
triumphant scepter enriched with all honour and immortall praise Wée néed not aske whether Marcomyr did meruaile hearing the voice of the Damsell who came to succour him in this austere desert to decipher to him so well his affaires For the extasie and rauishment of his spirits who had then séene his countenaunce did giue sufficient testimonie thereof Yet séeing himselfe in place fit to speake to this Damsell hée called his spirits againe to him and embouldened himselfe to say thus Madame for the honour and reuerence you beare vnto your God I pray you not to conceale from me who you are that know mée so well and I beséech you therein excuse mine vnwise request for your rare and perfect beautie which doth prouoke mée to demaund it doth draw mée into greater admiration then all the other strange visions which I haue now séene the which I held for friuolous and Diabolicall in respect of you who séeme to mée celestiall and sent hether of the gods into these base regions séeing that you discoursing so well of the future euent of my destinies doe comfort my sorrowfull heart with an incredible ioy and contentment Courteous knight quoth she thinke not strange at any thing I tell you for it is long since I knew who you are and for your prowesse and valour I loue you and estéeme you more then any other knight of this round world therefore am I come hether farre from the countrey where I was borne to make you vnderstand it Praying you to pardon mée otherwise if I doe not tell you who I am for at this present your curiositie is not to bée satisfied herein well will I assure you before long time passe wée shall sée one another at pleasure together and then shall you know something of my doings by a gift which I will request at your hands which is not now to be disclosed It should bée a great ioy and an vnspeakeable comfort to mée replied Marcomyr if you would commaund mée something in which I might employ the vertue of all my forces with the perfect deuotion I féele alreadie vowed to make the world know the singular affection I haue to obey you and to rest alwaies your faithfull friend Offering my selfe for earnest of this obeisance hereafter to serue you as your knight with promise not to transgresse the least of your commaundements as long as my life shall dwell in this terrestriall bodie And thinke not I will any more importunate you to tell me who you are séeing that it is not your will I should know it albeit to haue knowne it had béene to me a thing most acceptable so that euerie day to me shall séeme a thousand yeares vntill I sée the hower which you say is so happie for me But in attending it I wil accomplish for my part all that which it hath pleased you to giue me in charge and will dedicate this temple to the seruice of your God whose faith alreadie hath by your meane greatlie edified mée in this Euangelicall truth Whilst the Damsel gaue him thanks for this good affection and for his so many amiable spéeches behold the old beldame came who enchaunted him with the loue of Celestina in his Kingdome and taking this maiden by the hand saith to her Come away with me my daughter and leaue this discourteous and foolish Knight alone who suffered me to be misued before his presence in Tarsus for which abuse I hope full soone to bée reuenged on him by the extreame anguish and passion his heart shall endure hereafter Scarsely had she spoken these last words but both of them vanished away at the very instant whereat Marcomyr maruelled much and from that time forward entered into such a déepe conceit of the liuely and perfect beautie of this Damsell that he had almost died with the thought thereof for it séemed to him he had neuer séene her second and in truth he was not deceiued in his iudgement in this matter as many young louers bée who in their owne loues shew themselues too fauourable iudges By and by he thought with himselfe because the old mother had taken her away from hard by him this Damsell must sure be Celestina her for whom he felt so liuely imprinted in his heart the loue which did encrease in him more euery day then other at the onely remembrance of this ladie and forced him first to abandon his kingdome So great was then the perplexitie of his spirit because of this amourous fantasie that vnstopping the fludgates of his eies hée shead a great streame of teares which were tossed with the impetuous wind of his sighes so thicke one after another that during this torment he was faine to exclaime thus Alas olde mother I knowe not what thou maiest bée but well I finde thy spéeches to be true O that in an ill houre for the happinesse of my life did Ozalias anger thée in my presence Ah cruell enemie why hast thou so soone depriued my sight of the vnspeakable content it receiued beholding this angelicall and diuine face Thou diddest permit me to sée her that I should loue her past all measure albeit I know not how thy wordes haue pierced my heart so farre that I could not taste of anie more sharpe and corosiue bitternesse notwithstanding if this be the obiect of Celestina who séemed to mee the fairest and most exquisite péece that euer presented it selfe to mine eye I will neuer rest till I haue met her once againe In this anguish of minde remained the knight long time so astonished as if hée had come from the Antipodes and accusing himselfe greatly of simplicitie and want of courage blamed the olde woman who had cleane taken away his strength vnable to stay the damsell with him whose presence and gracious spéeces did so content him as hee thought him selfe in eternall blessednesse for the while To bée briefe as soone as hée perceyued the cleare morning to chase towardes the West the darkenesse of the night hee resolued to effect all that the vision did commaund him wherefore he went straight to the Aultar where the riches was and taking the golden basins with all the other sumptuous things hee laide them all on a heape to carrie them out of the Temple and spoiled moreouer the idoll of his scepter and crowne which he had about him In the meane time were Ozalias Rifaran and the other Knights verie sadde and melancholicke thinking they had lost Marcomyr their lorde wherefore they purposed to goe see what was become of him and especiallie Ozalias who without delay called vppon all the rest to follow him thorowe the same way which hée perceyued his cousin had cut out to the Temple And béeing come to the place of the combate they first found the horrible boare slaine whereof béeing most ioyfull and maruailing much they amased themselues there all a little to beholde rhis monstrous animall except Ozalias who béeing desirous to sée the Prince entered as soone as euer hée
language in this busines that no man liuing should be able to descrie their persons or discouer their drifts The plot thus laid betwéene these two cousins to take vpon them this voiage he went strait to his father who very willingly gaue him his leaue vpon condition hée should stay as little while as might bée in those countries of the leuant So kissing his father the kings hand tooke his leaue in the secretst manner which might be taking along with him but onely thrée or foure persons with his dwarfe and Recindos his cousin whom he loued from the entierest of his heart Towards Marsilia they made with as much spéed as might be where finding a ship ready for them equipped they waighed ankers and set sailes but had the weather so contrary that being wearie of trauelling the tempestuous sea they were faine to put into the first port of Gréece and send awaie their ship by sea to méet them at Constantinople One whole day soiourned Arnedes Recindos in this hauen and on the morrow hauing put on their rich armors they road so great a iournie that by the way they heard newes of the triumph which was to be holden in the Emperours court whereof being meruellous glad they road so great a pace that they came to Constantinople thrée daies before the mariage of Ditreus and Esquiuela were celebrated and iust at the time of their arriuall was the Emperour gone abroad in the euening with many of his Barons to behold the Countie in his Ioâ—sts where he tooke pleasure in the good adresse he saw this knight had to manage a horse albeit he was somewhat angrie to sée those of his court so foiled by him wherefore his mind could neuer be at quiet till he knew who these Iousters were to whome he vsed many courtesies after he knew they were descended of the lord of the island Liquia whom he vanquisht in his conquest of the Sagitarie As the emperour then was beholding this Ioust and the countie had dismounted the sixt knight who entred the liâ—ts came in Arnedes and Recindos who had not trauelled far that day quickly had they put on their helmets and to one end of the carrier went Arnedes flucing and vauting his horse in the aire as who would say he demanded ioust The County séeing a knight appeare vpon the barres mounted presently on horsebacke with a still presumption to coole quickly this assailants brauadoe but he was farre deceiued for gallopping as fast as they could they made such a furious encounter that they brake their lances within their gantlets finishing their carier without other harm then said the countie to Arnedes Sir knight it is at your choice to haue another bout if you think good Content I am readie quoth the prince of France séeing I haue done so little good with the first then to shew their best before the emperour and other good knights who were there present they made the second encounter with a far greater furie then the first in such sort that the very earth séemed to â—inke vnder them as they met in their race the County had the worst for that without breaking Arnedes caried him to the ground with his courtelax neuerthelesse he lost his stirrops without euer stirring out of his seat The Emperour and all the other lords were very glad séeing the pride of the county laid along so that they did al highly commend the vnknowne knight Linedes was full wroth when he saw his cousin lie on the ground before him in very ill taking by reason of his fall wherfore causing his helmet to be laced being before armed at al other points he was soone mounted and taking a great launce in hand Arnedes and he rusht vpon one another in a great rage Linedes was so chollericke that hée mist his blow neuerthelesse his enemie mist not to hit him so full that he bore him backward ouer his horse crouper and because he would not let goe the raines of the bridle thinking to saue himselfe from the ground his horse rose an end and â—ell backward vpon him which brused him very sore whereby he felt great paine a good while after But Arnedes was as fresh after this Iousting as if he had not ben in it at all therefore retiring to his companion thus quoth he to him Come let vs goe kisse the Emperours hand for here is nothing more for vs to doe Off did they their helmets and went toward the troupe who maruelled greatly at the valiancie of the Frenchman For euery one knew how much Linedes was estéemed through al the land of Gréece The Emperour séeing they made the next way to him went before apace to welcome them when they offered to kisse his hand he would not permit because he did not know them but embraced them both louingly saying My friends ye are most welcome into my countrie where you haue made me wonderfull ioifull by your great valor performed in your persons therefore I pray you tell me who you are and I shall loue and estéeme you a great deale the better then quoth Arnedes It is the grace and vertue of your maiesty who honoureth alwaies knights although they little deserue it we are knights of the house of the king of France for my part I am a néere kinsman of Lewis duke of Burgondy In good faith quoth the Emperour your phisiognomie feature and all the lineaments of your body doe bewray you for that in them you doe very much resemble him and therefore do I loue you so much the more for the great honour and pleasure that I haue heretofore receiued of him and his brother So taking the one in his right hand and the other in the left he conducted them both into his pallace where after they were disarmed he did them the greatest honor which he and all his might possibly deuise CHAP. XIIII How Marcomyr and Ozalias arriue within foure daies iournie of Constantinople from whence they depart after that they had changed their armes In their way they lodge in an old knights house of whom Marcomyr vnderstood the whole discourse of the aduenture of Celestina MArcomyr after he left Abenunq in the streight of Abidos and Seâ—tos commanded his pilots to thrust in with the néerest port to Constantinople called Saint Lordin a coast towne foure leagues distant by land from the cittie There did he make them cast anker with charge not to stir thence till his returne In the meane while he and Ozalias disguising their armours for fear to be discouered departed with foure squiers onely for their seruice That night they lodged by chance at the foot of a hill in the house of a knight poore in goods but noble in heart and person who inuited them very chearfully and intreated them though not sumptuously and with exquisit dainties yet courteously and with great humanitie The greater part of this good entertainement procéeding from his wife and one very faire daughter which did exactly marke the
