soule and the death of Claretta named both he and his Sonnes fell into a great agonie of discontentment vowing to God and their soules a déep reuengement for that monstrous murder and so forthwith marched towards Montment But Iacob staying behinde assembled together foure hundred Christians whom he conducted after Gautier with such hast that he ouertooke him before he had fully got sight of Montment which instantly they had entred without resistance had not a certayne Pagan espied them who running into the citie gaue king Gorbant warning of tâ—eir approach He vpon the first notice mustered all his barons together and issued out to méete the Christians who then were within a league of the towne walls 3 The Pagans being ordered in battell said amongst themselues Alas alas these Christians are come to theyr funeralles for sith Meruine is dead it is impossible for them euer againe to see a day of conquest They were to the number of an hundred thousand and thus quartered Griffoy bare the ensigne of Mahomet and had thirtie thousand King Bandus had other thirty thousand and Griffoner with a regiment to second him Gorbant with the rest went before The Christians had ordered themselues though not so huge yet full as strongly and thus Gautier after incouragements to his sonnes put spurres to his horse and gaue the first charge on the Pagans and the first he incountred he bare dead to the ground the second he cut off by the head after him an other and an other and desiâ—â—ing til x. fel by his sword before him At this began a clamorous noise greater than thunder from heauen and the battell was mightily confused Gorbant if his armes had béene excellently imployed his vertue in valure had inherited alittle better than excellent By letting his déed passe we will speake of Iacob who folowing Gautier with foure hundred Christians and séeing the fearefulnesse and hugenesse of the battell said vnto his souldiers Gentlemen this day it behooueth vs to be most circumspect what we take in hand you do sée the rare mightines of the battell and the equalitie of puissance let vs then aduise our selues what way is best for our generall profit which in my conceipt is this Whilest the two armies are thus equally busied we will assault the towne now vtterly vndefended and making our entrance therein put man woman and child to the sword that will not fall downe and adore the name of Christ Iesus To this with clamours they all agréed and forthwith entred the Towne which was left vngarded and beganne to put to â—he sword all with whom they incountred But the fearefull people soone rendred to mercie and accepted a second baptisme The Iacob went to the castle of Turgon with his followers where he found Guyda and Barrant her litle sonne surnamed the Cruell and Berea to whom Iacob said Madame great and infinite are the mischiefes that hang houering ouer thy head if so soone thou hast forgotten prince Meruine and renounced the Christian true lawe of saluation Ha Iacob said Mathaburna with a wéeping face chide me not for in my heart I adore nothing but that true God of my saluation what else I haue done this life which onely I loue but for his loue hath with carefulnesse drawne me hereto You make me prowd qd Iacob with these words know then I haue taken with these my followers both the towne and this castle wherefore I will leaue two hundred to gard you and with the rest returne to the great battell This said he tooke his leaue and after safe order taken for the Towne and Castle he returned to the tumult where he shewed himselfe to be a most resolued and courageous gentleman whose resolution when Gautier sawe he commended excéedingly with promise of great honors My Lord saide Iacob my beginning hath béene better than my procéeding for I haue taken both the citty and Turgon Wherefore if you doubt your successe you may make your retraite therein for it is your owne assured When Gautier heard this he daunced for ioy and in that place created him knight kissing his chéeke and praying for his endlesse good fortunes Iacob so prowd with these honours that the first pagan that he met he sent dead to the ground and then rushing into the heart of the army made wondrous destructions which king Gorbant beholding inraged he ranne against him and gaue him such a blow that he felled him to the earth by means whereof the good Iacob was taken prisoner and now came the battell to the extreamest hazard for the Pagans being an hundred thousand and the Christians but twelue thousand the greater number prenailed wherefore Gautier commaunded a retrait to be sounded and so retired into the citie at the sight whereof Gorbant tore his haire and was madly inraged not leauing to assault the towne on each side but in vaine for in his despight it was strongly maintained When as armes and fury was laid at rest Gautier went to the pallace where reposing himselfe he made inquirie for Iacob but not any could tell of him or his fortune Good God said he shall we loose that good knight is it possible that vertue should so soone vanish and with that hee shed teares for affection This while Guyon went to Guyda and taking her by the hand said Faire Lady how comes your fortune to hale you into this coast and whose is this infant you beare with you Ah Guyon said she it is my son but I pray you how doth your brother Bertran O he was mightily false to me at Damascus when leauing me along he estéemed more his sword than mine honour for hatefull reuenge whereof I instantly married king Gorbant his greatest enemy Thus she discoursed her aduentures to Guyon whilest her husband and Griffoy without the city stoode tearing their haires for their losses After some consultations held they sent for Iacob and tolde him that if he would go to Montment and persuade Gautier to send him forth of the city his wife and yong son he would deliuer all the christian prisoners that were that day taken Iacob glad of these words for he mightily feared death said willingly I will performe thy desire so I may haue sufficient pledge for the trueth of thy promise Then Gorbant called Bandus Griffoy and Grifoner and sent them for hostages of his word so they came into Montment and finding Gautier in the pallace Iacob deliuered the message oâ— Gorbant which was most welcome to Gautier who deliuered to Iacob Guyda and Barant and detaind the pledges for his returne who comming to Gorbant with a comely reuerence deliuered them to their lord who on thother part deliuâ—red vnto him all the Christians that were prisoners whom he brought triumphantly into the citie and enfranchised the hostages who solemynely swore by Mahomet neuer to raise their tents till they had once againe made themselues commaunders of the Cittie but their dowes were witnesses against them for Gautier night and day so souldier-like
of Clarissa the coward THe counsell of Eclamard Baucamont and all his Barons applauded as most excellent wherefore at that present was Morgant and Nigron roially dispatched for the embassade who in solemne maner entered into the citie and thence were conueied to the pallace where ascending a paire of stately staires they entered into the great chamber where they found the king Mermont accompanâ—â—â— with a number of woorthy Barons to whom Morgant first speaking gaue this salutation That Mahomet the eternaâ—l regent and possâ—ssor of the whole world who kéepeth from euill lendeth vnending dayes to the mightie Baucamont king of Damascus the same Mahomet confound his enemies whose weapons mainetaine warre against him Then he procéeded thus in his ambassage King Mermont the king my master salutes thée by vs and Saieth he wondereth whither thine ancient wisdom is fled that thou refusest to giue him thy faire chast daughter whose euery excellence the height of his royall dignities shall counterpoise therefore these are his latest summons either now send her by vs to make happy his desires or hereafter it will be too late to repent thy liues end ending thy glories if then now thou wilt stoup the ambition of thy will sending her with a frée consent the mariage without delay shall be solemnized and all his royall army shal depart without damage to thy countrey 2 When Mermont with an often exchanging cheeke had heard his deliuerie cholerike anger roused vp his lion spirits teaching his brow such frowns of displeasure that Morgant quaked to behold theÌ„ Then said Mermont take those insolent orators of disgrace cast them into some hideous â—â—â—â—â—couering â—ungeon for that is both my reply and resolution where in despight of Baucamont their woes shall consume their breathes At these wordes they were each one on euery side hauing nothing to say for themselues but praiers to Mahomet for their protection taken cast in most lothsome imprisonment where their day was blacknesse and the breath they â—rew the aire of their sighes before breathed 3 After this the king Mermont caused an alarme to be cried oâ—er all the city then calling Clarissa said vnto him let it not be troublesome to thée honorable Clarissa that this day I commit into thine inuincible protection mine ensigne the glory and badge of my dignitie sith to thy woorth the earth hath refused to beare an equall as the glory of thy cariage at our last triumph was a sufficientâ—witnes thy wisedom is the gouerner of my fame thy fortitude the hope of my redemption My earthes god answered Clarissa banish al doubtfull feare for I will support thy standard with such resolution as shal become the greatnesse of so royal a burden wo alas had but Mermont knoweÌ„ his extreme cowardise not the world could haue made him hazard his honour in so weake handes or his imagind reputation was but the stolne shadow of Meruines perfection Now Clarissa wâ—unded to death with his own glory had no succour to flie vnto but his chamberlaine that only was priuie to what passed betwâ—xt Meruin him who at â—hat instant lay exceedingly siâ—ke of a quaâ—tane feuer Wherefore comming to him Clarissa sayd either must thou now rise and sustaine my falling fortune or all the honor that I haue won by the euer conquering hands of inuiâ—câ—ble Merâ—ine will now vtterly be lost I confounded for the mâ—ghtie standard of king MermoÌ„t this day is deliuered to my protection and what a neuer dying sham it were thou knowst if it be not caried with redâ—ubted valiancie when inumerablâ— blowes eternizeth the helmes of deaths tragedians Sir sayd the chamberlain who euene then was piteously ague shaken were all the golden mines of the world proposed to me for recompense it were impossible to raise me because in my bodie wantes vital habilitie When Clarissa heard him he stroke him with so fierce a cowards blow that two of his téeth flew out of his mouth then departed out of the chamber in great choler and came to king Mermont whom he intreated with al the spéed he could to giue an alarme to the tentes of his enimies who as yet secure dreamt of no danger by that surprise doubted not but to attaine infinite renowne And these words were vttered with such a trembling spirite that king Mermont in that Index might haue read his cowardise if former resolue had not blinded suspect But he feared him not so that at his enâ—reatie he withall his Barons sallied from the towne being 10000 well ordered souldiers When as Baucamont beheld the comelinesse of their march he called all his barons together and sayd Behold lords in what warlike pompe king Mermont bringeth the paragon of beautie diuine Berea to be espoused to our greatnesse I charge therefore euery soule on alleageance and my loue that they be ready to receiue them with all the honour possible can be deuised Thus spake he whose thoughts were flowen beyond the Alpes farre from the purpose of Mermont for he came accoÌ„panied with the king of Calabria named Sallames and of his brother Marandus to whom he vsed contrary eloquence saying Ualiant and heroike commanders we are but a point to the great circle of our enemies a handfull to a boundlesse masse let vs kéepe together and making of our many but one true strength fight like a not to be sundred mountain that when the great hoste of our foes is conuicted we may with smal or no losse make an honorable râ—trait to Montment To these words the whole armie gaue a shoute of consent and withall spurring their horses gaue a gallant charge on the face of their enemies but Clarissa whose heart was then benumd witha cold palsy durst not carie the standard vpright least the viewe of that marke of honour should encline the ambitious minded mighty on s to assaile his faint hardines which al the armie of Montment to their grief perceiued so that Mermont with his fellowes in vnspeâ—ble furie thrust himselfe amoÌ„gst his enimies euen amongst their tents which they cut hewed down in admirable maner killing their foes as they went in huge multitudes There was neuer a turke that MermoÌ„t met but he stroke him dead to the earth crying to al his host Lords and renowmed fellowes strike couragiously neither feare king prince nor peasant for this day haue I taken conquest my prisoner At these wordes a pleasant angry Turk went to Baucamont sayd Glory my soueraigne be to thy wedding day for Mermont hath brought his daughter on his sword and tendered her vnto the priest with such memorable blowes that if you sâ—â—ne acknowledge not satisfaction his paiment will impouerish you of all your attendants Baucamont hearing angry to heare this tooke his lance and swore by all the deitie of Mahomet to bée gloriously reuenged on Mermont and theâ— like a stormie whirlewind he ran into the hoste of Montment crying Damas Damas for the glory of Damas. Then began the â—ight to
