and the sight of you which should asswage my martyrdome encreases it for apprehending the felicity which I am to expect from your more secret caresses I cannot bear the retardment of them but with incredible torment I am too forward I am too forward I confesse and this complaint of mine which seems unreasonable since you have alwayes assured me that you live for me only may justly offend you But alas that which I feel will not permit me to be longer contained so that I am forced to discover it for to finde some remedy and that wholly depends on you which I beseech you to grant me if you have resolved to render me one day happy and without making me longer to languish advance my felicity with your delitious fruition Sir answered she I did not think our familiarity would have carried you to such insolencie or that my affability would have made you forget the respect which you ought to have Have you well considered that you desire and upon what conditions doe you demand it Alas said he with a trembling which thorowly testified his love and that gave marvellous satisfaction to Trasiclea who therein observed that which she desired in this feare Madam do you set down the lawes your selfe I will never oppose them I opened my heart to you to make you sensible of my suffering not to provoke you to displeasure be not offended then I beseech you with this liberty I have taken or if it be distastfull to you command me to suffer and be silent and you shall never hear me open my lips hereafter but with that very respect which may be used to a Deitie I do not require said she in a gentler accent that you should live after with me for my affection will not endure such ceremonies but you shall oblige me for hoping for any thing more from me then what honour will permit me to grant you for our conditions being so different that they may well draw my father to be otherwise disposed then I am if he were aware of our determinations it is very necessary in my opinion to wait the time when as your services and my perswasions may induce him to receive you as his son in law rather then ruine them by precipitation I do beleeve that this expectation is grievous to you and that it leaves you not without much desire for I judge of your suffring by mine own but say my Knight will it not be worthy of your pain and will not your pleasure taste the sweeter for your enduring Yes verily it will be dearer to you having gotten it with difficulty then if you injoyed it otherwise Complain no longer therefore I pray you but live with more content and give me occasion to love you everlastingly Madam said he it is no little grief to me that you should finde any offence in my complaints but since they displease you be assured they shall never importune you more I will suffer with silence and if the violence of my passion shall inforce any sighes from me I will so carry my self that none but these trees shall be witnesses of them In the mean time be graciously pleased to sweeten the bitternesse of my displeasure with some more particular favours and incouraging me to attend the happinesse which you make me to hope for permit me to come and visit you in your chamber when all the world is at rest that so I may have the content to see you without fear I will advice with time upon that said she for it is a businesse that requires good deliberation but not to be so ingratefull as to give you nothing receive this kisse the first that ever man received from my divinity forbidding me the imparting of so great a favour receive I say this kisse for an infallible assurance of my promise Whereupon laying her mouth to his lips she ravished him with the incredible delight of so amorous a touch In this manner did these lovers spend the time and lived with such a tranquillity of minde that never did two finde lesse distast in the birth of their affections If they saw one another it was with new assurances of their love if therein they were hindered by any occasion that defect was supplied with letters Arnides and Cesarina were alwayes walking with new commissions briefly their discourse and conversation was a very Paradise This contentment being without crosses Alcidamant without jealousie because the pride this Princesse had esloigned all such as desired to present her with their service she without suspition not being able to imagine that ever he will be in any passion for another their life was rather divine then humane and all things disposed themselves by little and little to render them happy when as fortune that takes pleasure in her inconstancie would needs let them see that the content of men depends upon her will and that their designes do never arrive at a good port without her assistance Two storms arose at once whereof one was like to have overthrown the greatnesse of that Empire by reducing the Emperour and his daughter to the extremity of the losse of their lives and the other to have utterly ruined these lovers hopes for ever injoying one another The first happened by the treachery of Drumelia Aunt unto Brandamar King of Dramir slain as you have heard upon the quarrell of his Mistris beauty and the second through the indiscretion of Cistenia whom Merodiana had left in the Island of Silvana with a letter directed to the Knight of the Palms as I shall deliver by and by having spoken of that which did precede this misfortune CHAP. XLVIII Drumelia Aunt to the King of Dramir would have betrayed the Emperour of Tramazond Trasiclea is led away by cunning the Emperour is assaulted by three Giants falls down hurt Alcidamant succours him with increaible valour slaies the three Giants arrives in the wood just as Trasiclea was ready to be ravished delivers her by the death of his enemies and returns to the Citie DRumelia Aunt unto Brandamar unable with patience to endure the death of this King whom she held as dear as her own life had recourse unto magicall books wherein she was wonderfully expert and knowing that the Emperour of Tramazond upon whom she desired to extend her rage was too mighty for her to be revenged of by arms she proceeded therein with cunning wherefore desiring nothing so much as his death and the destruction of Trasiclea she resolved to govern her enterprise with such judgement that both their ends should arrive at one instant so that taking five dreadfull Giants neer kinsmen to Brandamar she caused her self and them to be carried by night in a cloud to the forrest of Tarsipolis where making certain circles amongst the trees she rendered her conjurations so powerfull that the great and formidable Giants seemed little deformed Dwarfs seeing them in the estate which she desired for to cover her malice she put her self in
earnestnesse of affection that having bestowed certaine yeares therein he became so perfect an Artist as he surpassed all those that had travelled in those studies before him aswell as those that came after him yet was it not his purpose to make use thereof as many doe to the hurt or ruine of any but for the glory of Christendome which he so tooke to heart that all his actions had no other ayme but the preservation of those whose worth was able to mayntayne it at the due heigth as you may well judge by the sequele of this History Seeing then that Don Belianis a Prince as vertuous and valiant as could be named was somewhat enfeebled by the battell that he had fought before Constantinople with Perineo Soldan of Persia the most valiant of all the Pagans that then lived the Empresse of Almayne Claristea who might also bee termed the mirrour of Armes and Ariobarcan Emperour of Tartary he wrought so powerfully upon the mindes of that brave Pagan and of that valorous Lady as admiring the vertue of so gallant a man they determined to turne Christians and become his friends upon condition that the Persian should marry the Infanta of Greece named Sirenna which was accomplished presently after his Baptisme In which holy Sacrament he was accompanied with Salinterne without Farre his sonne and the bastard of Don Belianis Polistor of Nubia and Polistea de la Selva whom he had by the Queene of the Garamantes and had followed the Pagan colours before they knew Don Belianis for their Father This peace and this marriage cheered all Greece and particularly our Alcander who then thought it well and sufficiently supported But being continually carefull for the quiet of these Princes he had one day a curious desire to understand what good fortune was to attend their designes and life withdrawing therefore himselfe from all resort of company hee began to make his ordinary invocations and found onely by the motion and aspect of the starres that the house of Greece was to suffer a totall ruine and that these Princes were threatned with an eminent death The knowledge heereof did mightily afflict him but carrying a greater minde then to yeeld to this calamity hee made new conjurations the spirits were invoked and all the powers of Hell were summoned to appeare neverthelesse he saw nothing but signes of death and presages of misfortune Let the starres sayd hee bee froward let all the Divels in Hell conspire together to subvert the Empire of the Christians yet will I change their influences and overturne their designes For having sometimes restored life to those which breathed no more I may be permitted to preserve such as are yet in the world Thus speaking hee enfolded himselfe in a cloud and transported himselfe into the dangerous forrests of the great kingdom of Martan neere to the Empire of Mexico where long before he had built a Castle of wondrous workmanship But doubting that the charms which he had set upon it were not powerfull enough for the great purpose he had in hand hee emploied all his skill which surpassed that of all other men layd such strong enchantments upon three divisions of lodgings that hee had built in a triangular forme as those which should be inclosed therein should not grow old or bee impayred in any sort whatsoever yet not desiring that this his worke should last till the end of the world for hee well foresaw that the necessity of Christendome would one day oblige him to suffer it to be dissolved ordayned that the enchantment should be defeated by the valour of sixe the bravest Knights accompanied with as many the fayrest Ladyes of the world Thinking then that he had done enough hee presently transported himselfe to Constantinople and having talked a while in private with Don Belianis hee desired him to goe into his Chariot and with him his Sonne Belforan Fortiman of Greece his grandchilde Polistor of Nubia Polistea de la Selva Policentes sonne to Perineo Don Clarinell Don Astrides his sonne Perineo Furibond the brave Giant Salintern without feare Hermiliana the Amazon wife to Don Clarinel Florisbella wife to Don Belâ—anis the Princesse Belianisa wife to Belforan Sirenna wife to Perineo and the fayre Bergeline her daughter This done having touched the Griffons with a rod that he had in his hand they cut the ayre with incredible swiftnesse and carried him to the house which hee would have called by the name of the Castle of Treasure Where with some teares hee enclosed these Princes in one quarter of the Lodgings assuring them that they should bee enlarged after certayne ages and at such time as Christendome should have extreame need of their assistance These things being done his minde might wel have beene contented but the exceeding care that he had to effect his designes not suffering him to be quiet hee againe turned over his bookes And finding that before the time these Princes should be disinchanted certayne most excellent Knights should be borne which yet should not arrive to the perfection necessary for the putting an end to his enchantments hee resolved also to preserve them in the same Castle with the Emperour Don Belianis For which cause therefore as soone as the incomparable warriour the Knight of the Sun was borne he was infinitely carefull of his safety assisted him with his Arte without his privity and knowing that after certayne yeeres hee was threatned with a disastrous end by the practise of some traytors who should murther him one night in his bed he carried him also away as he had done Don Belianis and with him all the principall Knights of his Court who were to run no lesse hazard and placing them in the second division of the lodgings hee reserved them for that furious encounter wherein the glory of all Christendome or the ruine of the Pagans was to be disputed The names of those enchanted with him were his sonne Claridiano of the Spheare Rosiclere Claramant Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia Rosabell sonne to Rosiclere Clarabel bastard to Rosabel and Leobant his brother Besson Bramidor the brave Giant the Empresse Claridiana and the Princesse Olivia wife to Rosicleere Their life was pleasant and the contentment of Alcander infinite For as often as hee considered that Christendome should one day triumph over her enemies by his assistance he esteemed himselfe blessed to be so favoured by heaven and determining not to neglect such grace hee persevered in his good desire whence it came that after certayne ages were past being in the castle of Treasure he understood the lamentable losse which the Christians were to sustayne and the death of those great Monarchs Amadis of Gaule and of Greece with many others of their blood Which for the reasons before alledged being desirous to remedy hee transported himselfe the same night as that great battell was fought in the fields of the Soldan of Aleppo to the place where so many bodies lay extended gave an honourable sepulture to those
Christian Princes which were dead as you have heard in the first Chapter and carryed away those in whom he found any hope of life to that wonderfull Castle appointing them the third division of lodgings the names of whom were The great King Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece enchanted as you have heard Don Silves de la Selva Agesilan Amadis d' Astre Astropolo Fortiman Anaxartes Penthesilea Argantes Florartan Lucentio Falanges d' Astre Arlantes his sonne Arlanges of Spayne Lucidamor of Boetia Floreni Emperour of Rome Filisel of Montespin Zayr Flores of Greece second sonne to Esplandian Filon King of Sibila Artaur his Brother King of Mount Libanus and Lindamart of Rhodes But because there may arise a doubt in this Discourse for that all these which I now have named were inclosed in the Monument that appeared in the field of the battell after the darkenesse was past the Reader may remember if he please that these of whom I now speake were in a posture there diâ—â—ering from theirs who were fully and really dead and that the wise man did so order it to comfort those great Knights after so heavy a losse These Princes then being enchanted with Don Belianis and the Knight of the Sunne though they knew it not Alcander who would not doe a curtesie to halfes first healed them of their wounds And then desiring they should not be lesse happy then the rest presented them a little while after with some of the Princesses they loved whom he had brought from Constantinople to the extreame discontent of those that remayned behinde There was the Queene Oriana the Empresse Niquea delivered not long before of a sonne whose birth was celebrated by an infinity of fires appearing in the ayre and whom at his Baptisme shee named Amadis of Trebisond Diana Axiana the Princesse Oriana wife of Anaxartes Cleosila Sestiliana Radiana Oristila Anaxarea Theodorina Belisaura Claire estoille Sclarimena and Timbria Having then prepared soveraigne baths for them made with a million of rare simples gathered at such time as they were in most vertue he bathed them eight dayes together at the end whereof King Amadis and his wife seemed to bee but forty yeeres old and every man as fresh and lovely as they were at that age the Emperour Amadis of Greece and the Princesse Niquea but thirty five Don Silves Agesilan and the rest not above thirty This done he carried them all into a fayre chamber and thus spake unto them Mighty Princes you perceive by the helpe that you have already received at my hands the desire I have to doe you service I will not therefore excuse my selfe unto you for holding you restrayned in this maner since I have no other end for it but the augmentation of your glory All things must have their course and the malignant influences of the starres must have time to passe over The day will come when you will see your off-spring with more contentment then ever expect it with so much the more patience In the meane time I will go from hence to take care for the affayres of those which concerne you neerely Saying thus hee went out of the doore which shut of it selfe with a strange violence leaving those Princes and Princesses so inchanted as they did not remember any thing without that place whatsoever CHAP. III. Most of the Prinâ—â—â— of Greece die Alcander goes to visit the wise Alquif and Urganda THE newes of the death of so many Kings Princes and Emperours and the carrying away of the Queene Oriana with the rest which were enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was the cause of so much griefe to those Ladyes that remayned at Constantinople expecting what would be the issue of that warre as not able to withstand the violence thereof they yeelded to the necessity of death leaving Christendome a world of sorrow for so great a losse The Empresse Leonine was the first that payd that tribute of nature but followed so close by the yong Princesse of Sardamyra the wife of Sistra that the funerals of the one served also for the other After them died almost at the same time the Empresse Arbra Briolania the Queene of France wife to Lucidor the Queene of Traramate and Mesopotamia Melicia wife to Bruneo of the good Sea Lardenia Laciana Gricelarie Olinde the Queenes of Corinth Saba Bohemia the wife of Guillan the pensive the Queenes of the Garamantes of Pentapoly Galacia and Ireland the wives of Girafer of Vaillades of Don Frisus of Lusitania the Queene of Dacia the Empresse Brisenne Darayde Queene of Cores the wife of Stilpon and the Queene of Rhodes who were all interred in the Emperours great Chapell with so many complaynts and teares that nothing was heard in any part of the City but cries and lamentatioâ—s Now whilest the ceremonies of so many obsequies were performing Alcander who had no care more pressing then the preservation of those Princes went in his Chariot of the Griffons to the unknowne Island whâ—re the wise Alquif was with Vrganda Zirzea and Zirenna but not desiring to present himselfe unto them without some demonstration of his skill he in a moment raysed such horrible flashes of lightning in the aire so great an earthquake as those reverend old folkes seeing so furious a tempest beyond the order of nature beleeved that those thunders were presages of their deaths So that disposing themselves to seeke the mercy of heaven which never refuseth grace to us when with humility we seeke it they fell upon the earth and lifting up their eyes they met with a new terrour when as they espied the fearefull Chariot in which Alcander appeared seated with such a majesty that if they had not beene instructed by the light of fayth that one only God was to be acknowledged they had adored him never so much as dreaming that it was done by art Magicke or that this incounter could proceed from the skill of any mortall man For beleeving that none in the world was more expert in that art then they they could never imagine that any man could finde them out in their Island unlesse they pleased to permit it Alcander reading their amazement in their lookes and motions would not keepe them any longer in payne Most venerable persons sayd he be not dismayd to see me heere at this present and in this maner That almighty God who hath endued you with the knowledge of things above nature for the good of his people hath imparted to mee the same favours which he hath bestowed upon you and made me no lesse zealous of his glory and service I am not come hither now to trouble you as you imagine but indeed to conferre with you about certayne things which shall be necessary for the welfare of the Princes of Greece whose vertue hath begotten such an affection in me towards them as I will not entertayne a thought but for the augmentation of their glory I know that you have alwayes infinitely loved them that
who had written unto them they were no whit dismayed and taking it for a good testimony of his love to them in that he had not left those bodies in the middest of so many enemies they prepared for their departure with the lesse griefe The time then of their remoove being come all those troopes began to march severall wayes For Spheramond Dorigell Sylvan Amanio d'Astre and the fayre Savage tooke a way farre different from that which the others had determining to spend some time in seeking adventures abroad The beauteous Savage seeing her self alone renewed her sorrow for the losse of her husband whilest Silvan travelled with no lesse discontent for that of his fayre Licinia of whose death he had heard and that Spheramond Amanio d'Astre and Dorigell lamented so great a disaster although the glorious death of their kinsmen did yeeld them some comfort Having thus passed two or three dayes without meeting any adventure worthy their undertaking Spheramond about the time that the Sunne was in the middest of his course felt himselfe so drowsie that he was constrayned to lie downe to sleepe commanding his Squire to let their horses graze The extreame paines that before he had taken and the delicacy of the place made his rest so pleasing unto him as he did not wake till night nor would peradventure have done till the next day if the noyse of a Chariot passing by him had not made him to rise in all haste he was about to have called his Squire for to bridle his horse but the voyce of one that lamented stayd him for to learne the cause thereof Listening then attentively and looking that way the voyce came he saw a Chariot passe by him drawne with sixe great horses wherin sate three dreadfull Giants every one of them holding a Lady in his armes two of the which seemed to be rather dead then alive and the third was she that made those cries and lamentations which hee had heard Iust Heaven sayd she will you not send some succour to these great though miserable Princesses Or will you permit them to remayne in the hands of these villayns who questionlesse will without respect of their quality strive by force to robbe them of what is most deare unto them O God! what a losse will Christendome receyve And you brave Princes how much will it grieve you to heare of this disaster I lament your misfortune asmuch as the death they are going to suffer This voyce being lost in the ayre left nodesse pity then anger in the minde of this Prince For finding by this speech that they were Christians of eminent quality and thinking also that he had beene acquaynted with the sound of that voyce he was moved with an extreame desire to succour them So calling his Squire hee made his horse to be brought him and quickly mounting upon him he galloped the same way that he saw the Chariot take hoping to reach those Giants in a little time and to fight with them at any rate whatsoever But the night was so darke that not knowing which way he tooke hee entred into a Forrest where the first that he met with was a reverend old man holding a torch in his hand who taking his horse by the bridle sayde unto him Valiant Prince be not offended if I take the liberty to stay you at this present For desiring your safety as much as my owne welfare I cannot let you passe without advertising you that you are infallibly lost if you obâ—â—inately pursue the designe you have in hand and light upon those this night whom you now are following The day will bee more fit for your purpose then this darkenesse and patience alone is that must procure you what you now so earnestly wish for Enquire not what I am nor why I meddle thus with youraffayres It is not yet time that you should know mee nor that you should thorowly understand my intentions as I doe your thoughts Onely alight and goe into this Tent that you see heere and tarry for day light to finish your enterprise which is of more importance then yet you conceive I do not know answered Spheramond somewhat wondring to meet that man in such a place and at so unseasonable an howre how you can bee obliged to wish and seeke my good with so much demonstration of friendship since I doe not remember that ever I saw you before But happen what may I will gladly obey you my necessity and the time also advising mee therunto Thus speaking he alighted leaving his horse with a little Dwarfe who was there as of purpose and entred the Tent which hee thought was the fayrest that ever he had seene Without doubt sayd hee then you love me not a little that have provided me so magnificent a lodging for I did not expect to be so well accommodated to night But beleeve it you shall not find me ungratefull if you please to make use of me Saying so he went to embrace this man but he was no more to be seene wherat he was somewhat amazed yet supposing all this to bee done by inchantment hee began to survey the Tent and found in one of the corners of it a Table covered with plenty of delicate meat which so whetted his stomacke that hee sate him downe to supper where having well asswaged his hunger hee walked about the Tent and finding a bed ready made hee layd him downe upon it and fell into so sound a sleepe that the sunne was of a good height before he awaked and then being much amazed to find himselfe armed with new and excellent Armes his Squire snoring at his feet and neyther Wood nor Tent to be seene but a playne so large as it could not limit his view howbeit his wonder ceasing by the remembrance of such like encounters when as hee was a Knight errant hee jogd his Squire to waken him And having not forgotten the adventure that he met with the night before nor the discourse of the old man he quickly got to horse and tooke the first way hee lighted upon wherein he rode till Sunne setting when as hee perceived a Castle before him garnished with twelve towres so fayre and strong that it was impossible to better them this curiosity inviting him to view this building neerer hand he approached to it and going about it he was so attentive in observing it as hee could hardly give over But seeing night now come on he tooke the hammer of the gate and knocked very hard At the noyse whereof a Giant appeared upon the Battlements who with a hoarse and dreadfull voyce sayd unto him Withdraw thy selfe wretched creature and come not hither to seeke that which all men else are afrayd to find the gate may not be opened this night for so are wee commanded what ever occasion shall fall out but if thou wilt tarry till tomorrow I will bee content to heare what thou hast to say Therewith he retyred himselfe leaving Spheramond ill satisfied
