should cause the death of anie one because in auncient Histories we may finde innumerable of recent moderne examples thereof But returne we to the Priâ—…st who vnderstanding that his Daughter ranne foorth with such a clamour followed her immediatlie fearing she woulde offer some violence on herselfe and finding her deade holding the Epitaphe in her hand he was in great daunger to make a third in this wofull tragedie Ah miserable desolate wretch quoth hee if thy knowledge had efficacie in working the Duke of Ferias death why was it not sufficient to preuent thy Daughters mishappe Unhappy was the houre when first I practised this deuillish sorcerie Many other sorrowful lamentations he made ouer y â— dead bodies whom we may aptlie compare to the loyall Louers Piramus and Thisbie but afterward hee erected a costlie Sepulchre of Brasse and hauing embalmed them according to the auncient ceremonies of funerall pompe hee intombed them in the Temple bothe together and caused the Epytaphe to be cunningly grauen thereon Not long after considering himselfe depriued of his lawfull heyre and howe greatly he had peruerted the course of nature very extreame greefe ended his daies but ere he died hee enclosed the Treasure of the Temple with such enchaunt ments and with so strong and fearefull a guard that from the time of his death it was very dangerous to come néere the place And tell the time of Palmendos arriuall there there durst not anie one make tryall thereof albeit before Baledon abused the Islande Knights of diuers Regions came to prooue theyr fortune and y â— Giant himselfe came thether for the same occasion but séeing hee coulde not approche the Temple perceiuing the Island to be faire and delectable he got it by force of Armes the people thereof beeing vnable to resist his hostilitie Let vs nowe remember where we left before the arriuall of Palmendos in this Islande of Delphos to whome one of the Marriners told all these thinges as also the horrible villanies of the Gyant wherefore he intreated him not to anker in that Porte because quoth he we shal all bee either slayne or taken prysoners Why sayd Palmendos is no man able to punish his pryde and tyrannie seeing Fortune hath conducted me hether and will permitte me but to haue a sight of him I will not departe without some proofe of my selfe For if I bee Sonne to the Emperour Palmerin I must not bee frighted with the name of Gyants who rather resemble huge Colosses without anie soules then humaine creatures much lesse strange aduentures howe harde and daungerous soeuer they seeme If I woulde acquire prayse and honour immortall long time must I followe millitarie cxercise as my Father did in his yonger dayes preuailing against diuers such Monsters bringing innumerable enterprises to happy ende turne prowe then towarde shore and boldlie let vs enter the Porte without anie feare of this difformed Golias With much a doo they sette into the Porte where they were no sooner entred but they sawe themselues enclosed with the chayne which sight dismayed bothe the Maister and Marriners but Palmendos and Ozalio presently put on theyr Helmets and Gauntlets standing ready for defence of all the rest The Gyant beeing aduertised that a rich Ship was gotte within the chaine commaunded his Sonne presentlie to take Armes and with sufficient assistaunts to goe take all the Strangers prysoners wherto the young Tyrant was very readie and entring with three Knights into a boate came directly to the Shippe where Palmendos standing formost the Gyants Sonne thus spake to him Howe darest thou Knight be so bold as to enter our Porte without licence I dare doo more then that answered Palmendos in despight of such disloyall villaines as you are who by trecherous meanes intrap the inâ—…cent and afterward exercise what crueltie you please vppon them but nowe is the time come I hope that shal guerdon you with recompence aunswerable to such brutish behauiour The Gyants Sonne dyspleased with these wordes sought with his Knights to enter violently the Ship but Palmendos and Ozalio beeing to high aboue them gaue them so many sharpe repulses as yoÌ„ung Baledon receiued his deathes wounde at the Princes hande and Ozalio sent one of the Knights to beare him companie With this foyle y â— boate speedilie returned and tâ—…ey aduertised Baledon what had happened bringing his Sonne slaine vp into his Chamber wherwith he was so woÌ„derfully enraged as he vowed to buy his bloode with the death of all the strangers In bitter anguish of hart he called for his Armour preparing himselfe to the dismall attempt in meane while the two Knights that escaped backe aliue stoode on the shore reuiling the Prince wylling him to prepare for his death was comming If your Maister quoth Palmendos bee so valiant â—…s you reporte let him deale alone with mee in single fyght and if I chaunce to vanquishe him let him accomplishe what I shall sette downe and I will graunt him life On the contrary if hee conquer mee let him doo with mee and mine as him pleaseth tell him these brauadoes â—… proude speeches cannot daunt resolute mindes and if hee dare graunt me safe conducte