arraied in this sumptuous manner with all curiosity of iewels and womens ornaments were mounted vpon two white hacknies brauely harnessed and trapt to the ground with stones set in collets and buckles of gold finely wrought and embrodered ouer Next vnto whom rode Diocles mounted vpon a great Barbary horse caparassond after the turkish manner to conduct the bride and Abenunq her brother came next the Princesse Philocrista but Lechefin who loued her not the least put himselfe on the other side to goe front by front with her yet for all that Arnedes whom Cupido did impatiently maister wrought so cunningly by his amourous deuises that he got the place finely from him whereby he might behold her better at his ease whereat Lechefin fell in so meruelous an indignation that from thence forward he began to beare him more then a mortall grudge perceauing thereby very well he loued her as well as himselfe Recindos sorted himselfe with the infant Melissa Ditreus sister for she séemed to him excéeding faire and gratious with whom Rifaran who was her conduct made her quickly acquainted by saying it was the knight who vanquished the earle and that for his laudadable vertues he well deserued some fauour aboue the rest By meanes wherof she began to make him discourse of many excellent matters which she could do meruellous well by reason of the ripe vnderstanding and fine grace wherewith nature had enriched her For she néeded not to betaught to vse her tongue affably and discréetly Here by the way Recindos was so enflamed with her loue that as long as he liued the heat so liuely kindled dwelt in his heart that it could neuer be quenched after that time Now if he were wel pleased in mind the prince Arnedes was no lesse glad for his part beholding himselfe in that pearle of beautie which his deare ladie Philocrista inherited from the day of her birth whom he gaue well to vnderstand by his curious and often looking on her that he was her entire and perpetuall slaue yet neuer was so bold to tell her the least word in the world thereof such a strange humour felt he in his soule which forbad him to speake But in the meane time Lechefin whose eies fed of her beautie much gréeued at such an obiect did rage with gréefe and intollerable phrensie multiplying in his stomack more and more the rage and hatred he bore against him When all this honourable troupe was arriued within the principall church of the cittie the solemnity of the mariage was incontinent celebrated with great ceremonie then after the same order it came returned with as goodly pompe to the pallace where they did couer for the feast which was so sumptuous and magnificent in all thinges that it might almost compare with that of the gods held at the mariage of Peleus and the goddesse Thetis The tables were serued in and the princes and princesses all set and placed in their order then began a ioifull musicke in the which were instruments of all sorts here might the louers behold their ladies whereby they receiued an excéeding ioy in their hearts which they could not dissemble after dinner when they shewed by the agility of their bodies in dauncing the great desire euery one had to win the fauourable iudgement of his mistresse to be reputed the finest reueller In this iollitie past they that day away with great pleasure and content till the houre the bridegroome and bride were to goe to bed when the Empresse her selfe brought the Princesse Esquiuela into the bride chamber where she left her in a bed which was richly prepared for her and the Emperor himselfe brought Ditreus into the same and soone after euery one retired into his lodging Arnedes amongst the rest the ioisullest man liuing in his mind brake thus with Recindos How like you cousin the beauty of Philocrista did you euer sée a more rare and perfect péece Ah I must néeds hasten the end of this my most vrgent businesse to giue some howers of quiet rest to the anguish of my poore passionate heart wherfore I am determined to dispatch a post to the king my father to the end he send hether honourable embassadors who shall conclude this marriage with the Emperour Meane while I will sound the depth of this amourous riuer and I will sée whether the knowledge and wisdome of the spirit of Philocrista be correspondent to her singuler beautie and if so be her inward vertue second the excellencie wherewith nature hath outwardly endued her I may repute my selfe the most happie and fortunate knight who liueth vnder the zones of the heauen hauing her once in my power Surely sir replied Recindos you may truly praise her and I pray vnto God in deuout and humble praier our comming may succéed as well in my behalfe as I beléeue it will fall out shortly in yours for as touching my matter if the grace and courtesie of Melissa doe not giue mée some succourable comfort I may well assure you it had bene better for me I had neuer set foot in these countries Then Arnedes tooke him in his arms and embraced him saying O how glad and eased am I by these your words which haue pleased my hearing aboue all other Séeing by them I sée you are my companion in all things repose I pray you your firme hope in him on whom depend all things who by his deuine bounty shall direct our actions so well that with time they shall sort a happie effect And if it please him to fauor mine affairs that they cary aright and succéed I will worke yours till they compasse the matter you leuell at Courage then and let vs make the Gréeks know France bréedeth as good knights and men of as great valor as any nation in the world Upon these spéeches they went to take their rest till the morrow when the Emperour went forth into the fields with the Empresse and the new maried couple who were conducted by the thrée infants to the scaffolds which were richly hanged with clothes of state tissue where they might behold the triumph better at their ease Hard were it to count the number of ladies gentlewomen and others who were assembled without the citty to view this goodly sight the scaffolds were thorowly replenished and the presse on euery side the stages so great that it could not hold halfe the people for the knights only who came within the lists to Ioust made vp the number of six thousand all choice men and braue champions when they began to come to hands you might heare the aire ring on euery side with drums and trompets which sounded the assault and forthwith the combattants run together crashing their lances hacking and hewing one another with their cemitories and courtelaxes There might you haue séene a thousand blazing starres by reason of the glitring of so many braue frontstals helmets sheilds and guilded armours faire burnished and shining bright as the sun or as the Carbuncles in
a darke place Then might you sée vpon their helmets so many rich plumes mottoes pensels and fauours where hanged the deuises and coulors of the ladies of many knights that it was an admirable thing to behold them and most impossible for vs to recount all the other excellencies and sumptuosities of this assembly neither is it of the substance of our historie to report At the first encounter were many knights strangers laid along the Courtiers behaued themselues gallantly and had surely carried away the honour of the day had not Linedes and the Earle his cousin stept in who resembling two furious lions brusht them so thorowly on euery side to be reuenged of the shame they had receaued by Arnedes meane that no man durst come néere them These then did maintaine the field and did meruellous feats of armes but Arnedes who of purpose held on the contrarie part séeing himselfe in presence of his deare Ladie Philocrista in place where shée might well iudge of his Chiualrie thrust himselfe without feare into the thickest of them and did meruailous actes with his person Now the Emperour who knew well the valour and dexterity of the best séeing the great and admirable feats of armes exploited by the readie addresse of his bodie thought with himselfe the words of the lady who came into his court would be now verified to wit that there should arriue knights from strange countries who should surpasse his in magnanimitie and prowesse Neuerthelesse he did greatly reioice to sée Rifaran make his valor so well knowne amongst the rest for he neuer couched launce in vaine but some knight went to the ground So violent was the martial furie of these men at armes who held on the Courtiers side that their aduersaries had neuer ben able to stand before them if Marcomyr and Ozalias had not by chance ioined to their succor Ozalias came first to the conflict where he began to strike such full stroakes that quickly he made them know in what sports he knew best to employ the force of his armes and by and by arriued Marcomyr carying a coat of armor red and vpon a sheild in a gréene field painted with a little flower argent which he deuised for this purpose because hée would not be knowne of Abeuunq nor of Rifaran who had séene him often in the other equippage Before he entred into the Iousts he staid a good while to behold the citie of Constantinople then casting his eies very curiously one while vpon the Emperour his father who sat aloft vpon the scaffolds with many nobles and Barons round about him another while vpon the empresse and her ladies and gentlewomen who were there to accompanie her meruelled to sée there so great number of nobilitie and magnificence wherefore he said thus to himselfe O soueraigne God creator and director of all things I find my selfe infinitely bounden to serue and obey you and to reuerence you more then any other of your creatures hauing giuen me such a father who beside he is reputed the best knight borne vnder the starres you haue moreouer created him the greatest Prince who raigneth this day vpon the earth now séeing you haue graunted me so inestimable a fauor to be borne of so rare and excellent a personage I must do my best indeuour to resemble him and to shew in somthing I am his son for albeit I now Ioust against the knights of his court I beléeue hée shall haue none occasion to reprehend