reposed himself howbâ—it understanding that he was asleep she would by no means disturb him but fell to considering of this dreadfull creature which made her afraid being dead and admiring the courage of her Knight who had made no difficulty to undertake him Hereupon her people arrived who thinking it almost incredible that one man could kill so great so furious and so formidable a monster published his praises in such manner as if they had no tongues but to proclaim him for the most excellent Knight of the earth Whilst every one was thus commending he awaked and finding himself better then he was he would have risen seeing Silvana comming towards him but she not able to forbear kissing of him before all the company forbad him with such a grace that he suffered himself to be laid upon the quilts for to be carried to a Castle about two leagues from thence where Silvana purposing to abide some time sent her Knights over all the countrey to assure the death of that dangerous Serpent whereupon a world of men and women came in â—locks who wondering at the valour and features of this Knight would willingly have prostrated themselves before him as the chief of all their Gods if he would have permitted such idolatry but rendering the glory unto God to whom it was due he modestly dismissed them and was contented that the monster should be flayed and that his skin stuft with straw should be set over the principall gate of the Capitall City of the Island of Silvana whither a little after he went to the unspeakable satisfaction of the people who strewing sweet herbs and flowers in his way as he passed thorow the streets cryed him up to heaven with their acclamations naming him the Saviour of their countrey and their Tutelar God CHAP. XLIII Trasiclea the valourous Princesse of Tramazond hearing the world talk of the valour of the Knight of the Palms sends to seek him the messenger findes him out shews him the picture of this Princesse he parts with her from the Island of Silvana and goes to meet with her WHilst these lovers lived thus without crosse or fear whilst the trees and gardens were witnesses of their pleasures whilst they bathed themselves in their delights and every day incountered some new way or other to render them more pleasing all forrain parts were filled with admiration and the name of the Knight of the Palms became so famous that there was no other talk but of his valour the pictures of the monster ran from countrey to countrey his figure was wondered at his greatnesse and force was considered and every one held it for a miracle that one man alone had the courage to affront him forces sufficient to combat him and so much valour as to kill him Merodiana having sent Cistenia to observe the carriage of her Knight was advertised of this victory which made her resolve to passe into the Island of Silvana for to draw her lover out of her sisters arms but she lost her labour for the Destinies that meant to dispose otherwise of the exploits and fortunes of this Knight would not permit her to see him for to hinder his happinesse and thus it was The fame of the glorious victory which he had obtained running from countrey to countrey with pictures thereof as I have related before came to the cars of Trasiclea the fairest and most valourous but withall the proudest Princesse of the world She was daughter to the Emperour of Tramazond a mighty Potentate and that deriving his originall from the Sun found the antiquity of his house in the race of the Gods an opinion that rendered this beauty so glorious that she esteemed no mortall wight capable of her alliance nor worthy of so great and precious a treasure This Princesse then who despised men and ranked her self among the Deities who thought she deserved Altars and that held nothing so glorious nor redoubtable as her arms hearing the commendations which every one gave to this Knight could not beleeve at first that he was so strong so valiant and every way so compleat as was reported but having usde the means to have his picture made to the life together with that of the Monster which he had slain she beheld it often with wonder and finding nothing to be added to the proportion of his body and lesse to the perfection of his beauty she said If the Painter hath not flattered this Knight he is in my mind the most accomplished under heaven But that which most amazes me is to see him so young and to hear tell how he hath defeated this Monster whose figure alone gives terrour to the most confident verily he is worthy of a place among our Gods the world may adore him and if I were at any time to bow unto the affection of a mortall wight I should never chuse any other to sort my greatnesse withall But good Gods what do I say if I were to bow unto the affection of a mortal wight me thinks I feel already a new passion that torments me by what I could comprehend from the complaints of them that have been in love it must needs be that love whose power hath been so vaunted of and that means to triumph over me as over all the rest of humane kind For having alwayes disdained to set mine eyes upon any one I am marvellously satisfied with this picture the sight of this warriour pleaseth me and I find such powerfull charms in him that I love him with an extream desire to see him O ye Gods from whence comes so great a change Trasiclea Where is that spirit which made thee raise thy thoughts to the heavens Art thou so weak as to suffer thy self to be vanquished by a man nay to take delight in confessing it Where are those high resolutions of thine to joyn thy self to none but one of the