with good assuraunce not to offer mee anie wrong I will presentlie come on shore and try my fortune with him CHAP. VII Howe Palmendos came on lande to combat with the Gyant Baledon whom he vanquished and afterwarde deliuered many Knights out of his prysons among whom were two young Princes beeing Moores who in trauailing to the Emperours Courte were by a tempest cast on this Islande RIght soone went the Knightes to the Gyant with Palmendos challenge who béeing very wel pleased therewith came downe proudelie to y â— Port with these speeches Which is the wretched Knight that dare so peremptorilie venture on shore to receiue the death he hath iustly deserued I am the man aunswered Palmendos and I will be so good as my worde if thou wilt faithfully promise mee safetie from thy people By the hallowed fayth sayde Baledon that I owe to our Gods thou shalt be as secure as thou caâ—…st require albeit I die vnder thy Sworde in Combat The Prince lothe to waste the time in wordes called for a Sâ—…iffe to carrie him on shore which the Marriners vnwillinglie consented to beeing loth to loose a Knight so valiant In breefe he came on lande and no one with him but his Cozin Ozalio who woulde not at anie time forsake his companie Baledon praunceth vppe to the plaine before his Castell commanding his attendants on paine of their liues not any waâ—…e to trouble or molest his enemie Now are the Champions couered with their Swords and Shâ—…eldes and with such furie doâ—… the weapons clanche vpon y t Armour as though Vulcan and his Cyclops were at worke with their hammers You must thinke thaâ—… the Gyant béeing a man of monstrous stature dealing with a young Prince but a grystle in a manner in coÌ„parison of him did
Palmendos to succour so good and noble Knights as you are cheefelie for your néere alliaunce to the Emperour Palmerin whom I continuallie desire to serue and shortly shall present my selfe vnto him but first by the fauour of Fortune I woulde haue his eares so acquainted with some actions of account as might mooue his spirite with the more affection to sée me And séeing you goe â—…o soone to his Courte let me intreate this fauour at your handes as to conducte this company with you which I haue deliuered from prison and present his Maiestie with them from me as also the wife daughter of Baledon the Gyant for it is both iust reasonable to dispossesse this Island of such bad people as haue wyth such horrible tirannies so long time abused the same For I dare say the people y â— inhabite this Isle wil more gladly submit themselues to y e Emperors regiment then be held in slauerie by such helhoundes In meane while wee wyll leaue some good Knight of this soyle as gouernour thereof in his highnes name vntil he haue disposed thereof as shal seeme best in his wisedom Willingly wold I make proofe before your departure of a strange aduenture couched in the Temple that if I die in y â— attempt you may reuenge my death happilie liue to finish the same Rifarano and Lecefin made answere that they would fulfil any thing he pleased to commaunde them for which Palmendos requited them with many thanks CHAP. VIII How Palmendos placed in the gouernment of the Isle of Delphos an auncient wyse Knight named Guillador by whom he vnderstood the daunger and difficultie of the aduenture in the Temple whether notwithstanding he afterward trauailed how he fortunatly ended the same AFter all the Knights Gentlemen had Armed theÌ„selues Palmendos caused the Gyantesse and her daughter to be fastened with a strong chaine to a piller least they shoulde offer some violence on themselues and the chayne in the Port he comman ded to be taken away with all other daungers that might hurt trauaillers then sonunoning the people of the Island he thus beganne to conferre with them My Bretheren and Freendes I cannot thinke but you all reioyce to see your selues deliuered from the miserable seruitude wherein the Tyrant Baledon hath long time held you henceforth therefore I intend that you shal acknowledge for your liege Lord and Sâ—…ueraigne the famous vertuous Emperour Palmerin d'Oliua to whome I will make present of this Island which the God of heauen hath suâ—…fered me to conquere for you knowe that the Gyant is slaine his Wife and Daughter likewise remain my prisoners and to his Maiesty wil I shortly send them Let me therfore intreate ye to continue his true and loyall Subiects and I shall so behaue my selfe with his highnes as he shall henceforth defend this Island and you for the gouernment whereof in meane while I wil leaue one that shall bee chosen among you who shall sweare to resigne his office to him whom the Emperour shal please to send hether The Knights Gentlemen of the Island were greatlie contented hearing Palmendos vse such gratious speeches acknowledging themselues happy to remaine y â— Emperours vassailes whereupon they swore fidelity to him and elected a reuerende Knight of the Island named Guillador to whom the authoritie of Deputie was committed and then they caused the Gyants bodie to bee burned for the horrible villamies he had doone in his life time to which execution all the