noise at the gate he turned about his head and instantly saw two other monsters like him that he had overthrown come running towards him with their Cymitars in their hands and threatning him with no lesse then the losse of his life This object somewhat troubled him but immediatly resolving himself he sheathed his sword in the body of his first man who was striving to get up and straightway mounting on his horse the better and more easily to defend himself he made towards them but they were by that time so neer unto him as he was constrained rather to think of warding their blows then offending them For the one of them laid upon his shield and the other upon his cask with such violence as but for the goodnesse of his new armes his life had then been at its period neverthelesse he was not much dismaied yet thinking that such violent incounters might at length be attended with death he resolved to fight with judgement and to stand carefull upon his guard making them therefore spend the most part of their blows in vain he took so good choice of his times as he often drew bloud of them not giving a blow which pierced not the flesh and put them in doubt of their lives whereat they were so enraged as in stead of striking on his armes they hewed the stones in pieces and filled the ground about them full of clefts Whilest their fury did thus transport them the Emperor not willing to let slip any occasion that presented it self took his time when as one of them stooped to pull his Courtelasse out of the earth whereinto he had sunk it three foot deep and hit him with a reverse so just upon the neck that he laid his great head at his feet leaving his companion much amazed to see himself alone covered with bloud and wounds and with little or no power to defend himself any longer howbeit he recovered some heart with the sight of three other Giants that came out of the same Castle who having encompast his enemy began to charge him with such fury that not being able to ward so many blows which bruised his bones he thought that he must needs fall under such an oppressing violence but resolving to sell his life at a dear rate he defended himself with such courage and charged them with such force that he grievously wounded two of them when as the third gave him so insupportable a blow on his helmet that he laid him quite void of sense on the crupper of his horse voiding bloud in abundance at his nose and ears The Giant proud of his fortune followed him with his sword advanced for to finish the work when as a great Knight arriving in the instant charged his Lance against him and running it clean through his body tumbled him dead upon the ground Spheramond who while this was a doing had some leisure a little to recover his spirits seeing himself so opportunely seconded clasped his sword fast in his hand and with an infinit rage for having been reduced into that estate he let it descend with such force upon the first Giant that he divided his head in twaine just at such time as he which came to his succour having dispatched the other against whom he was opposed taking a new Lance from his Squire turnd himself gallantly to receive thirty Knights that sallied out of the Castle under the conduct of three dreadfull Giants who made such a noise as the earth seemed to tremble under them The courage of these Knights encreasing with the difficulty of enterprises Spheramond carried with extraordinard fury addressed himself to one of the Giants and discharged a blow upon his arm with such force as he sent it together with his sword to the ground That done falling in amidst those Knights he kild the two first that presented themselves before him On the other side the black Knight so was he called that sided with him made the Giant whom he encountred lose his stirrop and dealt such blows amongst the rest as he laid three of them at his fâ—â—â— but the two remaining Giants held them so short that with the assistance of those rascals which would not suffer them so much as to breath they had been in extream danger of their lives if two Knights had not at one time arrived there by severall wayes who seeing a fight managed with so much unequality presently layd hands on their swords and attaching the Giants that exceedingly molested the Princes charged them with such furious blows that they were fain to turn head for to defend themselves leaving Spheramond and his companion amidst their other Knights of whom they made so great a slaughter that there remained but two of them alive who fearing to lose their lives as their companions had done threw away their weapons and craved mercy You shall said Spheramond have it granted you upon condition that you put us in possession of this Castle You may said they enter it freely and without fear For you shall find no body there to resist you so as Argenea the Mistresse of the place doth not frame some new inchantment to make you purchase it with more danger and pain howbeit I can assure you that she is not now in the Castle she having gone from thence not long since as I conjecture to find some means from hindring it to be taken For her spirits without letting her know the time had advertised her of the misfortune that hath this day befallen us you may therefore boldly enter in and your best course will be first to seaze upon the ports for your more security This counsell seeming good to the Knights the blacke Knight staid at the gate * whilest Spheramond searched all about the house But finding nothing he returned presently to view the combat between the two Knights and the Giants which continued with so much fury that it was not easie to determine what the issue of it was like to be But ere long they perceived the advantage on their side that came last For their enemies had lost so much bloud as they fell both almost at one instant so weak that there was no need of any weapon to make an end of them Spheramond extreamly satisfied with this victory lifted up the visier of his helmet and addressing himself to the Knight that had first succoured him Valiant Sir said he You have so infinitly obliged me as I cannot doubt of your affection to me but to render the pleasure of your assistance and my preservation accomplished tell me who you are that in recompence thereof I may heerafter seek out occasions to be commanded by you Excellent Prince answered the black Knight discovering his face I will never acknowledge that you are any way engaged to my arms in the least obligation For your valour alone was able to defeat your enemies without my aid yet I cannot but give humble thanks unto heaven for bringing me hither so opportunely to testifie
not without some trouble bear the little delay which she was forced to endure before she could be set aboord the ship into the which she was with her company no sooner entred but the Giants reassumed their former shapes which did so amaze them that with grief to find themselves so wofully abused they fell down more then half dead upon the deck Argenea seeing that which she so much desired in her power immediatly covered the ship with a cloud took her way back again with the same speed she had made thither and landed at the same port from whence she had weighed ancor not above five daies before But her house being ten leagues from thence she presently caused a Chariot to appear drawn by six horses of a monstrous greatnesse and having found by her last incantations she was threatned with a terrible mischief she willed her Giants to passe on and to bestow the Ladies in safe custody whilest she went to consult with a great Magician with whom she had formerly been very conversant to the end that by the help of his skill she might divert the storm which was ready to fall upon her yet all her devices were to no purpose for Alcander to whose knowledge all other mortall mens gave place having foreseen the mischievous intentions of this Hagg had first turned the Chariot somwhat out of the right way to make it come within the view of Spheramond to whom also he gave the same day those excellent arms by means wherof he escaped death which was otherwise inevitable being to fight with three or fowr of the most able Giants in the world all at one instant assembled all those Princes who had been separated from the Army into that one place being assured that Spheramond would at length be unable to resist so many Knights as were to combat him together These then were the Princesses which he saw passe by when overtaken with the night he was sleeping under the trees and the very same that were brought to the Castle of the twelve Towrs by the Giants when as those Princes sallied foorth to second the fair Savage who having met the Chariot followed the Giants to fight with them being mooved with pity at the lamentations of those Ladies But it is time to return to our former Discourse of Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan finding these Princesses under a tree who trembled with fear alighted from their horses and putting off their helmets that the Ladies might by seeing who they were be the better assured they kneeled down to kisse their hands but they were so amazed with the encounter of them as they were not able to speak a word which Parmenian observing to restore them to themselves he said I cannot but much wonder excellent Ladies to meet you in these uninhabited parts and so far remooved from your own Countries But you will be no lesse amazed when I tell you that the Emperour Spheramond is at the Castle which you see yonder accompanied with certain Princes of Greece who are merrier then the losse they have endured might seem to permit not knowing as yet of your being in these quarters Do not then I beseech you afflict your selves any further those that brought you hither are dead nor shall you find in that house any but such as were born to do you service At these words the Princesses recovered a little courage yet fearing such another treacherous trick as had been plaid them before they made but little shew of resenting that news and rested as it were in an extasie when Ladazan who marvailed at that coldnesse of theirs thus pursued his discourse Why how now Ladies are not these newes pleasing unto you and will you not return with us to glad the Emperour Verily this cariage of yours doth amaze me nor can I imagine from whence it should proceed since all feare of danger is past Let us go I beseech you without any more delay Well let us go said the Empresse Richarda who was somwhat the heartier of the three since you will have it so at the worst we can be but once more abused with that they advanced toward the Castle before the gate whereof stood Spheramond with Dorigell and the rest He at the first sight knowing them was strangely amazed at so unexpected an encounter O God! said he can I imagin or believe that my fair mistrisse is heer or can any man perswade me that I am not in a dream Tell me Madam am I in the Parthian Empire or is it possible that I should meet you in these desert plains which are not neer it by three hundred leagues Certainly I am so confounded and besides my self as I dare not embrace you fearing that you are heer through some enchantment I should have replied she my dear heart a great deal more cause to be astonished beholding you heer seeing it is not above six daies since you were with me in Parthia but you did so suddenly change your aspect that the pleasure of your sight was instantly followed with an infinit grief for not finding you any more like unto your self yet I do not now wonder any longer at it for by the way I learned that a Sorceres our enemy had plotted this treason against us anâ— that she had framed that enchantment for to surprise us She threatned me with death and to destroy with me the fruit that you left with me at your departure But since I see you heer with me I do no more fear her charms and care as little for her menaces speaking thus she gave him a million of kisses and did so hang upon his lips as he could hardly have leisure to answer the Infanta Rosaliana who came to entertain him and enquired for some news of her Husband I would said he gladly satisfie you if I knew how to do it with assurance but not being able to say any thing certainly I beseech you seek not to be informed but with as little curiosity as your love will permit In the mean time comfort your self in his absence and beleeve that heaven will not be so much an enemy to your quiet as not to render him unto you ere it be long with more content then ever you had These words were extreamly sensible unto her for she imagined that he was dead among so many other Princes and did therefore bewail him in her mind but unwilling to disturb her sisters contentment or make it appear that she distrusted the words of Spheramond she restrained her tears to return the salutes which she received from Silvan Dorigell and Amanio d' Astre who presented their service unto her having before tendred the same respect to the Empresse Richarda Some time then being spent amidst these complements the Empresse would needs visit the fair Savagesse who was in her bed with three wounds being much troubled that she could meet with no body that could dresse them But as they were consulting about finding out some Chyrurgion they
into the estate wherein you now see him Iudge now if I have not reason to torment my self since I have lost by his death all that can be dear unto me and do not condemn my sorrow which to me appears but too just and reasonable I rather said Florisel do commend your resentment of such a losse howbeit I have no great reason to combat this Knight upon the quarrell since it hath been fairly carried and according to the lawes of Knighthood but seeing he professeth himself an enemy to Christians whose protector I am bound to be I promise you to seek him to the worlds end for to revenge the death of Balard and to rid this Country of so pernicious a Knight Saying thus he sent for his arms nor would he returne to the City but went his way with Lidora so was the Gentlewoman called not being to be diverted from this enterprise for any entreaty could be made him CHAP. IX Who the Knight ardant was and why be hated the Christians THey that have bestowed any time in reading this famous history have found in the twelfth book of Amadis that Don Rogel of Greece being at sea with Persea Princesse of Persia and Don Brianges of Boetia was one day so tossed with a tempest that after they had with no good successe used all the labour and skill of the mariners he at the last found himself hurried away with the storm and thrown into the billows from whence yet he escaped rather by the permission of God then by the strength and addresse of his swimming it being the pleasure of the Almighty that he should not at that time miscarry That afterwards he fell in love with Florelle Queen of Canabea who died the same day that he left her And that the great Giant Exceladus opened her womb to take out the child whereof she was ready to be delivered being gone nine months and above of her time which after he had wrapped up in a virgin parchment he carried away with him and in brief all the rest that is particularized in the 97. Chapter of that Book But for that the History of that miraculous Infant is not as yet come to light at least only vented by an ignorant Translator I held it no lost labour to acquaint you with what I have found in an old fragment written by Alquif entituled the Orientall History of the Imperiall House of Greece which was found in Constantinople when it was taken by the French in the time of Baldwin of Flanders and afterwards brought into France by Geffrey de Ville Hardovin Marshall of Champaigne who compiled the history of that expedition the rather for that the sequell of my discourse doth not permit me to passe by his name and acts in silence This Infant then as you have known was called Fulgoran by reason of a little blaze which being cut out of his mothers belly appeared upon his breast and brought up with all maner of care by that Magician Giant who found by his art that he would be infinitely valiant and one day do some great mischief to Christendome he daily instructed him in the handling of his arms and often enformed him of the honor that brave Knights had acquired to themselves to the end to render him ambitious of such glory and vertue by their example And in brief he had so trained up his youth that except the hate of the name of a Christian which he had deeply engraven in his soul he might boldly vaunt that he had framed a master piece of him As soon as he perceived that he was able to beare arms he made him a Cuirace of the colour of flaming fire a cask of the best temper in the world and a shield of so good proof as with that greatnesse of courage and ability of body which he knew him endued withal he might well believe that he was invincible These being all in a readines he took him one day aside and thus spâ—ke to him It is in my opinion time my sonne that you should begin to attempt the effecting those things which the destinies have promised unto you to the end you may not frustrate the hope that I have conceived of your valour You shall the refore this night watch the Arms that I will give you and prepare your self to depart to morrow for to seek the adventure of the world Be gentle and easily intreated to pardon patient in labour love your Religion and above all things take heed that conversing with Christians do not one day make you of another faith I shall have my share with you in the glory that you shall gain and shall be infinitely pleased if your praises may reach to the furthest end of the world This yong Prince who had naturally a disposition to goodnes with a courage nothing inferiour to his father promised the Giant with care to remember his instructions watcht his Arms was the next morning Knighted by the Giant and loth to lose time mounted on a hors that had not many fellows on the earth and departed the same day under the protection of his Gods Passing then along with an extream desire of meeting with some adventure worthy of his courage he spent three hours in crossing certain forrests withouâ— lighting upon any one of whom he might enquire where he was but at the end therof he entred into a great plain where under certain trees he saw an old man sitting who rising up with incredible nimblenes thus saluted him Gentle Prince I have ever since morning waited heer for you to discover unto you a secret that much imports you You beleeve that Enceladus is your father because he hath hitherto had the education of you but from hencefoorth be not any more of that opinion for you are sonne to one of the bravest and greatest Princes in the World and whom you shall never know but with an extream hazard of your life For the rest remember the good counsell your foster Father gave you I mean be liberall curteous patient in adversity easily intreated to forgive and ready to relieve those that are distressed But do not follow his advice of never being an enemy to the Religion which you now professe The time shall come wherin you shall feel so much delight in another that is better and more conducing to your happines then this is that you will quickly find how much my counsel is more profitable for you then his You are amazed to hear me talk to you in this maner and it may be will make little account of what I speak because you know me not but you will one day see how much my meeting with you at this time did concern you Follow now the way you are in since the destinies have put you into it and be assured that in the greatest danger I will not be far from you as well for your own merit as for the affection which Iow to the vertue of your Father This said he vanished out
had not hitherto permitted him to ask Wherupon calling for pen and inck he wrot these lines to discover his love unto her not being confident enough to do it by word of mouth Fulgorans Letter to his Lady the faire Clairangia Madam I Beleeve you will think me very rash in acquainting you thus with my thoughts but when you shall consider your own power and my weaknesse without question you will hold me excused and say that I have reason being sick to seek for recovery which is in your hands and the content of my life depends upon your favour Do not I beseech you refuse it to the passion of a lover who never knew what it was to sigh but for you nor desires any greater felicity in the world then the honour of your service Your eies in which shines so much beauty promise me no lesse make not them then the authors of my despair as they have been of my captivity but let your sense of my suffering give me ease to blesse my good fortune so shall you put new life into my courage and my arms shall make all the earth to know that it is your beauty alone which deserves to command the burning Knight who doth not wish a condition more eminent then to be Your Servant This Letter being by the means of Silesia the trusty secretary of her privatest thoughts cunningly conveied into Clairangiaes hands was read with some perturbation but unresolved as yet to declare her self she returned no answer unto it leaving the burning Knight in such disquiet as his humor before so pleasing and sociable became altogether untractable he was seldome seen in the Court little in his chamber but commonly in the woods and unfrequented places where he entertained himself with the sad consideration of his miserable estate in which being denied the happinesse of knowing his parents he was now also refused the enjoying the first thing that ever he had loved Unfortunate Knight said he what dost thou now dream of or what canst thou think of that gives thee not occasion to complain Thou canst not be happy only because thou art not worthy of so much glory Retire then in time and rather blame thy boldnesse then the cruelty of thy Mistris she is not guilty of thy misery it is thy destiny that thou must accuse for it But alas what counsell is this thou harknest unto Is it likely that thou canst leave her and love her so dearly Thou must either die or vanquish this hard heart of hers women do not so easily yield themselves they will be entreated and do often times feign themselves cruell to trie our constancy If thou shouldst possesse her without pain her caresses would not be so sweet nor thy contentment so compleat Wherefore thou must not be weary of serving her since the recompence well deserves thy labour This Knight thus losing himself in his meditations made all the Court to wonder at this change of his The King was much troubled with it as admiring his vertue but Clairangia much more For knowing that she only was the cause therof she participated with him in her grief and suffering which much amazed Silesia who not approoving this reservednesse of hers did one day thus speak to her I wonder at you Madam and cannot imagine why you afflict your self in this maner when you may live contented You love Fulgoran he adores you and you have often told me that you would not be ingratefull to the good offices he hath done you His valour beauty love and the infinite respect that he serves you withall fill you full of desire why then do you not seek for the accomplishment therof and to what end is this modesty seeing it is so troublesome unto you Madam it is not well done you tyrannize your life to no purpose occasions are to be laid hold on when they present themselves This Knight hath too many perfections to be despised open your arms to him since he offers himself to you and as he hath not been spâ—ring of his bloud for your preservation deny him not your favour for the conservation of his life which cannot be long if you continue this course with him his death could be no pleasure to you but condemning your rigour you would say that you had committed an irreparable fault Ah! how dangerous it is to meet with one that will push us on when we have our foot upon the precipice Clairangia whom the respect of her greatnesse and the consideration of a husband did as yet contain beleeving that her weaknesse might be somwhat warranted by Silesiaes reasons soon yielding up her self promised this wench no longer to reject Fulgoran and permitted her to tell him that she would the next day go to Celâ—bana a house of pleasure that she had some three leagues from thence where she thought she might have more liberty to confer her favours on him then amongst a thousand observers which are ordinarily in Court This office Silesia willingly undertook for as soon as she had her commission she past three or fowre times before Fulgorans chamber door till she found an opportunity of meeting him to let him know how all things were disposed for his content how her Mistrisse desired to see him at Celibana that there she might give some asswagement to his sorrows and that he was happy if he could manage his fortune with discretion This advertisement made him to change his countenance as the fear of being ill used had altered his humour he became more jolly then he had been in a good while before and at last went to bed with lesse unquietnesse then before CHAP. X. The Queen Clairangia going to Celibana is twice surprised and rescued by Fulgoran THE Queen departing with the Kings consent under the guard of the Earl of Clina and twenty Knights Fulgoran who had not forgotten Silesiaes directions went out armed as he was accustomed to do and seeming to be caried by his ordinary fancies followed a way a little wide of that which the Queen with her train had taken meditating upon the good fortune he was to have in finding his Lady more gentle then she used to be to him She on the other side went with no lesse contentment thinking on the caresses she was to receive from a lover of such perfections But her joy was quickly turned into sorrow for she espied a Giant comming out of the wood of a goodly proportion and not of any monstrous greatnesse but every way so handsome that notwithstanding the trouble she was in by the appearance of such an object yet took she some pleasure in beholding his gallant demeanour howbeit considering that such kind of persons are for the most part cruell and uncurteous she began to say O ye Gods how much I doubt the meeting with this great Knight and I am much afraid that the death of our enemies will be revenged by this incounter Sister we are unfortunate and can expect nothing from