greatest of the Gods as capable alone to enjoy the merit of thy beauty I vow this is a strange basenesse in thee wherefore altering thy mind reassume thy former motions My former motions why this is the way to follow my former motions for there is nothing in the Gods which I meet not withall in this Knight behold here is the best face in the world this grace contents me wonderfully this gentle eye demonstrates an agreeable disposition this warlicke countenance a most generous courage and this shape an incomparable valour What shall hinder me then from loving him with such infinite perfections Nothing nor shall I ever be perswaded that I fail in my choyce since I find in him all that can be wished for in a divinity But to what end serves all this if he do not know my mind For nothing but to trouble me wherefore I will no longer forbear to let him understand that I am resolved to love him so shall I be no way accessary to my own suffering In this manner did this proud beauty forcing her naturall inclination conclude
marvelled how Nature could produce it in such a form and could not chuse but fear to fall into the danger of his paws or teeth which were in each head a cubit long and more but assuming confidence from the glory which he should acquire by defeating this monster he desired his companion to retire and recommending himself to God he set spurs to his horse who staring up with his mane ran clean away with him do what he could to retain him but at length having stayed him he quickly alighted took his Lance and making head to the Monster which followed him with incredible celerity he ran it so furiously into one of his chops that stood wide gaping as it past into his throat where it brake after it had made a very deep wound but not able to withstand the violence of the encounter he was overthrown to the ground with such pain that he thought his body had been all crushed neverthelesse rising up suddenly for the Monster was gone on he drew out his rich sword and with a resolute courage waited to charge him as he should passe by but considering that his legerity would more advantage him then his force he concluded to combat him with judgement stepping lightly aside then when he saw him return with rage he gave him so mighty a blow full upon the body that it was able to have cleft a rock howbeit in vain for he found his scales so hard as the Sword left no mark behind of the stroke O God! said he then astonished what can I expect from this combat but the death which Silvana so many times foretold me to day Lord assist me and punish me not according to the greatnesse of my sinnes Whilst he made this short prayer the dangerous Monster spared him not for presently turning about he laid hold on his shield with his Serpents claws and having torn it from his arm laboured to bite it in pieces with his teeth offering at the same instant to seaze on the Knights armour with his Lions paw but he that with reason feared these approaches leapt wonderfully quick a tone side and grieved to see himself thus destitute of a shield he took his sword in both his hands and therewith cut his paw sheer off at one blow whereat he gave so lowd a cry that it was heard 3 leagues off Alas said then the beauteous Silvana here is a signâ— of my Knights death wretch that I was to propound so dangerous an enterprise unto him for other wise he had lived and I might still have continued happy in the world Alcidamant seeing this good effect of the stroke which he had given was in hope of better and â—esiring to make use of the astonishment the Monster was in gave him another blow on the Lions mane thinking to have no worse successe then before but the thicknesse of his clotted hair withstanding the passe of the steel it made him onely bow with his head a little and so provoked his fury that making a skip of ten foot high into the aire the Knight found himself overthrown on the ground where this dreadfull creature perceiving him to lye got him between his teeth for to devour him and indeed he had already entred them in his live flâ—sh when as the Knight being out of all hope of life advanced his good sword and thrust it with such violence into his flank that he past it quite through his bowels The Monster feeling so dangerous a wound mounted once again into the aire with such an incredible force that hee lighted ten paces off when he came to ground which gave our Frenchman leasure to rise so bruised with his fall and suffering such pain from the hurts the Monster had made with his teeth that he could hardly stand howbeit forcing himself and drawing new strength out of his generous courage he approached the Monster again who made a most horrible noyse and by good fortune giving him a thrust just in the eye ran him to the very brain but being surprized before he could retire him the Monster caught him with his Serpents claws and in the pangs of death that tormented him drag'd him up and down a good while then taking him between his teeth as if he would make a sepulchre for him of his throat he made way for his bloud to issue out at sundry places and had without doubt killed him in this sort had not the wound which he had received in the belly caused him to tumble down breathing out his last Alcidamant who had not lost his understanding in this danger seeing this monster fallen had courage enough to rise and withdraw aside but the venome which came forth of the body of this creature and his own losse of bloud had not left him long alive if Troilus and his Squire who were not far off had not come suddenly to his aid Arnides remembring then the box which