people of the Island resorted not so much for the sight thereof as to honour the Patrone of their deliueraunce Euery thing thus wisely and discréetlie pacified he determined to try the aduenture of y e Temple whereupon the newe Gouernour desired him not to â—…azard himselfe in a matter so perrillous for that manie Knights had lost their liues in the attempt which made Palmendos far more desirous to know wherin y â— greatest danger thereof consisted at whose request Guillador thus beganne the discourse Know my Lorde that the Temple wherein our Priestes great Treasure is hidde is a place now ouergrowne as a thicket of young Trees by reason of the long time sinâ—…e aâ—…ie one durst approche the same and in that Woode is a sauage wilde Bore of more cruell nature certaine then that which Hercules flewe on the Mountaine Erymanthus in Arcadia And when anie one dooth offer to enter the Temple he commeth forth of his denne and makes him sure for euer returning againe In sooth quoth the Prince these newes are very terrible in hearing yet neuer was there any aduenture in the world so difficult but one or other hath accomplisht it and I trusting onelie in the helpe of God will try if this enchauntment were ordayned perpetuall not fearing all y â— Bores or deuils in the world I am sure my Lorde quoth Rifarano that if you finish not this enchauntment it will neuer be accomplished by anie other therefore boldly sette vpon it for gladly would I endure part of the paine and by y â— faith of a true Knight I shall assist ye with my vttermost endeuour No other helpe doo I desire answered Palmendos then the fauour of the Gods onelie and I hope they will not be farre from me if so I stand in need thereof notwithstanding I humblie thanke yee for your good will and if I happen to fayle in mine enterprise you shall make no better witnesse of your wordes then courteously to hazard the aduenture to recouer the honour lost by me for which cause as also to beguile the tediousnes of trauaile you shal accompany me to the Temple So wylling the Merchaunts other prisoners to stay in the Castell Palmendos Ozalio Rifarano Lecefin and the rest of the Knights beeing all wel armed sette toward the Temple many of the Islande trauailing with them to guide them the way and doo other néedefull seruices Now had Palmendos caused to be made by meruailous subtill cunning a coate of Armes composed of ware and other like clammie myxtures wherewith he couered all his Armour that the sharpe brystles and tuâ—…kes of the Bore might haue no power to hurt him and in this sorte they rode on together Béeing at length come to a conuenient place which was within sight of the Tâ—…mple he beheld y â— brushie thornie plaine which made him doubt how he should gette thether with his Horse Yet resolute for all chaunces he takes an yron Mace y â— he had brought from the Gyants Castell forward goes to the Temple desiring all his companions that not one of them shoulde follow him wherewith Ozalio and Rifarano were somewhat offended yet lothe to breake his commaundement they stayed vsing hartie and zealous inuocations for hys good successe Palmendos making way with his Mace through the enchaunted bryers espyed a â—…night before him who presently winded a â—…ghtie Horne at the sounde whereof the oâ—…glie and monstrous Bore came forth of his Deâ—…ne and ranne
bestowed on me such grace and fauour as I shoulde issue from â—…ch an excellent personage I must endeuour my selfe to resem ble him and by some thing declare that I am his Sonne for though nowe I goe against the Knightes of his Court I hope hee shall haue small cause to mislike of mee when he knowes my forwardnes in other matters on his Maiesties behalfe Then beholding a Knight readie to encounter him he brake off his musings and gaue him so braue a welcome as he tombled hedlong downe to the ground Like succcsse had diuers other Knights of the Courte which Arnedes angerlie séeking to reuenge accompanied the other in misfortune and after him Pernedin Sonne to the Duke of Pera one of the best estéemed Knights in Greece Risarano next ranne against Palmendos and thrée courses they past brauelie with the breake of the Launce but at the fourth Rifarano was dismounted whereupon Recinde came to reuenge his Cozin Arnedes foyle whose fortune was as bad as any of the other and Lecefin had his disgrace likewise for companie The Eâ—…perour mooued to admire this Chiualrie ignoraunt who this gallant should be affirmed that hee neuer sawe his equall in prowesse the like did Primaleon being very desirous to know his name to whom Abenunco aunswered that he imagined him to be Palmendos because hee much resembled him in braue constitution of bodie At these speeches the Emperor was excéeding ioyful requesting Abenunco to goe vnderstand the trueth thereof but Palmendos had so thrust himselfe in the thickest of the crowde which now went foorth of the Lystes because the sports were ended for that day as Abenunco could by no meanes come neere him and therefore was fayne to return vnresolued So went Palmendos closely to his lodging againe wherâ—… béeing vnarmed he found he had receiued