captivity and alwaies blesse thy enterprises The Princesse being thus resolved for death expected but the next day which came on with much contentment to the Count of Clina who believing that he should not find any opposit caused himself to be armed with rich arms and mounted upon a mighty horse came into the field with such arrogance as there was not one of the assistants that did not curse him in his heart seeing with what boldnes he marched in the midst of his three Giants as soon as he was entred the field the Queen was sent for but she not expecting any help would have gone straight to the place of execution and not to the lists but in that instant the Giant Grandimore presented himself to her armd at all pieces to desire her leave that he might undertake the combat for her Madam said he it is with much grief that I see your fair eies drenched in tears and that the Knights of your Court are so base as not to assist you in this necessity I am the Knight Ardants friend and will with his quarrell which now is in dispute maintain against your enemies that you are innocent of the crime is imputed unto you be pleased then to give me power so to do and distrust not the mercy of the Gods who never leave the afflicted in their miseries These couragious words giving Clairangia some hope she replied in this maner Vertuous Knight this good will of yours to me doth so oblige me as I am most willing to put all my right into your hands you go alone to fight with fowr redoubted enemies nevertheles I hope you will be victorious For they are traitors and the Godâ— will fight on my side giving you as much courage as they have malice But let us know with what conditions this combat is to begin Then calling for the Iudges she sent to the King to beseech him that Grandimore might be permitted to encounter his enemies one by one and not altogether since the lawes of Chivalry did not permit a combat upon advantage wherunto the King answered that the busines was not in his power to dispose of but depended wholly upon the pleasure of his adversaries howbeit he would no way hinder him from being seconded by any Knight that should happen to arrive whilest the combat lasted Since it is in the choice of our enemies said Grandimore incensed with this answer let us Madam go and see if there be more curtesie in them then in the King wherupon entring within the lists he set himself just against the Count of Clina and his Giants one of whom desired the first course remonstrating to his companions that it were a basenes for fowr of them to join in the defeature of one single Knight But the Count of Clina would none of that knowing the abilities of Grandimore and the importance of the victory Those which are wicked said he desiring to cloke his malice with some shew of reason do not deserve to be intreated like persons of honour we therfore may lawfully make use of our fortune that is presented unto us Saying so he furiously elapt spurs to his horse and the others by his example did the like But Grandimore disdaining the Count directed his lance against one of the Giants and that so luckily as he ran him clean thorow laying him upon the ground yet being unable to sit the shock of fowr lances which had at one and the same instant incountred him he was unhorsed spite of his heart and fell with a slight wound in his arm nevertheles being more active then the greatnes of his body did seem to permit he very lightly got up and was remounted on his horse by that time the others had ended their course Having then no feeling of his hurt he couragiously drew out his sword wherwith he gave the Count such a blow as cutting his arm sheer off he sent him without sence to the ground That done he made head to the Giants who battered him more rudely then he desired and began one of the cruellest fights in the world sometimes striking sometimes foining and then again with an admirable dexterity avoiding their blows In brief he so carried himself that it was not perceived to whom the victory did incline when as the first Giant whom he had overthrown then having recovered his spirits came to charge him with strange fury his coming in making him dispair of his life he graspt his sword fast in his hand and determining to sell his skin as dear as he could he let it fall with such rage upon him that first came within his distance as he gave him a dangerous wound in his head And not therwith satisfied he was raising his sword again to dispatch him but at that very instant he received two such blows one on the head and the other on the arm that letting his sword fall he remained in his saddle deprived of all sence his horse carrying him about the field so as the Giants could not come to fasten the least blow upon him Things being at this passe every one accounted the victory sure for the Count of Clina who now began to move when as a damsell was seen to enter the field accompanied with a Knight who understanding the state of the combat and the conditions whereunto it was begun approached to the Giants that pursued Grandimore and charged them in such sort as they were glad to turn head to defend themselves Grandimore coming to himself then at the noise of their blows was as much astonished to see himself brought to that estate as pleased with that assistance wherof meaning to make use he took hold of his sword that hung at his arm and renewed the combat with so much fury as every body wondred at the courage he shewed in this fight which having indured about an howr without advantage was ready to end with the death of Grandimore and his fellow if in the instant there had not appeared in the field a Knight in azur'd armor powdred with little starrs of gold so brave and carrying himself so handsomly in his seat that every body was delighted with the view of him his coming in was pleasing to all the spectators for as soon as he was entred the lists and that falling to work they saw him light upon one of the Giants with a blow that divided his helmet and head in two pieces they all presently assured themselves that the victory would fall on the Queens side who then began to hope well and attentively beholding him she believed that it was her Fulgoran whom she had so long wished for The more she eied him and considered the force of his blows the more she setled her self in that opinion But he that obserued her alteration immediately imagined that she knew him which did so fire his courage as not enduring that two men alone should so long dispute with him the honour of a combat upon the successe wherof depended
he discovered his intention freely to him and so well they agreed together that an howre before day they went out of their trenches not acquainting any man with their purpose Fulgoran in his blacke which he had not put on since the warre began and Prigmaleon in azure armes Then taking a way some three leagues about they came to the North gate where all the Christian forces were intrenched and sent to let the Greeke Princes know that two stranger Knights having heard talke of the fountaine of Lovers did entreat they might bee permitted to trie their fortune Their desire said Florizel seems so just that I cannot refuse them were I sure they were our enemies Let them enter then when they please The Pagan Princes having received this answer went on to the Palace Court where seeing two Knights ready to begin the triall they staid to behold the issue of it and tying their horses to the railes they made themselves ready to second those Knights that were going to fight if they sped not well And turning toward the fountain they perceived the two inchanted Knights arm from underneath the arches who began one of the most furious combats that ever had been seen for they charged one another with such violence as all the assistants were amazed at it and extreamly wondered to see with what activity all four of them avoided their adversaries blows the longer they sought the lustier and more able they seemed to be and all the Grecian Princes said they had never seen a braver combat having then continued in that sort above two hours and a half the two assailants resolving either to conquer or die took their swords in both their hands but their enemies no lesse enraged at the refistance they found in them and transported with the same fury delivered two such terrible blows on their heads as they laid them on the pavement to the extream grief of all the spectatours that thought they were dead especially the Kings of Lidia and the Fortunate Island who when their heads were disarmed saw that they were their dear wives the fair Savagesse and the King of Nyegerâ— his valiant sister who desiring to be concealed had taken unknown â—rms hoping to carry the honour of the businesse yet was their sorrow somewhat mitigated when they perceived them to breathe and by and by heard them say that they ailed nothing but onely that their heads were somewhat dizzâ—e howbeit not satisfied therewith they presently went to arm themselves resolving to be revenged for their wives or serve likewise for a triumph to the inchanted Knights but Fulgoran and Prigmaleon being in a readinesse as I told you straightway advanced and saved them that labour as you shall see in the next Chapter CHAP. XXXV The end of the adventure and Fulgoran known THE griefe which was conceived for the misfortune of these two warlike Queenes being as soone past as their harme the Kings and those beauteous Princesses returned to the windowes being informed that the strange Knights advanced against whom they presently saw the enchanted Knights come foorth in the same gallant maner as before and begin one of the terriblest combats that ever the world had beheld being maintained with so much courage and judgement as Florizel who had never seene a braver fight went downe into the Court that hee might better observe all that past Their blows were delivered with a wonderfull force and joining grace and skill to their strength they â—ad the eyes of all the beholders fastned unto them Prigmaleon and Fulgoran who saw themselves before the Princes of Greece so glorious for an infinity of brave deeds which they had performed forgot nothing of what they were able to doe but they were opposed by such mighty enemies as they durst not so much as hope which so set them on fire that in stead of growing weary their swords fell still with more violence then at the first The inchanted Knights behaved themselves so bravely and delivered their blowes with such fury that every one expected no other end of that fight but by the death of them all Fowr howrs being spent in this sort without any shew made by these Knights of taking any breath the place was strewed with their armes the bloud ran down their sides millions of sparkles flew about their eares and their swords descended alwayes with such violence as their lives seemd to depend on every stroake Entreating one another thus sometimes in hope of victory and then againe in fear of death or infamy two howrs more being past away and yet no advantage to be discerned between them which putting them into an excesse of impatience and rage they all fowr quitted their swords and closing with one another they began a very dangerous wrastling but skill no more availing then force by a common generall consent they let go their hold and renewed their combat wherein they bestowed yet two howres more which rendred Fulgoran so mad that desiring rather to die then not to vanquish he clasped his sword fast in his hand and laid it with such rage on his enemies helmet as having made it to flie from his head the blade brake in seven or eight peeces The enchanted Knight being thus discovered and withall known to be the excellent Emperour of Persia Don Rogel was so exceedingly vexed to see himselfe made so to stagger two or three steps back by the violence of that blow that he discharged on his adversary with such fury as he forced him to set one foot to the ground and going to redouble upon him Fulgoran suddenly getting up nimbly avoided that mortall stroke and finding himselfe disfurnisht of a sword he instantly laid hold on that which hung upon the Arch and drew it out with ease at the same time as Don Rogel finding his head also disarmed and his enemy provided of new Armes tooke the helmet which was fastened to the other Arch and quickly covered his head with it Thereupon both of them going to renew their combat a mighty clap of thunder was presently heard wherewith all the four Knights fell to the ground and were straight way covered with a thicke mâ—st Out of which a little after came a reverend old man with a beard reaching downe to his girdle marching between two women with such a majesty as amazed all the standers by Florisel who observed him and knew the two women to be Vrganda the unknowne and the faire Cassandra her daughter arose from his chaire seeing they drew toward him and opened his Armes to embrace them but the old man bending himselfe to the ground said Most excellent Prince you should have some reason to shew that you are pleased with my comming if you knew how far my desire extends to do you service but not having hitherto given you much notice of it I will acknowledge the favours you now do me do proceed meerly from your courtesie not having any way deserved them And if I present my selfe before you
call me ingratefull The service that I will do you with my arms shall make amends for this default in the mean time if you have a minde to tarry heere I will remove further that I may not trouble your repose Thus it is said shee in choler that poore spirits use to excuse themselves Sleep since you care more for a nap then you do for my life The Gods who are alwaies just will one time or other revenge your despising of me and make you thorowly feel the pain that I suffer by your ingratitude Saying so she withdrew under another tree with extream discontent leaving Prigmaleon in no lesse disquiet of mind for remembring his Polixena from whom he durst not assure himselfe a better entertainment then now he had given that amorous damsell he never could shut his eies and in that trouble he continued till the sun being risen made him get to horse where entring into a forrest that befell him which shall be deliverd to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XLI Prigmaleon meets with Melina she gives him an account of Griolanis his fortunes with the issue of the combat between him and the Knight of the Savage PRigmaleon travelling in the forrest under the shadow of the trees entertained himselfe with his ordinary fancies and thought of nothing lesse then the damsell which still followed him though it were with much discontent and ashamed for having been so refused when as on the sudden he heard the voice of a person who seemed to be much afflicted Those laments comming to his ear put him out of his musing and made him presently goe to a bush from whence the noise did come where at the foot of it he saw a Lady that holding a ponyard in her hand spake these words Melina it is time for thee to die since thy Knight is lost for thy dayes would be but anguish and every thought of him an insupportable torture when thou shalt remember that thou wert the cause of his death by putting him upon a busines which could no way conduce to thy content It had beene much better done to have kept him still in thy house amidst a thousand pleasures then to carry him abroad to the hazard of his life But since this mischief is not to be remedied thy desire to accompany him must be without fear neither must thou shrinke from death to follow him Lifting up then her hands she was ready to strike the dagger into her bosome if Prigmaleon who perceived her intent and therefore was lighted from his horse had not suddenly laid hold of her and remonstrated that despair was a greater offence then that for which she so much sorrowed Stay Madam said he stay your hand I beseech you and do not in this sort run headlong to perdition The shortest follies are the best and when you have well considered that the shedding of your bloud will not restore him to life whose death you lament you will without doubt preserve it and beleeve that it were better to appease his ghost with some other kind of duty then to incense the Gods with a new murther Alas answered she looking upon him if you knew the occasion I have to desire to die you would not now divert me from this designe I do not doubt said he but the cause of your grief is very important but yet I say that it ought not to transport you from your reason and if you could give your self some relaxation in imparting it to me you should doe much for my satisfaction and perhaps not a little for the ease of your mind I am content to do it answered she letting the poniard go but it shall be upon condition that you shall leave me at liberty to do what I please if you find the occasions that I have to be just Prigmaleon having promised her not to crosse her will provided hee might do it with reason she sat down upon the grasse and thus began her discourse Walking one evening in a wood neere the house in which I am ordinarily resident I met a Knight who being strayed out of his way did so curteously entreat me to grant him lodging for that night as beside the law of charity which doth bind us not to refuse our helpe to those that doe need it I felt my self also forced by the fair language and by the grace that he used in his request to give him my hand and to lead him to my house assuring him that there he should receive the best entertainmenâ—â—hat I could possibly give him As soon as we were come there and that by the light of the torches I had seen his face I found him so lovely and all hâ—â— actions so pleased me that not to dissemble I could not keep my self from falling in love with him I then made him to be served at the Table and sometimes serving him my self with the strength of my affection I so obliged him to my curtesie that assuredly hee did beare mee some good will which infinitely rejoiced me but fearing to lose him as soon as I had gotten him my contentment was thereby much weakened To remedy that doubt I resolved to arrest him with my caresses I mean to give my selfe wholly to him without any reservation at all Taking him then by the hand after he had supped I went and fate down with him upon the beds feet besought him to tell me his name his quality and passing from those ordinary tearms to those of love I made an ostentation not of my bounty for of that his eyes could be judge but of my birth and quality eminent enough for the ambition of any Knight that were not a Prince the conveniencies that I was Mistrisse of my estate my humour not unpleasing and briefly all that came in my head and which I beleeved might serve to make him to affect me but fearing all these charmes would not be able to stay him I entreated him to grant me one favour which I intended to desire of him The entertainment said he which I have heer received from you doth not permit me to be ingratefull in refusing you Madam you shall have of me all that you please to command As for the first point of your desire I will tell you freely that I am called Griolanis born in Macedon of parents unto whom fortune truly hath done wrong in not conferring scepters on them for a recompence of their vertue I travell thorow the world to purchase glory and raise my ambition beyond the limits of my birth and should reckon my self most happy if I might deserve the greatnesse of your fortune in possessing of you but not thinking it fit to aim so high before my valour hath made me worthy of so great a favour I will put off the further treating thereof till some other time and in the mean while beseech you to let me freely know what you desire of me To have you maintain a justs in favour of me answered I exceedingly
rests nothing but the consideration of our persons wherof you may be judge So finishing this discourse they both kneeled down before Miralinda who kindly turning to Don Clarisel smiled and said unto him Shepherd I will not make the Oracle a liar I will presently heal these sick Lovers but know you how my friends By commanding you both never to appear again before me nor hope that ever I will love you O cruell said he that had not yet spoken you heal us indeed but alas it is with extream remedies for our love not permitting us to disobey you we will retire our selves for to die instantly Saying thus they rose up and taking severall paths went away and were never seen more at Bellombre These shepherds being dispatched in this maner Miralinda sate down again in the shadow and began to talk with Celidon that was come to the Elms to seek her out for to complain of her rigor when she perceived two armed men making directly to her the sight of them much amazing her she cast her eies upon Don Clarisel who remembring his dream presently laid hold of a great bat that lay on the bank of the river and approaching to his shepherdesse told her that it was expedient for her to turn back to Bellombre Miralinda very much troubled was running away but the two Knights comming in the one intercepted her passage whilest the other taking her by the arm would have set her upon his horse nevertheles she resisted and cried out for help which put Clarisel into such a rage that advancing his bat he discharged it so strongly on him which held his shepherdesse that he overthrew him dead to the ground This greatly animating him he instantly seazed on the dead Knights sword ran after the other cut off one of his arms and with the second blow cleaving his head in twain he thought that he had freed his shepherdesse when he discerned six other Knights come galloping towards him from whom he could expect nothing but death I must said he then make use of new counsell upon new occasions if I expose my self to the fury of these traitors which are comming Miralinda would be lost and my death would but add to her sorrow I will therefore preserve my self if I can for to succor her to some purpose and not rashly Wherupon taking his course towards Bellombre he entred speedily into his lodging suddenly armed himself mounted upon his horse which he found ready and getting out of the back gate he galloped after these villains who this while had forcibly conveied away Miralinda and were â—led as fast as their horses could run Clarisel sollowed them close and carried with extream rage thought of nothing save how to catch them but his ill fortune making him take somewhat a different way he was six howrs before he could overtake them and questionles he had never met with them if being in the midst of the wood he had not resolved to stand still a little for to listen if he could hear any noise they might make letting his horse then take a little breath though it were with much impatience he remained a pretty while with very great attention but hearing the wood resound with the violence of some blows which seemed to be stricken upon armor he spurred away through the trees and came into a great way in the midst whereof he saw a Knight that was valiantly combatting with fowr of those whom he sought By heaven said he you rakehels ye shall pay deerly for it now I have met with you so drawing his sword he smot one of them with such fury on the helmet that he clove him to the very shoulders and instantly redoubling a back blow on another he cut his armor as if it had been single paper and divided his body in twain therewith giving another a thrust in the belly he ran him quite through the guts sending him dead to the other two Not satified with this execution he raised his sword again to have dispatched the fourth when as the Knight intreated him to leave him that small part of the glory and follow a shepherdesse which three other theeves had carried away At this word of shepherdesse he turned about and keeping the same way as fast as his horse could carry him within half an howr he perceived his fair mistris in the arms of a Knight who seemed invincible amidst two others which so enraged him that with the first blow he sent the sword and arm of one of them to the ground and fearing to strike the other because he held Miralinda he discharged upon the crupper of his horse which he cut in two peeces by that means staying him the third seeing so sudden an execution slunk presently into the wood to avoid pursuing but Clarisel who thought of nothing but his shepherdesse alighted instantly and approaching to the Knight that having left Miralinda had drawn his sword for to defend himself he discharged so terrible a blow upon his head that his brains flying about he tumbled dead in the place This done he looked round about to see if there were any more enemies to fight withall but no body appearing before him save Miralinda who seemed more dead then alive he went presently unto her and lifting up his bever that she might know him he said unto her What sâ—y you now my beauteous shepherdesse to dreams Without doubt we had been lost if I had not thought upon my arms but thanks be to God we are now out of danger I my Lord said she imbracing him as it were the better to assure her self I have no cause to fear now that I am so neer you and that you know so well how to chastise those that offend you but alas you are to fight yet for the half of our enemies are behind I think said Clarisel they will never trouble you more for they have beaten the way to their Captain and having encountred them first I cut them first in peeces one thing only grieves me that I do not know the author of this villany The author said she was Cesander he that held me and that was the last which past by the edge of your sword This wretch made me suffer strangely for all his discourse was nothing but reproaches of my ingratitude and threâ—â—ning to be revenged at leasure of my neglect of him and giving you the better part of my heart As I live said Clarisel I am wonderfull glad that he is in the case I behold him more for to see you freed from his importunities then for any fear I had that he could ever have obtained place in your favour for you have too much judgement to love a man so ill disposed but let us leave of this discourse and think of getting out of this wood that we be not nighted in it at leastwise we will go and render the thanks which we ow to the assistance of a good Knight whom we shall find hard by