Cassandra had given him when he laft fought with Rozalmond took it out of his pocket and quickly disarming him annointed him with that balm which working a marvâ—llous effect brought him instantly to himself again Whereupon the good Troilus gathered a great heap of leaves together laid him upon it and charging Arnides not to stir from him galloped amain towards the port Silvana whom love kept alwayes in care seeing him arrive in that manner and beleeving that he fled from the jaws of the Serpent was ready to tumble into the sea imagining that her lover was in the belly of the monster and the words and complaints of a despairing woman were even at her mouth when Troilus boording her with a chearfull countenance said Madam be of good chear the Knight of the Palms is alive and more glorious by the death of the monster then ever Knight was by the most dangerous adventure that hath been but you must know that this victory is bought at a dear rate for the Knight hath lost most of his bloud and was very neer his end howbeit he is far better then he was by means of an ointment wherewith his Squire hath dressed his wounds so that now he wants nothing but your assistance that he may be carried to some house where he may be more commodiously looked unto then in your ships Silvana at first distracted between hope and fear and that expected nothing lesse then so happy a successe hearing that her lover was alive after the death of so horrible a monster fell into such an extasie of joy that she could neither speak nor move she beheld Troilus as if she would have said that she did not beleeve his report but observing him to be in good earnest she instantly recollected her spirits and causing her self to be forthwith set on shore she commanded some quilts to be made ready and not able to attend so long while her train was landed away she went with the Knight of the Lions and being winged by her affection she alighted within a little after where the Knight
have armed my self By my faith said Mascarin you shall have my company then though 〈…〉 you had râ—â—â—er be without iâ— for the beauty of those â—â—eldâ— would be odioâ—â— to me were the fun of it once gone Herewith all that were present fell a laughing our Miralinda excepted who thinking more of the Iourney she had promised then of the fooleries of â—â—is little Lover was much perplexed because she knew not what might befall her in this Enterprise neverthelesse passing by all kind of considerations since she should not part from her Clarisel in whose affection she had placed all her hopes she willingly got to Horse as soon as she saw him arrive This small Troop then taking the way that led to the Sea to the 〈◊〉 grief of all the people of Bellomore but much more of certain Knights then present whose liberty had been captivated by the beauty of this Shepherdesse â—â—avelled ten or eleven miles and were in sight of the Sea when as Miralinda looking back perceived four Knights come gallopping after theâ— which by their demeanour seemed not to follow them for any good wherat being somewhat troubled she shewed them to Don Clarisel who â—â—king his 〈◊〉 from Mascarin that served him as his Squire sâ—â—tdown his Beaver and stayed for them much against Cardoran's mind that was mightily vext for that he was not in case to assist him As soon as they had overtaken them one of those Knights went strait â—o Miralinda and in a jolly manner said unto her Faire Shepherdesse whither go you why would you know answered Clarisel or how is she obliged to you that she should render you an account of her actions what is that to you good-man Cockscomb said another So much as I will knock his paâ—e answered Clarisel and make you know how to rule your tongue better wherupon he struck him that held Miralinda's bridle with his sist Ganâ—let and all so rudely on the head that his brains flew aboâ—â— and drawing out his Sword after he had thrown away his Launce that did but hinder him â—e began to charge the others with such valour that at the second blow he clove one down to the teeth whose death possessing those that remained more with fury then fear they let drive at him both at once and striking both on his Helmet made him knock his chin against his brest wherwith he was so enraged that grasping his sword fast in his hand he let iâ— fall on him that was next him with such horrible violence that he divided his body in twain to the great astonishment of Lindorenna and her husband who marvailed exceedingly at so sudden an execution which had been accompanied with the death of the fourth had he not by setting spurs to his Horse found safety in his flight Clarisel seeing no more enemies alive suddenly cast his eyes on his Shepherdesse and perceiving some tears on her cheeks blamed her for her unnecessary fear considering whâ—â— proofes he had formerly given her of his valour and so shortly after with the rest of the company they entred into a Bark and put themselves to Sea CHAP. XVII Clarisel narrowly escaping shipwrack lands in great Brittâ—in 〈◊〉 Florimond of Canabea combats a Gyant rescâ—er Claristea and marries her to Florimond CLarisel and his company being bound for the countie of Garaman sayled with a prosperous gale for two or three days at the end whereof the Sea that in nothing is more constant then in its â—nconstancie began so to rage with a contrary wind that the Vessel was carried sometimes as high as the clouds and by and by thrown down so low that they beheld mountains of water over their heads the Marriners who little regard dangers and that trust in their experience seeing such sudden