the meanes of Mathaburna 2 The deliuery of Drohes out of prison and other accidents chap. 19 Barant challenged combat of Charles himselfe alone against three or fiue 2 how he ouâ—rcame all the fiâ— chap. 20 Meruine in countred Baham the sonne of Belmarine with 10000. pagans who were forraging who were all conquered except three 2 how Baham renounced Mahomet 3 how the three that escaped reported the action vnto Barant who slue one of them for bringing such euill newes chap. 21 Barants hundred thousand were ouerthrowne by Merâ—inâ— 2 how Bertran then came with all his hoast except threâ— hundred and marched against the Christians chap. 22 The single Combat betwixt Meruine and Barant and of Charles and the other Christians and the ouerthrow of the pagans chap. 23 Meruine married Mathaburna 2 And of the great solemnitie at Maiance for ioy thereof chap. 24 Mutaâ—ier deceiued the Fairie Gratiana and begotte of her a monster named Orke who had three heads 2 And of other accidents chap. 25. The king Turniquant of Oriam assembled a great number of his people and went in ayde of the Orke 2 how hee destroyed all Normandie and Brittaine 3 and of other occurents chap. 26. King Charles had intelligence of the King of Englands comming 2 of their assault on both sides 3 how Meruine came who had reconquered againe all that the Orke had wonne 4 how Mathaburna gaue charge that no man should speake of the warres before Paris 5 how an Angell appeared to Meruine chap. 27. Meruin vndertooke Combat against the Orke 2 of the Fight and the Orkes death which brought rest to the Christians chap. 28. Meruine tooke leaue of Charles and departed 2 how he went to Ierusalem and thence was conueyed into Fairiâ—â— chap. 29. The second part of The most ancient famous mo her of Histories the exquisite Historie of Prince Meruine the son of Oger the Dane who conquered Ierusalem Babylon and diuerse other Cities from the Pagans with many memorable accidents of wondrous consequence CHAP I. How Mermont Butor and the Pagans imagining to enter vnawares within Montment were inclosed by the Christians 2 Of their discomfiture and the great battell wherein Bertran did wonders GAutier hauing receued these tidings the happie armoâ—r by the which they were preserued from a shamefull death gaue the messenger in guerdon of his paines a cuppe of golde desiring him to recommend the perfection of his seruices to the most kind and louing Lady Minea whom hee would honour and adore and after other complements dispatched him and departed Butor and Mermont the waking Dragons of impietie by this time were departed from Brandis and now by sea were come to the port of Luternia two leagues from Montment the whâ—â—st the christians armed themselues to incounter them hauing intelligence by their espialles that passed to and fro of their neare arriuall and Bertran comming to his father besought his maiesty to deliuer him a regiment of the oldest 〈◊〉 whom with himself he would lay in ambushment in the woods Bontbras till the Pagans were passed by and then at such time as the maine aâ—my should charge them in the faces he behind would equall the incounter and not doubt but to put all to the sword in a moment his counsell was held currant and consented vnto Now came the pagans marching with silent carefulnes thinking halfe in a â—lâ—mber to surprize the citie but they were preuented for Gautier met them with a well ordered battell the proportion consisting of thrée batallions the first conducted by Guyon containing fiue thousand the second by Huon of Burdeaux being fiue thousand and the last by himselfe also fiue thousand so that the maine was fiftéen thousand besides ten thousand that lay obscured with Bertran As the Pagans passed by the wood Bertran took a perfit view of them and smiling he saide vnto Drohes who was his companion in that stratagem Behold with what hast these Pagans post to their misery sée sée Drohes doest thou sâ—e that gallant beast the formost is mounted on by him that gaue me life this day I will giue him thée for a present a seate worthier of thy seate than an infidelious miscreant At these words Drohes looking carefully sawe Butor mounted on the braue mare Mordant sometimes the delight of Meruine which with griefe made him stand as if he ahd béene thunder-strucke till rage appeasing sorrow he saide To armes to armes prince Bertran let me die if I doe stay any longer and sée a traitour in triumph ride on the gallant Mordant worthie none but her master inuincible Meruine This saide they mounted vppon theyr horses and sounding a Cornet which was a signall to Gautier of their comming issued out of the woodes and charged the rereward of the pagans thorow and thorow which Butor beholding commanded an alarum and saide Courage gallant resolutions and be not abashed for this handfull of christians whose pride not prowesse makes them desperate and at this they turned vpon their enemies where one might haue séene Bertran beare honour from euery other creature and comming to him that rode on the gallant horse he had promised Drohes with the first blowe be smote him dead from his saddle then taking the stéede deliuered him to Drohes saying My promise this day is performed and my word iustified at that Drohes with humble thanks dismounted and mounted on his new gift then they two thrust themselues among the pagans Death like a gentleman vsher passing before them giuing to the battell a feareful and miserable beginning 2 Gautier that on their faces shoulde now on their backes was inforst to charge them in which shocke Huon shewed his prowesse to be most inuincible in that Might it â—elfe wanted might to resist him he slew infinites and left innumerable wounded amongst the rest he slue the nephew to king Gautier whose death whilst his vncle pursued to reuenge he made forfait for his owne life Dreadfull and somewhat doubtfull was the battell a long time because the pagans were an hundred thousand and the christians but fiue and twentie thousand who notwithstanding by their wisedomes the best weapons in warefare in the end became conquerours Maruellous this day were the actes of Bertran making Conquest in loue with her selfe because hee loued her Guyon his brother was not short of infinit praises who in the hart of the battell shewed himselfe lord of alâ— heartes and incountring a kinsman of Butors he slew him at the fight whereof a whole band of Sarazens assailed him crying thou diest this day no valor shall release thée and then rushing all with one furie they bare him from his horse and tooke him prisoner but as they were intending to present him to king Butor Bertran that then was commen into the strength of the battell and by the tumults of the pagans suspecting they had tane some prisoner all inraged and grieued he turned to the prease making euery hinderer of his way a companion to his graue till hee
Emperour Charles his father who looking on his sad lookes asked what was become of the christian aâ—my for said he thy lookes are heauy and vncomfortable T is true my lord said he and that would hold me longer but falling to the ground he swowned at which Charles cried out with amazement whereby Gautier and his nobles came foorth who recouered Loys and laid him on a bed who calling his father and the rest about him declared al what had passed in the battell during the time he tarried and how the whole army of twenty thousand were slaine by the pagans O peace yong prince said Gautier kill mée not with thy wordes flatter my death a little and say not that all my sonnes are 〈◊〉 My Lord said Loys doubt not but they are al slainâ— or before I left them we were all inclosed round about so as it was impossible for any to escape onely my selfe had fortune which fortune I begd from Bertrans sword who with very much danger to himselfe hewed my way before me 2 Gautier hearing this tore his garments rent his haire and â—ringing his hands made such piteous and lamentable lamentation that the aire resounded with his outcries and all that sawe him became partâ—ers of his heauinesse Yet a great degrée aboue the dgrée of his perfitâ— woe ascended the immortall afflictions of the most excellent Singlay Bertrans vnhappy wife whose teares are impossible to be described and to whose woe none can finde an equall epytheton O heauens said shee O time O hard hearted prouidence wherein haue I offended that to my life is adiudged an endlesse torment Speake speake you adamantine destinies why haue you robbed the world of her renowne and me of my glorie O that I had time enough to raile on you or that by railing the time of your powers might be expired Ah miserable wretch that I am left all 〈◊〉 and desolate who now shall sustaine mine anguish or pitie my mournings Alas none but Death come then gentle Death I meane not the slow footed death which attend the footesteps of nature but the grim Death sodayne death the page to vntoward mischiefe come thou and bée my comfort thou which hast â—houghts wings come quickly and be not â—ardy or thus in despight will I pull thee into my bosome and with that taking a knife which hung at her girdle she had stabbed her selfe to the heart but that a squier of Bertrans standing by did holde her chiding her desperâ—â—e thoughts and perswading a more temperate resolution shée séeing her will broken swowned and reswowned so that by the helpe of the Ladies she was conueyed into her chamber where she reposed Generally ran this sorrowe ouer all Maiance and euery one wept the losse of the princes During these dayes of mourning the porters that guarâ—ed the gates 〈◊〉 the cittie grew amazed for on a sodaine they sawe a numberlesse hoste of Pagans begirt the towne round about and pitch their pauillions in the face of the Citie the newes whereof they foorthwith carried to the sad king which hardly was deliuered but word was brought there were two Turkes royally mounted who craued accesse to deliuer a message from their mightie Lord Barant the Cruel they had entrance granted and were brought to the pallace before Charlemaine Gautier Naymes and the twelue Péeres of France where after some proude reuerence one of the Turkes thus spake To thée King Charles of Fraunce my Lord and Maister prince Barant the Cruell sendeth this message If thou like a votarie bare footed thy handes bound and acorde about thy necke accompanied with Gautier in like manner come and fall downe before him submitting your selues to his mercie and renounce the God whom you worship that then your peace shall continue otherwise he voweth neuer to depart from this country till hee haue made it more waste than Gruntland or the frozen mountaines in Scythia Pagan answered Charles when hee had heard the message if thy Lord doe that I shall be sorie but tell him from me that to morrowe I will giue him battell and feare not but before night to make him runne headlong into the Sea for his safetie This is all and this deliuer 3 At this the pagans departed and came to their Lord Barant who seeing them asked if Charles would accomplish his pleasure No aunswered one of them but voweth to morrow to giue you battel and in the greatest scornâ— that may be esteemeth your Highnesse threatning as for the lawe of Mahomet hee saide it was damned and hee esteemed it â—aser than the basest earth he trodon Uillains said Barant heardst thou him reuile our religion and diddest not kill him By Mahomet thou shalt pay for thy cowardise and at that worde hee strake him dead to the ground with his punyarde The other Ambassadour seeing this ranne amongest the Pagans and hidde himselfe swearing if hee escaped now neuer againe to goe on any messages of Barants Now by this time began the day to put on the nights apparell and they went to their restes till the next morning at what time they arose and armed themselues to receiue battell Charlemaine on the other side was as mightily troubled who by the sound of trumpet gathered his army together and marching out of the towne hee diuided his hoste into fiue battallions euerie one containing at least twentie thousand Knightes and vpwardes CHAP. XIII 1 How the Christians gaue battell to the Pagans in which turmoile the good King Gautier was slaine and his hoste ouerthrowne 2 Charlemaine is forced to retire and issues out the second time 3 The taking of Loys and Duke Naymes prisoners WHen Charlemaine was commen vnto the place of battel aduised by the duke of Naimes hée sent tenne thousand of his souldiers backe to defend the cittie for feare of some secret stratagem and then sounding all his trumpets and making a fearefull noyse they gaue a braue charge on their enemies crying Saint Denis and our right this day and in that first onset they â—iue of the pagans almost an hundred thousand but they so infinitely abounded that the christians beganne to stand amazed at their numbers But Gautier who looked for nothing but for reuenge for his sonnes deaths stayed not at any thing but méeting with a king whose name was Bruant strooke him dead to the earth after him an other and another and then out drawing his faire bright Sworde his launce beeing broken hee â—utte off King Danemons head and then rushing depserately into the prease hée put to death all that encountred him This while was the good king Charles amongst the pagans where he killed king Feragu and diuers others of famous estimation but in the end he was inclosed round on euery side where he defended himselfe miraculously yet notwithstanding if it had not béene for the Duke Naymes and diuers other gallants of France their king perforce had béene either slaine or taken who séeing their succors â—reuiued new spirites and fought like a god