thrée woundes that day in y â— â—…oust the greatest wherof he took by Recinde the Prince of Spayne but when heâ—… saâ—…e Ozalio in good disposition he was right ioyfull commending him for his woorthy behauiour And for hee was wounded he stayed there two dayes without returning to Constantinople least if he went againe his intent might be preuented afterwarde he rode to the Realme of Macedon in the selfe same Armes he wore at the Tourney continually hauing Francelina in his minde CHAP. XVI VVhat conference Arnedes had with thâ—… Princesse Philocrista after Supper whereupon he sent a messenger to the King his Father and howe after Recinde Rifarano and other had wonne the pryze of the seconde Tourney they intended to follow in searche of the Prince Palmendos VErye much ashamed were â—…he vanquished Knights of y â— harde entertainment they had receiued by Palmendos and moste of all the Prince Arnedes because hee was vnhorssed before hys Mistresse Philocrista wherfore he vowed to be reuenged or hee woulde die the death and so diuers other Knightes that murâ—…ured against the Conquerer did the like But the Emperour perceiuing this discontentment came to Arnedes Recinde and Rifarano and to put them from these melancholie conceits hee shewed them verie pleasaunt countenaunce saying they ought not to mislike with what had happened in that themselues shewed very sufficient Chiualrie and desired them at the next Tourney to compasse the knowledge of the strange Knight If hee come againe aunswered Arnedes it may bee happilie to his disaâ—…auntage for he hauing alreadie disgraced so manie the sportâ—… will hardlie ende without his foyle By this time was Abenunco come backe to the Emperour declaring howe hee could not speede of his intent wherwith his Maiesty somwhat offended said Nor will anie quiet sléepe enter my head vntill I know the name of that worthy Knight and were it not I shold be esteemed ouer fonde I woulde my sâ—…lfe trauaile tyll I founde him All the Knights meruailing at these spéeches concluded when the Tryumphes were ended if so bee the strange Knight returned not againe to aduenture themselues in the searche of him and they who were most forward heereto were Arnedes Recinde Rifarano Lecefin and Pernedin Sonne to the Duke of Pera these gallantâ—… without any further conference together constantly vowed to die or bring backe the Knight again to the Emperor if they might méete with him in anie place Supper being ended Primaleon and Ditreus tooke Arnedes Recinde with them going to sitte and deuise with the Ladies wheÌ„ Arnedes got the meane to courte Philocrista and Recinde his chosen Mistresse Melicia what contentment they receiued by this good opportunitie I referre to such as are desirous to breake the Ise of their amorous passions to them that hold them in so seuere seruitude Diuers familiare spéeches tossed vp and downe as of the Tourney and their vnhappy disgrace Philocrista pittying that Arnedes should take it so discontentedly thus spake Me thinks Sir you shoulde not be offended at so small a matter for oftentimes â—…he best Knights haue no better successe and we haue so well beheld your valiancie that y â— Conquerâ—…rs haue cause to complaine of your comming as the banquished haue of the Knight departed who as yet is vnknown to any in this Court Arnedes hearing the gentle spéeches of Philocrista bashfull modestie with-helde him a while from maâ—…ng anie aunswere yet at length looue vnlocked his liâ—… in this manner Madame quoth he the rare ornaments wherwith nature hath accompanied your diuine perfection causeth you to speake so fauourablie on my behalfe although no desert in me can apprehende the least part of this kindnesse but were I possessed with anie such abâ—…litie the very glaunce of her eye who hâ—…th â—…ower to commaunde me would increase my strength and make me inuincible wherfore my desâ—…res cannot be satisâ—…ed till I recouer my libertie lost in this Tourney the conceite whereof is more intollerable to me then the labor to Sisiphus in rolling the restlesse stone The heauens will further your attempt heerein answered Philocrista and I hartilie desire it may so come to passe because it were against reason that you comming so farre to see my Lorde the Emperour should receiue so vnkind a rewarde for your labour This swéete reply redoâ—…bled the French Princes ioy for which he humbly thanked Philocrista with so manie courtesses amorous shewes as she well perceiued the effect of his greefe procéeded froÌ„ the passions of a louers spirit Recinde on the othersâ—…de had â—…o communed with Melicia as she perceiuing howe manie offers he made to bee her Knight fauourably gaue him entertainment more then any thing elâ—… it pleased him to note her beautie wisdome and good grace which sette his eyes and all his sences to worke And if they that are in such delight wyth their Ladies giue some refrigeration to their harts enflamed with the fire of loue how could Lecefin but be in extreame iealouzie seeing his ryuall thus to parle with Philocrista gladlie could he haue wished him without raunsome in the strongest prysonne of Persia. But nowe is the howre of rest come when the