and violentmotions bestirred themselves but unable to resist the fury of the storm they laboured in vain for the Sayls being rent to pieces the Tackle torn and the Mast broken over board all were out of hope of escaping ship wrack were they not speedily succoured by some particular grace from Heaven which was so deafe to the cryes of these poor wretches that it powred down such abundance of rain and hayl upon them and thundred and lightned so fearfully as every thing seemed to be the Image of a dreadfull and cruel death the horror of the danger augmenting by such prodigious accidents Miralinda more dead then alive was in her Shepherds arms that nothing moved with his own bewayled the casting away of so fair a creature Alas said he kissing her eyes what a losse will the world make of these two Suns and why should so divine a beauty perish with humane things O God! if my offences have begot this effect of thy displeasure let it fall but upon me and let not this Innocent which makes thee to be admired in the world suffer a death she hath not deserved Herewith beleeving that the Bark was sinking under water he took his Mistris in his arms either to escape or drown with her howbeit perceiving that the Sea grew calmer and that the wind drove them gently towards a Port he began to take heart again and comforting his Shepherdesse he led her up to the Deck a little after approaching to land he lept a shore with infinit content to see that which he loved so much no longer subject to the fury of a pittilesse Element the rest landing in like manner Clarisel caused his Horse and Arms to be brought him and beholding no habitation and the night at hand he made Lindorenna's Gentlewoman carry along some provisions and taking a little path entred into a Wood where it growing dark he and his train alighted and free from the fear of a troubled Sea fell to that which the Gentlewoman had provided with a very good appetite This little repast finished they layd them all down at the feet of a tree and began to 〈…〉 who 〈◊〉 with his passâ—â—◠〈…〉 fortuâ—â— wherein he continued not long for hearing the voyce of one lameâ—ting hearose and going softly to know who it was he câ—â—e to five or six trees planted in such sort that their branches 〈…〉 they made a little Cabinet from whence the â—ight and complaints that he heard procâ—â—ded Alas said a man for the tone of his voyce declared him to be so What lover was ever so unhappy as I and how just cause have I to complaine of my dâ—stiniâ— that forceth me to love an ingratefull Woman who is insensible of the 〈◊〉 she hath done me and that takes delight in my ruine my services are despised she laughs at my suffâ—rings and which is worse her retyrement leaves me no hope of ever seeing an end of my miseries but by death Ah cruell resolution why did it not prâ—cede the acquisiâ—ion she madeof my heart or stay till I was dead so should I now have beeâ— without 〈◊〉 or happy in my Grave but I must needs lose my freedome for 〈◊〉 end my dayes wretchedly and the
Christian Princes which were dead as you have heard in the first Chapter and carryed away those in whom he found any hope of life to that wonderfull Castle appointing them the third division of lodgings the names of whom were The great King Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece enchanted as you have heard Don Silves de la Selva Agesilan Amadis d' Astre Astropolo Fortiman Anaxartes Penthesilea Argantes Florartan Lucentio Falanges d' Astre Arlantes his sonne Arlanges of Spayne Lucidamor of Boetia Floreni Emperour of Rome Filisel of Montespin Zayr Flores of Greece second sonne to Esplandian Filon King of Sibila Artaur his Brother King of Mount Libanus and Lindamart of Rhodes But because there may arise a doubt in this Discourse for that all these which I now have named were inclosed in the Monument that appeared in the field of the battell after the darkenesse was past the Reader may remember if he please that these of whom I now speake were in a posture there diâ—â—ering from theirs who were fully and really dead and that the wise man did so order it to comfort those great Knights after so heavy a losse These Princes then being enchanted with Don Belianis and the Knight of the Sunne though they knew it not Alcander who would not doe a curtesie to halfes first healed them of their wounds And then desiring they should not be lesse happy then the rest presented them a little while after with some of the Princesses they loved whom he had brought from Constantinople to the extreame discontent of those that remayned behinde There was the Queene Oriana the Empresse Niquea delivered not long before of a sonne whose birth was celebrated by an infinity of fires appearing in the ayre and whom at his Baptisme shee named Amadis of Trebisond Diana Axiana the Princesse Oriana wife of Anaxartes Cleosila Sestiliana Radiana Oristila Anaxarea Theodorina Belisaura Claire estoille Sclarimena and Timbria Having then prepared soveraigne baths for them made with a million of rare simples gathered at such time as they were in most vertue he bathed them eight dayes together at the end whereof King Amadis and his wife seemed to bee but forty yeeres old and every man as fresh and lovely as they were at that age the Emperour Amadis of Greece and the Princesse Niquea but thirty five Don Silves Agesilan and the rest not above thirty This done he carried them all into a fayre chamber and thus spake unto them Mighty Princes you perceive by the helpe that you have already received at my hands the desire I have to doe you service I will not therefore excuse my