2 of his great dangers in Brandis 3 how he behaued himselfe 4 how Minea deliuered him from death or imprisonment When Meruin the renowned issue of Oger had heard the Ladies discourse who had in féeling termes deliuerd the danger wherein her sister stood Hoâ—our that in his first creation was married to his soule could no longer he held within the limits of Obliuion but as t were chidden by vertue for his former silence brake from his hony-breathing tongue and swore to the Lady by Mahomet whâ—m he adored he would be the defender of her sister and make treason in the death of Brohars more than most vgly and then rowsing himselfe like a princely lion at the Suns approaching he eâ—â—lted his voice that all the company might vnderstand him Lady said Meruine for Mahomets loue who is our countries protectour cléere thy heauenly eyes that they may no more distaine thy diuine countenance for thou hast found out a champion which delighteth to subdue treason and will be prowd to publish to the world thy sisters not offending the feare of his fame which in others ingendreth feare with cowardise on me begetteth an inuincible courage so that I will either cleare hir reputation or end the kalends of my life in enterprising her deliuery When Minea heard him she imbraced him in hir armes and said diuine blossome of some excellent stocke thou from whom youth hath onely a glorious title since first I beheld thée I did adiudge thée of an incomparable courage blessed be therefore that blessed one which begot thée and blessed be the wombe which bore thée go on faire youth Iustice shal be thy warrant and Innocency thy protector When Tirus considered the promise of Meruine he grew sad and said Alas faire brother what wil you enterprise what wil you take in hand nothing but your owne ouerthrow and the losse of our fathers busines which against the houre cannot by you be performed Brother said Meruine doubt not but our fathers busines shall be effected and by Mahomet which astonisheth the world with thunder I will not for all the wealth in Montment I wil not forbeare to succor a distressed Lady the rather for the loue of thâ—s Lady to whom we are all beâ—â—lden At this they al beholding in him a constancie halfe angry to be contradicted left off further arguing till the next morning Minea throughs excéeding ioy that she had found a champion for her sister would not suffer her eies to close with sléepe all that night but rising early in the morning gathered together 200 Turkes to conduct Mernin to Montesteur who soone by day had awaked Iacob the rest saying my deare friends and consorts be not wearisome to your selues in attending my back-returne neither be displeased with what I vndertake but frolike and triumph for why I will discharge the charges of you all if by my want you be a little hinderd let pacience mittigate your anger and whatsoeuer I gaine I will willingly giue amongst you With that came Minea into the chamber to bid them good morrow to whom Meruine said Lady prouide me of good armes and an excellent horse and let want of coin be no decay to my fortune hold there is store disburse â—pare not When Tirus perceiued him his colour changed he grew pale saying what meane you brother so vnnecessarily to spend imploy our fathers money which he hath giuen vs to pay to the marchant to whom he oweth it Brother said Meruine regard not siluer and gold more then earth the loue wherof maketh the minds of men worse then the worst of earthinesse better loue I to be well armed and brauely monnted then here and there to consume vertue by exchanging marchandise Thus spake the honorable minded Meâ—uine whom from his infancie nature taught to resemble the famous Duke his father Excellently excellent young man said Minea keepe thy treasure for in mine owne coffers do I harbor such store as shall maintaine thee an hundred knights to be thine attendants as for armes and horse be carelesse they long since haue bene readily proâ—ided for the princely Earle of Brandis to whoÌ„ my husband whom he exceedingly loued during his life was chamberlaine hath giuen me the couragious horse Morbon on him shalt thou mount a seat worthy the worthiest knight the world containeth Then would Iacob Tyrus and the other marchants needs mount on horsebacke to conduct Meruine on his way but he desiring a little respit said before I depart I will approue my armes my horse my body against someother knight because on my life relies not my selfe but anothers fortune Friend said a Pagan that had followed those which had brought his horse and armour arme your selfe for I will arme my selfe and charge you yoâ— honour me said he then Meruine buckled his gorget cast on his curats lockt his pouldrons put on his caske and armed him selfe at all points then demanded he a sword which was deliuered him but he refused it for being much too light wherupon Minea went into her chamber fâ—oÌ„ which she brought a sword bigge strong and massie this sword sometimes had bene the sword of King Brandifer a Pagan whom the renoumed knight Valentine Nephew to king Pepin slew before Angoria Minea presented this sword to Meruine who drew it and beholding the beautious brightnesse said O excellent engine worthy an inuincible spirit adde to me as much fortune as I will lend thee force and both of vs will in the tongues of men be immortall Now false traytor Brohars be as wise in defending thy selfe as thou art wilful in offending others else shall thy life wast with thy slander for Meruine is armed as himselfe desireth At that without the aide of his stirrope he mounted on the backe of Morbon and demaunded a launce which so soone as he had receiued he put him with a princely maiestie forward passing a swift strong and round caâ—iere with such dexterâ—tie and nimblenesse as bred wonder and commendation in al the beholders chiefely in the Earle of Brandis that beholding him from his pallace said to his Barons behold a noble and victorioâ—s warriour worthie to be adorned with a kings diadâ—me his hand is an ornament for a lance and his pâ—rson a receptacle for all vertues with that came the Pagan who went to arme himselfe and cried to Meruine friend will you â—eaue those measures and proportioned iumps which your horse in his comming séems proud of and try the goodnes of your arme by a sturdy incounter It is my desirâ— and nothing else replied Meruine so they retired backe the one from the other to take their course with more violence The Story saieth this incounter was on a goodly gréene plaine before the Earles pallace who as before I said stood to behold them with him his wife and a gallant young Prince his sonne and heire apparant When Meruine and the other were seuerd more than the length of a good cariere
renue his age and to shew himselfe in his lustiest youth doubling the deaths and wounds of the both sides pursuing pagans Anone Baucamont being maunted on his steed Marcheuall which sometimes belongd to the euer renowned duke Oger the father of Meruine he peceiued where Mermont rode triumphing in the conquest of his sword whom he pursued with a valiant emulation till Mermont beholding him turned to encounter him and sayd Now Baucamont receiue from my sword the loue salute of Berea whom before thou shalt enioy this earth the commoÌ„ receptacle of the dead shal be mine instant haâ—itation Then with their wounding héeles spurring their horses they encountred either other so furiously that both flew from their horses to the ground 4 Assoone as Clarissa beheld the king his master ouerthrowen as if his coward heart had a sympâ—thie of euery mans afflictions he betooke himselfe to flight but far had not the wings his woe borne him but a pagan who all the day had obserued his faint hartednes came upon him and gaue him such a blow with his sword that he fell soone dead from his horse yéelding to a shamefull life a sodaine death But al this while Mermont Baucamont assailed ech other with such kingly magnificence that al the army stood in an amaze to behold them In the end Mermont by the helpe of many handes was remounted after which he assailed Baucamont with inestimable cruelty yet he by the miraculous aide of his powers which were infinite defended himselfe despight of spight got on the backe of Marchâ—ual Then began the battel as if til then it had not begun during which lamentable effusion the king Sallames perceiuing Eclamard who had flaine a countlesse number of his host came running against him gaue him such a well wishing blowe that if the pagan had not spéedily turnd he had neuer turnd more than the last turne which turneth to life eternall notwithstanding the blowe was sent from so willing a spirit of anger that glancing downe it disseuerd his hand from his arme which when Eclamard felt he spurred his horse and betooke his flight to his tent whilest the whole armie which then were sadly discomforted aduised him to returne and inclose Mermont which Sallames vnderstanding foorthwith gaue counsell to retrait lest that a sodaine inclosure should defeit their gotten happinesse which they did most honorably retiring pace by pace to the towne their faces still fixt on their enemies but in this retraite Mermont lost much because Baucamont folowed excéeding close yet neuerthelesse the other side lost much more who returned to their tents discontented because vnreuenged Now was Mermont brought to his pallace where his Quéene and daughter roially receiued him demaunding both his health and successe in battell which he reported in doubtfull maner saying both sides had lost yet assuring them that Baucamont should neuer liue to enioy Berea to which words Berea gaue humble thanks with princely reuerence Then demanded Berea what was become of Clarissa to whom the king sayd If thou louest me daughter name not the base traitor whose cowardise would neuer giue him leaue to strike one blowe either with sword or lance till he was slayne by the hands of a common souldier Many other discourses the king and his barons held til supper being serued they sate downe which no sooner finished but Berea went to the chamber of Clarissas chamberlain to whom shée reported his masters death Lady sayd he griene not for his destinie for why his merite was of al men least deseruing he altogether vnméete either for skirmish or battell And there he discoursed vnto her all his stolne glory how the prize he had before wonne was not his but the prowesse of young Meruine and that he himselfe had bene many times armed in his name And lastly of the vngentlemanly blow he gaue him because he refused to weare his armour beare the standard of Mermon in that last battell CHAP XII 1 The arriual of Iacob and Barbin at Brandis 2 The presenting of the letter to the Counte 3 Meruine is deliuered to them 4 Mineae perswaded Croisant to accompany Meruine which he did with 400. horsemen WHen all the worlds beauteous eie beautifull Berea vnderstood that Clarissa had got the honour of the Ioust and the prized cup not by himselfe but by the diuine valiant hand of her best beloued Meruine modestly her heart capred in her bosome and shee vnable to containe her thoughts departed to her chamber where first throwing her selfe vpon her bed and then taking a well speaking lute she apparelled her voice to the sounding strings and sung in this maner Eyes with your teares blind if you bee Why haue those teares such eyes to see Poore eyes if your teares can mooue My teares eyes then must moane my loue Then eyes since you haue lost your sight Weepe still and teares shall lend you light Till both dissolue and both want night No no cleare eyes you are not blind But in your teares discerne my mind Teares is the language which you speake Which my heart counting it must breake Then cease ill tongue to tâ—ll my wrongs My sighes shall get them better tongs To tell what heauen to loue belongs After she had sung this as if the lute doubled her imaginations she threw it from her with erected hands beteared eyes she sayd Thou onely honour to beautie exellent Meruine be gratious to my thrall and retorte my miserie you gentle windes quickly and with easie murmure conuey my passions into his eares whereas yet neuer entred my lamentations be spéedie honourable Iacob and assure the honor of my affections else shall my deâ—ires be my death and loue my burial thus lamented she in whom woe was louely because adorned with her loue but Meruin altogether skillesse of her complaint led in Brandis a most pleasant and delectable life for why the Countesse thereof did loue him with a most perfit and sincere loue so likewise did Minea whose careful intimacie so regarded him that it was more laborsome for him to wish then to attaine the end of his wish but the absolutely vertuous Meruine neuer had vnchast thought nor euer accompanied woman but Berea whom he married and begate of her Orient the father of the seauen signes as is written in the holy historiâ— of Godfrey of Bullein But I will leaue them and returne to Iacob and Barbin who arâ—iuing at Brandis and comâ—ing to the house of Minea were solemnely receiued of her and all her attendants Then Barbin inquired of the health of Meruine and was assured by her that he was excellently well for that she had supped with him the last night Then he told her that his occasions importuned him to goe to the earles court to deliuer him a letter for the reâ—ease of Meruine The musike of this newes entred harshly into hereares for that she wisht nothing lesse then the departure of Meruine yet she couered it vnder a
dissolued and in that hope set forward to fortune our conquest At those words Baucamont mounted on Marcheuall which somtimes was Ogers whose damme Meruin conquered when he slew the traitour Brohars as you haue before heard and when Baucamont was mounted he caused a charge to be sounded his foes on the other side answerd with like musick O how gallant a thing it was to heare the reuiuing clamors to sée the ioyning of the hostes to behold the shot of one and other side in such abundance that it seemed like a snow descending from heauen when the shot ceased then began they to fight hand to hand Mermont crying Montment and Baucamont Damas. There might you sée a fierce skirmish as well of the â—laine pagans as the dying wounded there ran the horses vp and downe trailing their reines in contempt after them that but ere while ruled them There might you sée a hand holding a sword but wanting a body to rule it a man that but now fought to keepe away death now lamenting for nothing but that he could not haue death all things confused all things tumultuous for such and no other is warres beauty Mermont being valiant prickt amongst his enimies exclaiming against Baucamont and threatning reuenge for the wrongs both to come perfited And in this furie he smote a pagan named Malcuidant that he tumbled dead before him thence he passed and incounâ—red Affricant whom he slew likewise Why shall I make laboursome my discourse Mermont before he ceased slew fiue then cryed on his standard â—earer whom he brought to the strength of his battell Then Artifalt of Luterne and Murgaffier his brother folowed him on the other side Baucamont cried to his armie come on gallants if any haue courage let him follow me and he shal not onely win gold but kingdoms With Baucamonts speaches his souâ—diers tooke such courage that in despight of fortune Mermont and his hoste were compelled to retire During the blacke sunne-shine of this contagions day Berea was at Turgon standing on a tower from whence shee beheld the battell when she saw her fathers army retire with a pitying sigh shée sayd Ah Mahomet that ouâ— men had new strengths or better fortunes with that with entered the thoughts of Meruine into her memorie for whom she excéedingly lamented saying Deare loue most excellent because onely worthy to be excellent O how tardie are thy plumes that conuey thée with no more spéed to our afflictioÌ„ thou staiest too long O thou staiest too long come spéedily my loue or these iron blowes of our enemies will confound vs O blesse mine eyes once againe with the sight of thy â—alure els shall my soule leaue my body because my body shal be compelled