I know wherefore I am said he Mascarin the amorous that sirname will I assume for the love of this Shepherdesse otherwise called the little Favourite because my Master the Count d' Aglas respecting me above all his other servants imparts his secrets to me and imploies me in matters of consequence will you have a testimony of it Why I come now by his commandment from a very fair Gentlewoman whom he loves passionately having thought none worthy of this charge but my self By my faith said Clarisel these are qualities very eminent indeed but yet my friend you must seek out greater if you mean to enjoy this Shepherdesse her beauty renders her glorious and raises her thoughts to desire a Knight that is excellent in arms for to match with her I am one my self howbeit without hope and my want of merit obligeth her to deny me that which she ows to my affection Are you a Knight said Masâ—arin Never take me for an honest manif I be not so ere long wherefore prepare your self to just with me for I like not a rivall of so handsome a presence as yours and your death shall free my suit of all competition Saying so he bowed himself below the pommell of his saddle for his chin was but a little above it in that manner doing obey sance to Miralinda and leaving them almost burst with laughter he past on with more love then body or good grace Being strucken then to the heart he made incredible haste and the same day came to his Master before whom he kneeled down and in stead of giving him an account of his journey he said unto him My Lord if the consideration of my services have begotten a will in you to give me some recompence do not refuse me one boon which I will demand of you for the good news I bring you His Master that saw him so earnest was somewhat amazed at his speech but desirous to know the businesse he promised him all that he would require You shall make me Knight then said he within these four or five dayes and bestowing arms on me answerable to the proportion of my body leave me power to obtain a Mistris I will not say the fairest she pherdesse but the rarest woman on the earth I have already placed her in my heart and there is nothing wanting to the absolute possession of her but the courage to defeat an audacious Shepherd that follows her and brags he is a Knight for my part the overthrow of most horrible Gâ—ants were possible for me out of the new power infused into me by the vertue of this beauty so that I am most assured very easily to vanquish this rivall and to see my self shortly the happiest man of the world The Count not being able to forbear laughing at his Favourites pâ—ssion said unto him Thou hast talkt enough of thine owne love Mascarin but thou sayest nothing to me of my Lady Marvell not at that answered he I am so taken with this Shepherdesse that I can think of nothing else yet it is fit that I should satisfie you touching your demand Your Mistris is wholly yours and as I may conclude by her carriage towards me there wants nothing but your presence to render you contented Would you have better news then this No said the Count for I am happy indeed if it be true Why do you doubt of my fidelâ—ty said Mascarin That I do not answered the Count for I finde that thy new passion doth not transport thee so as to make thee speak otherwise then thou shouldest You may build upon it said the Dwarf and do but take order that I may be furnished with arms upon my life I le lodge you in your Mistrisses bed assoon as you have made me Knight This discourse being past not without a world of laughter the Dwarf retired himself in expectation of the next morning which was no sooner come but he so prest his Lord that he sent him to the next town caused light arms to be made fit for him who having put them on with such Ceremonies as his Master had devised for to make himself sport stood upon such puntillioes as if he would have made all the world to fall by the edge of his sword I will see now said he taking a lance greater then himself whether this Shepherd dare affront me or be my rivall and let me not live if I do not overthrow him at the first encounter wherefore my good Lord said he to his Master give me leave to commence my knighthood with the most glorious conquest of the earth I will not hinder thee said the Count who took wonderfull delight in his humour but I foresee that thou wilt catch a fall No no said he couragiously getting up on his horse the prize will animate my forces therewith setting spurs to an old jade upon the which he was mounted away he went to Bellombre with all the speed he could and came thither just at such time as Miralinda and Clarisel sitting under the shadow of those lofty firretrees were singing an air upon the happy incounter of their loves By heaven said he addressing his speech to Don Clarisel and shaking a lance which might be of the length of an ell in stead of singing thou hadst need begin the lamentations of thy death or else resolve never to love my Shepherdesse more O me said Clarisel laughing in good earnest with Miralinda to behold the equipage of this piece of man what new Knight have we here and with what a grace does he manage a lance Shepherd answered he in a mighty rage it is no time to jeer I mean to be the death of thee wherefore betake thee to thy arms and then thou shalt see that though my body be lesse my courage is greater then thine Why doest thou think that I shall need arms to vanquish thee said Clarisel I arms said Mascarin for I would be loth to fight with thee upon advantage but if thou wilt make thy self unworthy of the favour which I offer I le soon rid the world of thee Wherewithall he charged his lance set spurs to his horse and ran against Clarisel who taking wonderfull delight in this sport stept aside and with a little rap of his sheephook tumbled him so prettily out of his saddle that Miralinda thought she should have killed her self with laughing Now art thou my prisoner said Clarisel taking him by the collar and therefore yeeld me up the Shepherdesse or resolve to die That were against reason answered the Dwarf for thou camest behinde me and didst not vanquish me fairly Well said Clarisel wilt thou run once morethen and quit thy pretensions if thou art overthrown I by my knighthood said he and will never crosse thee more if I chance to be so unhappy as to tumble once again So mounting on his horse he charged his little lance and ran very couragiously against Clarisel but receiving another rap on his head with the
me never to forget your noble carriage to me and furnishing me with occasion to commend you you will make me desire to return to serve you after I have crowned my self with a million of laurells Alas said Melania I feared nothing in the world so much as this discourse the doubt whereof hath many times interrupted the pleasure I took in you What do you think will become of me for can I live without a soul Ah no dear heart I cannot your departure will procure my death as your coming prevented it Neverthelesse I cannot blame you your reasons appear most just unto me and though my love cannot allow of them yet I must needs confesse that you ought to live for glory and not for pleasure Why will not you then said Alcidamant suffer a little since it is for my good My weaknesse answered she will not permit me so to do howbeit seeing reason commands I will resolve my self for it Go then when you please I will seek for consolation in my patience in the praises which I shall hear published of you and most of all in the promise you have made me to return hither again another day But alas I fear and with reason that your merits which make you so lovely will furnish you with as many Mistrisses as you shall meet with fair women and that you will utterly forget me Madam said Alcidamant kissing her very amorously you are then troubled to no purpose your beauty may well assure you against this fear and the knowledge of my disposition will keep you from beleeving that ever I can be so far ingratefull If I am much indebted to the favour you have done me I must add to that account as none of the least this last resolution of yours wherein I find as much love as courage and from thence draw upon my self most powerfull obligations to make me despise all kind of objects for your sake Accompanying these words then with a world of kindnes he somewhat pacified the grief of this poor afflicted creature but her sorrows renewed when she saw her self alone in bed and that she considered how her Lover was arming himself to be gone whereupon not enduring the place and desiring to enjoy the sight of him as long as possible might be she presently got forth covered only with a little cloak and went to the chamber where our Knight was and would once again have bid him adieu howbeit not able to speak but with sighs she let him go to horse somwhat pleased yet in her displeasure to have seen a few tears on his cheeks as assured testimonies of his grief so to leave her and returned to her bed where the memory of the pleasures she had there formerly enjoied refreshing her torment she continued a long time weeping whilest Alcidamant followed his good fortune This generous warrior being alone was no doubt very sensible of the sorow he had left at Maran but on the other side it gladded him asmuch that he was at liberty and bethinking him of the time which he had unprofitably spent it vexed him to see how little he had done in the commencement of his chivalry neverthelesse he comforted himself with the resolution to do such deeds of arms as should deface this fault and give occasion to all the world to talk of him Travelling then with this intention he bestowed all the rest of the day without meeting of any adventure and at night took up his lodging in a village where being at supper a yong Squire came in and with a very sad countenance desired entertainment As God help me seid he moved with pity to behold him your affliction displeases me and if you will acquaint me with the cause of it I will gladly indevour to assist you if you have need of my succour Sir said the Squire your good will doth much oblige me but alas it brings me not the satisfaction I desire and which I cannot hope for but from heaven If I be greeved it is with a great deal of reason for having to day lost my master one of the best Knights in the world I can never look for any contentment heerafter By what misfortune did you lose him said Alcidamant Through the treason of a wicked villain answered the Squire who causes a bridge to be guarded some three leaues hence for to surprise a Knight from whom it seems he hath received some displeasure but others that come there are not exempted from his trechery for assoon as ever any one is advanced upon the bridge he makes the barrier by which he entred to be shut upon him and straightway he is opposed by fowr strong Knights who stop him from passing on till such time as another that I assure you is very valiant and couragious comes and joins with them to combat him if he will not render up his arms My Master unluckily arriving there went in boldly never dreaming of any such matter but he had not made twenty steps when the Knight of whom I last mentioned came against him threatned him with present death if he would not yeeld himself to prison What do you talk of death and prison to me answered my Master By my life you shall not triumph so easily of me and as long as I am able to weild a sword no man living shall command my liberty Saying so my Master having given me his lance because the Knight was without one couragiously drew his sword and not to use many words he began a fierce combat with him who behaved himself marvellous well both in defending and charging my Master that surpassing him in valour had brought him to an ill passe having already drawn bloud from divers parts of his body when as those that guarded the barrier advanced and having charged him altogether overthrew him from his horse manacled his hands and cast him into a dungeon with a resolution to plague him thorowly for the pain he had put them unto now because their meaning is not to take any but Knights they presently turned me out and told me that I was set at liberty in hope I would find our some valiant man or other for to deliver my Master out of their hands but they shall misse of their purpose for I will never make the misfortune greatâ—r by conducting any Knight thither unles it be the valorous Fulgoran of Canabea my Masters neer kinsman or in his absence the brave bastard of Media now judge Sir whither I have not great cause to complain That you have in good faith said Alcidamant and I much commend the affection which you carry to the service of that good Knight but me thinks you should not so afflict your self by despairing of his recovery seeing it may happen that he may be delivered and to oblige you thereunto I promise you so as you will conduct me to that bridge to trie my fortune there to morrow and save you the labour of going so far to seek relief Now
had of one of those Giants who switching them ever and anon with a wand said unto them with a terrible voice On on ye baggages or I will cut you in a thousand peeces These words and this action put Florimond into such a rage that immediatly he got into his lodging and finding his Squire by good fortune awake commanded him to saddle his horse with all expedition armed himself and never minding the Knight of the Palms who was fast asleep in an inner chamber mounted on his steed and straightway galloped after the Giants In the mean time Arnides having heard the noise was got forth to know the cause thereof where seeing Florimond depart in such haste and understanding part of this adventure by his Squire he suddenly returned in to Altidamantâ— chamber and pulling him by the arm for to awake him he said unto him Do you sleep Sir whilest others are upon brave emploiment For Gods sake arise and ride after Florimond who to succor certain damsels that are led away captive by three Giants hath put himself into a danger out of which he cannot escape unlesse he be generously assisted At these words Alcidamant leapt out of his bed and whilest Arnides was making ready his horses hastily armed himself vaulted into his saddle and spurred as hard as he could drive afâ—er Florimond who having made wonderfull speed had overtaken the Giants just as the Sun began to appear These three Colosses seeing themselves pursued but by one Knight alone fell a laughing outright and continued on their way as it were disdaining to draw their swords but one of them not able to endure this presumption turned him about and said unto the others This Woodcock will needs be taken in the net which we have not pitcht for him go you on I le soon give him his pâ—sport and be with you presently Wherupon drawing out his curtelax he attended Florimonds approach and seeing him come running at him with his lance in his rest he thought to have slipt aside and cut it in two howbeit he was not so quick but that he was surprized and encountred with such force as he was fain to recoil two or three steps back for to save himself from falling which put him into so great a fury that cursing his Gods he advanced to cleave him in twain But Florimond resolving to fight with judgement and not with passion lightly avoided the blow and letting it fall to no purpose gave his enemy so home a thrust under the left arm that it entred three fingers deep into his body When as the Giant beheld his armor all besmeared with bloud he was ready to burst with choler and rage and lifting up his heavy curtelax he laboured to let it descend on Florimond who knowing that death attended on that weapon somtimes leapt aside and somtimes slipt under his enemies arm so making it still to fall in vain This combat growing more cruell and furious through the force and dexterity of these warriors it continued so long till the incomparable Alcidamant came galloping to them who staying to behold the fight Florimonds Squire said unto him Alas Sir you see not the worst of the adventure in this combat two monsters like to this heer have carried away certain Ladies who are sure to be ravished by them without your assistance I will die said Alcidamant before that shal be and if their safety may depend on me no man els shall run the hazard of their deliverance but my self Heerwith he posted away and rode almost an howr without discovering that which he sought for wherupon beginning to fear lest he should fail of his enterprise in regard he was entring into a great and spacious forrest he heard the cries of a woman that sounded very brief amidst the silence of those woods turning then to that part whither the voice seemed to call him he approached to certain oaks under the which he saw a Giant that held five damsels bound with a cord and another more dreadfull then he who strove to violate a maid fair beyond excellence and which made those outcriâ—s he had heard By heaven said he aiming the point of his lance at this Giants throat I will be as good as thou art wicked this steell shall be the death of thee that art so base as to go about to ravish a woman that infinitely deserves to be served How now said this proud Giant darest thou offer to disturb me from enjoying a pleasure wherein I placed a sovereign happines By all my Gods I le teach thee better manners and respit thy death no longer then to the first blow I shall give thee whereupon drawing out his curtelax he thought to divide the Knight of the Palms in two peeces but he was turned aside to receive the encounter of the other who having tied those damsels to the foot of a tree ran furiously at him with his lance charged Their encounter was dangerous Alcidamant somwhat astonished had much ado to keep his saddle but he more fortunat past his lance quite through the body of his enemy who was overthrown dead in the place and that in good time for the first Giant arriving the mean while gave him so terrible a blow that it made his head bow to his saddle bowe great was the pain that he felt therby but raising up himself more furious then ever he had been in all his life he gave his enemy so dangerous a stroak on his shield that his arm being too weak to sustain the brunt of it carried it to his head with such violence that it made him knock his chin agâ—inst his breast and see a thousand stars more then ever he had beheld The Giant amâ—zed therewith advanced his heavy curtelax again but the Knight of the Palms not intending to abide the fury of it slipt aside and seeing that his choler made him to neglect the guarding of himself he discharged so mighty a blow on his left arm that it made way to the quick and gave him a great wound a little under the elbow Wherupon the Giant entring into extream rage would have closed with his enemy but the point of Alcidamants sword made another deep entrance into his body so that not able to get within him as he desired he had recourse again to his cimiter wherewith he laid about him more dangerously then before This while the damsell who had seen her self so neer to be ravished was got up and having unbound her companions was fallen on her knees heartily praying unto heaven to assist their Knight and beginning to be in some hope by the death of the first Giant and the bad estate whereinto the other was reduced she observed this valiant Knight of the Palms admired his addresse and force and comparing him to God Mars it begot a well willing in her towards him which by little and little converting into love made her wish him the victory that so she might be liable to a recompence
and the grasse all died with his bloud which made me admire the valour of this Knight who fought with an admirable grace and seemed to recover new forces with time nothing moved with the fury of his enemy who despairing of safety took his huge curtelâ—x in both his hands and let it descend with such violence upon the Knights shield that he made him recoil two or three steps back upon which advantage he approched to the damsell whom this brave warriors Squire had untied and who was then recounting unto me how she fell into that misfortune and at one stroke divided her head and body in two peeces the like he had done to me for to that end he had advanced his curtelax had I not by switching my Nag avoided the blow which light upon the buttocks of my horse who presently fell down dead Imagine I pray you what extremity I was in seeing my self on the ground truly I thought I should die no other death but the Knight of the Palms arriving therupon delivered me instantly from that fear for having taken his sword in both his hands he discharged it so furiously upon the Giants shoulder that he cleft him to the very wast This victory giving me no lesse content then it did him glory we rode on I being mounted on the damsels horse because mine was slain howbeit this valiant Knight having understood from me what I told you but now returned presently to the place of the combat caused that French damsell to be interred and committing the Giants head unto me desired me in recompence of the service he had done me by freeing me from the captivity of Ariston to come and present this head unto you and assure you that you shall never mâ—et with a Knight that is more at your commandment then himself I am discharged of my promise and now Sir there rests nothing but to know of you whether I may be able to serve you according to your greatnesse and the respect which I bear to that good Knight to whom I am tied in such powerfull obligations Your pains much oblige me answered Lucendus and no lesse am I indebted to the affection of that worthy Knight who hath delivered me from the danger of such an eaemy wherefore I wish he were heer that I might know him and render him that honour which is due to his vertue in the mean time if you see him let him know that whensoever I shall have the happinesse to encounter with him it shall well appear that I am sensible of curtesies And for your own particular think whether I am able to do any thing for you be confident that you shall not be denied What I most desire said the Damsell is the honour of your favour with the assurance whereof I humbly kisse your hands Saying so she made a low obeisance to all the Princes there present and departed leaving the Emperour with an extream desire to see this valiant Knight of the Palms and to know whether the effect did answer so many praises which this Damsell gave him CHAP. XXIV The marvellous acts done by the Knight of the Palms at his entrance into the Castle of Serpents from whence he delivers four young Princes of Greece with the excellent Amadis of Prebisond son to Amadis of Greece and Niquea inchanted in the monstrous Island ever since he was four months old WHilst Cilena was travelling on in her journey Alcidamanâ— having lost his way in a forrest rode extreamly discontented for that he had not followed the Damsell inchantresse but thinking that she knew well enough how to finde him out upon any occasion it did somewhat mitigate his displeasure Having then passed thorow the Empire of Greece he incountred upon a day with two Squires who with their tears giving testimony of much sorrow made him to draw neer unto them for to comfort them Questionlesse said he unto them you are not afflicted thus without some just cause but when you shall consider that your weeping is to no purpose you will then be appeased for to think on the remedies which shall be necessary for your misfortune Noble Sir said one of them you may judge our tears to be immoderate But alas We shall never be able to shed so many as may serve worthily to bewail both our own losse and that which the whole world hath received by being this day dâ—prived of four Knights which undoubtedly might boast themselves to be of the best on the face of the earth How came they by their ends said Alcidamant By the greatest treason that can be imagined answered the Squire and no man breathing could possibly avoid such a like mischance unlesse he had warning of it They went out all four out of Constantinople some three dayes since with a purpose to seek such adventures as may give reputation unto men and had the same day a dangerous combat with four other excellent Knights the honour whereof was so generously disputed that the night surprizing them they retired with equall advantage into a wood resolving to finish their battell the next morning assoon as they could see but having strange visions they arose all at one instant and taking their horses they followed the first way that they met withall which led them at length to a house about six miles hence where as they were going in at the intreaty of a wicked damsell who pretended to do them honour and service they fell into certain fosses from whence they cannot hope to be redeemed but by death Truly said Alcidamant though I hold the mishap of these Knights to be so great as to oblige you to bewail them yet you must labour their deliverance and not stand vainly complaining in this manner Go back I pray you and guide me for I will either die or succour them Now God vouchsafe to prosper so great a designe answered they falling on their knees before him and reward the good you intend to these Knights Come Sir we will most willingly conduct you but beware of those false bridges which overturn assoon as one sets a foot upon them lest you be overtaken as our Masters were I le take as good heed as I can said Alcidamant but in the mean time let us make haste lest the night prevent us in our enterprise Whereupon setting spurs to their horses they rode so fast that in an hour they discovered the Castle whereinto as the Knight was about to enter he heard one call to him looking therefore all about to see who it might be he perceived in the way that he came the damsell inchantresse who had brought him out of France whereof he was exceeding glad and turning about to meet her he said In good faith sweet heart your absence hath much troubled me but now I am well satisfied in this your return It is in good time for you said she for you are undertaking a most dangerous adventure which you cannot easily accomplish without my help shun the