me in ought when he shall know the good zeale I haue to doe him seruice in al other things his courage encreased so much as he had spoken these words in séeing himselfe before the Emperor his father that setting spurs to a strong courser which caried him he roughly entered the lists where before he had broken his lance he sent many knights to the ground then began to lay about him so lustily and with his great cemitorie to doe so many wonderfull acts that those of his part taking courage raunged themselues into order by him and came vpon the courtiers till they abandoned the place Knowing then Arnedes surpassed al the rest in feats of armes he gaue him so sturdy a blow vpon the helmet that he made him goe against his will astonished to the ground at the same instant with another stroake smot Pernedin eldest son to the duke of Pera besides his horse who was estéemed one of the brauest knights in all Gréece Which hardie Rifaran perceiuing came vpon Marcomyr his sword charged in his hand wherewith he hit him two such blowes one after another that he made him féele the smart thereof a good while after but he had quickly his reuenge for Marcomyr was in such a fury against him that he neuer left him till he had his paiment and was dismounted Then angrie as a lion he stroke on euery side with such a great might that none durst stand before him Recindos séeing his cousin Arnedes disarsoned tooke in hand a great lance to run against his aduersarie with a poulder but Marcomyr spying him come towards him tooke as good a one out of his squiers hands who alwaies attended néere him with sword and lance to furnish him at his néed and running furiously one against another they encountred as mortall enemies Marcomyr pierced Recindos shield and armour and giuing him a little wound bore him ouer his horse crouper to the ground he was also a little wounded in his breast with his enemies sword wherewith he was so mad that with the first blow he stroke afterwards he sent Lechefin to bear him companie in the place who albeit he were but young in years he was neuerthelesse skilfull in armes and hardy and till that hower had behaued himselfe most valiantly at all assaies Who could euer declare the admirable chiualries Marcomyr did in this martiall conflict certainly the Emperor wondred much at them being ignorant who it might be for he auered he neuer saw accomplished knight of so great prowesse The like did Diocles who had an extreame desire to know his name wherevnto Abenunq answered he thought it was Marcomyr for quoth he he resembleth him very much in the proportion of his members Uery glad was the Emperor of that newes determining to send a messenger to desire him to conceale himselfe no longer being so néere him but should come to make himselfe knowne in place where he was so much desired Abenunq would néeds goe himselfe with thrée or foure other knights in his companie but he found it so hard to passe the throng that he could neuer come néere him whereby he was constrained to returne without him But Marcomyr hearing the voice of all the people giuing him the honor and price at the triumph hauing thrée little wounds wherof the greatest was that which the spanish prince gaue him returned in hast to the good ould knights house where he had lodged before Whether Ozalias the same night retired also in good health whereof Marcomyr was right
streamed incessantly from his wound especially at the chafing and choller of his recharge he waxed instantly so weake and féeble that if the pitie and mercie of God had not succoured him he had ben verily cut off by the hands of this infidell Moore There did the soueraine dominator of this round Machine shew a most miraculous aduenture bringing thether iust at that hower Pernedin the duke of Peraes son one of those who had enterprised the quest of Marcomyr who as soone as he had recognished the two combattants all amazed to sée them two in fight together came betwéene them crying out with a lowd voice Eternall God what meaneth this Haue you thus sworne your owne death knight Then Arnedes who could no longer stand on his legs falling downe on the ground breathed out this complaint Alas Pernedin I beséech thée auenge me of this inhumane Moore who hath without any cause assailed me being before mortally wounded in a combat I lately had against the knight who woon the tourney and this cruel Moore not content to haue set vpon me vniustly hath beside slain the holy Hermit whom you sée lie stone dead by this hedge here because he would only haue shewed him how he had done amisse to assaile me being thus wounded as I am O what tirannie of a knight is this quoth Pernedin then I sweare my faith to you were it not the respect of the amitie which I beare vnto Riâ—aâ—an who brought him into the court with him I should make him nowin a cursed hower to end his daies but I promise you I shall make knowne this treason before the Emperor and all his Barons assuring me hée procéeded still speaking in great choller to Lechefin you would neuer haue dared for your ears to haue set on him if he had ben vnwounded so that auoid from hence quickly otherwise I shal make you die a shameful death These words made Lechefin so ashamed that being mounted quickly vpoÌ„ Arnedes horse he went away with a flée in his eare without any word saying as him who knew he had done great wrong to his honour and that night he retired himselfe into a Nunnerie where by reason of the wounds which he had receiued of Arnedes hée found himselfe very il at ease of his person But when the Nunnes knew he followed the Emperours court they did him all the honour they could deuise and one of them who was learned and wel experienced in the art of Phisicke and Chirurgerie tooke charge to tend him carefully vntil his perfect recouerie and there she remained some daies with him before she could recouer him to his former health Pernedin was very sorrowfull and displeased much séeing the good Hermit slaine and the knight most dangerously hurt notwithstanding with the helpe of a Nouice who helped daily the old Hermit to masse he brought Arnedes into the Hermitage where they buried their dead corpes after they had wrapped vp the knights wounds whom Pernedin counselled because there was no meane to looke vnto him there to go faire and softly to Constantinople There quoth he you shall quickly recouer because you shall find Phisitions Chirurgions drugs and all other necessaries at hand which you cannot come by in this solitarie place As for me as yet I cannot resolue to returne although I haue hetherto ben neuer the néere in that which caused me to depart the cittie I shall repute it a great shame for me quoth Arnedes to goe to the Emperour in this taking neuerthelesse doe as you shall thinke best for I sée it out of my power and possibilitie euer to satisfie or recompence the infinite merit and good you haue now shewed towards me being in so great danger as you sée me at this present CHAP. XVIII How Pernedin conducted Arnedes to CoÌ„stantinople where he was forthwith visited by the Emperour and on the morrow after by the Empresse with the infants Philocrista and Melissa and how Bruquel Arnedes dwarfe and Amenada Philocristaes dwarfesse had much prattle together and what was the issue thereof AFter that Pernedin had conueighed Arnedes into the Hermitage hée ceased not to run about in all places néere hand to get people and al things necessarie to transport him easily to Constantinople for he could not endure the paine to sit on horsebacke Wherefore he caused a mourning béere to be made litter fashion and vsed so great diligence that within two daies after he got him to the court where when the Emperour had heard what was befortuned him he was highly displeased against the Moore Of a troth quoth he Lechefin cannot resemble any one better then the Souldan of Persia his father who was neuer other but a receptacle and harbour offellony and I cannot deuise who hath moued him to outrage so honest a prince as is this knight of France then presenly he went to visit him and gaue his Phisitions charge hée should be carefully looked vnto and beside prouided of whatsoeuer should be necessarie for his spéedy recouery Then began Arnedes the discourse of his encounter with Marcomyr vpon the end whereof the Emperour answered him I maruell greatly this knight sheweth so ardent a desire to doe me seruice and yet will conceale himselfe in this manner and flie from me Undoubtedly he goeth to trie himselfe in the aduenture of Celestina séeing he followeth the rout you tel me and it may be by his great Prowesse he will bring it to an end If so it bée God kéepe my nephew Belcarin out of his hands herein many of the assistants were of the same opinion and from thence forward was Lechefin estéemed of al for a coward and a fellon The Emperour returned into his chamber and would that the Empresse should goe on the morrow to visit Arnedes which she did with a right good will accompanied with Philocrista and Melissa to whom this mischiefe and iniurie done to the French knight greatly displeased and pierced them to the verie heart but to Philocrista most of al albeit she was frée from all sinister thought for the amitie which she alreadie bore him procéeded of no other cause but of the gentility and vertue which she saw shining most apparant in him and moreouer there was nothing in this world which she had in more singular recommendation then the kéeping of her own chastity both in thought and déed incontaminated You may well iudge whether Arnedes were glad or not séeing before his eies her whom he loued so ardently to bée sorrowfull for his hurt to blame Lechefin as a traitor and disloiall for the sole obiect of her countenance and the féeblenes of her spéech did sufficiently bewray what an alteration the heat of the fatall fire had alreadie wrought in her These foure discoursed a long time together meane while Amenada the dwarfesse of Philocrista Risdena her nephew came to Bruquel Arnedes dwarfe whom they saw strangely lamenting for the mischance and disaster befalne his maister Amenada comforted him as well as she