to forsake thée Thus and with these teares of lamentation complained she for her absent loue who staied in the village where we left him euen vntill morning at which time he arose armed himselfe and gorgeously adorned the top of his helmet by fastning thereon the gloues sent him from Berea Thus armed he mounted on Mordant and pacing foorth found all his troupe ready attending his comming and so in warlike maner they all departed but in their marching Meruine called Drohes to him aâ—d sayd Christian if by that faith which so much thou holdest inuiolate thou wilt this day aide vs in the battell to which we are marching I will both doe thée honour command thee armes and reuerence thy reputation In faith replyed he or what els thou canst imagine I estéeme déerer I will neither doubt mee for disloialtie sith if all thine army should renounce thée Drohes would die faithfully by thee At those wordes Meruine commanded him armes and when Drohes was armed he made a vow that if that day he encountred the pagans then the Discipline and Iustice issuing from his sword should testifie that the death of Gallien Rothorus should not sleepe vnreuenged Now had they ridden so farre that by the giantbegotten cloudes and the murmuring rumor of the troubled aire they might see they were not farre from the battell anone they might heare the noise the cries and the incounters all which assured their former imaginations 2 Then pricking more eagerly forward they hasted to bâ— made parties in the conâ—â—ict yet ere they could approch by ill chance Mermont was ouerthrown by Baucamont in despight of his followers taken prisoner to whom Baucamont with reuiling words sayd Uassale to my fortune this day is the last of thy lifes date and thy death shall be shamefull thy daughter in spight will I teare from thy possession yet wil I lie with her but one sole night for after I will bestow her on Pimon mine embassador to whoÌ„ thou threatnedst death for bringing my message such shame will I heap on thy crown such scandal to thy fortune This said Baucamont calld Antifer and commanded him to conuey Mermont to his tent til he had vtterly discomfited the rest of his army Then took they Mermont and bound him with strong cords and muffling his eies lest he shuld see any alteration in that base maner haled him to their tents 3 But as Merâ—ine rid aside discoursing with Iacob the good merchant Iacob perceiued how pittilesly his king was martired with his tormentors wherefore as if his eies had wounded his heart he cried to Meruine O saue him saue him behold king Mermont taken dishonored tormented Meruin as if awaked from a slumber at such exclaiming looking about and seeing him smote the mare with his spurs who like a whirlewind carried him against Antifer He approaching so neare that the sound of his words might be retained he cried Mermont my king feare not thy ill fortune for in despite of these villaines I will recarry thée into Montment at that word he encountred a pagan called Esclardy nephew to Baucamont and with such commanding violence that no stéele durst withstand it but the head of his lance made a passage both through his hart and body he dead Meruine chéered his followers chiefly Drohes to whom he said Absolutely valiant Christian I challenge thée make good the couenant betwixt vs spare neither king nor prince commander nor follower then spurred they two in amongst the pagans in such sort that as the ripe corne before the shearers so fell they before them Then Meruin approching to Mermont whom a Turk holding Meruine gaue him a blow that claue him to the girdle After vâ—loosing the kings bonds and giuing him liberty to sée his redemption said vnto him famous king and my loues soueraigne my work is but the work of duty command my life for thy ransome As Mermont was about to reply and imbrace him Meruine stayd him saying what I do I ought do hereafter shall write mine allegeance hold lace on your helmet and I will prouide you a horse to mount on 4 With that he beheld Antifer who was princely mounted came thus to him Pagan of necessity you must present me your horse
his incounter When Baucamont sawe death and destiny lie in Meruins sword like a man made desperat bicause his estate was desperate he ioyned himselfe to Meruine striking so violent a blowe as he claue insunder the crest of his helmet but to his head did no harme but amazement Meruin displeased at his entertainement drew Entrant his sword and without oâ—her salutation stroke at Baucamont withal his puissance The pagan king fearing the blow retired alittle yet had hee neuer breathed anie more malice if the sword had not turned in the hand of Meruine which like a thunderbolt fell on the arme of Baucamont and that in such heauy maner that the armor shoulder all were cut asunder When Meruine saw him thus spoiled of his defender in iesting maner he sayd king Baucamont it is time now the world excuse you from these martiall occurrents sith the fittest for you is a monasticall function say hencefoorth for the loue of Mahomet you will abiure your folly hauing paied to this good king your right arme for a ransome Thus hauing sayd he returned to Mermont remounted him the second time but Mermont in whom was ingrafted a strong beliefe that Merâ—ine was Mahomet with prostrate humblenesse sayd vnto him great and almighty God of most excellent authoirtie this day hath thy goodnesse newly created me and made my life more happy then the liues of my forefathers hencefoorth be gratious to my proceedings great lord of our religion and I wil make thy name be rung through all natious thy temple I wil multiply all thine ornaments shall be of purest siluer Meruin séeing the blindnesse of his amazement raised him from his prostracie saying no but you are deceiued you are deceiued I honor him you and with that he rusht agayne into the battel Thus while Drohes and the other behaued themselues valiantly effecting such feates of knightly chiualrie that force perforce they draue to retraite the hoste of Baucamont many flying none abiding till the mightie king Esclamart caused all his troupes which came for the succour of Baucamont being 10000 Sarazens all fresh and vnfoiled hauing as yet not striken one blowe to turne vpon their enemies like a storme begotten by a storme in the moneth of Aprill When Mermont perceiued them and considering his people and horses were wearie vnable to withstand them being fresh caused a retraite to be sounded and in honorable sâ—rt retired into the ciâ—ie but when he came to enter Esclamart and his men being swift and nimble had gained the port had not Meruine Drohes withstood them who marched behind and Meruine in that last incounter slew the nephew of Esclamart with many other pagans and they so well defended themselues that king Mermont and his host entered into the cittie Meruine and Drohes after them to the confusion and dishonor of Esclamart who returned sorrowfull for his nephewes slaughter whom hée caused to bée brought with great solemnitie into his tent vowing to Mahomet his god reuenge for his misfortune CHAP. XV. 1 Of the honours Mermont did to Meruine 2 Meâ—uine made chamberlaine of the Court. 3 Gratiana for his sake made lady of the chamber of Berea with other accidents KIng Mermont and all his knights being entred into Montment were most roially receiued both of the quéene his wife and the most beautifull lady Berea his daughter to whom he said thou golden planet of mine age my dearest daughter I beseech thée honor with all the excellencies thou canst imagine this admirable creature who sits armed and mounted on this mightie mare I once imagined him to be our great god Mahomet so godlike was he in mine vnderstanding and so impossible it was for the force of man to enterprise what he hath effected When Iacob came and heard the kings spéeches pleasantly he replied My gracious soueraigne it is a common saying that a fooles bolt sometimes as wel hits the marke as the wise mans arrowe True said the king but I pray thée to what ende doest thou cite this adage to this my liege lord answered he I who am basely vnworthy to counsell kings yet anciently experienced in warres doubtfulnesse went in your maiesties name to Brandis and thence brought this Meruin the sonne of Barbin who this day by his most celestiall prowesse hath twise preserued you from death aud the dangerous hand of your enemies Now if the actor be worthy his honour is not the agent for the acte worthy to be rewarded els let my fortune refuse me said the king Iacob I will heape wealth vpon thy wealth and on Meruine I will double a thousand honours of knighthood for by Mahomet I imagined him to haue bene Mahomet so farre excelled he all creatures yea euen Bruhier and Iustament his valiant brother who were slaine by that renowned Oger the scourge of our religion O Meruine if Mahomet continue gratious to thy procéedings our law shall be by thee exalted as much aboue christianitie as the first moouer is resident aboue the earths center Woe alas this prohesie was too true for with the eyes of infants shall be watered with teares as hereafter shall be declared Now Mermont looking vpon Drohes asked Iacob what he was and Iacob in euery point described him both their méeting conflict and conquest and how he was a christian whose name was Drohes adding withall that if any myracle could make him renounce his religion that then the law of paganisme by him more then by any christian but Oger would be raised admired but this wisedom is so great that no will can remooue him Then Mermont asked Iacob from whence by what meane Meruin had gotten that band of men which he had brought to the battel Then Iacob shewed the king Croisant who then was busie in talke with Meruine from point to point declared his fortunes both how â—a was accused Meruin ingaged Brohars flaine and Croisant restored from his vnbeléeuing the king hearing all this his heart danced for ioy and he solemnly vowd to raise Meruine higher in authoritie then the conceite of man could aspire vnto Whereupon calling the gallant yong knight before him who came with all the reuerence belonging to so great a maiestie the king with a dumb but speaking countenance amazedly as if in a maner skared at his beauty and with his long looking and intimate searching in euery lineament of his proportion he suddenly apprehended in his memory the diuine features of Oger Wherefore he sayd beléeue me Meruine by that Alcheron in which I trust thou resemblest both in body figure and beautie the famousest of all christians renoumed Oger the duke of Denmarke whose fortunes if thou counteruaile the pennes of all men shall write thée most happy By this time the day had exchanged the coulour of his garment and put on the nightes vesture wherefore al the tables being roially apparelled and supper set on the boorde water was brought for the king he sate downe to eate but because all
tree inuironed with a kennell of hungry dagges so stoode Guion defending his life and teaching his followers how to die brauely But in a trice Meruine put those fiftie to the sworde and tooke Guion prisoner whom he deliuered to the Pagans whome he charged vpon their allegeaunce and his displeasure to vse those vertuous prisoners honourably When this was done he went vnto their â—ents where hee founde King Mermont and foure of his consortes also King Esclamart and sundrie other Pagans When Meruine beheld them hee sayd Kinges and Princes what make you heere I imagined you had ouerthrowne the Christian army but I see it is otherwise Ah Meruine sayd Mermont euen for thy countries sake and the honour of Mahomet deliuer vs from this thraldome Thou art onely wise onely valiant and onely most fortunate Mermont sayd Meraine thy freedome is already paid for and then cutting their bandes in sunder made them free from their afâ—â—ictions This done Mâ—ruine commanded the tentes tâ— be ransacked and all the wealth there of which was exceeding much to be brought into the city Then when al was performed and they returned into the pallace in Damascus Meruine commaunded all the prisoners whom he had taken to be brought before him and the other Pagan princes which being accordingly effected Guyda lookt vpon Bertran with a burning eye of desire and an amorous amazement sayiâ—g to Mermont can your Maiestie possibly behold a semblance that more exquisitly resembleth the gallant features of our most famous Meruine then this christian if his lineaments were as bigge and as largely shaped It is most true Madam saide Bandus and the more I beholde him the more I beholde him in him How Princesse replied Meruine is there in euery place one like me Heretofore you said I did resemble Duke Oger and am I now become like this christian what is hee also of Ogers liâ—e Then turning to Bertran he saide Christian I beseech thee without dissembling tell me the name of thy father and the descent of thy predigree Pagan said Bertran we whom you behold are the foure brethren that haue tormented Paganisme and yet hope to be the last end of their destruction Gautier of Denmarke is our father who wanne his crowne with his sworde and Oger whom you so renowne and whom Enuie her selfe dare not but extoll is brother to Guion our grandfather who now ruleth Ierusalem It is mâ—st true said a Pagan standing by Guion king of Ierusalem is brother to Oger whom I beheld in excellent combate to kill Bruhier before the walles of Laon and his brother Iustament before Accre so fierce and valiant is the descent of their pedigâ—â—e By Mahomet said Meruine sith I resemble Oger I would I were also of his issue and so hee was though mischiefe and euil 〈…〉 it from his knowledge but the time commeth in which he shall know himselfe and his of-spring Thus as you haue heard questioned the Pagans with Bertran who most stoutly made replies Then Mermont rising vp saide to Bertran All thy linage hath béene the scourge and ruine of our religion and I am too well assured that nothing but your deaths can giue peace to our quiet wherefore Meruine it is most necessarie they die to excuse our further trouble Not so my Lorde aunswered Meruine againe wee will not wedde Tyranny and Conquest together besides I vowed in my selfe not to doe them indignitie till I haue taken as them their father Gautier prisoner which done I will in a royall nauy crosse the â—eas lay siege to the flourishing citie of Paris and giue battel to the emperor Charles that is surnamed Great and by the aid of Mahomet I doubt not to bring