selfe unto you for holding you restrayned in this maner since I have no other end for it but the augmentation of your glory All things must have their course and the malignant influences of the starres must have time to passe over The day will come when you will see your off-spring with more contentment then ever expect it with so much the more patience In the meane time I will go from hence to take care for the affayres of those which concerne you neerely Saying thus hee went out of the doore which shut of it selfe with a strange violence leaving those Princes and Princesses so inchanted as they did not remember any thing without that place whatsoever CHAP. III. Most of the Prinâ—â—â— of Greece die Alcander goes to visit the wise Alquif and Urganda THE newes of the death of so many Kings Princes and Emperours and the carrying away of the Queene Oriana with the rest which were enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was the cause of so much griefe to those Ladyes that remayned at Constantinople expecting what would be the issue of that warre as not able to withstand the violence thereof they yeelded to the necessity of death leaving Christendome a world of sorrow for so great a losse The Empresse Leonine was the first that payd that tribute of nature but followed so close by the yong Princesse of Sardamyra the wife of Sistra that the funerals of the one served also for the other After them died almost at the same time the Empresse Arbra Briolania the Queene of France wife to Lucidor the Queene of Traramate and Mesopotamia Melicia wife to Bruneo of the good Sea Lardenia Laciana Gricelarie Olinde the Queenes of Corinth Saba Bohemia the wife of Guillan the pensive the Queenes of the Garamantes of Pentapoly Galacia and Ireland the wives of Girafer of Vaillades of Don Frisus of Lusitania the Queene of Dacia the Empresse Brisenne Darayde Queene of Cores the wife of Stilpon and the Queene of Rhodes who were all interred in the Emperours great Chapell with so many complaynts and teares that nothing was heard in any part of the City but cries and lamentatioâ—s Now whilest the ceremonies of so many obsequies were performing Alcander who had no care more pressing then the preservation of those Princes went in his Chariot of the Griffons to the unknowne Island whâ—re the wise Alquif was with Vrganda Zirzea and Zirenna but not desiring to present himselfe unto them without some demonstration of his skill he in a moment raysed such horrible flashes of lightning in the aire so great an earthquake as those reverend old folkes seeing so furious a tempest beyond the order of nature beleeved that those thunders were presages of their deaths So that disposing themselves to seeke the mercy of heaven which never refuseth grace to us when with humility we seeke it they fell upon the earth and lifting up their eyes they met with a new terrour when as they espied the fearefull Chariot in which Alcander appeared seated with such a majesty that if they had not beene instructed by the light of fayth that one only God was to be acknowledged they had adored him never so much as dreaming that it was done by art Magicke or that this incounter could proceed from the skill of any mortall man For beleeving that none in the world was more expert in that art then they they could never imagine that any man could finde them out in their Island unlesse they pleased to permit it Alcander reading their amazement in their lookes and motions would not keepe them any longer in payne Most venerable persons sayd he be not dismayd to see me heere at this present and in this maner That almighty God who hath endued you with the knowledge of things above nature for the good of his people hath imparted to mee the same favours which he hath bestowed upon you and made me no lesse zealous of his glory and service I am not come hither now to trouble you as you imagine but indeed to conferre with you about certayne things which shall be necessary for the welfare of the Princes of Greece whose vertue hath begotten such an affection in me towards them as I will not entertayne a thought but for the augmentation of their glory I know that you have alwayes infinitely loved them that
not without some trouble bear the little delay which she was forced to endure before she could be set aboord the ship into the which she was with her company no sooner entred but the Giants reassumed their former shapes which did so amaze them that with grief to find themselves so wofully abused they fell down more then half dead upon the deck Argenea seeing that which she so much desired in her power immediatly covered the ship with a cloud took her way back again with the same speed she had made thither and landed at the same port from whence she had weighed ancor not above five daies before But her house being ten leagues from thence she presently caused a Chariot to appear drawn by six horses of a monstrous greatnesse and having found by her last incantations she was threatned with a terrible mischief she willed her Giants to passe on and to bestow the Ladies in safe custody whilest she went to consult with a great Magician with whom she had formerly been very conversant to the end that by the help of his skill she might divert the storm which was ready to fall upon her yet all her devices were to no purpose for Alcander to whose knowledge all other mortall mens gave place having foreseen the mischievous intentions of this Hagg had first turned the Chariot somwhat out of the right way to make it come within the view of Spheramond to whom also he gave the same day those excellent