him thou art dead cruel and inhumane Barbarian séeing thou hast not had pittie of a better and more courteous knight then thy selfe Hée knowing it was time to bestir something els then his tongue and not to be all day in doing it put himselfe brauely in defence when with the first stroake of his sword he sent one of them to kéepe Diolas company in the other world But the other foure held him so liuely play that he receiued two or thrée wounds yet not mortall nor dangerous for he droue them so before him that neither one nor other could once come néere him but they should find him ready to receiue them And although they gaue him his hands full as doubtlesse the match is too vnequall of foure against one yet he neuer shewed himselfe coward or fainthearted but in warding stil their blows mist not their bodies an inch at euery aduantage where they lay open and he made the sweat drop down his forhead for feare whom he could sometimes by chance light vpon The countesse séeing her champion in perill of death sent many of her people to his rescue so that there salied out of the fortresse more then twentie knights all very well armed to goe sacage and take prisoners those foure assailants for all that they could take but two of them al hewen and massacred of their bodies whom they caried afterwards within the castle for as for the others very feare had made to take their héeles so soone as they saw the supplie of enemies come forth of the castell to assaile them In the meane while two young knights kinsmen to the countesse came humbly to thanke Rifaran and to inuite him to refresh himselfe within the fortresse as well because it was néedfull for him to rest as also because the ladie and mistresse thereof had a great desire to know him and to doe him all the honour she might deuise for the suddaine and miraculous aid she had receiued at his hand Gentleman quoth the knight then smal matters are these I haue now exploited in respect of that I would endeuour to accomplish as far as my life would goe for her and her péeres Notwithstanding I will goe willingly to visit her to the end to doe her that reuerence which I ow to all the honest and vertuous paragons of her sex So he walked forth towards the castle and as he drew néere it behold the countesse who met him who thanking him in most humble manner for the knightly act he came from performing in the defence and maintenance of her good right required him most instantly and with a very amiable grace he would declare her his name to that end her spirits might be setled knowing him by whom she had receiued this aid Madame quoth Rifaran I am a gentleman of the emperours court whence I am come not long since to séeke a knight who departed thence very secretly this other day and arriuing here by chance as you may sée I could not endure you should be thus villanously outraged by your aduersarie against whom I haue as I thinke without all blame attempted that which euery aduised and noble knight is bound to doe in the like occurrence With this talke they mounted vp the staires of the great hall where being arriued the countesse did with her owne hand disarme Rifaran then laid him in a rich bed and caused his wounds to be looked vnto with all care giuing commaund the same euening to make an honourable tombe to inter therein the bodie of Diolas her brother in law with ceremonies of funerall pomps as were requisit for the yonger brother issued of so high a house as that of Iseland And afterward causing al her vassals to bée assembled she aduised that Rifaran and the two knights which she held prisoners should recount vnto them the discourse of this battaile the happie issue whereof made them more then content In respect whereof they all againe sware and promised vnto her loiall fidelitie and she remained in tranquillity and peaceable possession of her estate So that hereby her thoughts being no more troubled with the continuall vexations and alarmes that Diolas was wont to giue her she occupied her selfe altogether in tricking vp of her naturall beautie and in doing of things which might please the knight whom she perceiued alreadie a little entangled in her loue which on the other side fiered her owne thereby with an vnquenchable flame hauing vnderstood he was nephew to the Empresse of Constantinople but she knew not he was a Moore this reciprocall amitie grew so hot betwéene them that it rauished quite the spirits of this countesse euen to make her forget the chast and vndefiled lawes of her widdowhood for the impatient desire of Rifaran and the guerdon of his merit whereof she was in silent manner required did prouoke her so liuely that shée was persuaded to let her heart swim in the streame of all delicious ioissance so it fell out afterward by the subtiltie and secret practises of Cupid wherof not any liuing creature but they two and one of her most faithfull ladies of honour were priuie and Rifaran loued her afterward so strangely that for the loue of her fearing least his departure might cause her sorrow insupportable griefe he soiourned a great while longer in that place then hée was determined to doe CHAP. XX. How Marcomyr arriued in the island of Cardery where first he dismounted Tiraquel at the ioust afterward vanquished the knight Gâ—rdian at the bridge and some others who assailed him at the third turreâ— how he had at last a sight of faire Celestina and was set vpon by two great enchanted dogs YOu haue heretofore vnderstood how after Marcomyr hâ—d vanquished Arnedes he went on his way with incredible desire to arriue quicklie in Carderie so that he made tarriance in no place before he came thether which was vpon a munday at afternoone full glad was he as euer he was in his life to be come thether wherefore he put himselfe in deuout praier praying vnto God with all sinceritie to giue him so much grace that he might happily atchieue the victorie of this aduenture for a memoriall and sacrifice whereof he promised with a contrite heart to offer vp the purity of his soule to the holy character of Christianitie and to be baptised as soone as by any meane possible he might At this same time was not Belcarin in guard of the bridge as he was wont before for he was importuned to goe some daies before to visit the king and quéene Griana his ouncle and aunt in Macedon who hauing euery day newes of the great and meruellous chiualries he did in defence of this bridge had sent for him by an expresse messenger to come vnto them And indeed he had not gone so obstinate he was in his enterprise if Alderine had not requested him priuily by a letter which the very same page brought him who had spoken vnto him in her behalfe
Marcomyr was disarmed by Celestina and her damsels and hauing washt his hands and face within the same basin hée put on a long and rich gowne which was brought thether for him then sat him downe with his lady vpon two magnificent and pompous chairs couered with wrought gold and because that Herebus had sent his daughter to hide the day and to spread his darkenes all ouer their hemispheare there were brought thether many candles and torches lighted The swéet smelling and oderiferous sent of roses violets and other naturall flowers of the garden with the vnspeakeable beautie of Celestina then the melodiâ—us harmonie which procéeded from the musick well consorted with diuerse instruments wherevpon the damsels plaid most perfectly and could moreouer sing most swéetly therevnto so that you would haue thought of purpose Orpheus Arion and al the other diuine musitions had ben there assembled did rauish the spirits of the knight vp to the heauens and made his memorie forget al his trauels and labours past thinking himselfe in a place of all ioy and blisse where he séemed to behold not the perfect beauty of a goddesse but of a shadow only which did steale away his heart and charmd his eies to looke vpon it The like was it with the yoong ladie maruelling as much or more at the beautifull forme and the wel accomplished proportion of the knight not for all that without inwardly thanking the God of heauen to giue her such a husband and in veritie these two louers were one of the most beatifull couples that euer man saw matched together woorthie to compare with Hero and Leander those two glistering stars of their time In this trance of ioy and content past all conceit did they remaine till the damsels aduertising them the supper was readie spread before them a very faire and rich table of wood made of a Citron trée naturally crisped in and out smelling like balme which they couered with many rare and exquisit dishes making at one of the ends thereof their dresser replenished with basins cups and plate of gold and pearle whose price and valour was inestimable But small chéere serued the two vassals of the sonne of Citherea for that they saciated themselues with looking one vpon another for there is nothing more delicious to a louer then to behold the obiect which he loueth because loue making a breach vpon the body and planting his seat round about the heart debarreth the passage to all nourishment while it is fed with this amorous conceit which is such that all you who haue tasted it may iudge of the swéetnesse or bitternesse thereof So supped Marcomyr and Celestina and strait were the Tables taken away by the damsels who afterwards going to take their refection left them both alone to deuise together at their ease Then approched the knight to her who had euen now rauished his heart and taking her by the hand thus he began Alas Madame well aspected may I call the Horoscope of my natiuitie séeing so great and souereigne is the happinesse wherevnto the celestiall bodies would forepoint me in making me win by force of arms your loue I know now that to be most true which you told me lately in the temple of Delphos to wit I might sée you bréefly at my will Commaund me then I pray you all that it pleaseth you I shall doâ— and shew me the way whereby I may reapâ— some fruit of the perpetuall seruice which I vow to your surpassing and most excelling vertue that I may pacifie giue some solugement to the inextinguible flame which kindleth more and more in my heart Faire knight replined Celestina as touching the fire which you may now féele thinke from the same sparke procéedeth the heat which burneth me reciprocally whereof I cannot so much maruell considering the will of the destinies as of you to hear you say you saw me in some other place for since I was thrée yeres old the Fates haue enclosed me within this castle whereinto neuer knight nor other person euer eâ—â—râ—d since but your selfe alone As for the boone which you 〈◊〉 graunted me it is that you shal not attempt any thing against mine honour and chast will till the day when â—he mariage shal be solemnised betwéen you and me which cannot be before you haue rescued my father the king of Thessalie out of the hands of the great Turke whose prisoner he hath bene a long time Wherefore you must enterprise this aduenture which you shall bring to a fortunate end in making your selfe lord of me and of the whole kingdom of Thessalie wherof I am lawful heire after the decease of my father so that in testimonie of this my transporting hence from this present I put my selfe wholy into your power vpon condition notwithstanding you shall not infringe the promise you haue made me Marcomyr gaue great eare to all this and for a while answered not a word thinking if hée should send away or himselfe conduct the damsel towards the Emperour and in the meane time not to disclose himselfe to any bodie before he had performed the voiage of Turkie bringing with him at his returne the king of Thessalie if God did fauour him so much that he might set him frée out of his captiuitie And as he was maruellous glad of this secret resolution which he had laid down he brake silence in this manner Madame so feruent and déepe is the loue I beare you that to get the monarke of this inferiour world I would not cause you the least griefe which might moue and displease neuer so little your vertuous mind second to none liuing so that albeit I had not promised you that which you haue demanded I would neuer for all that haue disobeied your commandement For I repute my selfe the most fortuâ—ate knight liuing vnder the zones of the heauen at this day not for the honour or glorie which I think to purchase by this aduenture but only to sée my selfe captiued with the perfect beautie and supernaturall grace wherwith I sée you are diuinely enriched which from hence forward shall giue me such courage to attempt dâ—â—ficult magnanimious enterprises that the farthest distant of my race shall be greatly bounden to you for the glory which by this meane shall redound vnto them And assure your selfe well Madame for any paine or trauell which may present it selfe before mine eies I shall not refuse to employ the best of all my forces to set the king your father in his pristine libertie wherein so contrary effects cannot succéed my desires but the only remembrance of the incomprehensible felicitie I shall win in exploiting it will make me estéeme them lesse then nothing or els very weake and féeble things which may neuer in any wise alienate my mind from remembrance of you In the mean while I hope to leaue you in the power of the Emperor whom I loue and desire to serue most affectionately to whom séeing I cannot more surely send you I