great gate of the house as these Squires have advised you for otherwise all the world shall not be able to deliver you out of captivity enter in at a little wicket you see on the left hand leave the shield you bear and make use of this at my saddle bow be sure you part not from the same Ring which was given you when you fought the first combat for Melania yeeld not to the intreaty tears nor sighes of any woman whatsoever and above all things make much of the new sword which shall come to your hand for it is the best on the earth and without it you should never see an end to the adventures which are to befall you This said Alcidamant having curteously thanked the damsell took the shield which she gave him whereupon there was no figure presented and alighting from his horse with his sword in his hand he drew towards the wicket which he saw stood open when as a damsel issuing out of the Castle said unto him Knight whether run you so and why do you use your arms where you shall be gladly entertained with all respect Sheath up your sword for heer is none that means to oppose you and not to disaccommodate your self with stooping at the wicket take the way that leadeth to the great gate where you may enter at pleasure Yes no doubt said Alcidamant if I would make you sport with a leap I am too well informed of your villany and if you get you not packing the sooner I will quicly take your head from your shoulders to revenge an infinite number of good Knights which you have betrayed under colour of giving them fair entertainment What said she stepping in again do you threaten me in mine own house Come come my masters cut me this rascall in pieces and revenge me of his insolence Herewith Alcidamant being in the Castle yard heard a great noise and saw thirty armed men come forth who suddenly incompassed him about and endeavoured to smite him to the ground but this incomparable warrior nothing amazed set upon them so furiously that at three strokes he laid three of them stretch'd along upon the earth and pressing in amongst the rest he cut off the arm of one and the leg of another cleft the third to the teeth divided the body of the fourth in two pieces and made so great a slaughter that his very enemies wondered at it and came no more neer him but in fear which so incensed the Mistris of the house that opening an iron door she let forth two Serpents of twenty foot in length and twelve in heighth and of such an horrible shape that they would have daunted the most assured courage of the world These Monsters being at liberty began to run up and down the Court and meeting with those Knights crush'd some of them between their teeth and tore the rest with their claws In the mean time the Knight of the Palms who could hope for no better usage making towards one of them whilst the other was sucking the bloud of those he had slain by good fortune gave him such a thrust in the flank that he sheathed half of his sword within his body which made him so mad that lifting up his tail of ten foot in length he let it flie at the Knight with such violence that he laid him on the ground three strices off and opening his fearfull jaws was like to have swallowed him if retaining his judgement amidst the danger he had not thrust his sword into his throat wherewith he gave him a wound as great as the former and overthrew him dead in the place This blow coming in season the Knight got suddenly up and taking his good sword in hand again which the Serpent in the pangs of death had made him let go he ran presently towards the other and discharged so weighty a blow upon his head that he made him sink to the ground but the scales being hard the blade rebounded in the air as if he had struck upon an anvill with this the Serpent shewing his bloudy teeth came fiercely upon him and put him in such distresse that he was about half an hour shifting sometimes on the one side and then on the other to shun the fury of the beast but thinking that he must either die or instantly vanquish and remembering that he had not found the belly of the other so hard as the scales of this he thrust him into the flank with such fury that his guts came forth with the sword which put him into such a rage that making a number of horrible leaps he filled the air with a most dreadfull noise The Knight judging this to be the stroak of death withdrew aside to prevent further inconvenience and wiping his sword in the grasse thought to have rested himself when it came into his mind that glory is not to be acquired but in the finishing of an enterprise wherfore seeing a great pair of stairs he ran couragiously up and finding a door open entred into a great Hâ—ll where six furious Savages who seemed to uphold the building on their shoulders assaulted him with each of them a massie club in his hand It was then that he was most amazed not imagining that ever he should be able to overcome so many monsters at once but assuming new courage he opposed his left arm and his shield against the fury of some blows of the clubs which they discharged at his head and clasping his sword fast in his hand he gave the first so dangerous a stroak that he opened him even to thâ— very wast This happy blow reviving his forces he began to lay about him on all sides and bare himself so generously that in three howrs he put them all to the sword howbeit so wearied that if the night had not come to give him leave to breath a little he could not have passed on to undertake any further combat Remaining then somewhat amazed in the dark he stood leaning a while upon the pomell of his sword but hearing no stir in the Hall he sate him down upon the pavement where the pains he had taken would have invited him to sleep but thinking it not safe to rest in so dangerous a place he continued as a man that looks every minute to be assailed by his enemy Having been three howrs and more in this estate he beheld five or six damsels come in with each of them a torch in her hand whereof one which seemed to be Claristea said unto him How now dear heart can you be so neer me and never desire to see me truly I have great cause to complain of you and to say that all my caresses have been very ill imploid Pardon me Madam said he rising up Ignorance must excuse my fault for to tell you true I thought you to be rather in France then heer We have been taken said she by a Magician and are so restrained that we shall never get hence if
death and my self more particularly who had by this time lost my honour or my life if you had been lesse strong and valiant I am exceeding glad said Rozalmond that I have diverted so great a mischief But how fell you into it By my disdain of this traitors affections answered she whom I would never suffer to visit me being perswaded that so il-favoured loath some and vicious a man was uncapâ—ble of love and most unworthy the affection of a woman of my quality He was indeed said Rozalmond too ugly and you too fair to have any part in your good grace Wherefore I was resolved to die said she and would hâ—ve câ—st my sâ—lf out of the window headlong before he should havâ— satisfied his beastly appetite upon me for having been advertised that he had surprised my house I suddenly fled into these chambers upon the confidence of three doors fast locked barred upon me with a purpose neverthelesse if it came to the worft to break mine own neck and by an honourable death prevent the grief of enduring the approaches and violence of so mishapen a monster who hath met with the justice of the Gods in his crime and his defeat having rendered me mistris again of my house I assure you Sir that you may absolutely command it Whereupon taking him by the hand she led him into a goodly chamber where Artander having unarmed him she caused him to put on a rich cloak which became him so well that this Gentlewoman named Basiliana could not behold him without the feeling of a secret fire that began to consume her heart Good Gods said she to her self how happy were I if this gallant Knight would love me as much as Dramant did I should soon change my minde and would not forbid him to represent his passions unto me I must incourage him unto it then and by my carriage let him know that I will be more facile to his desires then I was to his whom he hath slain which I may do without shame for covering my boldnesse with the resentment I ow to his assistance I may make him beleeve that my caresses are without artifice and so carry him insensibly to crave some more particular favours This resolution seeming proper to her for her contentment and having presented him with confects she drew him to walk in the garden whilst preparation was made for supper and buriall for the dead bodies Seeing her self alone with him and in the liberty to speak she would fain have begun and discovered her thoughts but bashfulnesse stopt her wouth as often as she opened it for that purpose ever and anon she changed colour and remaining silent she left her eyes to perform that office whereby Rozalmond judged easily of her pain but remembering his Armazia and not permitting his heart to conceive a thought to the prejudice of his love he made as though he understood not the mysterie of so great a silence and entertained her with ordinary discourse wherewithall not being contented it made her at last resolve to break the ice and begin this language to him with a sigh I have reason to rejoyce at your arrivall in these parts whereby your valour hath preserved me but withall I am much afraid Sir that it hath drawn me out of one danger to plunge me into another far greater for loving you more passionately then the small time of my acquaintance with you will seem to permit and doubting to finde your affections ingaged to some happier beauty I can expect no other then a wretched death from the refusall you will make me of corresponding to my desires I have discovered this secret unto you being unable to conceal it not with an opinion that you will despise what is so freely offered you but to oâ—lige you to be acknowledging for it Weigh this well Sir for my life and death is in your hands and upon your answer depends all that I can hope for or fear in this world This discourse ending with tears whereby she thought to move him unto pity she would have fallen on her knees before him but Rozalmond not permitting it sâ—id unto her Madam the truth is your speech doth not only amaze but much perplexe me for knowing how far the power of love doth extend I would gladly both give you some reliefe and yet not offend against mine own duty but considering to what I am obliged I may not for many reasons satisfie your desire The first is that I am forbidden by the religion which I hold to love any other woman but her whom heaven hath lawfully legitimated me especially Idolaters as you are the second is that I am not permitted as a Knight to spoyle a woman of her honour after I have nobly preserved it since our order is chiefely instituted for the preservation of Ladyes the third and most important of all is that my heart being ingaged under the power of another that loves me I may not to please you deceive her unlesse I will become a disloyall traitor thus have I dealt as frely with you as you have done with me and letting you see what cause I have to deny you it must oblige you to clear me from all ingratitude the meeknesse of men I confesse is great but we are to doe all things with reason and never so to subject our selves as not to be our owne masters still What glory should I gaine by the succour I have given you if I should now undo you and what were you the better for escaping Dramants violence if under the colour of my services I should do you the like wrong Not a whit Madam nor could your beauty that might seeme to excuse me before the world leave me without blame before heaven I must be then more constant and you more generous to the end that the victory obtained over our own desires may settle a quiet peace in our consciences You have given me reasons answered she with a sad countenance which are but so many shifts for to excuse your self upon the difference of our religions is nothing men are generally borne for the satisfaction of one another and a single opinion ought not to be denied them in that point to say also that it were a dishonour for you to cast me away after you have saved me from shipwrack is but a poore obligation for it is not to ruine but to preserve what is frely given you that only that alone which you may insist upon is that you will not betray a Lady that truly loves you but thereunto likewise I answer how you shall do her no wrong in loving me at at this time since my intention is not to deprive her absolutely of the power which her merit hath assuredly given her over you neverthelesse I will not presse you further but leaving you to the liberty either of contenting me or making me to dye I will only beseech you to read in my eies that which I shall suffer in
reasons he rendred her fearlesse and her hope greater The time which he could stay with her being sweetly past away he retired to his chamber and slept two howrs at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high he arose armed himself with his rich armour wherein he seemed a Mars and going to take horse he was told that the forces of the Iland of Silvana amounting to six thousand choyce Knights were arrived New occasions said he then speaking to the Captains that followed him must have new resolutions this supply comes very opportunely and not to let them cool put them presently in battell aray with four thousand of ours the rest shall serve to guard the walls with the inhabitants but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his designe gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire and letting him go instantly ordained that which was to be done and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana who being richly attired was already on the walls for to encourage her lover and be judge of his valour I am resolved said she when she was acquainted with the busines in all things to follow the counsell of the valiant Knight of the Palms therefore let his command be executed The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed and being very well satisfied with this answer went out to behold the combat of his companion who finding the Giant in the Lists met him so roughly with his Lance that he made him â—lie to the ground himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter The Giant seeing himself overthrown contrary to his expectation rose sooner then could be imagined of so huge a masse of flesh and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax struck such furious blows at his enemy that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder if he had received it but having avoided them with an admirable dexteritie he charged him so bravely both with point and edge that he amazed both the Armies The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet he hindred himself from seeing where to place his blows whereas Alcidamant that fought with judgement spent not a minute unprofitably The first fury of these warriours having endured above two howrs the place was covered with the Giants Arms which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them the bloud trickled down from three or four parts of his body and that which carried his choller to the highest degree of rage was that his adversaries armour appeared entire Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions if the Giants courtelax were aloft she feared the violence of it and she rejoyced when she saw it light without effect she considered the valour of her Knight admired his agility in saving himself from his enemies sword wondred at the force of the blows which he gave and above all took extream pleasure in the grace of his fight Am I not very happy said she to her self to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow Yes without doubt and I doe not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way that my content might be perfect I would then embrace this gallant warriour and in despight of detraction declare before all that I love him infinitely Entertaining her selfe with these thoughts she fixed her eyes upon him and perceiving the Giant to be more unweldy and her lover far abler as she conceived then at the beginning of the combat she was transported with excesse of joy This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage charged his enemy more furiously then before and observing that Merodiana beheld him accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her whose favours had made him most happy Vext then then to see the victory so long disputed he took his sword in both his hands and letting it fall terribly on his enemies shield he so astonished him that he made him reel three or four steps backward whereupon taking his advantage he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head that he cleft it in twain to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops set forth in good array and following the Conquerour of the Giant who made them way with his sword they fell so furiously upon the enemies amazed with the death of their master that they slew above two thousand at the fiâ—st bout the rest betook themselves instantly to flight where the slaughter was so great that of seventeen thousand there escaped not fully two hundred who got to the Armie of Fangomadans cousin relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces with the death of the King which put him into such a rage that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held into one body of an Army he resolved to affront the Conquerours and in their overthrow revenge the losse of his companions Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Armie which commended them to the skies and especially him of the Palms whom they would fain have adored if he would have permitted it he presented himself three dayes after before Alfarta where the fight commencing by light skirmishes grew so hot upon the arrivall of the two invincible warriours who were accompanied with eight hundred horse that they came to a generall battell in the which the army of these new enemies greater by the half then the former were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion who thundring wheresoever they went assured their souldiers made them fight without feare and so terrified their adversaries that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of warre fell upon them The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana who daily found out new entertainments for her lover and having no other care but to please him held her selfe the happiest Princesse of the world CHAP. XLI The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant goes from her Iland to Merodiana for to see him and having found him a hunting she enjoyes him by a notable trick THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles the Companies were discharged and especially those of the Iland of Silvana who giving account to their Mistris of the successe of the war so published the praises of the Knight of
few words and by telling me who you are and what occasion brought you hither you may oblige me as much as you thinke you are ingaged to me Could I serve you said hee by declaring whom I am without doubt I should soone obey your command but Sir my name being of so small consideration in the world it wil import you little to know and me much to conceale it in which regard I shall humbly desire you to dispence with me therein and to be pleased if I onely say that I am commonly called the Knight of the Flowers Touching my arrivall in this place my destiny had unluckily brought mee hither had I not met with you for having imbarqued my selfe in a Port of Greece with a resolution to travell the world in the quest of glory I sayled very prosperously for three weekes together during which time I never combatted but once and that was with a Gyant for the rescue of a Gentle-woman whom hee had forcibly carried away presently whereupon the sea began so to rage that all the skill and courage the Marriners had were faine to give way to the violence of this tempest which continued very neer three moneths and by reason we went still afore the wind I cannot be perswaded but that we are now on those unknown lands whereof they of Asia and Europe speak only by conjecture These Knights having spent a good part of the day in this and the like discourse at length were so called upon by their stomacks that arising from the grasse where they lay the Knight of the Flowers with his clothes on thoroughly dryed and Amadis in his armour they walked almost two hours without meeting any one that could direct them the way to the next Village in such sort that growing somewhat weary they layd them down under the shadow of certain trees wher not long after they fell asleepe but they continued not so long for they were awaked with the sound of some Trumpets which marched in the head of threescore hors that were followed a good way off by four Coaches invironed with three dreadfull Gyants and a number of men unarmed on hors-back O me said Amadis rising up somewhat amazed what adventure is this No very good one for you said one of that troop who upon discovery of them came galloping before his fellowes for landing here without the license of our Prince you are to expect nothing but Irons for such your temerity By my best hopes said Amadis I will not be fettered so easily as you thinke for and if I must die I le sell my life as deare as I can Saying so hee drew his sword and therewith struck his enemy so furiously that he laid him starke dead on the ground The blow being given in the sight of all his companions they presently compassed him about for to take him but very active as hee was hee lightly lept into the saddle of his horse whom hee had slain and setting spurs to him charged them home whilest the Knight of the Flowers seazed on the dead mans shield and sword wherwithall he overthrew three or foure of them at his feet ere they could draw one drop of blood from them In the meane time Amadis laid about him broke their ranks cut off armes and legs made heads fly to the earth divided men and horses in twain and rendred himselfe so dreadfull that the most of them having past by the edge of his sword the remainder turned their backs for to have betaken them to flight had they not been retained by the arrivall of the three Gyants These Colosses marvelling to see so great a slaughter made by two men whereof 〈◊〉 one was unarmed drew out their heavie Simitars and began to chaâ—ge them with so much fury that at the very first bout the Knight of the Flowers was dangerously hurt on the shoulder his shield not having been able to resist the violence of so terrible a blow which somewhat amazed him but waxing more couragious at the sight of his blood he let drive in such manner at the Gyant that had wounded him as hee cut off his left arm sheer from his body and purposing to second his good beginning he gave him a very dangerous thrust in the belly thinking to run him up to the â—ilts but his sword proving too weak to pierce his armour it brake in five or six peeces to the great astonishment of the Knight who now having nothing wherwithall to offend his enemies instantly received half a dozen strokes which overthrew him to the ground with little or no appearance of life This while Amadis bestirred himself with an admirable grace for beholding himself invironed with two Gyants and three and twenty Knights that were still remaining of the first troop he avoided most part of their blowes and let his own fall with such force that in lesse then an houre the two Giants saw their arms all dyed with their own blood and themselvs unable to hinder the death of twelve of those that accompanied them which put them into such a rage that their motions seemed to bee very thunder Wherefore being ashamed that in the presence of a number of Ladies which were in the Coaches one man alone should withstand them they discharged two such mighty blows at an instant the one on the Helmet the other on the Shield of Amadis that hee vvas constrained to knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle casting great abundance of blood out of his mouth and ears but presently resetling himself and more furious then ever he was in his life he advanced his rich sword and letting it descend on the head of him he first incountred he cleft him down to the very wast This dreadfull blow having terrified all the assistants vvho beheld him with wonder did but more incense the remaining Giant for in the highest excesse of his rage he took his great Curtelas in both his hands and thinking to determine this combat with one only blow he discharged it so strongly on his enemies Shield that he devided it in two and gave him a greatgash on the arm wherat Amadis was somoved as casting the remains of his Shield over his shoulder he made such a lucky thrust with all his force at his belly that he ran him quite thorow and thorow sending him stark dead to the ground wherwithall not contented he was turning him about to the rest of the Knights when as he perceived them to gallop away and seek their safety in their flight which caused him persently to sheath up his sword and approach unto the Coaches where he beheld a many of Ladies in very great fear for to comfort and assure them against any doubt they might be in of him howbe it he had no more time then to see them for before he could speak to them their Coachmen drove away withall possible speed towards the Citie which he discovered a little on the left hand and so left him with