agame into the Caue and the Prince after him so fast as â—…e could till at length he came into a goodly Hall which was hanged rounde about with gorgious Tapistrie and â—…herein might one beholde all such as passed by the mouth of the Caue as if they had discernd the same in a Classe While he stoode beholding this beautiful prospect he saw the Knight comming towarde him Armed and drawing his Sworde thus spake â—…o the Prince 〈◊〉 â—…ight 〈◊〉 foolish 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 brought thee to this place for I shall let thee 〈◊〉 the dâ—…unger 〈◊〉 by thy presumption More 〈◊〉 ê™ the Prince hast thou behaued thy selfe in killing my horsâ—… without 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of offence Hâ—…erewith they 〈◊〉 a long while together till tâ—…e Knight séeing himselfe vnable to resist the Prince 〈◊〉 haue 〈◊〉 himâ—…lfe in the Chamber he came from offering to keepe the doore against him as his defence but Recinde thrusting after him into the Chamber behelde a great 〈◊〉 Dragon lying there the â—…ght wherof made him somwhat aâ—…azed yeâ—… seeing the beast stirred not against him 〈◊〉 his â—…ormer quarrell with the Knight bringing him at length into such subiection as with his Sword he 〈◊〉 his heaâ—… from his shoulders The Serpent terreâ—…ed with extreame feare began to shrinke backe when Recinde â—…ting â—…p his Sword â—…o strike the Sâ—…pent spake in this 〈◊〉 Sir Knight â—…or 〈◊〉 sake pâ—…ttie me and séeke not to â—…hed my blooâ—… hauing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ye so shall I beâ—… perpetually 〈◊〉 at your commaundement for deliuering me from â—…his cruell Knight who hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mee 〈◊〉 â—…he space of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Princâ—… 〈◊〉 these wordes helâ—…e doâ—… his Sword wheâ—…the Serpâ—… thus procéedâ—…d I am no Serpent Sir as happily I 〈◊〉 in your eyâ—… but a most infortunate and abuseâ—… Daâ—…osell hauing sâ—…fered the most miserable 〈◊〉 that euer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lyuing agaâ—…t my will in the 〈◊〉 of thys 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If thâ—… aâ—…t a 〈◊〉 creature 〈◊〉 Recinde I merâ—…le thou 〈◊〉 haue the 〈◊〉 of such a deformed beast I know sayd the 〈◊〉 what representation I haue in your â—…dgement but I 〈◊〉 assure yâ—… on my life that I am 〈◊〉 Sâ—…rpent or any thing els but a most 〈◊〉 Woman Which well she might afâ—…me because the Knight nowe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her the more cunningly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 â—…by Arte â—…gicke as you shall 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 at large He loued this Damosell so extreamelie shée béeâ—…ng the Daughter of an auncient Widdowe dwelling not far â—…ff as séeing he could not obtayne her in mariage by reason of his badde manners and euill fauoured bodie so laboured with a Magiâ—…ian a fréende of his to cause her resemble a Serpent to any but himselfe Her Mother 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ignoraunt of this trecherie seeing â—…uch an ougly Serpent among them affâ—…ghted at this strange 〈◊〉 presently fled foorth of their 〈◊〉 The Mayden foâ—…wing to vnderstand the cause of their feare wandred sorowfully after them thorow the â—…ldes where she was 〈◊〉 by her Louer and brought to the 〈◊〉 preparâ—… 〈◊〉 the Sorceâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that apperaunce till one of the â—…est â—…nights in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 arriue there and valiantly 〈◊〉 her cut of his 〈◊〉 only by his death to be deliuered and â—…ixe yeeres shee had abode in that place seeming a beautifull 〈◊〉 to her â—…uer onelie and to all 〈◊〉 â—…er a 〈◊〉 Serpent 〈◊〉 driuâ—…n into 〈◊〉 aâ—…miration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spake In sooth this is the most strange accident that euer 〈◊〉 heard of but séeing your Louer â—…s dead boldlie may yee depart this Chamber and returne home to your 〈◊〉 againe for in time perhaps this hidious shape will forsake yée My Lord. quoth she I haue manie times â—…ryuen to get foorth of this pryson but all my labour hath béene in vaine for by like sortiledge hath the Knight bounde mee héere as he got me from my Mothers Castell So am I perswaded aunswered the Prince wherfore séeing of your selfe ye cannot depart I will trie if my strength will release yâ—…e of this seruitude Then taking his Arming gyrdle from about him hee made it fast about the Scrpâ—…nts mâ—…ddle and forciblie thought to pull her out of the Chamber but the strength of the enchauntmâ—…nt ouer-maistring him when he had gotten her to the veriâ—… doore would violently pluck her back againe Yet Recâ—…nde beeing all hart and courage gaue not ouer for all these resistaunces but at length by exceeding labour and trauaile hee gotte her into the open Hall and then she séemed a verie beautiful Woman who falling downe at his féete intreated him not to forsake her till he had brought her to her Mothâ—…rs Castâ—…ll So going foorth of the Caue she told the Mâ—…rchaunt