times Lord Marcomyr qd the quéene then I will with all my heart doe that which you prescribe me yet would I faine know whether you meane to goe against the Turke with a puissant armie for as much as if the case stand so I will send into Thessalie for as many companies as you will haue and for a néed will demaund aid at the Emperours hand who will succour mée willingly with so many legions as I would demand Madame replied Marcomyr my mind is to take none other companie with me then such as I brought hether considering this busines shall be brought to an end rather by aduenturous hazard than by any forces which I may march into the field and were all those of the Emperour vnited together they shall not be able to bring it so quickly about Neuertheles sée here my resolution You must vnderstand how I met not long since at sea with the king of Culacin son in law to the great Turke beating vp downe the coast of Thrace accompanied with many other Rouers and a great consort of like faction that with all his power he might endomage the Empire I tooke him by faire war and sent him forthwith fast bound and manacled as an arch pyrat and king of Rouers vnto the power of the Emperour If perhaps I cannot by my carriages and secret drists preuaile in mine attempts being in that countrie I will politickly séeke to make exchange of these two kings vnder pretext of some good and colourable practises In bréefe I will worke as the occurrences of time and place will giue me leaue wherein I beséech the diuine bountie to shew me the spéediest and directest course whereby I may quickly bring to a fortunate end this my so affectionat desire Excéeding glad was the Quéene to heare of the exchange of the king of Culacin so that being put in great comfort through this hope she hastened with al diligence the departure of Marcomyr thinking euery day as long as a thousand yeares till she saw at libertie the king her husband the same thought Celestina also who with her amorous becks and signs shewed vnto her louer al the fauour she could deuise for that neuer going from her mother they could not giue such contentment to their hearts as they desired in amorous talke and deuise only more priuie habitude then kissing had not as yet bene permitted in their sportings nor did it happen at all till the day of their mariage when Marcomyr vndid the impolluted girdle of hir virginitie which till that day she had euer worne vntouched CHAP. XXIII How Marcomyr and Ozalias accompanied the Queene of Thessalie and Celestina her daughter departing from the isle of Carderie halfe a daies iourney and how after they had one taken their leaue of another the Queene and her daughter went to the Emperors court whether they were most welcome and excellently wel entertained THe quéene of Thessaly considering Marcomyr would neuer depart first she and her daughter Celestina tooke their leaue in good sort of the lord of the island giuing him many rich presents for the great benefits they had receiued of him the like liberality felt he from the prince of Tarsus who bidding him adieâ— as well as the ladies would néeds beare them companie halfe a daies iourney But before their departure the spirits of this trinitie could not contain but they must poure out a great streame of tears which was so tossed by the wind of their sighes that the storme did depriue their tongues of their office and especially that of Celestina Wherewith Marcomyr had his heart so griped that he could not endure to sée her in such paine but departed without further adieu and tooke his way with his cousin Ozalias towards the seacoast of this isle where he had commanded his marriners to attend him with his ship All that day did Celestina nothing but sigh and sob and for ought her mother could doe she could not be merrie but so well as they could they continued on their way in the which they had euery where great honour done them all along as they passed for they knew before who they were and the occasion of their voiage to Constantinople By meanes whereof the people ran out before them to sée Celestina who had remained so long prisoner within the enchanted castle and euery one said if the knight who set her frée were adorned with so high valour she did not appeare to be indued with lesse beauty and that it should be a paire as rare in all perfections as euer nature might couple together in matrimonie Then being arriued at the last néere Constantinople the quéene sent before one of her knights to aduertise the Emperour of their comming who meruelling much therat demanded the name of him who had conquested Celestina My lord quoth the knight he is called Marcomyr one of the most valiant and courteous knights who liues this day vnder the firmament You say true replied the Emperour but commeth he now with the quéene Surely no answered the knight for that the future deliuerance of our king hath constrained him to passe into great Turkie Then the Emperour commanded Diocles and all his Barons to goe forth to méet the quéene and her daughter which they did most gladly for vpon the famous renown alreadie spread of her euery where thorowout all the regions of the leuant euery one was enflamed with a great desire to sée her Amongst the rest would néeds venter out to behold her Arnedes who began but â—o recouer of his wounds notwithstanding he found himselfe much perplexed because he thought his fathers Embassadours staied a little too long as also for that he heard no newes of his cousin Recindos And if those of the court were all richly araied the Quéene and all her ladies on the other side came in clothed in blacke and mourning wéed except Celestina onely who by the knights entreaty must enter into Constantinople in all her gorgious attire and in her haâ—â—â—ments of most exquisite and costly stuffe As â—oone as Diocles had giuen first entertainement to the queene he came next towards Celestina laying his head vpon the bridle of her palâ—rie the like did Amedes to the quéen being both astonished at the excellencie of Celestina when Diocles began thus Madame it séeme to me the Fairies committed a great ouersight to emprâ—â—son thus long so liuely and admirable a beauty as yours considering euery gentle heart should rather endeuoured to haue gone to deliuer the king of Thessalie in séeing you then depriued of your presence séeing you are the guerdon of his exploit whereof indéed may Marcomyr estéeme himselfe fortunate if he deliuer out of prison the good prince your father So also am I most fortunate qd Celestina winning by this meane the most valiant and gentlest knight who marcheth vpon the surface of this habitable earth wherein were many learned Fairies who shut me vp fast within the castel for that a few exposed
whereof the Emperour would still talke to his barons commending him aboue the best in his knowledge but let vs suffer him faire and softly to take his way towards Turkie to speak a little of the good Recindos prince of Castile which now is far gone in his quest CHAP. XXIIII How Recindos arriued in the isle of Carderie where vnderstanding Marcomir had performed the aduenture of Celestine he resolued to go meet Belcarin in Macedon and how he had a combat against him by the false persuasion of the damsell who pursued the reuenge of her brethrens death REcindos being issued out of the tournie at Constantinople as you haue heard before with good hope to find out Marcomyr and to doe his best endeuor to bring him backe to the court missed not much the way that he held for lying one night by chaunce in a certaine castle where Marcomyr had lodged before he was at supper demaunded by his host into what part he trauelled I séeke sayd he a knight who woon the honour of the Tourney which was lately held at Constantinople in the which he bare a white Flower in his arms Truly quoth the maister of the house he tooke his repast in this place the other night and is one of the most courteous gentlemen that I euer saw in my life which makes me thinke God may well make him finish the aduenture of Celestine whether hée assured me he went directly from hence to prooue himselfe therin Right glad was the Spaniard hearing this news so that he thought it a long time vntill it were day that he might go after him Day being come he mounted to horse betimes in the morning with full purpose to make stay in no place before he ariued in the isle of Carderie Eight daies he trauelled without any disturbance hearing in euery place certaine news of this knight He spurd on liuely hoping either to performe the aduenture or else to méet with him whom he sought but as soone as he was arriued in the isle he vnderstood that Celestina was deliuered Marcomyr had taken the rout of Turkie and Tâ—raquel was retired into the castell of Lipes whether his sisters had conducted him so soone as he was vanquished This was strange newes for Recindos but the good knight Tiraquel conceiued so much sorrow and discontent hereby that he had almost died for griefe neuerthelesse as speedily as he knew certainely of the conquest of Celestina he dispatcht away a squire to aduertise Belcaâ—in therof praying him of all affection to stay himselfe in the court of Macedolite from whence he stirred not bathing himselfe in the floud of all delightful pleasures Neuerthelesse these delights were nothing in respect of those of Alderin who for the vertues which she heard were euery where spread abroad of him besides her owne eies saw them to be farre greater she loued him as her proper life and if seemed to her to arriue at the very top of al worldly blisse being to haue him one day to huâ—band â—uery hower of which time was a thousand yeares to her before her desires came to effect Therefore vpon a time â—fter dinner she besought him in any waies he would return no more to the isle of Carderie giuing him to vnderstand secretly the great loue shee bare him and how the â—uke her father and the duchesie her mother were content to giue her to him in marriage with their whole estates and siegniories as his owne true hereditarie succession after their decease Madame quoth Belcarin I repute my selfe this day the happiest knight whom euer fortune aduaunced to the top oâ— her whâ—â—e seeing my selfe required of that wherein I would employ all my best enâ—â—â—ours to attaine some happâ—â— end so I beséeâ—h you most humbly for that I haue long since choâ—en and desimated you for the onely mistreâ—â—e of my heart to speake beâ—ore your departure something touching this tâ—â—nes to the king that he putting to his helping hand it may sooner sort effect according to our desires As touching my returne to the garding of the castle of Celestina Madame you know I cannot surcease without somewhat impairing mine honour séeing I haue made promise vowed before so many which may hereof reproch me and impute it to my disgrace but I hope some mans hap wil be to accomplish before it be long that aduenture in guarding which if I doe my best endeuour it shall be that only which shall saue me blameles In the meane time I pray you trouble not your mind nor despaire not of his firme and indissoluble amitie who shall be yours for euer Whereof may giue you sufficient testimonie my comming now to this court whether I had not come for any thing in the world without the especial command which I receiued by your letter Alderine was ouercome with ioy at so good an answer and as she was recounting it to the Quéene Griana arriued Tiraquels post he doing his message to Belcarin made him very heauie with the newes for that he would faine haue then ben present in the guard of the bridge to haue tride himselfe against