arms by means wherof he escaped death which was otherwise inevitable being to fight with three or fowr of the most able Giants in the world all at one instant assembled all those Princes who had been separated from the Army into that one place being assured that Spheramond would at length be unable to resist so many Knights as were to combat him together These then were the Princesses which he saw passe by when overtaken with the night he was sleeping under the trees and the very same that were brought to the Castle of the twelve Towrs by the Giants when as those Princes sallied foorth to second the fair Savage who having met the Chariot followed the Giants to fight with them being mooved with pity at the lamentations of those Ladies But it is time to return to our former Discourse of Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan finding these Princesses under a tree who trembled with fear alighted from their horses and putting off their helmets that the Ladies might by seeing who they were be the better assured they kneeled down to kisse their hands but they were so amazed with the encounter of them as they were not able to speak a word which Parmenian observing to restore them to themselves he said I cannot but much wonder excellent Ladies to meet you in these uninhabited parts and so far remooved from your own Countries But you will be no lesse amazed when I tell you that the Emperour Spheramond is at the Castle which you see yonder accompanied with certain Princes of Greece who are merrier then the losse they have endured might seem to permit not knowing as yet of your being in these quarters Do not then I beseech you afflict your selves any further those that brought you hither are dead nor shall you find in that house any but such as were born to do you service At these words the Princesses recovered a little courage yet fearing such another treacherous trick as had been plaid them before they made but little shew of resenting that news and rested as it were in an extasie when Ladazan who marvailed at that coldnesse of theirs thus pursued his discourse Why how now Ladies are not these newes pleasing unto you and will you not return with us to glad the Emperour Verily this cariage of yours doth amaze me nor can I imagine from whence it should proceed since all feare of danger is past Let us go I beseech you without any more delay Well let us go said the Empresse Richarda who was somwhat the heartier of the three since you will have it so at the worst we can be but once more abused with that they advanced toward the Castle before the gate whereof stood Spheramond with Dorigell and the rest He at the first sight knowing them was strangely amazed at so unexpected an encounter O God! said he can I imagin or believe that my fair mistrisse is heer or can any man perswade me that I am not in a dream Tell me Madam am I in the Parthian Empire or is it possible that I should meet you in these desert plains which are not neer it by three hundred leagues Certainly I am so confounded and besides my self as I dare not embrace you fearing that you are heer through some enchantment I should have replied she my dear heart a great deal more cause to be astonished beholding you heer seeing it is not above six daies since you were with me in Parthia but you did so suddenly change your aspect that the pleasure of your sight was instantly followed with an infinit grief for not finding you any more like unto your self yet I do not now wonder any longer at it for by the way I learned that a Sorceres our enemy had plotted this treason against us anâ— that she had framed that enchantment for to surprise us She threatned me with death and to destroy with me the fruit that you left with me at your departure But since I see you heer with me I do no more fear her charms and care as little for her menaces speaking thus she gave him a million of kisses and did so hang upon his lips as he could hardly have leisure to answer the Infanta Rosaliana who came to entertain him and enquired for some news of her Husband I would said he gladly satisfie you if I knew how to do it with assurance but not being able to say any thing certainly I beseech you seek not to be informed but with as little curiosity as your love will permit In the mean time comfort your self in his absence and beleeve that heaven will not be so much an enemy to your quiet as not to render him unto you ere it be long with more content then ever you had These words were extreamly sensible unto her for she imagined that he was dead among so many other Princes and did therefore bewail him in her mind but unwilling to disturb her sisters contentment or make it appear that she distrusted the words of Spheramond she restrained her tears to return the salutes which she received from Silvan Dorigell and Amanio d' Astre who presented their service unto her having before tendred the same respect to the Empresse Richarda Some time then being spent amidst these complements the Empresse would needs visit the fair Savagesse who was in her bed with three wounds being much troubled that she could meet with no body that could dresse them But as they were consulting about finding out some Chyrurgion they