all France to my subiection When Meruine had thus said he commanded the foure brethren and all thother christian prisoners to be strongly imprisoned in an impregnable tower where Bertran consumed his time in lamentation for his royall father and mother It hapned that Guyda Goham the brother of Gaifier being one day vnder the turret they heard the complaints of the haplesse Christians Sir saide Guyda what is he that now speaketh know you his voice Madam saide Goham it is the mightiest of the 4 brethren and the most absolute knight in the world next Meruine his name as I take it is Bertran whose linage is as great as his minde both incomprehensible After these speeches they departed but from Guyda neuer departed the remembraunce of those speeches wherefore as she went she said to her selfe that Bertran from her loue should finde an inuincible army to release him and that her desires should atend on him whilest her heart entertained a sympathy of his afflictions Now were they returned to the pallace where all the Pagan princes were set who both honoured and scared Meruine greatly beâ—ause when he was angry he spaâ—ed no creature of what estate soeuer but dealt his almes alike to all that maligne him When supper was ended Meruine commaunded that all the slaine Pagans should haue souldier-like buriall which being doone amongest the dead was found king Baucamont whom Meruine interâ—d râ—yally offering in his obsequies honorable lamentations As soone as the next day appeared aboue the mountaines Meruine commaunded all his army to be mustred for he would instantly march towards Babylon Wherefore calling king Bandus vnto him he gaue him the charge and gouernement of that citie of Damascus swearing him to his allegeance and with carefull respect to nourish and guard the honourable christian prisoners and also with all the reuerent obseruances appertaining to so great a Maiestie to adore and renowne the excellent princesse Guida When euery ceremony of his charge was ended he king Mermont and a thousand Pagans tooke shipping for Babylon where we will leaue them and a while discourse of other matters ¶ CHAP. XXIIII How Charlemaine departing from France to see the holy sepulchre arriued at Babylon and was royally receiued of King Gualtier 2 Of the Embassage two Pagans brought from Meruine and Gaudisse 3 A Councill holden by the Christians who demanded day of king Karaheu of Florion of Mesque and of his father Maysanâ— at their comming to Babylon THe Historie reporteth that in this time the most famous Emperor Charlemaine would néedes goe to Ierusalem to adore the holy sepulchre and to that end demaunded of duke Naymes if he would accompany him in the voyage who most willingly agréed aduising his Maiestie withall that it were good to take with him also the reuerent archbishop Turpin who had a longing desire to the iorney the twelue Péeres and fiue thousand resolued souldiers to the end that if in that expedition they were incountred with any Pagan princes they might yet be able to defend themselues from mischiefe Thy counsell pleaseth mée sayde Charles yet I can assure thee we may vnresisted passe euen vnto Samaria and Damascus for that the rule of the Christians runneth euen vnto their citie walls To be briefe in my Discourse after Charlemaine had
this day by your valours to bée atchieued that done angel-like contend for your perpetuall happinesse and that crowne of immortall recommendations which the God of our forefathers will bestow on euery one that raiseth his trueth aboue these misbeleeuing infidels Behold then you champions of the highest howe like hunger-starued beastes they come rauening and hare alreadie before your faces deuoured your owne suppers wherefore reuenge that indignitie and maintaine the fréedome of your Religion These and manie other spéeches the Emperour Charles vsed to which the people answered with shoutinges and reioyeings Then might ye haue heard a world of trumpets sound double so manie drummes tabors and tamburins after which they marched against the Pagans who in like maner came ordered and aranged to the encounter king Mermont with Meruine being two of the formost leaders 2 When Guion of Denmarke who was the brother of Oger and father to Gualtier beheld Meruine he charged his launce and ranne against him whom Meruin with the same accomplement regreeted in the incounter the good old Guion brake his launce but without hazard to Meruine who on the contrarie part smote him with such furâ—e thaâ— he ouerthrew him dead to the ground without motion When Guiâ—ns band beheld that misfortune they al at once â—â—â—ailed Meruine seriously but his defence was gallant that he slew all whoÌ„ he touched Now ioyned the battel on euery side perillous strong greeuous against the christians and â—â—uel desperat against the pagans Mermont Gaudisse Brandis that day wondred for they were at the beginning of the mischiefe but aboue all was Meruine highly feared for death vpon his sword had taken an euerlasting lodging he as he posted brake their rankes asunder for not any Christian durst dare to assaile him On the other side Charles the great king of Fraunce duke Naymes and the twelue peeres did such admirable exploits by their chiualâ—ie that had it not béene for the inuincible prowesse of Meruine the Pagans had not stood one houre before them albeit they were thrée hundred thousand so expâ—rt and wise in warrelike actions was Charles All this while the battel encreased at last Charles incountered with Malegrape to whom with Ioyous his excellent sword he gaue such a blowe that he diuided him to the nauell and withall cried Courage Mountioy Saint Denis When Iuorin beheld Malegrape slaine he thrust himselfe against Charles but the emperor gaue him such entertainment as he fel dead to the earth backward after him another and another The duke Naymes imitated themperor as néere as might be who incountring Gaifier cut off one of his armes Gautier that had but newly séene the death of his father like a mad man did wonderfull actions neither was Moysant nor his son florion short of praise worthy commendations As for the good king Karaheu he was in the midst of the battel where he incountred king Mermont vnto whom he gaue such a blow that he killed his horse vnder him and he had then bin taken prisoner had he not cried Montment so lowde that Meruine heard him who thrusting his mare forward orethrew all betweene him and Mermont No sooner was he séene but all souldiours gaue him place so wel they knâ—w and were acquainted with him only king Karaheu stowtly withstood him and strake so mighty a blow on his target that in the middest he clâ—ue 〈◊〉 asunder Whereat Meruine was much grieued and in quâ—â—al gaue him such a blow with Entrant that he claue him to the iawes Thus was king Karaheu whose like hardly suruâ—ued flaine by Meruine who afterward was by a generall Counsell canonized a S. and called saint Karaheu Many miracles were done after the battell which I may not report but must returne to Meruine who still conquered where he came Amongest the rest he slew a kinseman of Charlemaines for which the emperour being displeased and seeking reuengement encountred a pagan whom he ouerthrew and had flaine but for the rescue of many soulâ—iours Terrible was the battell both of the one side and the other Notwithstanding that our Christians were few in number yet their spirits so oft redoubled that their hands were bathed in blood continually Gautier straue â—till to reuenge his fathers death Meruine to increase his conquest by hap he incountred with therie of Dampmartin throwing horse and man to th earth and taking him prisoner bound him with cords Then came the earle of Labrec to reuenge Dampmartin but the gentle Meruine soone vnhorsed him and tooke him prisoner 3 At which Mermont reioyced because he was the xv prisoner Meruine had taken so greatly were the â—hristians viscoraged by the prowesse of Meruine as they now began shamefully to flie for their safetie and saue twentie thousand that still were reâ—olued not a man would staie to sustaine battell Whereat Charlemaine sorrowed greatly saying their shames should not follow him but their owne confusions which done desperately he ran into the midst of the battell and D. Naimes after him effecting greater miracles than before Meruine rode triumphantly and in the end met with the Counte Villiers the earle of Flanders and the 〈◊〉 péeres amongst them began along fearfull and a doubtfull battell but in the end for all things are subiect to fortune they were euery one taken prisoners so as of the christian hoste remained no moe commanders but themperor Charles and duke Naimes who defended themselues gallantly against their enemies Meruine séeing Charlemaine he fell in loue with his vertues saying O Mahomet bow downe thine eies and behold 〈◊〉 inuincible christians and then moued with one enuious loue and alone leâ—t enuy should wrong so excellent perfection cried to the common souldiers vpon paine of death not to touch them which coÌ„mandement they obeyed for they durst not gaine-stand Then Meruine opposing himselfe against them with honorable spéeches the true badges oâ—perfect magnanimitie he said Princes yield your selues when Fortune can auaile to no more conquest and inrich me with your names bicause many pagans haue told me the armes you beare do belong to France and that one of you also is the emperour Thou saiest true said Charles and know my name for dread of any Sarazen was neuer changed Charles is my name Charles that ruleth Rome Fraunce and all Christendome and â—his is duke Naymes the nearest to me in counsell and affection therefore stand vpon thy guard and approch vs not for here wil we liue and here will we learâ— to die Who first presents himselfe to be our tutor shal neuer haue other priest surgeon or sepulchre At this speach a pagan king rusht to duke Naimes giuing him such a blow as he strake him to the ground but the duke quickly recouered his féete againe and mad with that amazement sent him backe such a requitall that the Pagan thereof died And then were the Emperour and the Duke assailed on euery side freshly who notwithstanding defended themselues valiantly insomuch that Meruine pitied them and stoode in
of your glories and then beganne to shew the vnspeakable wonders of their high valours with such admirable déedes of armes that the Pagans knew them as well by their chiualâ—ie as if their faces had bin bared Now haâ— they dispersed the battell and the Sarazens beganne to turne their backes insomuch that the young Princes beheld and knew their father Gautier to whom they came and falling on their faces adored him as theyr earth-god and second meane of creation When Gautier saw his sonnes his vnspeakable ioy would not let him speake onely silence was his best embassadour of boundles contentment When Huon saw this equall contention of Natures purest loue he brake their passions with these words My lords banish these slow salutes and thinke on these deuotres To armes the pagane crie their deathes must be our glories that done we shall haue time to discourse of passed fortunes ¶ CHAP. XXXII 1 How the Pagans were ouerthrowne and the Christians went and conuerted Damascus 2 How Meruine went after to Babilon where Mermont and the other Pagans for feare of him fained to receiue baptisme 3 Then how he went to Mequa and Ierusalem and conuerted them to Christianitie AT this spéech of Huons the foure brethren departed from their father and thrust themselues into the battell leauing vndying Registers of their euer-liuing renowne Yet in the heat of the conflict there was a pagan called Gryffoy of wonderfull great valour and worthie euery way except for that way which should gouerne all wayes all the exquisite titles of a compleat man at armes This Pagan well taught by proofe the greatnesse of the Christians spirites with a battle-axe which he brandished in his hand he stroke a Christian called Adrian so mighty a blow that he chined him to the breast and after him another and an other till he had laid ten breathlesse vnder him Bertran giuing aime to this slaughter grew so impatient to behold his countrymens effusions that turning his sword aloft he came and assaulted Gryffoy with so mighty a stroke crosse the helme that cutting away his plume he entred more than an inch into his beuer and with the blow so astonished the pagan that at that instant he had cut 〈◊〉 his head if an infinit â—â—mber of pagans had not inâ—ironed him and assailed Bertran with numberles blows and desperate resolutions insomuch that they forced him to recoile for his safety Then came Huon and diuers other christians who retaind Bertran and that in a lucky houre for then was the battell most sharpe and doubtfull there might you haue seene many knights on euery side ouerturned horses wounded and men at their wittes end some flying some dying and some amazed The gentle knight Meruine this while on the other side of the field approoued his valour to be strange and vnresistable for he lost not a blow in which death had no interest so resolute were his proceedings that now the pagans were at the conclusion of their glories and had beene wholy discoâ—fited if the valiant king Gorbant in that very houre had not ariued with an armie which by the eyes account could not be lâ—sse than a hundred thousand king Gorbant marched before his army mounted vpon the beast Montehaut which was valued before all the horâ—es in Painime and like to lightning gaue a charge vpon our Christians breaking their rankes and dispeâ—sing their battels so as in lesse then an houre the christians had almost lost the hope of their good fortunes for Gorbant ere he brake his launce brake the neckes of vij Christians and with the strange valour he was adorned so gallantly behaued himselfe that the common sort of Christians were not able to indure him but beganne to flie But Meruine ashamed to see their dishonours demaunded a reason for their flight To whom one of them whose name was Vincent made answere My Lord there is newly arriued some God or diuell in the habite of a Pagan whose force is so vnresistable and his blowes so huge and insupportable that frâ—â— his handes issueth nothing but our deaths and destructions I pray thée said Meruine with all spéed conduct me to the partie Not for a kingdome my Lord said Vincent for he is altogether inuincible and mine eies shall die if they behold him At these words Meruine would not stay but thrust him selfe