this so redoubted a knight albeit it fell out better for him for although he was of all men reputed for valiant and skilfull in Armes yet his valor neuer could come so high as to make compare with that of Marcomyr But the damsell that pursued to haue Belcarin slain if you remember in the beginning to reuenge the death of her brethren whom she supposed had ben felloniously slain by him being aduertised of his departure from Carderie followed him hard euen into the court of Macedon where séeing him so welcome to the king the Quéene and al the chiefest nobles went thence in despaire neuer to be auenged of him therefore did she full heauily still wéeping wailing take her way homewards to her friends and the fourth day after her departure she found Recindos néere a fountaine making the most grieuous and lamentable complaints that any eare had euer heard For when he heard that Celestina was gone to Constantinople he purposed to passe thorow Macedon where peraduenture he might yet find the knight whom he sought Recindos then séeing this ladie wring her hands and take on so terribly demanded of her the occasion of her mone she who had learned her lesion perfectly and could play her part without booke knowing him alreadie by his looke to be pittifull and ready to doe for her any thing to deliuer her out of this anguish told the like tale as she had before done to Tiraquel and Sergio wherof you may very well remember in conclusion that the knight who had traiterously slaine her brethren soiorned in the king of Macedons court Recindos then who was very desirous to purchase honour in euery place made her this answere if it be so as you tell me that the knight slew your brethren by treason I promise you vpon the faith of my knighthood to worke your reuenge according to my power
for euery Gentleman receiuing knighthood bindeth himselfe to succour damsels oppressed by their enemies and all others that shal worke them despight The dissembling woman cast her self downe at his féet to kisse them swearing and blaspheaming many times that what she had shewed him was most certaine true Come then along with me and shew me the knight quoth Recindos and I promise you againe to die in the field or to make him confesse in presence of all the disâ—oâ—all act he had committed séeing the folly of his counsell had so much blinded his eies as to neglect the true honour of his nobilitie before so soule a note of infamie The shameles woman remounted vpon her palfrie and they roade so many daies iourneies together vntill they arriued in Macedon where they came to alight right before the palace against Belcarins lodging which the damsel knew ful wel wherfore they went presently vp together into the great chamber and méeting the king as he came from masie accompanied with Belcarin the foolish woman turned toward Recindos saying Seignior sée there the knight who slew my brethren I pray you of fauour make him know before the king that it was by treason which he had a great while before deuised against them for the good prince ignorant of this foule offence reputeth him wrongfully one of the most courteous knights of his court as I haue plainly perceiued since I soiorned in this place Then Recindos bowed himselfe down before the king Florendos with a most humble reuerence and turning his face toward Belcarin who was on the other 〈◊〉 spake thus to him Sir knight this Damsell hath swoâ—â—e vnto me that you haue slain two of her brethren by great treason after they had in most courteous manner entertained you in their fathers house if this be true you commiâ—ted a most cowardly ouersight which I mean to make you confesse by force of arms if you haue the stomack to enter the close field with me Belcarin was highly offended to haue this outrage vpbraided him so often and alwaies by her means who put him many times in danger and perill of death wherefore he answered not without some little choller procéeding froÌ„ a stomack féeling it selfe greatly iniuried in this manner Surely knight you séem as much simple sturdie in saying if I haue the stomack and hardinesse to enter into combat with you as is the damsell false and disloiall in accusing me wrongfully notwithstanding I hope to make you pay deare for this your rashnes of beliefe and likewise the lying and froward woman for her sugred spéeches whereby she hath deceaued you In heat of these spéeches he tooke his armes to present himselfe soone after in the combat which the king would willingly haue hindred if by any means possible he could but Recindos was so eager against Belcarin that the king who could not dissuade from his attempt at the last entreated him thus much Séeing you will not fulfill my pleasure herein at the least let me know the name of him who wil so little gratifie him that would not be vngratefull if occasion did present it selfe to doe you the the like pleasure I am quoth he a knight of a strange countrey who arriued in the court of the Emperour of Constantinople at the nuptials of the prince of Hungarie whether by chaunce came another knight vnknowne bearing a white flower vpon his sheild who after he had woon the honor of the Tourney departed secretly from the assembly which constrained me to follow incontinent in his quest and for that I follow the way of knights errant I beséech you let no man wrong me in the battaile Assure your selfe thereof quoth the king that you shall haue to doe with your aduersarie onely yet it vâ—xeth me to the heart that comming from the court of the emperor Cleodomyr my sonne you will enter the field against him who is one of his greatest fauorits WheÌ„ Recindos heard Belcarin named on the one side he was excéeding glad he had to trie himselfe against so famous and renowned a knight and on the other he was meruellous sorrie because his enemie was brother to Meâ—isâ—a whom he held dearer then himself 〈◊〉 that he would willingly haue surceased the combat if he could with his honour but in the end the king requested the duke of Pontus and another very braue knight of his court to iudge betwéen them according to their conscience and without any exception of persons Then the knights appearing within the listes set vpon the one side of the pallace when the signe was giuen they ran with such a tempest one at another that their lances flying in péeces they fell both downe to the ground neuertheles both of them being quick and nimble they were with a trice vp againe So they began to strike at one another without all pittie and desiring both to be victors they burst and beat asunder their armour on their backes as in open war at all defiance so that they were both wounded in diuers parts of their bodies Therefore the king and the other lookers on maruelling to sée them so obstinate in their fight said they neuer saw so much magnanimity in any two knights before wherevpon the king supposed that Belcarins aduersarie was the very same who had deliuered Celestina out of the enchanted isle for reputing his nephew a most braue and hardie man at armes he saw him then in great danger of his person The two knights tired and almost done withdrew themselues to breath a little which was not long before Recindos renued the assault saying it was a mockerie to breath so long before a king but the battell being begun againe by reason of the abundance of blood which issued from them in euery ones sight they could not strike such fell strâ—kes as they did at the first By reason whereof king Florendâ—s perceiuing Belcarin waxed féeble and that if they should be let alone to decide this controuersie they would die both in the place desiring rather the life then the death of the one or the other he cast his rod of peace betwéene them and going from the window thorow which he beheld them combatting he descended downe vnto them requesting of all affectionate loue they would cease this cruell battell Sir quoth Recindos that cannot by any means be vnlesse the Damsell would pardon him first the iniurie she had receiued at his hands I will my selfe goe speake to her quoth the king in mean time doe not foâ—le your selues any more in this quarrell considering you haue both sufficiently shewed your manhood and haughtie Chiualrie Then he went strait to the damsel who was the ioifullest in her heart that might be séeing her enemie Belcarin in such an ill taking for of a troth was neuer knight brought into so low an extremitie and began thus to tempt her Faire gentlewoman I pray you let me entreat you not to cause the death of two so valiant champions as those
are and I beséech you pardon Belcarin for my sake if he hath in ought offended you for I hope he shall make you such amends and doe that penuance which you shall please to put him vnto and for my part I promise to shew you such courtesie as you shal one day haue occasion to thanke me for that it was my hap to moue you therein To that will I neuer consent while I liue qd the damsel for I had rather sée Belcarin die presently before my eyes then to haue the monarchie of the thrée parts of the world vnder my power considering the hainous and detestable treason whereby he hath so villanously abused my father and all his posteritie and lesse will I euer absolue my knight of the promise which he hath made me The king entreated her once more with great instancie and so did likewise all those who did accompanie him neuertheles it was all in vaine for she was so fixed in her most deadly grudge that she tooke no pleasure in any thing but in exaggerating the hainousnesse of the case When the quéene who felt her selfe in a great agonie through the perill wherein she saw Belcarin was vnderstood the refusall of this damsell vpon the truce and accord of the two knights she herselfe went to speake to her with the duches of Pontus and the princesse Alderine her daughter entreating altogether that she would acquite Recindos of his promise and the quéene would retain her for one of the ladies of honour of her house But all those entreatings auailed no more then those of the king to mooue that inexorable damsell to pittie whom when the quéene saw her so full of mutinie and crueltie she swore in great anger vnlesse she would pardon quickely both the knights she would make her die a shamefull death for there was a murmuring before that the accusation layd against Belcarin was false and malicious The Damsell hearing the quéene speake in so great a rage was greatly affeard and had also some compassion on the tears which she saw stream incessantly downe faire Alderins chéeks so that alighting from her palfrey she prostrated her selfe at the quéens â—éet crauing pardon for the great errour and offence she had committed against her maiestie by ingratitude refusing her a thing which was in her power to do and that she did with all her heart pardon the one and acquit the other of the knights Then the quéene embraced her in token of thanks and causing commâ—undement to be giuen Recindos should procéed no further in the battell tooke her along with her ladies into the palace the king taking the two knights in either of his hands one brought them into the great chamber where he caused them to be disarmed and beeing laid in two rich beds which he commaunded to bée made presently ready for them he caused his learned phisitions and chirurgiâ—ns to looke diligently vnto the healing of their wounds which were in no small number Whilest they were in cure he visited them both so continually that they were accorded and reconciled together likewise the quéene and the duchesse of Pontus and Alderine her daughter came euery day to passe the time away telling many merrie tales and pleasant discourses one to another to release and assuage their minds of that foyle they had