you infallibly This resolution being taken they got them to bed where with infinite content they lay till morning when as Lucibel sent for the Pilot of his Barque who promised him that it should be in a readiness against the time appointed CHAP. XX. Amadis of Trâ—bisend Floridan and Lucibel caâ—â—y away the Infanta's of Martaria the dreadfull Combat maint aiâ—ed by them on the Sea short they are strangely succoured when they are past all hope of life THE violence of the Pagan Princes desires exceedingly pressing them they arose with the Sun which was to give light to the day of their Nuptials and putting on very rich apparell to appear with the moregrace in their Ladies eyes they descended into the great Hall of the Palace whither not long after came those excellent Princesses so fearfull of the danger wherinto their Lovers were ready to expose themselves that a shivering palenesse eclipsed much of the lustre of their beauty they felt strange palpitations of heart and beholding so much people assembled they greatly doubted that their Enterprise would not succeed so happily as they wished Some small discourse being past upon occasion of the prepared magnificences there entred two Knights in gilt Arms who kneeling before the Emperour desired his hands to kisse Now truly said the Emperour who knew them to be Luparbaâ— and the gentle Knight Meander Nephew to the great Duke of Moscovie of whose valour in the wars between the Emperour of the Parthians and the King of Sibilla there was so much talk you are most heartily welcome for I joy more in your arrivall then I can well expresse Sir answered Meander no men living can be more your Majesties humble servants then we are saying so they arose and went to do their duty unto the great Soldan of Aralafia and to the King of Cabilla by whom and by Rifantes and Meridoran they were received with as much honour as might be Their complements being over two other Knights entred covered with grey arms whereof 〈…〉 falling on his knees before the Emperour said unto him 〈…〉 of Martaria the fame of your magnanimity and goodâ—â—◠〈…〉 us hither to obtain one boon of your Majesty Say on 〈…〉 who felt himself tickled with the prayses which the Knight gave him it shall be granted you very willingly I expected no lesse from you greatnesse replyed the Knight Sir that which I desire is you will vouchsafe to take compassion of two Lovers who are buried alive in a Coach which is below in your Palace-yard by the malice of an old Sorceresse that maligning their faithfull affections retains them there in most â—â—ell torments be pleased therfore to command these fair Princesses to delâ—ver them from their sufferings for the end of this adventure depending on three excellent and rare beauties I hope to see it now finished in regard I do not think that the whole world can furnish three such again as your daughters are Verely answered the Emperour it much contents me that my daughters should joyn the glory of this adventure to the triumphs that we make for the celebration of their Nuptials with these valiant Princesse wherefore I like it well that they go along with you and to encourage them thereunto I will in person accompany them down Whereupon the Princesses who know their Lovers began to descend the Palace stairs trembling as if they had not an hour to live but remembring how much it concerned them they assumed new courage and taking one another by the hand they got them suddenly into the Coach and the 〈…〉 their saddles which done the Coach-man drove away aâ— though he had been mad whilst Amadis lifting up the visier of his 〈…〉 the Emperour thus Prince of Martaria think that Herâ—â—â— will not permit thee to be the Tyrant of thy Daughters contentment they are noâ— in the power of Amadis Prince of Greece and Trebisond and not of â— womâ—n Slave as thou hast hitherto beleeved Wherwith going to spur his Horse Luparâ—â—n that was next him with a proud countenance seized on his bridle which our Warrior perceiving lift up his fist Gauntlet and all and struck him on the head with such horrible violence as he layd him dead at the Emperours feet with his brains beaten out and observing that Meander had drawn his Sword and was striking at him he presented his Shield to the blow which was strong and mighty howbeit knowing that then he was to shew what he could doe he discharged so terribly on his Helmet that he divided his head in twain and not staying till he was invironed by the presse he gallopped away leaving all the assistants terrified with those dreadfull blows the Emperour grieving for the death of those two Knights and the Lovers in the supremest degree of rage to see themselves so cunningly deprived of their expected felicity O yee gods said the Emperour shall I receive so great an affront without some horrible revenge To armes Knights to arms and let not these villains escape so Herewith fifty Knights which always attended ready armed for every occasion posting after our Warriours overtook them hard by the Sea-side and charged their Laâ—â—ces all at one instant but Amadis and Floridan that only stood them whilst Lâ—â—iâ—â—l conducted the Ladies into the Bark remayning firm in their 〈◊〉 let them breake all their staves upon them and then 〈◊〉 aâ— charge them in such sort that in an instant they had layd ten 〈…〉 and intreating the rest no better they followed them 〈…〉 at the return of Lucibel there were but six left who 〈…〉 as fast as they could drive rendred their retreat free 〈…〉 Rifâ—â—â—es and Meridâ—â—â—â— arrived followed a far off by four 〈…〉 before whom marched the Gyant of the cruell Iland Our warriours seeing them comming with strange fury took three good Launces which they had reserved and being carried with no lesse rage they incountred them so dangerously as they were all cast out of their saddles the Prince of France excepted who ran his Launce quite thorow the body of Meridoran overthrowing him dead to the earth but the otherâ— arising all together began so dreadfull acombat that the shâ—re seemed to tremble under the violence of their strokes These Pagan Princes being infinitly incensed with jealousie Brizardan gave 〈◊〉 so mighty ablow on his Shield that his arm not able to support the force thereof it beat it so rudely against his head as he was forced to knock his chin against his breast and Rifantes discharged his Sword so on Floridan that notwithstanding the opposition of his Shield which was â—leâ—t aâ—under he received a deep wound in the shoulder which put our Grecians into such fury that doubting leâ—t they should be forced to sustain the assaults both of these Warriours and of these Troops which they saw come gallopping 〈◊〉 on them they discharged their Swords with such a Tempest the 〈◊〉 â—rizardâ—â—â— Helmet and the other on Rifanâ—â—s Shield that the Soldâ—â—â— was overthrown under the horses
feet dangerously wounded in the head and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm â—umbled senselesse out of his saddle close by Brizardan who was in no better case These two horrible blows having wrought the effect which our Champions desired they lept presently into their saddles and beholding themselves invironed with four hundred Knights and the Gyant of the cruell Iland a daring man and endued with extream force unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Launce which he had reserved entire they began to charge them with such fury that in lesse then half an hour they had layd thirty at their feet neverthelesse the rest persisting very wilfully they were so followed and charged on every side as their horses being killed under them they were constrayned to alight and present themselves to their enemies who fell down dead as often as they encountred their blades In the meantime the Prince of France being withdrawn a little aside maintained a dreadfull combat with the King of the cruell Iland whose arms were all imbrewed in blood and questionlesse the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choller of this valiant Prince if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Gyant at the same instant on his Helmet he was forced to the ground where he lay not long for considering the danger he was in he arose more inraged then a Bull bayted with a Company of dogs and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four stroaks he â—left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder and flying upon the Gyant he ran him into the thigh making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself which little avayled him for this Prince calling to mind the priâ—e for which he fought gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very wast This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them they arose transported with rage and despight and falling upon our Warriours they charged them so furiously with an hundred and fifty Knights that were still left as they covered their bodies all over with wounds but being resolved to sell their lives dearly they grew so enraged by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in peices to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperour and the King of Cabilla who then arrived with fifty Knights thinking thâ—â— tâ— be rather furies then mortall men But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts ofering they were to combat an Hydra and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew Truly the wonders they did wâ—â—e to no purpose for being so weary that they were scarce able to lift their arms they expected nothing but a glorious death for to crown all their passed labours when as they perceived a Bark make to the land out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly lept a shore marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men which still resisted the violence of such a remayning multitude These two Warriours which were Flâ—â—â—sbel of the starre Lucibels uncle and the gentle Sestilian Prince of Spaine whom fortune had very oportunely brought thither admyring the vertue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequall a combat quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly beseiged as they layd six at their feete with the first six blowes that they gave which so revived our Gretians courages as they seemed to re-assume new forces running all three then into the middest of their enemies they performed such feates of armes as appeared even impossible to the beholders insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carryed with unspeakeable greife for the ravishing away of their Ladies and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it having taken some breath made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard and fiftie Knights that came newly from the Citie and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much who nothing fayling in courage were not withstanding so weary as unably longer to subsist they were resolved to dye a thousand times over rather then shew the least jot of fear or faint heartednes but desiring to doe something now at the last cast Amadis displayed all his force and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes head that he clove him downe to the shoulders to the unexpressable greife of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it Floridan and Lucibel had the same designe upon the Soldan and Brustufard howbeit their arms wanting vigor their blowes wrought not the effect they desired but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian that were â—carceable to wagge Amadis alone stood on his feete so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight but much more to be the cause of his Mistresse death who stayed but to see him fall for to cast her selfe into the Sea that laying desperately about him hee was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in when as two brave war like Knights arrived whereof the one carryed a Salvage pourtrayed on his sheild wherby you may guesse that it was the redoubted Griaâ— the Salvage and the beautifull Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renowne in the world as their incomparable valor was every where spoken of This mighty and valiant Champion ravished which admiration at the â—ight of foure hundred men and two gyants massacred by the sole valor of five knights beleived that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance so that furiouslie setting spurâ—es to his horse hee addressed himselfe against Brustafard upon whom hee discharged his sword which such violence that hee devided his body in two peices to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes who possest which more courage then strength rose instantly up and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh who terrified which this new succor betooke them all to flight Brizardan onely excepted that careles of his life since hee had lost the hope of enioying Amplamira went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet that hee overthrew her from her Horse to the ground shedding great abundance of bloud out of all the passages of her head which put Grian into such a rage as he
couragiously enough for to reduce six more that combatted with him into the like estate he layd hand on his sword and discharging with choller upon the first that presented himselfe he cleft him to the teeth so as he fell down close by Rozalmond who being not a little glad of such seasonable succour took new heart and hit another of them so dangerously on the shield that he made it together with his arm fly to the ground The remayning four rather more incouraged then terrified with the death of their fellows discharged their heavie Scimitars all at one instant two on the Knight of the Eagles whole armour was easily pierced and two on Rozalmond whereby he received another hurt on the Shield arm which so incensed these two valiant Warriours that Rozalmond ran the next to him upto the hilts and the Knight of the Eagles cut the leg of him that had hurt him sheer off These dreadfull blows having layd two Gyants on the earth gave the Knights assured hope of victory but six other Gyants more deformed and greater then the former making towards them under the conduct of Bramartan Gorgophons Lievtenant rendred their deaths most inevitable when on the other side a Bark suddenly arrived out of which two knights the one bearing a burning Rock on his shield the other a Phaenix with two heads lept a shore and withall celerity opposing these new enemies they charged them with such fury that they layd two of them stark dead at their feet the first divided into two parts by the Knight of the burning Rock and the other run through the body by him of the Phenix Rozalmond observing the violence of these blows perceived this succour proceeded from his friend the brave Alcidamant and the beautious Princesse of Tramazond which so revived his courage that accompanied with this Knight he did not beleeve it was possible for all the world to defeat him flying upon them then with no lesse force then at the beginning of the combat he cleft one of them to the teeth whilst Alcidamant desirous to shew his valour unto this great Warriour having discharged again on the mighty Bramartan he divided his body in twain with one of the most dreadfull stroaks that ever parted from the hand of a man the four that remayned beholding such a prodigious execution would fain have retyred but the fury of our Champions was such as after equartâ—r of an hours resistance they were all cut in peices to the infinit coment of Rozalmond who went and imbracing Alcidamant said unto him Dear Brother could I hope for safety from any but you unto whom all glory is due Ah! how well have you now recompensed the pleasure I did you heretofore And what doe I not owe to the incomparable valour of your Mistris you have given me life but I will employ it whensoever you please in acknowledgement of so great a benefit And you brave Warriour continued he turning him to the Knight of the Eagles who looked upon them with wonder for that he did not think the world could shew three such again being no lesse obliged unto you let me desire you to take the same assurances of my service Whereupon putting off his Helmet a little to refresh himself the Knighs of the Eagleâ— presently lift up his Bever and kneeâ—ing down before him said O! how happy doe I account my self for comming hither thus seasonably to doe you some service My Lord give me your hands to kisse in satisfaction of the bloud I have so gloriously shed for you I am Russian of Media the humblest of all your servants At these words Rozalmond remembring that he had seen him in the Grecian Court where he was esteemed every way as good a Knight as the Emperour Spheramond his Father caressed him anew in a most loving manner Now Alcidamant and Trasiclea comming by this meaâ—â— to understand the qualitie of Rozalmond would have shewed fâ—r â—ore 〈…〉 unto him then before but embracing them again with 〈…〉 he refused the honour they would have done him and 〈…〉 intreated Alcidamant whom he valewed more than all the 〈…〉 world besides to live with him like a Brother Some time beâ—â—g 〈◊〉 in the pleasure of this incounter Alcidamant would have 〈…〉 and the gallant Russian of Media unto whom â—â—e protested much service to the care of Ormelinda for the looking to their wounds whilst he and Trasiclea went to the Castle to learn some newes of Armazia but Rozalmond by no means would stay behind wherefore they walked all foure thither where finding none but certain servants who assured them that Gorgophon was not in the Island they returned to the Sea side and getting aboard the Ship of the Sunne which instantly sayled away as swiftly as before they all admired those rare and excellent things they beheld there especially Trasiclea who was wonderfully taken with her own and the other five Pictutes of those incomparable Ladyes so perfectly represented to the life In the mean time Rozalmond and Russian being unarmed had their wounds visited by Ormelinda who being very skilfull in Chyrurgerie and carrying alwayes about her such things as were necessarie for the like purpose dressed them incontinently and promised them by the help of God to make them sound again in twenty dayes CHAP. XXXI Alcidamant and Trasiclea meets with Parmelina who relates unto them the historie of her strange love with Clarismond WHilst Rozalmonds and Russians wounds were inhealing twelve dayes past insensibly away at the end whereof the Vessell of the Sun staying close to a rock on whose top a great smoak appeared Alcidamant and Trasiclea armed at all points leapt on shore and passing under certain trees they travelled above an houre without incountring any thing but a very great silence over all wherupon concluding that this was some Desart they turned towards the ascent of the rock and began to mount it with pain in regard of the weight of their Arms when as they perceived a huge fire from whence that smoak which they had seen proceeded The curiositie that had made them leave the Ship carrying them on they saw a woman on her knees before the fire who lifting up her hands to heaven seemed to beg for something with her prayers they would fain have heard her complaints before she should have discovered them howbeit they could not approch to her so softly but that she discryed them wherupon rising up she was going to run away when as Alcidamant catching her by the arme said unto her Gentlewoman be not frighted with our presence for we are come hither rather to doe you service than any hurt Knights answered she having been a twelve moneth or more in this Desart without seeing any body truly I was affraid at the sight of your Armes but since you have so well confirmed me let me know I pray you what you would have with me to the end I may give you satisfaction therin if it lye in my power That which we desire
said Trasiclea to her is that you would tell us why you kneele thus before this flame what is the cause of your complaints and of your retreat into this Desart place That were to renew my sorrows answered she but I take such delight in the rehearsall of my miserie that I shall be as ready to relate as you are willing to heare it This fire which but testifies the same that hath long consumed my heart serues for a sacrifice to the ghost of noble ClarismonÌ„d one of the loveliest Knights that was in all the Kingdome of Filamon whose body is buried under the ashes of this fire that every day is renewed by me just at this hour his death is as strange as the history of our loves which not to abuse your patience I will recount unto you as briefly as I can This Knight a great friend to one named Martander being taken with that little beautie wherwith it pleased heaven to indue me shewed himself so desirous to be in all places and companies where I had occasion to be present that by his looks and cariage I easily came to know he was in love with me howbeit being then I may well say blind because I did not consider his merit I could not by any means affect him but contrarily carrying some particular good liking to Martander that cared not for me the sight of him did very much displease me I found fault with all that he did and the more he laboured to serve me the more was I incensed against him His suit then being troublesome unto me I resolved to let him understand that he much dis-obliged me by soliciting me in that manner and accordingly taking occasion on a time when he besought me to carry a gentler mind and to have some compassion of his suffering I told him how my actions were the images of my thoughts how I had shewed sufficiently that I did not love him and how in vain he expected reliefe from me for if I would give my self to any one Martander should have more power over me then all the Knights on the earth Hereat Martander who was then present with Clarismond gave me many humble thanks for the election I was willing to make of him but Madam said he being Clarismonds friend I may not receive the honour of your favour which would be better conferred where it is due then on me Some moneths passing away Clarismond obstinate in his suit I in my hate to him and affection to Martander these two friends plotted together how to deceive me You may doe me a most friendly part said Clarismond one day to Martander Parmolina so is this miserable called that speaks to you loves you with passion and when you please you can prevaile with her to grant you any thing serve me faithfully I beseech you feigne as much love to her as she bears you and labour to obtain of her that she will spend one night with you upon promise you may make her of rendring her kisses legitimate the dark keeps all things unknown I wil goe to her in your stead and so by this means you shal save my life which otherwise cannot long continue Martander who to help his friend would have made no difficultie to have gone even into Hell most willingly undertakes this affaire comes to me and craving my pardon for his so long neglect of my affection in such manner counterfeits the motions of a man transported with love and impatience that I verely believed he was throughly taken his sighes very much grieved me the vows that he made never to adore any but my self exceedingly contented me I was sensible of his passions what should I say more There was nought resting to render us the happiest Lovers in the world but the fruition of our desires wherunto he laboured to arrive for the satisfaction of his friend but finding dangerous obstacles therein by reason I lay alwayes in my Mothers chamber in a bed apart by my self I could not resolve to run such hazard neverthelesse what could not the tears of a Lover or of one that seemed so effect in the heart of an amorous Girle At length I past by all respects and promising him to leave all our dores open I sent him away so contented as he seemed not to envy any felicitie whatsoever Midnight then being come I received Clarismond in mine arms thinking it was Martander and losing my self in his embraces I little thought of this change of persons insomuch that the next day I spake to Martander as thinking I had acted that with him which I had done with Clarismond and as for him he carryed the countenance of a man so infinitely pleased as it was a fortnight before I knew by what cunning I was deceived because we durst not speak but very softly in regard of my Mother howbeit Clarismond not induring to tast his delight any longer under the coverture of another discovered himself one night as we were in the middest of our pleasure and freely confest to me that he was constrained to have recourse unto wiles since he could not other wayes prevaile I will not tell you how much I was astonished at this discourse nor what errour I was then about to have run into by crying out as though I had been ravished by force but to proceed I will assure you how instantly changing my mind with the consideration that the matter was past remedy I loved Clarismond a thousand times more than ever I had done Martander and began to haâ—e Martander far more than ever I had done Clarismond unto whom excusing my self upon the weaknesse of my judgement which had not permitted me to choose the better partie I protested so much love and gave him such testimony therof by my most kind usage of him and caressing of him anew as he thought himself happy in disclosing this trick unto me But now see what sport love makes with men Martander hearing Clarismond continually talk of the unspeakable delight he enjoyed with me began to love me most passionatly and preferring his affection before his friendship he began to vow and protest that truly unto me which he had dissembled before hoping that the passion I had been in for him was not yet quite extinct I am not able to expresse what infinite content I received to behold him sigh at my feet and rejoyeing to see him languish through his own fault I told him that my Mothers in-disposition detained me from receiving him a-nights as I was wont but at length no longer to abuse him I plainly said unto him how I very much wondered to heare him desire a treasure which belonged unto Clarismond and knowing well enough that he possest it I could hardly beleeve he could be so wicked as to seek to bereave him of it At this speech he was so confounded that he was ready to dye with griefe and indeed he lay three weeks sick upon it at the end wherof being unable any longer
astonished that he knew not what world he was in and Fulgoran following his example wounded Gorgophon very dangerously in the thigh by which means having very happily the leisure to releeve one of the Cenophales who being unable to withstand an heavy stroak lent him by the Grand Salvage he had fallen at his Horses feet had he not been sustained by him Furiander in the mean time had received a sore hurt on the arm by the other Cenophales These astonishing strokes putting the Pagans into the extremity of rage they addressed themselves again to be revenged threatning no less then death with their tempestuous swords but the Princes who well understood they were accomptable for the people under their charge and that knew the safety of the souldiers consisted in the preservation of their Leaders retyred to their troops leaving the Pagans in dispair of having that revenge upon them they so much hoped for The Christians having thus prudently made their retreat they desired to know the names of the Commanders of the new Army and finding that it was the brave Russian of Media with the beautifull Amazon Brandimanda who departed from Corolandaya by the advice of the wise Vrganda before the others were in the field gave them a million of thanks and especially to Brandimanda whose matchlesse beauty joyned with that invincible prowesse whereof they had so lately experience they could never sufficiently admire then causing the Amazons to be led into a quarter a part and the Souldiers into the trenches they conducted them to the Palace where disarming themselvest they found every one hurt except Russia Brandimanda the valiant Esquilan Cilindor and Leonidas of Mesopotamia who with Alteria was left in the Town if need were to make good the retreat Prigmaleons hurt was on the arm and head Fulgâ—rans on the shoulder the Cenophales in two or three places Grandimore on the left arm by the sword of the proud Gyant Antamedon Perion and the rest in divers parts of the body notwithstanding which they had some cause to rejoyce for the losse the enemy had amounting to the number of threescore and seventeen thousand men three and twenty Gyants and the Kings of Brutaxia and Parmondia as they understood by their Spyes besides those that were hurt in the number wherof were Roussardan Gorgophon the Grand Salvage Furiander Antomedon and the valiant Artogant Soldan of Francapia with a multitude of common Knights But when they bethought themselves of the losse of the gentle Florizartus of Trapobana and of thirty three thousand men that remained dead in the field the greatest part whereof perished rather by the sword of the Gyants than the multitude of the souldiers they could not beleeve that Fortune had much obliged them by the advantage they had gained neverthelesse putting on a brave resolution they comforted themselves with the hope of some other succours and so placing trustie Sentinels in all places requisite they went to refresh themselves with a small repast Afterwards those that had escaped without hurts assembled themselves in Prigmaleon and Fulgorans Chamber who would by no means lye asunder where it was resolved that Russian and Brandimanda with each of them a troope of ten thousand Horse should sally upon the Enemie two houres before day wherupon they went to repose themselves for a while In the mean time Falanzar enraged at the massacre of so many of his men and for the losse of his Kings and Gyants by so small a number environed three parts of the Citie and causing great Trenches to bee cast up and covering the field with his Souldiers for the space of two myles round he promised to himself that he would gain the Walls at the first assault seeing all his Gyants should have now elbow-room to bestir themselves but his opinion deceived him as you shall see in the Chapter following and made him conclude that the end of his enterprize would not prove so feasable as he expected CHAP. XXXIX The brave feats of Arms performed in a Sally by Russian of Media and Brandimanda the furious assault given by the Pagan Princes unto the Town which being reduced to extreamitie is marvellously relieved THis mighty Fleet of the Enemies having gained the Shore the night was almost wholly employed in making of Trenches and setting up Tents and Pavillions so that it being neere that time of the day which chalengeth a kind of securitie over all things the Souldiers annoyed with the Sea wearied with their late travels and importuned by sleep betook themselves all to their rest being confident that the Christians durst not so much as once peep out of their Walls But they like brave spirits who thought there was no glory equall to that which was gotten in the midst of dangers and hating all rest which might be accompanied with disgrace had no other designe than continually to be pulling some feathers out of their enemies Wings whereby they might stop the fury of their flight they rose presently after midnight and arming twenty thousand of their best and lustiest Horses they divided them into two Troups whereof one was commanded by Russian Cilindor and Leonidas the other by Esquilan Brandimanda and the fair Alteria and so sallying out at two severall Ports they advanced softly towards the Pagans till it was break of day which affording them light to discover their Sentinels all asleep they presently cut their throats without any noyse and so falling aboard with the rest who were in no better estate to make resistance they began to commit so great a slaughter that the ground was covered over with dead bodyes before the Alarum was taken in the Camp Russian Cilindor and Leonidas over-runall Souldiers they cut in peeces Knights they cleft down to the shoulders Tents and Pavilions they turned upside down and meeting with little or no opposition they made a strange havock Falanzar Generall of the Pagan army who lodged not far from the place where they first fell on easily hearing the fearfull cryes and groans which came from his men as they were dying rose up immediatly and finding Brufaldar King of Gedrosia Brizardan the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia with Moranteon Soldan of Circassia he gave them thirty thousand men to resist the fury of their enemies whose number he conceived to be fifty thousand at the least and so ran speedily himself thorow all parts of the Camp to put the rest in battell array These three proud Pagans who had not been at the last nights service cheerfully embracing this charge began presently to march forward and being conducted by the noyse which continually encreased they forthwith encountred the Christians and plainly perceiving the smalnesse of their number divided their troups with an intent to environ them and to charge them on every side but those valiant Knights not affording them the leisure to put their Designe in practise broke thorow them with such a tempest that the blood ran along the ground in little rivers which put the incensed