amongst the Pagans to finde out Gorbant who was then in the prease and had newly incountered with knight Drohes whom he beheld respectiuely and the rather for the beauty of the gallant steed Marcheuall so that he saidâ— vnto him Boy descend from that worthy horse whereon thou art mounted lest while I chastiâ—â— thy folly I wound the horse with whose comelinesse I am highly delighted Drohes hearing himselfe so basely intitled with a reuengefull furie ioyned himselfe to the Pagan and strucke him thwart the helme with all the puissance he was able yet made the Pagan moue no more than an oake or a mountaine in requitall whereof Gorbant repayed him so heauy an interest that the blow slipping from his beâ—uer descâ—nded vpon the horse and cut his head from his shoulders so that the good beast Marcheuall fell vnto the ground in a moment Drohes more astonished with wonder than with feare lightly raised himselfe againe drawing his sword said O God this pagan is vndoubtedly strong who hath slaine my horse but if I die vnreuenged let my knighthood forsake me This said he ranne against the Pagan led by a tempestuous fury but was preuented for striking by meanes of Monthaut who with the thundering noyse of the horses féet came running thither and also at the same time came Gaultier and sundry other Christians whâ— with all their powers assailed Gorbant which with so excellent resolution defended himselfe that the slowtest strained curtesie to approach him yet notwithstanding in that time Drohes had so gallantly borne himselfe that he had now recouered another most famous horse vpon which being mounted he came to assaile Gorbant that euen then had brought to the ground all that incountred him giuing such vigour vnto the dead spirites of the Pagans that the christians were almost amazedly vanquisht During this homage Meruine was on the other side of the field where he approued his diuine excelencie of valour vpon king Bandus and his army whose numbers being numberles stroke the beholders into admiration whereas alas the christians were but xxv thousand at the beginning and now but ij thousand at the coâ—cluâ—â—on At which Meruin grieued not alitle vowing neuer to returne if either he got not a crown for victory or a tomb for buriall Then doubling strength vpon strength he so lion-like ranged among his enemies that euen as the corne before the shearers sickle so â—ell the pagans one vpon an other dead and discomfited not to dwell long in this discourse so immortall was his valour that the pagans were halfe dead with the astonishment of the glory In the end as he ranged to and fro he
arriued in the place where Marcheuall lay slaine which when he sawe and knowing him both by â—is largenes and beauty he immediately imagined Drohes had there written the last end of his lifes Legend so that not able to suppresse sorrowe growne in his breast Giant-like almightie he cried out alas alas art thou gone my loue art thou dead my champion be my life cursed and heere vanish the praise of my knighthood if I tyrant-like reuenge not this infinite vnhappinesse This said like vnto a peale of thuâ—der or to a stormy tempest in the middest of Winter he ranne amongest the Pagans euen from one side of the field vnto the other and where he espied the greatest number thither flew his greatest furie the whiâ—h he dispersed so like vnto a forsaken flocke that being at their wittes end they knew not which way to turne them In the highest of this â—urmoile Meruine espied Bertran to be dismounted from his horse who being on foote maintained a more then knightly combaâ—e against Gryffoy and an hundred other Pagans to whom aloofe he hallowed this encouraâ—â—â—â—â— Beauty of thy fathers house this day shall be thâ—â—e hâ—â—â—rs festiuall Take â—ourage take courage faire Prince for the Pagans flie distâ—aught and vanquished These cordiall spéeches so liuely vttered inspired Bertran with such new spirites that bearing himselfe against a Pagan he stroke horse and man dead to the ground without word speaking The next to him he likewise dismounted and arresting his horse leapt into the saddle effecting wonders in the pagans destructions who like kids from the wolfe ranue fearefull at the sight of Meruine seeking by running the staine of Honour to saue that which should maintaine honor Meruine like himselfe passed from rancke to rancke and neuer staied till he met with king Bandus to whom he gaue a blow that he cleft his shield to his fist and made it fall to the ground which the king fearefull to recouer death being a greater feare betooke himselfe to flight also Princely Meruine passed along to find out Gorbant the onely excellent amongst his enemies vowing vpon him to lay the burthen of his wrath And as he was searching he incountred Thierry the sonne of Bouchier vnto whom he said Faire yong knight knowst thou if neare hereabout be that famous pagan who this day had beene our vengeance and halfe destruction O if thou canst shew him me and make me happy Follow me said Thierrie and then they went together making Death their seruant smoothe their way to the place where Gorbant was who had that day béene the ruine of the Christians No sooner was Meruines eies fastned vpon him but boyling with rage he thruâ—â— forward to strike him but the Pagan turning himselfe from the blow like the falling of a mountaine it fell vpon the gentle knight Thierrie whose ouer hastie valour bare him twixt them with such and so great infortunacie that it ouerthrew the man yea and claue the horse into two pieces which to Meruine was no small griefe who grew madde to reuenge his owne mâ—â—â—â—ing but Gorbant by that witnesse knowing his pitâ—ilesse omnipotencie and séeing his army â—â—ie from him on euery side thrust his spurs against the sides of Monthaut and in a moment was fled from the presence of Meruine who all alone stoode wondring at his flight and his own mischances The pagan made his flight towardes Damascus his burning heart desirous to haue possession of the beautifull Guyda in whom he had placed all his affection whom hee finding after many embraces he mounted her on his horâ—e and bare her to his ships Guyda not râ—pelling much his inforcements because as then she was offended with Bertran both because he had most vnkindly left her and was also one of the sonnes that had slaine her father and the rest of her royall kinred Thus fled king Gorbant who met with Bandus Gryffoy Grisoner and with ten thousand Pagans all which to saue their liues were fled to the seaside vnto whom Gorbant cried Away princes away for he that is tardy in flight shall be first and swiftest in his death At this speach feare lent wings to their héels and they al imbarking theÌ„selues gaue their safeties to the mercy of the sea Those which remained behind the Christians pâ—t to the sword When the chase was finished our Christian Princes went towardes Damascus to assault it but the Citizens issuing from the portes brought the keyes and with submission deliuered them to their mercies so that Meruine Gautier and the rest of the Christians entred who by means of that battell were not aboue 200. After they had reposed themselues a while Gautier called vnto him his foure sonnes and said Princes know you to whom the offerings of your honour is due or who it is that from the dayes of your vnhappinesse hath restored you beholde it is this princely and heroike Meruine thâ— sonne of your renowmed vnckle duke Oger and then he discoursed at large to them the wonders of his prowesse the taking of Charles the ouerthrow of the twelue peeres and al their imprisonments To be short he ran through all the chronicle of Meruines heroicall actions and how Charles discontentedly was returned into France for the hate of Huon Huon hearing that word as rackt with his owne infortune he said O God when shal the houre come to bind me in perfit peace with that famous emperor Huon hauing thus said he Gautier the foure brethren did honor to Meruine who returned them praise for praise thanks for thanks vowing to aide them against their enemies Thus was the ioy vnspeakeable among the Christians making houres like minutes vanish by theyr pleasures Next morning Meruine caused all the citizens of Damascus to be christned and whose refused to be put to the sword This done he caused all the countrey adioyning to come in and be baptized whereto all the nobles accorded These things finished Meruine called Florion and said Cosin for thy beauties sake I giue thée this cittie of Damascus and the whole realme about it accept it kindly as I giue it willingly and then he made all the nobles and citizens sweare homage and fealtie to his Crowne and for a gard to his person left him those 200. Christians which the sword had preserued mustering for himselfe out of the citie and country two thousand that hardly before had born armes 2 After that nights repast in the citie Meruine Gautier and the other princes departed from Damascus and marched to a village two leagues from Babilon where remained Mermont Gaudisse who by many intelligences knew al the famous déeds of Meruin and how he was then come to besiege them of which they stood in feare called a counsell together where they disputed what way was best for their safeties Princes said Mermont our arguments must be briefe and out resolutions spéedy for otherwise we shall lose our inheritances with our disputations and our liues by flouthfulnes for well we know Meruine is
let downe the portâ—ullis when the King and other were gone by Bertran and Drohes alone entred and then the yron gates were closed which bred smal contentment in Bertran who drawing his sword gaue the porter such a blow that hâ—e claue him downe to the teeth 2 Those aloft seeing their companion slaine they said not a worde but fortified the Gates with all that was in their power so that Bertran and Drohes now were lockt vp in the towne for whom the christians sorrowed excéedingly but they most valiant in the most extremitie trotted vp the stréetes most couragiously Bertran saying to Drohes come let vs to the Kings pallace if none gaine stand vs if any doe be our swordes his bâ—â—â—all for so shall wâ—e either saue our honours or escape daunger This saide with their swordes naked in their handes they passed towardes the pallace sending all they met either to hell or heauen which séene was poyson to King Butor who now commaunded all his men at armes to assayle them which they did with an entire furie but Bertran and Drohes turning their backes to a wall adioyning to the pallace gates incouraged one an oâ—her to embrace no mercie but their death and that to be bought at an infinite valew and withal so defended themselues by offending their enemies that the proudest stood in awe and durst not approch them in this skirmish Bertran slue Berabem after him the chamberlaine to Butor in like manner a third a fourth till the number infinitely multiplied Drohes was not short but euery way equalles his actions whilst Mermont in wonder saide Ha Mahomet this is not the king Nubia for Nature hath not lent him so almightie a spirite rather they are some diâ—â—ls or diuellish enemies At this came Butor amongst his men and saide Princes and my countrymen here shall my loue die neither will I henceforth count of you if you deliuer me not these two dead or imprisoned Scarse were these wordes fled from his lippes Gontor with a launce in his hand ranne against Bertran but missing him â—lue his horse vnder him so that falling to the ground hée immediately arose againe with his sword in his hand and stroke a pagan dead vnder him â—y this time the Sarazins so multiplied that Drohes horse was killed also and then standing against the wall they maintained a fearefull foote combate like two foaming boares against a kennell of houndes long hunted Cruell was the fight beyond measure so that the pagans stoode amazed yet had not God in piâ—tie beheld them the two princes had there ended theyr liâ—es not praises So hideous was the noyse the pagans made about them that the Quéene and her faire daughter Singlay came to behold it who seâ—ing the not to be conquered resolution of the two christians spirites most highly esteâ—med them the Quéene saide Faire daughter beholde two incomparable creatures woorthy this day to be immortally renowmed was euer séene so â—ew preuaile against so many Madam replied Singlay it is the King of Nubia 〈◊〉 actes these wonders of knighthood T is true sayde the Quéene for which I am ashamed that thy father his hoast should thus pâ—â—tiles assaile him would God he were in my chamber to the end hée might deferre his euill fortune and renew his peace thus vnhappily broken Thus discoursed the Ladies of the Christians who had now slain so manie pagaâ—s that not any could come nere them for the dead bodies till Mermont tried Fie cowards fiâ— how long shall two thus mightily preuaile against vs and then with his sword in his hand comming to assayle them Bertran incountred him with such a blowe that â—â—bent him on his knâ—es and had withall slaine him had hée not retyred backward The battaile alreadie had continued an hower and a halfe which vexed Butor who swore he neuer saw so much magnanimitie in an hoast of 20000. as in those two single persons and then calling Mermont hée said My Lord these two will destroy my Citie if I finde not remedie counsaile me for my care excâ—edeth Your Maiestie saide Mermont must assemble together an Armie of your men who laying weapons aside must rush desperately vppon them aâ—d euen with the confusion of force ouerthrow excellencie for otherwise as you haue well sâ—ene they are inuincible This instantly was put in practise and compassing Drohes about like the ouer-flowe of manie waters they boare him to the earth and tooke away fâ—om him all meanes of resistance But Bertran so couragiously withstood them that whoso toucht him neuer after had sence of touching Infinites hee slew and wounded at length retiring by degrées he recouered a payre of stayres that ascended vp into a chamber vp which hee went and entering into the chamber protested to kéepe it and whosoeuer entred should pay a liues forfaite There remained Bertran peaceably for a little time the whilest that Drohes was brought to the Pallace where he was disarmed whom Mermont at the first â—ight knew excéeding well and said Drohes now thou beholdest thy mischiefe and life hath no longer indurance yet we intreate thée tell vs what Knight is hée that beareth the Armes of Nubia for whatsoeuer he bee his life is forfaite for his euill dooings Trayterous King Mermont said Drohes thou hast adiudged what best to thy selfe appertaineth who hauing receiued holy Baptisme in the house of the Diuinest falsly forswore thy owne Royaltie baser than the besest abiect vnder heauen At those reuilings Mermont cried away with him and cut off his head vnles he make knowne his confederate in this mischiefe When Drohes saw there was no meane left him but either to acknowledge Bertran or denie himselfe hee said Stay and I will name him vnto you Then raising his voyce that euery one might vnderstand him hee said Princes it is the most wise and absolute valiant Bertran the sonne of Gautier whose conquests stretch far beyond these Clymates and whose death the infants vnborne hereafter shall bewaile if he miscarrie When Butor had heard his words hee commaunded him to bee strongly imprisoned which was done Then the Kings consulting together Mermont saide My Lord of Minor now remaineth vnder your arrest Prince Bertran so famous for his valure and renowmed for the discent of his royall pedegree it behooues your maiestie to be most circumspect because at this instant you haue in thrall the triumuirate of vertue the itj. famous floures of Knighthood meaning Meruine Bertran and Drohes These words when the beautifull Singlay heard shee whispered vnto her owne thouhgts and swore by Mohomet that if her power were powerful there should no euill befall prince Bertran more than the burden of her best loue because his valure was more than euer her eyes had seene before that instant time Whilst thus she was talking to her thoughts all the princes and Barons went out of the pallace gathering all the force that they could together to assaile Bertran who hauing barrocadoed and fortified the doores of the Chamber went with his