all that had happened which made him aunswere hâ—…r in this sort Madame bothe you and I are highly beholding to this Knight for he hath miraculously râ—…called you frâ—…m a lamâ—…table sufferaunce and not onelie hath he saued my life but holpe me to my goods againe which were vtterlie lost wherefore wee haue good cause to thinke that hee is the onelie Paragon of Chiualrie So breaking off these speeches they tooke the Knights horse because hee had slayne the Princes and mounting the Damosell behynde him brought her home to her Mothers Castell the auncient Ladie béeing not a little ioyfull to sée her Daughter whoÌ„ shee reputed vtterlie lost likewise her Bretheren were verie glad to sée their Sister restored hâ—…me againe As for their freendlie entertainment you may iudge it by the cause which béeing of nature must needes surpasse all other whatsoeuer CHAP. XXV How Recinde arriued at the Isle of Carderia where vnderstanding that Palmendos had ended the aduenture he went to seeke Belcar at Macedon and of the Combat he had with him by the false perswafion of the Damosell that followed the reuenge of her bretherens death FOurâ—… daies staied Recinde and the Merchant at y â— olde Ladies Castell and then taking theyr lâ—…aue the Prince committed the Merchaunt to his owne occasions and hee rode straite toward the Isle of Carderia desirous to trie his fortune in the aduenture as also to finde the Knight hée sought for but béeing there arriued he vnderstoode how Francelina was deliuered Palmendos gone toward Turkie and Tirendos abode at the Castell with Lypes his Sisters froÌ„ whence he sent a Squire to Macedon to certifie Belcar what had happened as also to intreate him staie thâ—…re for his comming As for the Prince Belcar he béeing now with Alderina his chosen Mistresse to speake of all circumstaunces entercoursing between them woulde bée more laboure to me then pleasure to you Shee accuseth him with a great manie articles of vngentlenes that he would trauaile for Francelina béeing before her vowed Knight and he excuseth al vnder this point that what he did in a place of such triâ—…ll was onelie to eternize the name of Alderina and nothing to the aduantage of Francelina nor could y â— greatest Monarch on the earth haue
commaunded him from that seruice but only the gracious Letter sent by her whcrfore he desired to returne thether againe to make her more famous til the aduenture were ended To stay her aunswer and appease his hote desire at that very instant the Courrire arriued sent froÌ„ Tirendos whose message being heard highly wâ—…s the Princesse contented but Belcar ouercome with excéeding greefe because fayne he would haue tryed his fortune against Palmendos Nowe come we to the Damosell againe that pursued Belcar for the death of her Bretheren according as you suâ—…ficientlie heard before she vnderstanding that hcâ—… was in the Court of Macedon so highly loued of y â— King Quéen and the whole nobilitie she was out of hope to worke him iniurie there wherefore she intended to returne hâ—…me againe and by the way she happened to méet with y â— Prince Recinde when beginning her accustomed complaints she deliuered the same discourse which she had doone to Cardino and Tirendos saying that the Knight who had so trayterously slain her brethren soiourned in the Court of Macedon Recinde desirous to win honor by succouring the distressed and hoping he might find the Knight he sought for at Macedon answered her in this maner If it be Damosel as you say that the Knight in such trayterous sortc sic we your bretheren I proâ—…se ye by the faith I beare to Chiualrie that to my power I will reuenge your wrong because all 〈◊〉 receiuing this ordcr are bounde by dutie to assist Damosels iniuriously wrongâ—…d by dâ—…storall varlets The crafty deceiuer fel at the Princâ—…s séete affirming what she had saide with many othes Gâ—…e thâ—…n with me ê™ Recinde to shew me the Knight and either I will loose my life or mâ—…ke him coÌ„fcsse his villainy The â—…nted palliard mounted on her Palfray and such spéâ—…de thcy made in trauaile as at length they arriued at Maccdon when entring the great Hall they â—…ounde there the King Belcar and diuers noble Barons whereupon the Dâ—…inoscl thus spake to Recinde Sée here my Lord the Knight that slew my Brethren I beséech yee make him knowe before the King the teason he committed against harmeles men for his Maiestie not knowing the enormitie of the case reputeth this offendour one of the most courteous Knights in his Court as my selfe perceiued at my last béeing here Recinde hauing with humble reuerence saluted the King Florendos turned to Belcar w t these spéeches Sir Knight this Damosell hath sworne to mee that yeu haue trayterouslie slaine her two bretheren after you had béen fréendlie entertained at her fathers house if yee did so surelie it was an act far vnbeséeming you and by force of Armes I shall make ye so to confesse it if you haue the hardines to enter the field with mee Belcar greatly offended to heare himselfe so charged and euermore by one that sought to bring his life in danger in anger thus replied In sooth Knight I