so vnmerciâ—ully taken one oâ— another in their combat wherein hauing both made trial of one anothers prowesse and strength they much esteemed and commended ech other The quéene who retained with her the damsell married her aâ—terwards honourably and Belcarin so soone as he recouered footing made her confesse before the king the quéene Recindos and diuers others how she had alwaies accuâ—ed him falsâ—y because the same night he lodged in her fathers house he neuer 〈◊〉 nor knew at all any brethren she had CHAP. XXV How after Marcomyr Ozalias had embarked themselues to saile into Turkie they arriued in a hauen very neer the castell of Albase where the king of Thessalie was prisoner and how Marcomyr purposed to be at the â—ourney which was held for a daughter of the captain thereof and the sequel MArcomyr hauing left the quéene of Thessalie and Celestina her daughter trauelled hard till he came to the hauen where his pilots staied for him with his ship thinking vpon nothing still but the great beautie of his ladie and how he might deliuer the king her father to giue some release to his ardent and passionate desires It happened as his marriners arriued in the same place where he appointed them to cast anker they found vpon the sand a Turkish seaman very grieuously sicke where he was cast out of some Christian ship which had past that way the day before Those of Tarsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him vp and incontinently carried him into their ship to the end to recouer him vnto his former health who by that time the prince came aboord to them felt himselfe strong inough to endure labour at sea By means wherof vnderstanding Marcomyr would put ouer into Turkie besought most humbly to doe him the fauour to suffer him to go along with them in his ship thether for râ—quitall of such a benefit he would wheÌ„ he was ouer câ—â—duct him euery where thorow al parts whether it shoulâ— please hâ—m â—or he did perfectly know a rutter of all the crâ—â—kes and turnings which way they were to sail and knew moreouer all the seacoast of Turkie The knight was very glad of this good hap accepted of him for the master of the ship and not concluding any thing toward what coast they should first set saile at the last aduised to thrust into the néerest hauen to the cittie of Tubanta wherefore he demanded the Turke if there were any port there abouts which was a good and safe harbor Sir quoth he I will carrie you if you will into a créeke of y e sea very secret where very seldome come any great vessels for that on the shore there is none other then that of my father who fisheth there abouts this créeke lieth within one daies iourney of Tubanta and within another of the castel of Albase in which the great Turke holdeth at this present the king of Thessaly prisoner and al his treasur vnder the guard of a hardy knight who is captaine thereof And well can I assure you sir knight there is not any handfull of earth in all that country which I know not as well by night as by day as wel as the coasts of the hauen whereof I speake vnto you now Where you may remaine in safetie and doe whatsoeuer you shall please no man to say you nay in any thing for the benefit which I now receiue at your hands Marcomyr was still more ioiful séeing so good a beginning laid before hand for the execution of the matter hée went about therefore he praied his Turke that he would make a short cut of it All his equippage was soone in a readinesse
and as good luck serued hoising vp his saile-yards a prosperous and fauorable gale blew them so far that in few daies they came to surge in the coast of Tubanta and afterward to cast anckers in the same port There went the Turkish mariner a shore to giue order to prepare a chamber for the knight and finding not his father at home aduertised his mother and two yonger brethren he had who shewed themselues very glad of his returne but far gladder was Marcomyr séeing himselfe in so secret and remote a place moreouer néere the castell of Albase wherein was captiue the king of Thessaly whom he sought Orican was the Turkish mariners name who hauing told his mother of the great fauour that the knight whom he conducted had done him returned aboord presently praying Marcomyr to come a shore to refresh himselfe a little in their house which he willingly did being wearie and annoied with the pestred aire of the ship after that he had equipped himselfe with his rich blacke armor which the Fairies left him in the castell of Carderie and with the sword which had force to enchant and cast in sléepe whomsoeuer he would by vnsheathing it It was a large one and short like a cemitorie but grauen very artificially and guilded garnished beside with thrée sorts of adamant whereof she sheath was made of the one the hilts and the pommell of another and the handell of a most rare and pretious Calamite that might be found the blade of most pure and fine stéele and the best temper that was euer giuen to a sword in briefe it was iudged the rarest péece of worke that euer was séen in that kind Oricans mother receiued Marcomyr and Ozalias with the greatest entertainement and welcome she could deuise and in the euening came home the old fisherman who was very glad to sée his sonne whom he accounted forlost and forlorne notwithstanding he was much abashed to sée what companie he had gotten and made to come ashore to entertaine them after marriners manner in so poore a house as his And as he began to aske of his wife whence procéeded this good fortune Marcomyr demanded of him from what part he came whervnto the good man answered him very courteously from a cittie sir not far distant whether I went this morning to sell some fish which I made away quickly because there is assembled a great number of knights to be present at the mariage of the daughter of the lord thereof whom he marieth to the sonne of the captaine of Albase there I staid some what the longer to the end to sée the bridegrome and a sister of his which he brought with him who is estéemed the most beautifull and the finest yong Damsell of all the round world The which is of very many great lords demanded in mariage but she will not accept of any saying that she wil neuer marie with any but with him who shall deserue her by his Prowesse and dexterity of armes so that many braue and valiant knights are come to sée her for this intent and haue ordained vpon the third day of the feast a triumph for the loue of her who in the mean space goeth so pompously attired that she draweth into great admiration all those who looke vpon her I tell you sir there is such a concourse of people that it séemeth to be the court of the great turke with his bassoes and Ianissaries Marcomyr who listened to him most attentiuely remained some little while pensiue and afterward bethought himselfe if he might but once by his subtil deuises enamor this Damsell he might easily at his pleasure enter into the castell of Albase where he should haue better meane to set abroch his statagems â—or the deliuerance of the king of Thessalie for this cause he purposed to bée at the Triumph and in going to his bed he imparted all this affaire to Ozalias who commended and liked highly his politick inuention The morrow morning Marcomyr made the fisherman know he would be one at the triumph by reason whereof he bestowed something on him in gift praying him to haue in speciall regard his ship and mariners then departed accompanied with Ozalias and Orican who was his guide and did him much seruice in his practises about this busines They were not far gone before they met by the way one of Leifidaes pages so was the Damsels name who was daughter to the lieutenant of Albase for whom they should Ioust who was sent from his mistres to goe sée a sister of hers maried there néere at hand lying then in childbed Marcomyr comming towards him gaue him a courteous and affable salutation demanded of him if the triumph were held the next day following Yea verily quoth the yong youth at least they haue all so agréed and if you come thether you shal find many hardy knights within the palissadoe but I beléeue the partakers of Ripolo so is the name of the bridegrome wil cary away the honor of the tourney because many hardie and valiant champions are come to this feast for the loue of Lefida his sister my mistresse and to the end to find better meane to present him their seruice would take his brothers part being one of the chiefest in the triumph Then the prince recalling in mind the perfections of his Celestina breathed forth a déepe fetcht sigh and on the other side was maruelous glad to haue met with the messenger of this damsell wherefore by this meane to win his acquaintaÌ„ce he procéeded thus with him Gentleman I may déeme the excellent graces of your mistresse to bée so amiable that in an instant they will captiue and entrap those who doe behold it but I can well assure you there is one readie with his entire will and most sincere affection to serue her who neuer yet appeared before her face which I speake for my selfe who abandoning the place of my natiuitie haue trauersed wish almost insupportable trauell many and diuers countries to come hether to make her vnderstand the extreame deuotion I haue to be her perpetuall and faithfull seruant Wherevnto only the renowne of her excellent beautie which I thinke hath pierced thorow the whole circuit of the earth hath induced me And séeing my good hap is so fauorable at this present as to méet you so fitly albeit you know mée not yet and that I haue towards you merited nothing I would neuerthelesse of fauor entreat one thing of you which you should doe for me by the effect whereof beside you shall purchase notable reputation of courtesie and gentlenes which all noble borne of your age ought to haue in singular recommendation I hope to make you know it is no ingratefull person whom you shall gratifie with such a pleasure and that you should not repent to make me your debter in a far greater good turne What would you haue me to doe quoth the yong man For as much as you séeme to me vertuous and a