his soule forsooke her vnâ—allowed mansion and in that same moment both it and his body were miraculously borne thence into hell to the â—earefull terror of all the beholders who concluded him to be execrable and damned This finished Butor came and embraced Bertran gaue him Singlay to wife doing him all the honor possible Mermont did as much and all the other Pagan princes making a festiuall for his conuersion in religion Great banquets were made and Bertran was set at the Table next to the king who vaunted that now there was not a kingdome in christendome which hee would not conquer Then kissing his daughter he blessed the time of her generation saying Now she should be the Empresse of the world for her husband with twenty thousand gallants he would giue him should presently goe conquer France She was prowd to heare those speaches yet neither in shew nor in words would expresse it but protested that if it had not bin Mahomets commaundement she neuer would haue married Then was Caliph the Flamine called for who incontinently married them according to the old prophane customes of Mahomet CHAP. VII 1 How Bertran and Drohes vnder the pretence of Paganisme brought fortie thousand Pagans before Montment 2 How the most part of them were there confounded and put to the sword THus vnder the veile of infidelitie Bertran and Drohes abused the Pagans who verely imagined that they had renounced Christ Iesus but it fell out farre otherwise as you shall vnderstand When Bertran had espoused Singlay doubt not of the Royall solempnities which continued for the space of eight dayes at the end whereof Butor deliuered to him fortie thousand resolued men at armes and desired him with all expedition to goe aide the mightie king Gorbant who had for thrée yeares laied siege against Montment but could not preuaile To this he willingly condiscended swearing withall that he and Drohes also would exalt Mahomet where yet neuer any God was adored but my Lord quoth he I humbly beseech you before I goe let me sée the prisoner Meruine and on my life I will also conuert him againe to our true religion My sonne quoth Butor desire it not for it is altogether impossible because it I doe graunt it is my death in that I â—aue promised so much to the diuell Mutafier who daily administreth vnto him and effecteth what is fit for his being Then said Bertran I will no more desire it so mustering vp his men he departed from Minor Singlay Adain Drohes and Mermont going with him hoping of that which was without hope I meane to regaine his cittie So continuall was their march that now they are come to Brandis where they rested themselues that night in which Drohes asked Bertran what course they should take to destroy those dogges those vnbelieuing infidelels Instantly said Bertran I know not but we will priuatly giue my father notice and hee shall come to our succour When Adain heard them who was néece to king GorbaÌ„t she said Princes write your Letters and vpon my soule I will safely deliuer them and in this maner Know that king Gorbant is mine vnckle and I euer haue bin right deare in his sighs to whom I will declare that I am sent in priuat to vnderstand the state of the christians in Montment and how that you are comming by sea to succor him I know he will beléeue me and without contradiction let me passe carelesse of any thing Then more I will perswade him to march forth to meete and receiue you which done I will passe into Montment deliuer your letters to your father and make my returne with all speede backe againe They all highly commended the stratagem and dispatched her away onely with one Attendant who was a Pagan All whatsoeuer she promised she performed and abused Gorbant with false ioy went vnto Gautier deliuered the letters and was royally receiued Then did Gautier goe with his thrée sonnes to counsaile and thus concluded That they would send to Gorbant and faigne to deliuer vp the towne on condition that they might haue leaue quietly to passe into Fraunce making him belieue their pouerty was so great they could no longer indure warres furie which when he vnderstandes he will fall to his regardlesse humor Then shall Bertran and Drohes cause great Feasts and Banquets to be made during whose Cuppâ—â— and Triumphs we will with all our powers issue forth and if fortune fauour vs make an end of our bad fortunes This agreed vpon they deliuered it to Adain who taking her leaue departed In the meane sapce Gautier dispatcht other letters to Gorbant who had then with all the royall triumph could bee inuented receiued Bertran Drohes and the other Pagans At which feast Guyda tooke her sonne Barant aside and saide Deare sonnes wilt thou not accuse me and I will tell thée a secret which saue to thy selfe shall neuer be knowne to any creature liuing By Mahomet Mother said the youth I will not Then know said she that this famous prince Bertran whose sunne-light staineth all the gallants about him he euen he and not Gorbaut is thy father he begot thée of me at Damascus long ere I sawe king Gorbant and for leauing me in that estate I tooke displeasure and wedded as thou séest Madame said Barant he is a villaine and hath done most damnably but if he belieue not in Mahomet our God ere long time I will be his murderer because he shall not scandall me with the name of a bastard Turning these speaches Adain came and saluted King Gorbant after her Gautiers Ambassadour who presented his Lords letters Which when Gorbant had read he cried Pagans reioyce for before two dayes be compassed we will be commaunders of the citie Gautier offers to deliuer it so he may safely returne into France but it is not our pleasure for neither he nor any of his adheâ—ents shall escape vnpunished Thus did king Gorbant boast who little knew the news that Adain brought who priuately deliuered a letter vnto Bertran from his father which when he had read he shewd it to Drohes then they two agreed to arme themselues vnder their dublets which they did and then went into king Gorbants tent desiring that for the happines of the news there might be a festiual proclaimed and solempne banquets and Iubilies made through all the campe with proclamation that for that day no man on paine of death should put on an armour or weare a sword but consecrate all his deeds with mirth to Mahomet Gorbant though this motion conuenient and forthwith sent his edicts and proclamations abroad which were fulfilled 2 Gautier the holy Dane all this while was within Montment preparing his hoast in a readinesse onely staying the returne of an espiall whom hee had sent to bring him word when the Pagans were set at dinner Long it was not but he came and â—ad him in the name of God issue forth for the Pagans were all set and triumphing carelesse of all manner
of daunger whatsoeuer This being saide Gautier left the citie hauing in his army but onely tenne thousand souldiers which was all his remainder and made so great haste that they entred the Pagan campe to the dismay of their aduersaries Gautier with his sword naked entred into Gorbants tent and came close to the table where Bertran sate who when he beheld his fathers armes ouerthrew the table and catching a battle axe in his hand which was there he strucke king Gorbant such a blow betwixt the necke and the shoulders that he diuided his head from his body At which fight all the pagans were amazed but Griffoner of Damascus cried Bertran this day by treason will be our destruction and then taking Barant and his sister he fled away with twenty attendants whom we will leaue to their flight and returne to the battell which begunne in Gorbants tent and so generally through all the campe in which scarce a Pagan or Sarazen suruiued mighty was the resolution of Bertran and glorious to behold his valure whom none durst incounter and from whom none escaped Mermont who before time had lost his hand séeing this vnmoueable miserie cried Woe and alas we are all betraied ha louely Singlay thou and this Adain are mistresses of our sorrow Now by the heauenly virgin quoth Singlay thou hast but thine owne deseruing for by treason thou betrayedst vertue and than thy selfe there is not a greater traitour remember it is now twelue yeares since thou diddest mocke Christianitie to which I am conuerted and most falsly betrayedst the most exquisite Meruine vnto a tormenting hell that hath no ending record that mischiefe and confesse what thou deseruest As she was thus speaking Bertran rushed in vpon Mermont and saide Uillaine now shall thy life render me account for the losse of the worldes paâ—agon excellent Meruine and then with his ax he claue him to the shoulders Griffoy this space accompanied with many Pagans fled to the sea for safety whilest the Christians ranging in their tents put all to the sword that remained In briefe in this battell was slaine aboue an hundred thousand Pagans but thrée and twenty christians and they of no other estéeme than priuate souldiers the christians also took v. hundred prisoners so that of all the heathen army scaped but foure thousand which fled away with Guida that sorrowed most exâ—remely for the death of Gorbant her lord and husband and had no contentment but the escape of her yong sonne who sware in his infancie by Mahomet that the time should come he would be reuenged of Bertran both for this and his mothers antient abuses which indéed came to passe for he liued to be both the death of his father and all his famous vnckles But let that passe til fitter opportunity of discourse now it fell out that after this discomâ—â—ture the Christians did returne to the Pagans pauillions where they found infinitie riches which were so equally diuided that the poorest souldier got the title of a rich Merchant After this they went into the city and made great feasts and triumphs then in royall maner was Singlay Adain and all the other prisoners baptized and Gautier tooke an oath to pursue his enemies euen to the walles of Damascus but he failed as you shall sée in the next chapter CHAP. VIII 1 How an Ambassadour came to Gautier who brought him word that the Emperour Charlemaine had destroyed all his country of Denmarke 2 How Drohes went to deliuer Meruine and how Gautier arriued at Maiance IN the first part of this history yée may remember how discontentedly Charlemaine departed from Meruine and Gautier for the hate of Huon of Burdeaux whom Gautier then amongst his sons maintained and how he vowed in despight of Gautier to make all Maiance and Denmarke lâ—ment that euer they knew him Which indéed he did so mighty was the malice then raigning in him Wherefore the noble men of that country dispatcheâ— an ambassadour vnto Gautier to giue hâ—m to vnderstand of their troubles who arriuing at Montment and comming into the pallace where he found his king he â—ell vpon his knées and aâ—ter â—uch holy reuerence as belongd to his estate said My sacred and emperiall soueraigne know that the nobilitie of Maiance by me salute thy Highnesse and giue thee to vnderstand that the great Charles of France in despight hath ruined thy countrey and banished from thy court all by royall counâ—rymen wherefore by me they intreate your Maiestie with spéede to returne and stanch the wounds yet freshly bléeding else hereafter it will be too late and thou vtterly dispossessed of a kingdome When Gautier had heard this message he rowzed himselfe and with a frowning gesture repâ—ied As I breathe I will not sleep out this iniurie but come with such an hoste as shal make Charles dearely repent it and then he caused proclamation to be made through all the citie that euery souldier on paine of death should in the morning be ready to be imbarked for Maiance which was performed then he called Iacob giuing vnto him the gouernement of the city and sad Mathaburn a leauing a sufficient garrison and taking an oath for his trust and â—ealtie 2 To be briefe euery one in the morning was ready to depart but only Drohes who refused and said to Gautier that he had vowd neuer to manage other action or embrace one quiet thought till he had found the meane for Meruins deliuerie Which when his loue Adain heard she said she also in that would be his companion But he gainestoode her saying the paine would be too mighty But she would not be refused though he iudged truely for she was slaine by Griffoy as you shall heare in the story Gautier séeing their resolues gaue them leaue so departing from them imbarked himselfe to whom the winde was so prosperous that he arriued in safety neare to Maiance where he found Dion of Nantuell his neare kinsman who though he had laine long sicke most ioyfully receiued both him and his sonnes declaring what euill Charles had done since his comming all which Bertran vowed or to mend or to reuenge Then sommoned they all their friends and kinred to their ayde amounting to the number of twentie thousand all of the line of Oger which with those that Gautier had brought made the army thirty thousand and better then duke Dardain aduised them to send ambassadors to Charlemaine to request restitution for the wrongs before passed which if he refused theÌ„ to pursue them with reuenge euen vnto the Loure in Paris To this aduise they accorded yet Bertran would not leaue but marched day and night til he came within the sight of the French army executing as he went all whom he found traiterous or false to their country intending to raise the siege which Charlemaine held before the castle of Nantuell but a traitour of Maiance vnderstanding it went before and aduertised the Emperour which as soone as he vnderstoode he called the