Pagan Brufaldor into such a fury that turning his horse upon Leonidas of Mesopotamia he gave him so violent a stroke on the shoulder that his sword notwithstanding his Arms made way to his very waste dividing his body into two parts which so displeased Russian who saw the sad effect of the blow that clasping his sword fast in his hand he returned the Pagan such an exchange as cutting his shield in two he gave him a great gash on the arm and so quiting him he flew upon Moranteon Soldan of Circassia wounding him very dangerously on the shoulder and perceiving Brizardan grapling with his friend Cilindor whom he doubted might be too weak to fustain so strong a charge he made towards them with an intent to discharge full on Brizardans head but Torismond the valiant Pagan prevented his blow by giving him such a smart stroke on the arm as made his sword fall out of his hand and yet without any other harme save onely a slight hurt which put him into such a choler as suddenly taking hold again on the handle of his sword that was fastned with a riband to his wrist he let it fly in such sort at his Adversary that he cut him almost in two pieces sending him dead to the ground In the middest of these hurliburlies the brave Esquilan entring on the other side of the Campe strook no lesse astonishment into the minds of those that encountred him than the other had done before no resistance could withstand the fury of his sword Brandimanda seconded him with equall heat and courage and the gentle Amazon Alterea followed them both so close that she seemed to threaten no lesse a ruine than the former At this new alarum Falanzar Idatcan Emperour of Melly Armandor King of Russia with Fierastron the proud Gyant of Balivan advanced themselves in the head of forty thousand men but the fear of those that ran away having put their souldiers which they led into disorder the Greeks charged them with such fury that more then six thousand of them were beaten down the greatest part wherof were stifled under the horses feet The unpleasing sight of this accident had driven Falanzar into despair but that he earried too generous a mind for to harbour so base a guest wherfore meeting with Esquilan he discharged so terrible a blow on his Helmet as he made him knock his chin against his breast being very much astonished at the mighty strength of this Pagan but grinding his teeth together for anger he advanced his sword and let it descend with such a rage on this Caliph that he overthrew him on the crupper of his horse casting out great abundance of bloud at his mouth In the mean while Brandimanda and Fierastron Iaalcan and the gentle Alterea charged one another home and made a quick exchange of most fiercestroaks But Esquilan who would not afford them any leisure to rally their troups and who judged that to be no fit season for him to be a spectator of a single combat let fall on Idalcan Emperour of Melly so furious a blow that he cut his arm sheere from his body and at the same instant with another which he layed on Fierastrons head-piece he quite deprived him of his senses which being done he put his men into good order and following the example of Russian who took the way that led into the Citie he made an honourable retreate in spight of threescore thousand Horse and fourscore Gyants which came in the pursuit of them This courageous and prudent retreat and the death of the Emperour of Melly that ensued two houres after with the great slaughter of their men which amounted to the number of thirty nine thousand the Christians having left on the place but five thousand six hundred having enraged the Pagans they resolved every man of them to dye on the place or els that very day to win the Citie which together with all the Christians therin they would consume to ashes in satisfaction of so great a losse Their Troupes then being ranged and every Captain having received order to charge his Company with the carriage of a certain number of scaling-ladders the Army was divided into three bands each consisting of one hundred and fiftie thousand men Falanzar led the first with the which was Brufaldor King of Gedrosia the proud Knight Arastron generous Alceus Marisgolf that terrible and mighty Gyant twenty Knights of the best repute in the whole Army and threescore Gyants The second was commanded by Astrurion the great Sultan of Brutacan the good Knight Armorand Brizardon Soldan of Aralafia fifty Gyants and twenty two other Knights who had purchased a great renown by dangerous adventures The third by Marmaran Sophy of Bultara with King Armandor of Russia of the Gyants race Palamedes King of Cassandria the redoubted Tipheus Barcandor fifty Gyants three and twenty Knights of no mean esteem and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats who had the leading of twelve hundred Elephants The christian Princes who slept not in the mean while seeing these presumptuous preparations put threescore thousand Knights into the Town and so furnishing the wals with abundance of pitch sulphur boyling oyle stones and other necessaries for their Enterprise made up three bands the first was conducted by Russian with Cilindor the second by Esquilan with Algantas chiefe Generall of Ethiopia and the third by Brandimanda with Alteria who lodging themselves close under the wals with a resolution not to appear before the enemies had almost gayned the top expected the comming of their troops which hearing no noyse at all in the Town were perswaded that the Christians were all asleep whereupon they presently fastned their scaling Ladders which their Gyants and other Knights of the best spirits first ascended to give encouragement to the rest to follow them but on the instant they perceived fifty thousand men who with a sudden tempest of stones oyle pitch and sulphur overturned all those that were then upon the Ladders and began to dam up the Moat with dead bodies then the assault became most violent and cruell The Gyants enraged to see their Companies lye groveling on the ground the Ladders broken ten thousand Souldiers massacred as it were in a moment began to grow carelesse of their lives they got upon the wall and fell to grapling with the Christians fighting rather like furies than mortall men there were scarce any that durst oppose the violence of their swords unlesse it were Russian Esquilan Brandimanda Alteria Cilindor and some few of the valiantest who perceiving the favour the wall afforded partly in sheltring them and annoying their enemies delivered such blows on the Pagans as for the most part carried death along with them Russians represented a Thunderbolt overturning as many Gyants and Knights as it lighted on neither was Esquilans or 〈◊〉 's much lesse terrible than it but the Pagans the greater the number of the Christians were which they perceived on the Battelments the more resolute
that they might surprize the Enemie asleep and accordingly they entred into a little thicket where having taken a little rest they arose and advancing towards their Enemies they entred pell-mell amongst them with such fury that above five hundred men lost their lives in lesse than halfe an houre the Tents went to ground Pavillions were overturned and the massacre continued with such horrour as the Sun seemed loth to appeare because it would not be spectatour of so cruell a butchery The famous Amadis of Gaule pressed thorow them like lightening Amadis of Greece thundered every where the invincible Knight of the Sun over-run all like a torrent Belianis of Greece carried himself like a fury the foure excellent Ladyes Trasiclea Claridiana Pentasilea and Hermiliana did wonders Belstoran Rosicler Claramant Poliphebo Don Silves Fortiman of Greece Amadis d' Astre and â—he rest cut off arms cleft men in two hewed Knights in peeces and nothing appeared before them but went to the ground the uprore increased the whole Camp put themselves in Arms the Christians were amazed and could not imagine from whence so great a disorder should proceed were it not from the Army of Martaria that was every day expected briefly all was in confusion and the Commanders not able to be informed by those that fled of the cause of this tumult knew not what to resolve upon neverthelesse Falanzar a prudent and couragious Prince advancing with Brufaldor King of Gedrosia Roussardan the furious Bravorant King of Morimont Marisgolf the grand Salvage and Furiander his son encountred these fifty redoubted Warriours and seconded by twenty thousand Horse thought to vanquish them very easily but Amadis of Greece the Knight of the Sun Amadis of Gaule Rosiclere Poliphebo Belianis and Belfloran having arrested the furie of these seven proud Pagans that were perswaded they could carry all the world before them the rest flew in amongst their troops so couragiously that after they had past two and thirty Gyants by the edge of the Sword they put them to flight with an incredible slaughter In the mean time the Combat between these fourteen Knights became most horrible and cruell howbeit our Pinces not meaning to stay till the whole Campe were in arms to invest them having valiantly dif-ingaged themselves out of their hands drew towards the Citie but encountring the proud Knight Arastron who came accompanied with Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Gorgophon 〈◊〉 the great Caliph of Francapia Moranteon Soldan of Circassia Fierâ—sâ—on the redoubted King of Balivan Barcandor and Bucarguant their pastage thither grew more difficult than they expected neverthelesse Trasiclea Don Silves Amadis d' Astre Claridiana Claridian her son Claramant Fortiâ—â—â— and the gentle Doliftor of Nubia opposing themselves to these nine Warriours there began a most cruell and furious fight between them whilst the rest had much adoe to save them from an hundred thousand men that came in from all parts and questionlesse they had been in great danger if Florisel of Niquea who imagined that they were some valiant Knights that laboured to passe unto his Camp had not suddenly issued forth with thirty Princes of Greece and fifty thousand Horse which falling furiously on these disordered troups overthrew so many to the ground as it was almost covered with them Then it was that those brave Champions hearing Grecia cryed on all sides took new courage and flying amongst the Pagans made so great a slaughter that if Falanzar had not caused his Forces to retyre his Army had been in danger to have been cut in peeces although he was assisted with two hundred Gyants but this prudent Monarch and his followers after his example having quit the combat which they had with Amadis of Gaule and his friends the Christians had liberty to return to the Citie where that great Amadis of Gaule with Amadis of Greece and Don Silves being discovered Florisel Don Rogel and the other Princes of Greece were so confounded as they remained a good space without speaking a word beleeving that this succour proceeded from the art of Alquif or Urganda and that those personages were no other than Fantosmes but being cleered from that by the speech of these great Princes who declared unto them how they had been preserved in the Castle of Treasure and delivered by Rozalmond Alcidamant and their Companions together with Belianis and the Knight of the Sun whom they made known unto them Florisel Don Rogel and Spheramond were ready to swoun for joy they fell on their knees before their Grandfathers embraced Don Silves Pentasilea Amadis d' Astre Agesilan Fortumian and the rest and with much honour caressed the Knight of the Sun Don Belianis of Greece and their companions My Lord said Florisel of Niquea embracing the knees of Amadis of Greece am I so happy as to behold you again I never thought it possible and when I saw you enter into the crystall Chamber of Cenotaph where you were inchanted I verely beleeved that the clap of thunder which brake forth at that instant was the signe of your death But how true O great Alcander was your prediction then and now I understand the meaning of those secret words you wrote unto me as also the Prophecie you left at Constantinople for the Crowes which were to assemble to possesse the sleeping Eagles neast are with out doubt these enemies that lye about our Walls and now I see that Prophecie fulfilled which said The Earth shall open to render forth the treasure it concealed and the tears shed for a losse not suffered shall be changed into gladness The truth hereof is unquestionable and the excess of my content past all expression Florisel having said thus Prigmaleon Fulgoran and Russian made themselves known to the new commers and Silvan having with a thousand embraces received Don Silves and the faire Pentasilea his mother some hours were spent with incredible rejoycing at the end whereof and just as they were sitting down at a table a souldier entred who as a most prodigious matter delivered that Zeiden had been recovered by the valour of six Knights alone who in one day had slain six Gyants and seven thousand five hundred Knights that guarded it looke said Amadis of Gaule here is new occasion of joy which doubtlesse arrives unto us by Rozalmond Alcidamant and their companions who are said he speaking to Florisel the best Knights of the world my Lord answered Florisel I have seen them in fight and must thereupon conclude as you have done Herewith sitting down to dinner they were served in great state with all the exquisite meats that possibly could be had where we will leave them and return unto the Pagans CHAP. LI. The Pagan Princes present the Combat of an hundred to an hundred unto the Christians they accept of it the forces of Martaria with the assistance of Rozalmond and his friends defeats Artogants Army that besieged Goraxa WHilst the Christian Princes were drowned in pleasure and gladnesse the
the conduct of the King of Arbales his Cousin to withstand all attempts of his neighbours if they should chance to stir in his absence he resolved in person to conduct an Army of fourscore thousand Horse into Aethiopia Having then accodingly imbarqued them with his Sons-in-law and himself he was carryed with so prosperous a gale that having run along by the coasts of Guinea Cephala and Calicut in seven and thirty dayes he arrived within three leagues of Zeiden where informing himself of the state of the War he understood that Artogant the Soldan of Francapa being separated from the body of the Army held Goraxa very straightly besieged with great likelihood of carrying it in regard it could not be succoured without much prejudice to the Christian forces whereupon putting his men in battell array he marched toward Goraxa with a resolution to charge the enemies and accordingly finding them prepared to receive him for that Artogant had been advertised of their discent he caused Lucibel and Sestilian to advance with thirtie thousand Horse who incountring six Gyants in the head of forty thousand men they charged their Launces so luckily as two of the Gyants were run thorow and thorow The incounter of these first troops was very furious and so many Knights were overthrown that within lesse than halfe an hour the ground was all covered with them Lucibel and Sestilian having broken their staves in the bodies of the two Gyants began to disorder the Pagans and overturning all that came in their way they filled every part with such fear as the souldiers flying from the tempests of their swords declined them more than they would have done the pestilence On the other side the four Gyants enraged at the death of their companions made so great a slaughter as was most lamentable to behold In this sort the fight became most cruell and bloody and every minute so many men fell that in the field was nothing but heaps of dead bodyes Two hours being spent in the heat of this first conflict and the victorie as it were hanging in equall ballance there arrived six Warriours from Zeidens side who understanding by an hurt souldier of all that had past they fell in amongst the Pagan troups and began to make such a massacre of them as they were no lesse dreaded than all the Army besides they cut off arms and heads cleft men down to the waste divided Knights in two and the fury wherwithall they fought was so great that they alone seemed able to destroy all the Pagan host The Gyants perceiving this disorder went and ran all foure together with such confidence against those six incomparable Warriours as if they would easily have layd them in the dust but they were so rudely incountred that two of them had their arms swords and all sent to the ground and the other two were cleft down to the teeth Then it was that the Pagans beholding so sudden a defeat of those foure Colosses in whom they had placed all their hope betook them to flight ready to be cut all in peeces had not the Soldan of Francapa come in to their succour with ten Gyants and threescore thousand Horse The arrivall of these new forces having restored their courages they turned head against the Christians and began to lay about them with incredible valour but the Emperour of Martaria approching with Persides and Floridan the fight began to be so hot and violent that the face of the whole field was covered over with slaughtered carkasses and the ayr sounded nothing but cryes and lamentations of dying men The Gyants did wonders they cut and hewed down all before them and keeping themselves still close together they made such a miserable havock whersoever they went as it was a spectacle of incredible horrour The Martarian Emperour desiring to shew that he was a Christian ran without fear into danger being guarded by the thundring swords of Persides Floridan Lucibel and Sestilian who alwayes accompanied him and the slaughter was so great wheresoever they past that the Gyants being unable to arrest their â—â—ying people advanted to incounter them and charged them with such fury as Sestilian and the Emperour were overthrown under the horses feet where doubtlesse they had been stifled had not Persides Lucibel and Floridan kept off the enemy till such time as their followers had taken them up and carried them out of the presse This while the three Princes were in much danger amidst so many Gyants and being oppressed on so many sides they had little hope of escaping with life when as those six Champions that came from Zeiden incountring upon that place fell in with the Gyants and discharged their swords all at one instant with such a tempest that six of them sunk down dead at the feet of the three besieged Princes who knowing those six incomparable Warriours to be Rozalmond Alcidamant and their companions were so far incouraged that clasping their swords fast in their hands they delivered three such horrible blows as three of those Colosses fell downdead on their fellows The Pagans neverthelesse being nothing dismayed stood very stoutly it after the example of the Soldan of Francapa who that day rendred marvellous proof of his force and courage in so much that the Pagan Army being resolutely bent to fight it out were within three hours cut al in peeces six thousand only excepted which with Artogant saved themselves in a wood leaving the Christian Princes with the losse of thirty thousand men whereof they were not much sensible the rather for that the Emperour and Sestilian were well recovered of their hurts Having continued then some time to bury their dead during the which Rozalmond and his friends had recounted the deliverance of Amadis of Gaule and of so many inchanted Princes with all that had past in that adventure The Emperour raysed his Camp and marched on towards Saba being somewhat perplexed with thinking how he should get to the Citie by reason of the enemies lying round about it but having learned of certain Courriers who had been sent to seek Alcidamant and his fellows for to be of the number of the Combattants that there was a truce between the Pagans and them he quietly advanced without any impeachment to the gates of the Citie where all those great Princes did the Emperour of Martaria so much honour and so caressed those excellent Knights that came along with him as cannot well be expressed in words wherefore I will passe it over and relate the combat betwixt the Christian Princes and the Pagan Kings for the determination of their wars CHAP. LII The dreadfull combat of an hundred Christians against so many Pagan Princes the end thereof with the bloody slaughter of all the enemies troops HAd not the hope of an horrible revenge in some sort mittigated the displeasure which the pagans conceived upon the advertisement of the defeat of Artogants Army by the Martarian forces they would have been even mad with rage