would impute the fault to procéed from him notwithstanding she had not her heart vpon any other thing but on the knight to whom the honor of this victorie was truly due commending him to the heauens for his admirable addresse and magnanimitie Faine would she haue vnderstood the whole processe of his historie and knowing no better mean tooke to her aside her Embassador of the day before whom she setteth thus aworke vnspeakeable séemeth to me the generousnes of this strange gentleman who knew full well how to put in effect the resolution whereof he sent me word yesternight by you for which you must néedes goe thanke him from me and also for the great trauel and pain which he hath sustained to come for mysake thus far moreouer as he hath in ample sort shewed me his force and prowesse in armes tell him that I desire no lesse to sée his person being disarmed Wherein to satisfie me if he will be this euening at the banket with my brother who is newly espoused he shall doe me this pleasure which I wil not faile to account in the number of the kindest which I may receiue from him The yong man went to dispatch this message In the meane time while they did couer in the great chamber al their talke was of nothing else but of the great prowesse of the knight who had won the Tourney and that which drew the people into more admiration was that no bodie knew him not Ripolo himselfe who would very faine haue knowne the certaintie what he might be but none could giue him any certaine newes At the last Leifidaes page being come to Marcomyrs tent deliuered him his message in wise manner whereof the knight was meruelous well apaid and returned him this answer Gentleman I pray you certifie your mistresse from me that I would not for any thing disobey her commaundement because no other thing in the world forced me to come so far from mine owne countrie but an extreame desire I had to present vnto her my humble seruice reputing my selfe most happie if she will but employ me in any thing which may be pleasurable vnto her To goe sup with the Bridegroome it séemeth to me a thing a little repugnant to the small acquaintaunce which I haue as yet with him and with those of his companie neuertheles I thinke verily to be there soone after supper to the end mine eies may take their full repast at the obiect of the celestiall visage and comely grace of your mistresse beséeching you in all deare affection that you doe not make knowne to any who I am And if peraduenture I may speake a little in secret with her I shall tell her thinges which shall make her liue in ioifull content all the rest of her life Wherein if you will be a third agent loiall and fauorable to bée a meane of her good and your owne I will return you such recompence that you shall call a hundred and a hundred times happy the hower wherein through appointment of the destinies you met me by the way for albeit you sée me now alone and in this simple equippage of a knight errant I possesse neuertheles great wealth rich prouinces and great state Sir answered the messenger I will employ willingly my person to doe you all the seruice I may deuise in things which shal not empaire mine honor nor that of my mistresse and I will take beside very good order that you shall not be knowne of any but of hir who desireth extreamely to come to that point Then Marcomyr disarmed himselfe and cast a Turkish gowne about him carying vnder it his sword only came along with the yong man into the great chamber wher the feast was kept there standing in a corner where he might sée and be séene of Leifida began to eie her with none other then a demure smiling and fained looke to the end thereby to worke a cautelous meane to deliuer thence ere long the king of Thessalie And whilst he plaied his counterfeit pageant very circumspectly the page went vnto Leifida his mistresse telling her softly in her eare Sée yonder madam the knight vanquisher of the Tourney who praieth you in all deare loue you will not disclose him to any of this countrie whether he directed his voiage onely to sée if your beauty and excellent graces did second your renowne which resounded into his eares euen into his owne countries hoping if it be so for he hath alreadie opened to me the most secret gate of his heart so to employ himselfe in matters of all difficultie to come by your acquaintance that you shall haue none other occasion but to loue him at the least to thinke your selfe much beholding to him for the trauell you your selfe shall sée him take for the same effect The rest that hée told mee I will recount it you at leasure in a place that may séeme fit to make vnto you so long a discourse The Damsell who was sage and well aduised left off at that time to conferre any longer with her new secretary fearing least the assistants might misdéeme the loue which had alreadie too lightly ouercome her but being not able to dissemble it long time she cast her eies vppon Marcomyr who imagined still his plot how he might bring his matter about And she perceiuing him so pensiue interpreted this Saturnine stilnes to her good thinking it procéeded â—rom the rauishment that her beauty graces might haue driuen him into according to the news which her messenger had brought her before Ouer and aboue iudging in him more comelinesse forme and swéetnesse of phisiognomie then in any other whom she knew she was so enamoured in the very place with his entising looke that for the quenching of this flame she desired then no greater thing then to speake vnto him to know who he was Marcomyr neuer departed from the place till euery bodie almost was retired and his long tarying there séemed not to be in vaine assuring himselfe it would returne some â—ruit vnto him for he conceiued alreadie in his vnderstanding by the amiable and often eyings of the damsel that he should obtaine of her the greatest point of his desire the which he must néeds communicate to Ozalias who neuer boudged from him In fine when she saw them depart afterward she entered by and by into her chamber who calling aside to her the messenger of her loue she began thus Ah page most true are the words thou didst tell me of the knights beautie whose comely gesture and séemely grauitie if I deceiue not my selfe too much with his prowes and valor in armes make me déeme him the flower of the best accomplished gentlemen that I euer yet beheld Madame said the young counsellor if you will sée many perfections infused into one bodie I beséech you speake vnto him as soon as you may and let not slip out of your hands the happie and inestimable good which the destinies haue sent you
wherof shall giue you loiall testimonie the first commaundement which I shall receiue from you wherein I pretend to employ my selfe so well that you shall discerne the little difference I put betwéene doing and saying As then Diocles and Abenunq had enterlaced many courteous spéeches and gratulations they came all thrée towards the Empresse to whom as soone as they were arriued Marcomyr fel on his knées to kisse her hand which she would not haue had him done but she lifted him vp quickly againe and embracing him with her most gentle and gratious entertainement she began thus My sonne Marcomyr the vertues gifts of the heauen whereof the soueraigne God hath knowne your bodie worthy of séeme vnto me so well emploied in your person that with great reason they incite me to loue you naturally as I doe with all my heart willingly and conceiue in my selfe a maruellous great ioy that you are now come to shew the true office of a sonne which is to recognish your father to present the humble obeissance which you owe vnto him being thinges whereof your father and I feele our selues so well pleased and content as of nothing els so much which might happen vnto vs at this day Madame answered Marcomyr it is of your accustomed bountie that it pleaseth your highnes to account me in the number of your most humble and afâ—ianced seruants albeit I doe not merit the least part of any such fauor Neuerthelesse if a sincére deuotion and zeale of a loue more then of the son to the father which I haue neuer day of my life to transgresse your commaundements might purchase me so much happines to containe me alwaies in your grace and in that of my lord my father I should content my selfe as much with fortune as the richest prince of the earth therein haue I set downe hidden the limit of my riches thinking there can be no more pretious a treasure found for me My deare child then replied the Empresse you are so forward that you néed not vse any seruice therein towards vs for this matter but henceforward you shall take such habitude and familiarity with vs as you shall séeme best for I sée you are very worthie of that â—auor and so modest you will in no wise abuse it Much more honest and gratious conference had they together In the mean while this newes was spread all ouer the pallace by means whereof Philocrista went as though she would flie to embrace and receiue Marcomyr for her brother The like did the king and Quéene of Thessalie all running to him so filled with gladnes that when they came to him they could hardly opeÌ„ their mouth to speake to him So great was the ease and pleasure of those who vnderstood this good newes that all the night they could not sléepe nor take any rest for that some made bonefires others sounded trumpets and many other instruments for ioy and gladnes in briefe he did not thinke himselfe the son of a good mother who did not welcome Marcomyr as the Emperors sonne or who did not shew some signe of reioicing at that vnexpected parentage but all this was nothing in respect of that which the Emperor did on the morrow morning who sent one of the richest and most sumptuous presents to Marcomyr and Ozalias that euery one might easily discerne common loue from that which is naturall wherein Ozalias shewed himselfe not too much pleased for no other cause but to sée Marcomyr thorowly resolued to become a Christian presaging alreadie in his heart what would befall the Quéene his aunt when she should be aduertised of that miserie neuertheles Marcomyr comforted him in the most amiable sort he might assuring him to crowne him king of Tarsus where he might lead a ioifull life with his faire Marencida which assuaged his miscontented mind a little And if the Emperor did giue rich presents vnto Marcomyr the Empresse sent no lesse to Celestina some whereof were presently bestowed vpon her person which was theÌ„ to be adorned to goe to the ceremonie of the baptisme of hir loue Marcomyr who should be affianced to hir presently after for this occasion did all the Barons and knights of the court mount on horsebacke who did much more honor to Marcomyr then before when they knew not his descent And being all arriued in gallant order within the church of Sancta Sophia he was there catholicklie baptised hauing for godfather his brother Diocles then presently by the hand of the most reuerend patriarke was he fianced to the faire Celestina who was so richly attired that she drew into more then a strange admiration al those who regarded her And we néed not to compare her in perfection of her graces corporal beautie and rarenes of iewels and habits to the sage Andromecha when the valiant and redoubted knight Hector of Troy espoused her nor to Cleopatra Quéene of Egypt when she contended in magnificence sumptuositie with Marke Antonie Triumuir her husbaÌ„d eating one of the pearls which hanged at her ears estéemed worth two hundred and fiftie thousand crownes nor vnto many others of the ancient time wherof the historians both Gréeke and Latin make memorable mention for euen as the Carbuncle the most rich and pretious of all Orientall stones set in a darksome and obscure place doth send forth such a glistering cleare splendor that not onely all the place round about is made light and shining but also the eies of all that looke vpon it are comforted and reioiced thereby likewise might they estéeme of Celestina not so much a Carbuncle within this temple as the only and true Phenix of her age The troupe then returned to the pallace in the same goodly array as they departed thence there began such a feast as neuer was the likeÌ„ séene before in such sort that euery one enioied part of the pleasure except Arnedes the good prince who felt himselfe in intollerable paine and in extreame diffidence euer to sée his fathers Embassadours arriue there By means whereof beholding a whole hower of the day together the now affianced in such content and his deare ladie Philocrista leaning vpon them one arme vpon Celestina and the other cast about Marcomyrs necke to shew him the greatest signes of loue she might deuise the sorrowfull louer attainted to the heart with that sight fel at the same instant in a trance to the ground but he was by many knights quickly holpen vp againe and forthwith caried into his chamber where after hée was come againe to himselfe fetching a broken sigh from his very heart he saith Alas my God and will the succor which should come to this poor afflicted soule stay any longer How doe you suffer thus my passible and fraile body to sée deth before it eies yet cannot die as it desireth â—iij thou searcher of hearts permit I beséech thée that death may cast quickly his dart against mine and imprint therin for whose sake I die that