cannot but think thy discretion very simple in saying if I haue the hardines to enter y â— fielde with thée and thy presumption is as insolent as this Dâ—…mosell is trothlesse and disloyall in accusing mee without anie cause notwithstanding I hope to recompence ye â—…or light beléefe that false woman likewise the instrument of thy follie After these spéeches he went and Armed him selfe for the Combat which the King many waies laboured to hinder but Recinde continued so resolutely against Belcar as the King could not diswade the matter wherfore he thus spake to Recinde Séeing you wil not at my intrea tie giue ouer this rashnes let me vnderstand the name of him that will not graunt so smal a matter specially to one that is able to yéeld thanks therfore I amm ê™ Recinde a Knight of a strange Country who came to the Emperors Court at Constantinople meane while the nuptiallâ—…s of the Hungarian Prince were sollâ—…mnized whether likewise came a Knight vnknowne bearing a siluer flower in hys Shéeld hée hauing wun the honor of the Tourney departed secretly from the assembly which made me followe in searche of him and in respect I am but a poore Knight errant I desire no wrong may be offered me in the battail Be thâ—…rof assured answered the King that none shal meddle with you but your aduersary onlie trust me it greeueth me to the very hart that comming from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin my Sonne you should héere enter the fielde against Belcar who is one of his Maiesties cheefest fauourites When Recinde heard Belcar named on the one side it displeased him y â— he was to deale with a Knight so famous and renowned on the other side it gréeued him as much when he considered the néere alliaunce betwéene him and Melicia whom he loued as his verie soule so that willinglie he would haue forborne the Combat but that he could not with honor gaine say it Nowe the King desires the Duke of Pontus and another of his cheefest Barons to iudge the fight according to conscience and without any exception of person Soone after the Champions enter the Listes where breaking theyr Launces brauelie in the carrire they were both dismounted notwithstanding they quicklie recouered themselues and drawing their Swordes fell to the Combatte Long while they continued a most furious fight sharpe cruell woundes being deliuered on either side that iudgement could not be giuen who was in greatest daunger but his Maiestie séeing Belcar were very feeble and that it was like this â—…ght would ende bothe their liues as one loth to sée the death of eyther he threw his staffe of peace betwéen them then comming downe from the window where hée stoode into the â—…eld he desired them at his request to giuâ—… ouer the fight My gracious Lord answered Recinde that may we not consent vnto vnlesse the Damosell that complained of Belcar will first remit the iniurie he hath doone her My selfe will thereto perswade her said the King in meane while doo you trauaile no further in this controuersâ—…e séeing you haue bothe shewen sufficient and haughtie Chiualrie So went the King to the Damosell who was wonderfull glad to sée Belcar in such daungerous estate as no Knight before had brought him in the like Damosel ê™ he séeke not the death of two so good Champions as these are but for my sake pardon Belcar if hee haue in ought offended and I shall cause him to make such amendes as your selfe shall like well thereof beside such courtesy shal ye find at my hand as happilie shal yéeld occasioÌ„ of thanks while yee liue Héereto will I neuer consent though I die quoth she and more wold the present death of Belcar content me then if the whole Monarchie of y â— world were vnder my puissaunce considering the enorme and deteâ—…table treason wherwith hee villainously wronged my Father and Bretheren which makes mee I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise The King with great instance intreated her againe and so did all the Lords attending on
him but all was in vaine shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe-willed therein Wherupon the Quéene hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded vnderstanding the obstinate refusall of the Damosell she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Quâ—…ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court But these prayers and requests nothing auailed to mooue any pittie in this inexorable Damosell which the Quéene perceiuing and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie she made a sollemne othe that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and flaunderous that her selfe should die a most shamefull death The Damosel séeing the Queene so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina wherfore she alighted from her Palfray and falling at the Quéenes féete desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to y â— King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Maiesties sake shée was coÌ„tent to pardon both y â— Knights The Queene embraced her in signe of thankâ—…s sâ—…nding word to Recinde that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace and bothe the Champiâ—…ns acccmpanied the King who bringing them to their Chambers commaunded that his cheâ—…fe Physitions and Chirurgions should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed Dailie woulde the Queene accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter come to visite them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amitie and shortly after the Queene in regarde of her promise caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married when Belcar made her openly confesse that her accusations were mâ—…st false and vntrue in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Bretheren before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell But leaue we these and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio were embarqued for Turkie they landed at a port neere the Cast ell of Albayzo where the King of Thessalie was kept prisoner and howe Palmendos intended to bee at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captaines sonne and what was his successe AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Quéene of Thessalie her daughter Francelina they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship the Marriners hauing in the time of their abode there happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame sâ—…cknes wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arriuall he had verie wâ—…ll recouered his health He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie desired to graunt him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenes hee would direct him whether hee pleased because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the 〈◊〉 and most of the Citties and Townes on the land Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patrone and without concluding to what place they would first saile hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tubant demaunding of the Turke if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place My Lord quoth the Turke I will conduct ye if you please into a straight of the Sea which is verie secret where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels and no other place of lodging is néere at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant and thâ—… like from the Castell of Albayzo where the great Turke at this present kéepeâ—… the king of Thessaâ—…e and all his treasure vnder the charge of a good â—…night who is the Captaine of the Castell and this plâ—…ce hee reputeth aâ—… the strongest holde in all the Countrey Moreouer this I â—…are 〈◊〉 Sir that there is no part so little in all that Coâ—…ntrey but I knowe it as well by night as by day â—…uen as perfectly as the porte whereof I tell ye there may you abide in 〈◊〉 and dâ—…e what best your selfe shall please vncontrouled by any this wyll I make good for â—…e gâ—…eat 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 found Palmendos seing how Fortune faâ—…oured him coâ—…mitted his conducting to the Turke who was named Orycano when at length they came to the porte neere Tuâ—…ant then Oricano went on shore with the Knightes to take some order for their good entertainement but â—…nding not his father at home entreated his mother 〈◊〉 two bréethren who were not a little glad of his â—…afe return to vse those Gentlemen so curteouâ—…y as might be expressing what kindenesse hee hád found at their hands Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret and â—…éere Albayzo Castell where the Kâ—…ng of Thâ—…ssalie was detained in captiuitie yet kept he on his rich black Armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia his good sworde likewise hee had by his side wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion most artiâ—…cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds the whoâ—… sheath béeing composâ—…d of one the mosse-barre and pomell of an other and the handle of the crost raâ—…e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde in bréefe the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde By this time Orycanos father was come home who reioycing to beholde his Sonne shewed very louing 〈◊〉 to the princeâ—… for his sake wheâ—… among other talke Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came â—…o late whereto the poore man humblie 〈◊〉 answerâ—…d I come Sir from a Town not far hence whether I went in the morning to sell fish becauâ—…e greatâ—… number of Knightes are assembled there againâ—… thâ—… mariage of the Lordes daughter with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and I staied the longer â—…o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister who is reported to bee the fairest woman in the worlde By manie great Priâ—…ces she hath béene requâ—…sted in mâ—…riage but â—…he hath refused euery one saying she will neuer be marriâ—…d but with him that can winnâ—… her by Martiall prâ—…wcsse for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third daye of the feast haue appointed a Tourney for her loue the resort being so great to sée this Ladie as iâ—… the great Turke with all his Bassaes aâ—…d 〈◊〉 kept Court there Palmendos attentiuely noting this tale conâ—…idered