these damned Pagans whose Generall is none other but a mortall diuell as far from pitty as pietie and both to him vtterly vnacquainted Then Charles calling for his horse accompanied with the Counte of Dampmartin and the Counte of Anioy he rode foorth to his sonneâ— tents where after royall entertainement he declared the peace that was concluded the reasons and the generall good that should thereby be gotten Then he his son duke Naymes and the rest returned into the city whom Gautier and his sonnes met in most solempne order and conducted through the stréets euery one doing honor to Charlemaine and so brought him to the pallace where with vnspeakeable ioy they reposed After them the whole army marched and were receiued and lodged in the Citie Then the Kings and Princes went to counsaile touching their weighty warres affaires in which it was concluded that the towne should be victualled and manned for many yeares so the tediousnesse of siege should not preuaile against them Also it was agreede that Prince Loys and Bertran with twenty thousand should lie in an ambush that when the Pagans had pitched their Tents before the towne they in the dead of the night should assaile them and either ouerthrow or disseuer the army All they conceiued â—it they put in practise and the ambush was laid in a great wood by which of force the Pagans must passe who aboâ—â— high noone came marching in such inuincible troups that the wayes hardly could containe them In the last ranke of all marched a king whose name was Gamart of Moâ—tiurne and king of Iuerne the great with him marched a gentleman of his country who was almost all naked and the king himselfe had his head and feet bare These carried in their hands boughs which they vsed in battel and no other weapons their strength is their swiftnes for they runne faster than hares when grey hounds pursue them CHAP. XI How Bertran his Brethren Loys and the other Christians isâ—ued vpon the Pagans 2 the deaths of all the famous Christians except Loys 3 of the Battaile betwixt Barant the cruel and of Bertran of Denmark AFter this naked nation was marched by which were the rereward of the battaile the Christians mounted on horseback Prince Bertran being the first who holding his batle-axe in his hand charged the Iuernoys and in a breath space put them all to the sword except those which to the amazement of the Christians ranne not but flew to Barant and cryed Turne thee Prince turne thee for the Christians are amongst vs. At this Barant turning commaunded to sound Alarum and with an hoast of Elephants whose very weight made the earth tremble answered the charge of his enemies Now were the Christians and the Pagans mingled together and beganne a Battaile huge fearefull and wondrous vncertaine Famous Prince Bertran like a Tyger in a flocke made hauocke of the Pagans and at the first incounter slew a Kinsman of Bahams whose legge hee brake of Minor Three other Pagans at one instant charged prince Loys and vnhorsed him who being nimble rose againe and miraculously defended himselfe with his sword yet had hée béen taken Prisoner but that the Countie Dampmartin rusht in to his Rescue ouerthrowing three pagans at one blow Bertran beholding this tumult brake the Raukes that stood before him and came to Loys yet the Pagans were so abundantly infinite that they kild his horse vnder him at which though he greeued yet was he not abashed but comming to Loys bad him bee of good courage for he would not leaue him till he saw him newly remounted At these words with his axe hee slew a pagan and taking his horse in despight of his Enemies mounted Loys Then increased the fiercenesse of the Battaile where the pagans dyed so fast that the ground was couered with their bodies at which Barant named the Cruell chaâ—ed most wonderfully and protested to burie himselfe there if he buried not this dishonour in the glorie of the Christians With this hee deuided his Armie and inclosed his Enemies round about on euerie side whose hearts lift vp to heauen cried to their Diuine helper for succour being but a Fish pond to the great Ocean of their Aduersaries Guyon and Florion missing Bertran raunged about and found him on foote with the Count Dampmartin and prince Loys to whom they said that all their liues were forfeite and there was no way to saue their honours but death beeing now inclosed on euery side Which when Loys heard he said Ha Charles this day shalt thou bee Sonlesse and comfortlesse â—ut Bertran into whom Fear was afraid to enter incouraged him and said Why prince thou art well mounted feare not then for this day we will be Conquerors with that he slew another Pagan King who prest néere him and vppon his horse mounted the Count of Dampmartin saying he would furnish himselfe presently which hée did by the death of another Pagan Then he desired his Brothers not to forsake but followe him for that day he would be such a lustie Wooer that Conquest should not choose but wedde with him They swore to doo his desire and then the battaile was more dreadfull than euer it was for by this time the Christians had slaine thirtie thousand of the best approued Sarazens at which sight Barant grew mad and raylde both against his Meâ— Mahomet and Iupiter 2 This done hée flew like a Tempest amongst the Christians and ouerthrewe all with whom he encountred an hundred he brought dead to the ground without respite from whose sight the Christians fled as from the diuell calling on God and blessing themselues with prayer and crosses Piteous was the sight to behold for they could flye no way but into danger â—o strongly they were inclosed in somuch that of twentie thousand which they were in the beginning now there remained but ten thousand and they vnable to endure Battaile so vnresistable was the prowesse of Barant Which bloodie confusion when Bertran sawe his manâ—y heart relented and honorable teares issued from his neuer before so stained Beauer Loys was much more heartely sory and millions of times wisht himselfe within the Walls of Paris wherefore he said to Bertran Ha Prince this is our doomes-day and here must all our â—ames take their buriall O knew my royall Father our misfortune I know we should in a trice be rescued Why Prince replyed Bertran will you goe to him and sée if you can procure it Willingly said Loys if it were possible to passe To passe said Bertran why plucke vp thy spirits and doe but onely follow me and I will make the way easie enough for thée which indéede he did putting all the Pagans to death that were obstacles or lets in his way When hee was got through the hoste and put Lois into the wood he said Faire prince commend my souls loue to the emperour Charles my father and the faire vnfortunate Singlay my wife and tell them this day I haue bound my selfe either to sée
like him that is the purest part of my being Yesterday when the declining of the Sunne made the day deny to be day as if glory were gained in being adopted the euening Brison my seruant reported to me that he had enioyed the excellencies of thy excellent wife this two yéeres and better which shamefull report of a villaine so galled me that drawing my rapier the traitour hardly with life escaped yet seeing him by flight repriued I thought it in some measure my duetie to let thée know so high a scandall both that thou mightest reuenge and regard it And by Mahomet he reported further that the false woman concealed him many nights in a presse in thy withdrawing chamber where the strength of my imagination makes mée beléeue hée is at this present which if thou wilt approoue and we finde true by Iupiter he dies had he the liues often thousand Hard it is to say whether at this discourse Ielousie or Sorrowe tooke first holde on the heart of Croisant yet both so excéedingly tormented him that ledde by the furie of his passion hee and Brohars leauing their squires behinde them returned backe to his house where entring secretly at a posterne gate they lighted a torch and mounting into his bed chamber found Brison layd by Basina whome enuious sleepe charmed against this miserable aduenture Brohars at the first sight drew his rapier and slew Brison in the bedde ere almost any eie would haue iudged hee had seene him in the bedde a iust reward for so vniust treacherie Then sayd Brohars deare selfe how sorie am I for thy shame by Mahomet â—he iudgement of bâ—rning beareth in it too much lenitie and by Iupiter were she my sister I would holde it treason against the gods if I excused her from being an instant sacrifice Ha Croisant Croisant Let her be burned let her be burned 2 At these wordes the no ill-thinking Basina awaked and with an amazed shamefastnesse swéetly blushed to sée her husband and Brohars so néere her bed but when she saw the sheetes not full so white as her cheekes exceede them in blushing and perceiued them all stained with a warme goarie liuorie then shee scricked out aloud and asked what meant that prodigious token of tragedies Ah strumpet false breaker of wedlocke and woorse then both answered Croisant burnt shalt thou bee for the sinne wherein this night I haue found thee and then drawing his rapier hee drew the innocent ladie by the haires who dead-slaine with amazment lay at his feete Whilest Brohars euer damned for this action thus proudly insulted ouer her Basina quoth he many times haue I tolde thee I would manifest thy sinne yet wouldest thou not desist to sinne but euermore increase thy sinne with Brison my seruant whom this night I haue slaine in thy bed amidst the paradise of his imbraces Traitour sayd the lady awakened with these words as with a cracke of thunder falsly thou liest Deare loue and lord all dearer then my soule my Croisant vouchsafe to heare me O for pittie couer thy shining weapon and let my words haue thorow thine eares a gentle passage Neuer haue I in my thought beene guiltie of that execrable treason which he vniustly vrgeth nor would I be were I tormented with woorse then fiers torture All this my false imagined shame vilde traitour thou hast vene authour of because I haue neglected thine owne monstrous desires which by heauen deare husband he hath more then this whole yeere prosecuted Falser then falshood sayd Croisant too apparant is thine euill and then shaking his sword ouer her like the wing of a haggard faulcon ouer a surprised doue he draw her from her bed and had there seuered her guiltlesse head from her as guiltlesse bodie had not Isea her gentlewoman come foorth who seeing her lord tyrannising our her poore innocent Lady cried so loud that many barons which belonged to Croisant came forth and repriued the Lady from the hands of their then too cruell lord saying Alas my lord what will you doe against your excellent wife whose vertuous wisedome and wise virtue is to women an example and to men a iust admiration Lords said he her ill is beyond the bounds of ill and more than the degrée of ilnesse It is prooued it is prooued and then he repeated all that Brohars had reported and himselfe séene Lords said the Lady by Mahomet or what other god soeuer takes true patronage of our soule my inward thoughts are innocent of this accusation With that Isea who as ye haue read heard all what had before passed betwéene Brohars and the lady both his beâ—â—iall assault and her diuine repulse said By Iupiter the god and patron of our country my lady in thought and deed is altogether giltlesse and this treason false Brohars is the inuention of thy braine because shée hath euer lothed thée and thy detestable desires When the lords heard Iseas constant affirmation they chid their lord for too rashly following his owne will and bade him listen to Isea who protested the ladies most pure pure innocencie auerring withall the appeale she made against Brohars Whereupon they told him it was conuenient to vse aduised meanes in so great an action which was that if Brohars would accuse the ladie of such detestable ilnes and approue it against some knight in equall combate that then the lady should haue respite to finde out a champion to defend her honour By Alcheron said Brohars which containeth the law of the holy Mahomet I consent And I cried out the lady for purenesse is my Sanctuarie Then was Croisant appeaâ—ed who caused his wife to be imprisoned in a strong tower giuing hir one whole yere for quest of her defender but in all that time shée could not find anie knight who dared incounter Brohars for he was valiant fierce and couragious and so excellent a man at armes that the world knew not a better had not the shamefulnes of his treson poisned the vertue of his prowesse When Meruine Iacob and thother marchants came to lodge with Minea there wanted but thrée dayes of making the yeare accomplished so that poore Minea became her owne tormentor because her sister Basina in all that space had not found one that durst vndertake her quarrell yet it hapned in supper time that Iacob troubled to sée her sorrow desired one to moue hir to come to him thinking that meats mirth would expell mindes melancholie and she more to satisfie him than to please her selfe came and set herselfe next to Meruine Then they demanded the cause of her griefe to whom she reported all the treason of Brohars and how hir innocent sister within the spare of thrée dayes should be burned if some diuine power vouchsafed her not a knight to defend her And when Minea had reported this she sighed with such extreame ardencie that all the company were moued with an extraordinarie pitie CHAP. VII 1 Meruine promiseth Minea to fight the combate for her sister