Media against Barcandor Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand Don Silves against the generous Alceus the Knight of the Sun against Bucarguant Belianis against Brizardan and all the rest sought so well that four hours were spent before it could be discerned to whom the victory would incline but Rozalmond and Alcidamant seeing it was time to display the uttermost of their forces by some remarkeable blows discharged with such force the one upon Bucarguant who had left the Knight of the Sun almost senslesse and the other on Barcandor his brother as they cleft them down both to the teeth and continuing in this rage Alcidamant cut the Soldan of Circassiaes head in peeces and Rozalmond the King of Gedrosiaes The death of these four mighty Pagans being accompanied with the slaughter of sixteen Gyants and of Alâ—rban Danizel Argilles and Rodismond the number of the Infidels began to diminish which perceived by Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan Fierasâ—on Marisgolfe the grand Salvage Antomedon Typheus Marmaran and the proud Knight Arastron they discharged such horrible blows upon their enemies that having hurt them all very dangerously they fell in with such fury amongst the Christians as the valiant Anaxartes was cut in peeces by Bravâ—rant Argantes Emperour of Germany by Gorgophon Lindâ—â—â—â—t King of Rhodes by Roussardan Olidor of Siramque by Fieraston Anazander King of Dardania by Marisgolfe Floridan his brother by the grand Salvage the remayning Câ—nophale by Antomedon Liscâ—â—d King of Siconia by Typhâ—â—s Grandimer by Marmoran and the gentle Dorigel Lord of the fortunate Hands by Arastron wherewith the Princes of Greece were so displeased as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadiâ— of Trebisond Claâ—â—sel Grian Grioâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 â—erâ—ides Claridâ—an and Belâ—â—â—â— having incountred them vowed never to leave them till they had revenged their deaths whereupon the combat renewed with more cruelty than before wherein Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his sonne Cassiaâ—â—s and the Duke of Laâ—azo were likewise slain But Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea the knight of the Sun Rosicler Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia and Lucibel of France joyning together began to run over the field with such rage that having layd nine Gyants dead at their feet namely Radamant the cruell the strong Pandaro Razartes Coriander Artiliâ—n Gedereon King of Arginaria Rindar Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats and Meliander the rest were cut in pieces together with Artogant who dyed by the hand of the Knight of the Sun so that of the hundred Pagan Knights there remained no more but the mighty Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan the grand Salvage Furiander Typhaeus Antomedon Fierastron Marisgolf Marmaran Arastron Brizardan Policastaleon Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with whom Don Rogel had fought all day without any advantage the generous Alcaeus and the gentle knight Armorand who by no means induring any speech of rendring themselves combatted like desperate men but having continued fighting almost two houres after the rest they were fain at length to fall at the feet of their enemies more voyd of bloud than of courage The Victory being thus gloriously obtained the Judges went and parted the ten Amazons sent them out of the field with equall honour and causing those sixteen famous Pagan knights to be conveyed into the Citie that their wounds might with the more care be looked unto the Christian Princes were marching out of the Lists in triumph with the Emperour of Martaria who greatly rejoyced at their good fortune when as they perceived the Enemies troops ranged in battell array under the conduct of the great King of Maâ—ritania Zazifalt and Monomatapan to make towards them for to refcue the Pagan knights out of their hands whereat being marvellously incensed they put themselves in the head of their Squadrons and fell in upon them with such fury as the Pagans wanting valiant and skilfull Leaders began within lesse than an houre to betake themselves to flight wherupon our Souldiours were so encouraged that imitating their renowned Commanders they made such a terrible maâ—saere as the ground for foure leagues about was covered all over with dead bodyes and that which rendred the defeat yet greater and more horrible was the Sea which hemmed them in almost on every side so that since the Creation of the world so great a slaughter was never seen for of foure hundred and three score and sixteen thousand men the remainder of so prodigious an Army scarce fifteen hundred escaped and that by the benefit of the night The Christian Princes seeing themselves absolutely victorious returned into the Citie where they found that they had lost of personages of marke Luâ—â—ndâ—â— Anaxâ—â—tes Argantes Emperour of Germanie Melindus King of Cloton the Cenophâ—â—es Floâ—ariaâ— of Thrace Luceneio Lâ—cidâ—mor Florâ—nio Emperour of Rome Filizel of Montespin Don Flores of Greece Zair Filin Artaurus 〈◊〉 of Rhodes Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his son Dorigel of the fortunate Ilands Golâ—â—â— his Wife young Leodâ—â—â—â— the valiant Trâ—ilâ—â— Grandâ—â—â—â— the Duke of 〈◊〉 Floridan of So pradiza Perion of Turkie Florestan of Sardinia Cassianus Anaxander King of Dardania Floradin Gelodan Prince of Moldavia Alettha Oriander King of Sardamira Oroncius Alvida the Queen Castora the King of Catay Rozaphar Parmenian of Cyprus Garmantes Don Smaldo and Tymbres of Egypt wherof some were slain in the Combat the rest in the battell much were they grieved for their deaths and with many tears did they lament them but they were comforted for that they dyed in the bed of honour and that also the principalls had been preserved from the fury of so bloudy a day for which having rendred humble thankes unto heaven they gave order for the curing of the wounded and solemnizing the Funerals of the deceased with all kind of pomp and magnificence CHAP. LIII The Pagan Knights are delivered Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and Rozalmond are crowned Emperours of Tramazond Martaria and Gardacia The separation of all these Princes THE Pagan Knights being mad with rage for the slaughter of so many Kings and valiant Gyants that had kept all the world in awe but much more for that they were vanquished by their enemies would not suffer the Chirurgians to dresse their wounds desiring rather that a speedy death might free them from the miserie of a long expected captivitie which being declared unto the King of great Brittain he went the next day to visit them and knowing that whatsoever he should doe would be authorized by the Christian Princes having found them all in a room together he said unto them Knights I imagine that if fortune had favoured your designes and that we had been in your power as now you are in ours you would have taken pleasure to have made us suffer unworthy things for the satisfaction of your revenge but we will let you see that the Princes of Greece are gentlier disposed that they love not slaughter nor bloud neither doe at any time shed it but when as they are obliged therunto either for the maintenance of the order of Knighthood
or to defend themselves from such as doe assail them your despaire hath made you decline the remedyes which we would have given you for the healing of your wounds you shall goe and seek them where you please to which end we set you freely at liberty wherby also we desire you should know that we never did nor will fear the greatnesse of your armes If you shall be sensible of our courtesies and shall at your return contain your subjects in peace we shall be very glad of it if otherwise it shall not much trouble us Whereupon having formerly commanded a ship to be rigged and victualled he caused them to be carried aboard without attending any answer letting them goe to Gorgophons Island wonderfully amazed to find such courtesie from enemies that had been so exceedingly outraged howbeit all this could not worke upon their hardned hearts for they resolved to be revenged at any rate whatsoever and once more to turn the world upside down This affaire being then expedited Amadis accompanied with seven or eight of the Grecian Princes that kept not their beds went to visit the beautifull Emperesse of the Amazons and did her so much honour as she repented the employing of her Armes against them Soveraigne Prince said she after a most gentle manner I would not beleeve that you and yours were every where invincible nor could think that the applause which the world gave you were justly due to you but having seen incredible effects of your matchlesse valour and found a generosity in you not common to other men I say the world doth you wrong not to erect Altars unto you wherefore I beseech you to passe by that which I have done against you and to honour me so far as to place me in the number of the truest friends you have Great Lady answered that magnanimous King and bowing himselfe for to kisse her hands I doe no longer lament the losse we have sustayned seeing we have gotten so fair a thing as your most excellent selfe your desire doth very much oblige us and the performance of your commandements shall alwayes be our uttermost ambition Hereupon having intreated her to take a lodging with them in the citie she and the Queens her followers were conducted by him and the Princes thither and were brought to Trasicleas Chamber where all the other Princes were assembled by whom being infinitely caressed both sides stood amazed at each others beauties Shortly whereupon it grew to be a very great court for Cassandra arriving from Corolandaya with all those excellent Ladies of whom we have spoken heretofore and all the brave Knights being recovered of their hurts made up such a royall presence that it much astonished this fair Emperesse but when as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond Clarisel and Griolanis presented themselves for to kisse her hands she was so ravished with the sight of their goodly personages and gallant demeanour as she could not forbeare saying openly that now she had seen all that the world had of most rare a prayse that blushing made these Princes protest they would serve her eternally Whilst all was thus in joy and tryumph and that the Princes were talking of their own departure and dismissing of the Christian forces two ancient Knights entred into the hall in mourning weeds which looking round about at length went and kneeled before Trasiclea who presently knowing them demanded what news they had brought from Tramazond Very bad Madam answered one of them for being to acquaint you with the decease of our Emperour we are assured that naturall affection will make you rather lament his death than rejoyce to see your selfe Mistris of his Scepter which now doth attend you and your faithfull subjects wish for nothing so much as your presence to appease certaine troubles arising from the ambition of the great Lords that strive for the government of the Empire wherefore we most humbly beseech you in tender compassion of your poor people to resolve upon as speedy a departure thither as convenience will permit At this speech Trasiclea dissolved into tears and so bewayled the losse of her Father that it pittyed every one to behold her but after they had for a while given way to her sorrows the Princes endeavored all they might to comfort her especially Alcidamant who desired her to consider that the condition of all men was infallibly to dye so that by degrees having asswaged her griefe the King of great Britain propounded the coronation of her and Alcidamant which two days after was solemnized on a scaffold erected for that purpose where in their richest roabs Alcidamant and she two dayes after presented themselves on their knees before Amadis the Emperour of Martaria Belianis of Greece and the Knight of the Sunne who with many ceremonies set two Imperiall Crowns on their heads and caused them to be placed on two Thrones where all the Princes that were present went and kissed their hands except the Emperour Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea Don Rogel and Spheramond which kissed them on the cheek All these solemnities being finished Alcidamant and his Lady descended from their Thrones when as the Emperour of Martaria causing silence to be made spake thus My Lords the age wherein I am more proper for rest than for the cares that wayt upon Kings advises me to lay them all upon the Princes which it hath pleased heaven to bestow on my daughters wherefore said he taking Amadis of Trebisond and Palmirenna by the hands let these be placed in those Thrones as Emperours of Martaria as for Floridan he shall be King of Orgalia and Lucibel of Cleogena two states that hold of my Empire wherupon taking the Crown from off his own head he delivered it unto Amadis of Greece who with Florisel of of Niquea Don Rogel and Spheramond crowned Amadis of Trebisond in the same manner as they had done Alcidamant This done the two new Emperours marching formost with their Ladies were conducted to the Palace with more magnificence than can be well exprest and the feast was far more sumptuous than at any time before during the which all the young Princes waited upon Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and their wives The rest of that day and eight dayes after were spent amidst incredible contentments at the end wherof every one preparing himself for his departure Florimond of Canabea that at the suit of Rozalmond had been sent Ambassadour to the Emperour of Gardacia by Spheramond for to advertise him of Armazia's deliverance and to desire him that he would be pleased to bestow her in mariage on his Son returned with this report that having been marvellously caressed by that great Emperour he had noly approved of the match but had resigned and sent his Crown to Rozalmond wherupon the former Ceremonies were renewed and that brave Knight was Crowned by the two new Emperours Prigmaleon and the renowned Amadis of Gaule Feastings and tryumphs were likewise revived with as much or more magnificence than before to the unspeakable joy of all these Princes and especially of Fortiman of Greece Belianis grand-child who unable to behold the excellent beautie of Penamonda Rozalmonds Sister without adoring her began to breath forth a thousand amorous passions wherof we will speak more at large in our fourth part These delights continued fifteen dayes together during the which the Christian Army had been dismist and sent away all these Princes separated themselves with many tears Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Don Silves Clarisel of Guindaya the valiant Esquilan of Poland and the beautifull Empresse of the Amazons who would needs accompany them went with their Wives to Constantinople Florisel of Niquea into Trebisond with Falanges Alastraxerea Agesilan and his fairest Diana Don Rogel with Persides and Fulgoran into Persia Amadis d' Astre to the Empire of the Parthians where the faire Infanta Rosiliana was ready to expire with joy at his arrivall Fortunian into France with Florisel Rozalmond Russian and Silverin of the Desart into Gardacia Amadis of Trebisond Floridan and Lucibel with their Father-in-law into Martaria Alcidamant with Trasiclea Grian and Brandimanda to Tramizond Griolanis and his beautious Adelazia to Corolandaya Prigmaleon remained in Aethiopia untill such time as his Subjects were somewhat better assured The Knight of the Sun and Belianis according to the great Alcanders directions set forth with their kinsmen towards China and the Empire of Mexico And all the other Christian Princes embarquing themselves set saile for their own Countreys where we will leave them to enjoy all the happinesse of peace for to finish this third Volumne in the sequell whereof shall be seen the adventures of Don Belianis and of the Knight of the Sun together with a continuation of the marvellous acts of Alcidamant Rozalmond Clarisel Persides and other young Knights of Greece FINIS
the favour of their Archers threw out bridges and ladders to get to the strand But the Christian Princes and those brave Knights received them upon their lances made them tumble into the sea as fast as they left their ships and not fearing their Archers who but very seldome pierced their Arms put themselves into the water the better to make use of the swords The fight then begun to be very cruell for the Giants and the Kings in a rage to see the water died red with the bloud of their men leaped all at once on land in spight of all their enemies resistance and with them above fourty or fifty thousand men Then was the encounter very bloudy for as many Pagans as the swords of our Christian Princes did light upon found their graves in the sands and the catholiques had not a much better bargain under the scymiters of the Giants whereof two were at this first meeting slain and with them the Kings of Zambar Carthageâ—â— and Nabagazâ— Prigâ—â—leon and Fulgorâ—â— who desired to signalize their valour at their enemies cost cut in pieces all that they met with and followed by a multitude of people which were gotten to land they had fallen upon Alastraxerea's Squadron if Spheramond had not arrested the fury of Prigâ—â—leon and Silvan that of the King of Canabea These four Knights being thus incountred began a most furious combat during the which Alastraxerea the fair Savagesse Florian Dorigel Quedragant Altaria and Dardanio were on the one side gotten together to take the Giants in hand while their Knights made a strange massacre of the Pagans and on the other side Florizel Lucendus Esquilan Florestan Florizart Leonidas Melfort Sclarimond and some oâ— the most remarkable in the Army rendred themselves dreadfull even to those proud Knights who thought that all the men in the world assembled together were not able to resist their forces so that nothing was seen but dead bodies and horses on the ground The fight having thus continued above two hours with horrible slaughter Florisel perceiving a battallion of three or fourscore thousand horse which had landed below the place where they fought ready to charge him caused presently a retreat to be sounded being unwilling to engage himselfe amongst such a multitude of enemies And falling into the rear of his Army with all those brave Knights he bare off the fury of the Giants and the Kings who not enduring the losse they had suffered charged themselves like desperate men but seeing twenty thousand foot advance which Don Siâ—aldâ— and Garmant had drawn out to favour the retreat of the Christian Princes they made a stand and rallying themselves together went in good order to plant their Army before the towne Florizel having put the greatest part of his men into the fortifications which he had caused to be made and the rest into the town desired to know what this battell had cost him and by the report of the Captains he found that seven thousand Christianâ— were dead on the place but he was advertised by the spies which he had in the â—nemies camp that the Pagans had lost two and twenty thousand men fifteen Giants and thirteen Kings at which they were so enraged that if it had not been so neer night they would not have tarried till the next day for giving the assault to the town yet necessity enforcing it they were glad to set a good face on the matter for fear of disanimating their Souldiers promising themselves to do wonders upon the first occasion since their Army was now out of feate of the sea and that they might fight at large upon firme ground But they were beguiled in their hopes for the Greeke Princes who well knew how to follow their fortune and to vanquish as well by industry as courage gave them a new occasion of despight as I will presently deliver CHAP. XXXI The wonderfull deeds of Armes that were done both in a sally and in the assault given to Constantinople with the great losse that the Pagans suffered by an Army newly arrived in favour of the Christians THis mighty Fleet of enemies having landed as hath been told you passed the night without any rest being imployed in setting up of tents and making retrenchments for their security so that about the break of day the fortifications being finished the Souldiers tired with the sea as well as with their precedent labour and besides pressed with an extream desire of sleep laid themselves downe to take a little rest but they were quickly rowsed for the Princes of Greece being infatigable and ever casting for the victory and how to weaken their enemies having withdrawn to the town for to cheer up those timerous Princesses after they had supped went to counsell where the couragious Florisel remonstrating in few words what benefit would result from a surprisall of drowsie enemies determined to get to horse before Sun rising and meaning to play his game with as much losse and hazard of the enemy as he could he gave order that Spheramond should â—ally forth at the east port with ten thousand choyce horse the two Cenophales the brave Esquilan of Poland Perion of Turkie Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa that the Prince Lucendus with the like number should fall out of the south port followed by Silvan the fair Savagesse Quedragant Florestan Agrian Alteria and Dardaniâ— and that at the same time he would be in the fild with twelve thousand horse in the head of which should be the valiant Dorigel Florizart Frizel Abies Melfort Armond and Leonidas appointing the Queen Alastraxerea to be ready with two thousand horse to favour his retreat as also Parmenian of Cyprus with the like number to support Spheramond and Ladazan of Numidia to do as much for the Prince of France if the enemies approched to the walls Things being in this sort disposed and direction given to such as were to be of the party every one withdrew till the houre appointed when as they sallied out with a designe to make a strange havock among the Pagans The first that began to stirre was the invincible Emperour of the Parthians who findâ—ng the enemy sleeping and almost disarmed did such execution on them as the fild was all strewed over with dead bodies Prigmaleon Fulgoran who were asleep in their arms but a great way asunder hearing this fearfull alarm presently took each of them ten thousand horse which they held ready about them for all occasions and joyning together went to oppose the violence of these indomptable Greekes who bare all down before them when as a fresh noyse on the south side made them make a stand as uncertain which way to bend themselves but being met just at that instant Prigmaleon with fifteen Giants and twelve Kings who had put themselves into his troop whilst the others took care of drawing the rest of the forces to Arms turned to that side where Spheramond acted wonders desiring Fulgoran to encounter the enemy which
gave in upon the south quarter matching then with incredible fury they began a most cruell bickering for the Greekes imitating their Princes who never let their swords fall without the death of some one followed their businesse so close that the Pagans wanting courage to defend themselves were already wavering and ready to quit their ground had not 20000 horse come in presently to their second But that also served them to little purpose for Florisel of Niquea being at that instant likewise fallen upon their quarters caused such a confusion as no 〈◊〉 knew which way to turn himselfe howbeit Fulgoran no way losing his judgement left the great King of Mauritania in his stead to make head to the brave Prince of France who still got ground upon his enemies and taking with him two dreadfull Giants with fifteen thousand horse went to charge the Squadron which Florisel led had not that great Captain more carefull of the preservation of his men then of satisfying his own passion wisely retreated after he had bothed the earth with the bloud of his enemies The gallant Pagan vexed to death with the sight of such a massacre among his men could not bridle his rage but without observing how the Christians retired in a safe orderly manner gave in upon them with the Giants hoping to break them and to enter the town pell â—ell with them But Alastraxerea with her two thousand horse comming in at the same time charged him in flank whilst Florisel making his men turn head stood his shocke with unspeakable valour and not onely rendred his designe effectlesse but also forced him to quit the place with extream losse In the mean time Spheramond was but in an ill taking for intending to retire to save his men from the terrible blows of Prigâ—â—leâ—â— and his Giants who found nothing able to resist them was by the obstinate eagernesse of the enemy so engaged that some misfortune had befallen him if the valiant Parmenian of Cyprus and Don Sinaldo advancing with strange fury had not valiantly freed him out of their hands Lucendus also having bravely delivered himselfe from an incredible multitude that most violently charged him the Citie ports were shut to the great contentment of the Princesses who seeing all the principal knights safely come off received them so lovingly that the sweetnesse of their entertainment made all their labor seem almost nothing The losse which the Christians had made somwhat troubled them when as they considered that one Knight was of greater importance to them then three to the enemy but having learned that seventeen thousand Pagans three Kings and twelve Giants remained slain in the field and that they wanted of their men but three thousand and seven hundred they comforted themselves hoping that God would not forsake them since the question was as much for his glory as for the preservation of their estates On the other side the Pagans were mad with spight to see the aâ—dacity of the enemy and their own losse but yet having too much courage to be daunted therewith they made shew of lesse griefe then inwardly they felt But not intending to sit down without revenge they assembled that day in counsell and there resolved either to carry the town or dye at the assault whereupon secretly commanding all the Captains to be ready by breake of day that so they might by a camâ—ssado pay the Christians in their owne com they withdrew till two hours after midnight when as they rose according to the order given armd their Souldiers with the least noyse that might be and divided their forces in this manner Prigmaleon Fulgoran and the great Kings of Mauritania made three battalions each of an hundred thousand Souldiers twenty Giants and fourteen Kings to assail the town in three severall parts and gave the Tamberlan of Moraria in charge to keep them of the Fort imployed with thirty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse thereby to impeach them from assisting those that were to defend the walls Now they perswaded themselves that they should finde the Greeks asleep but Florisel being advertised of their designe by the spiâ—s which he had in their camp placed Alaslraxerea at the Conduct-gate with twenty thousand men and part of the young Knights charging them not to shew themselves till the ladders were set up and laden with enemies Spheramond at the Dragon-gate with the like number and the same direction and Lucendus at the East-port in the like sort provided so commanding Silvan to take four thousand horse for to round the tower he went out of the City with Dorigel Parmenian of Cyprus Ladazan of Numidia and the brave Esquilon of Poland and finding twenty thousand horse and twelve thousand foot in his fortifications he presently put them in arms to make use of them as time and occasion should require The Pagans drawing toward the Town and hearing no noise in it thought the Christians had been sleeping so that in a moment their ladders were reared whereupon the Giants first mounted to encourage the souldiers to follow them But straightway they saw the enemy shew himself and with a tempest of stones boiling oyl sulphur and pitch overthrew those which thought to lay hold of the parapet so that the ditch began to be filled with dead men then it was that the assault grew to be furious and cruell for the Giants enraged to see their fellows repulsed and slain not caring for their lives pressed forward and divers times to the sword with the Christian Princes who under favour of the wall discharged most horrible and mortall blows especialy Spheramond that never lighted on a Giant without depriving him of life Neverthelesse lacking room to lay about him according to his minde he took a new resolution and leaving the charge of his quarter to Don Sinaldo as also Lucendus that of his to Garmant they both sallied forth with six thousand horse apiece and gave upon the enemy with such fury that finding them in disorder the field was infinitely covered with dead carcasses Then was the valiant Prince of France seen breaking into that mighty battalion of the enemies and charging them with such courage as made his friends admire and his enemies fear him On the other side the invincible Emperour of the Parthians seemed a thunderbolt of war one while sending arms and heads to the ground another while dividing a Giants body in two pieces In brief nothing was to be seen round about them but dead bodies nor any thing to be heard but a confusion of voices and the cryes of such as lay dying under the horses feet The valourous Aethiopian and the mighty King of Canabea whom these two little squadrons attacqued followed by the Kings and Giants that accompanied them did wonders piercing into the Christians squadrons with a great and terrible slaughter and were very glad to see them abroad in hope to beat them in and enter the Town with them But Florisel that considered the consequence of this