saw the little Doctor come in that had cured them the night before who commanding them all out applied such sovereign salves to her wounds as after eight howrs sleep she waked without any pain and as able to bear arms as ever she was in her life The wonder therof being no lesse then their content they passed on that night without any fear of Argenaes power But in the morning upon consultation they resolved that this place being in the midst of the enemies Countrey was with much diffiâ—ulty to be kept so that Spheramond determing to quit it returned towards his Empire accompanied with the beautuous Empresse his wife her sister and her maid as also with Parmenian Ladazan and thirty Christian Knights which would needs attend him the rest took such other waies as fortune pleased to guide them CHAP. VIII The arrivall of the Princes of Greece in their Countries and the conveying away of little Amadis of Trebisond FLorisell of Niquea being arrived at Constantinople Alastraxeree in Trebisond Don Rogel in Persiâ— Spheramond with the Empresse Richarda in the Empire of Parthia and the other Christian Princes in their severall Countreys tears of joy and grief were mingled together Sidonia with all kindnes welcommed her Husband and the Empresse of Persia shewed no lesse content for the return of hers But seeing that their Courts in former time so flourishing by the presence of such a number of excellent Princes now seemed forlorn by their deaths and the absence of so many Princesses as were partly deceased and partly carried away they were not able to master their sorrow howbeit time the common Physitian of miseries and the consolations they continually received from those brave Princes having somwhat sweetned the bitternes of their anguish they began to restrain their tears and asswage their grief seeing that necessity enforced them to so couragious a resolution When as fortune that was not yet weary of vexing them prepared them a new occasion of sorrow you have seen how the Empresse Niquea before she was enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was delivered of a yong son whom she called by his fathers name for that he much resembled him in face and that at his birth there appeared in the air certain signs which seemed to presage the excellency of that child It remains now to tell you what became of him after the transporting of his mother away The Chronicle of Alquif reports that in those daies lived a great Magician of the Pagan sect who though he came short of Alcanders perfection yet was master of many admirable secrets unknown to those of his profession This man named Dorion holding nothing in higher esteem then the propagation of his law took the same care for the preservation of the Pagans as our Alcander did for the welfare of Christendome so that one night bestowing himself in the invocation of his spirits he learned of them the birth of the little Amadis of Trebisond knew by his art that he would surpasse his father in valour and that he should one day be the second pillar of the Empire of the faithfull as also the subverter of Paganism This infinitely afflicted him and from thencefoorth he vowed his death protesting to employ all the secrets of his art rather then fail of his purpose But he continued not long in this mind for turning over his books to find by what means he might best bring his desire to passe he found that he whose destruction he sought should one day shed his bloud for to save him from an extream danger changing then his mischievous intention he became more carefull of his life then he had before been eager of his death yet having the love of his Religion deeply rooted in his heart and being unwilling for the respect of his own preservation to see the ruine of it he took a middle way between the fear of seeing the glory of the Pagans defaced and his desire to live This infant said he may one day indeed relieve me for the influence of the celestiall bodies are never fall but yet I will keep him from destroying those which professe the same law that I do I will therfore go and take him out of his mothers bosom bring him into these deserts where I reside draw out of him the service that he is predestined to do me and then will set such strong enchantments upon him as he shall never be seen by any man but my self Having thus spoken he inclosed himself in a cloud and went directly to Constantinople where the little Amadis was brought up As soon as he came there the Sun began to lose his light the daies brightnes was turned into darknes and from the cloud wherin he was such claps of thunder roareâ— foorth that every man feared to be grownd into powder Whilest all these wonders strook the world with astonishment Dorion descended entred the chamber of little Amadis who then was but three months old took him in his arms and in the presence of Florisel that with excessive grâ—ef saw him go out and was not able to hinder it returned into the midst of his cloud which immediatly rising up in the air carried him to the monstrous Island his own habitation where being setled he presently caused a woman to nurse him commanding her with his milk to infuse into him the directions of their Law so soon as she found him capable of any impression of it howbeit his design there sorted not to his desire For Alcander who was not able to hinder the carrying of him away for that the decrees of heaven are not to be crossed made him understand by certain secret impressions that one only God was by him to be worshipped When the cloud was gone the Sun resumed his former splendor and the air became as calm as before but with exceeding grief to Sidonio who seeing the new losse she had sustained so exceedingly renewed her sighes and tears that if Prince Florisell which was better able to undergo such crosses had not fallen again to his former reasons for to comfort her she would undoubtedly have buried her self with her grief Whilest the people lamented this misfortune Florisell to seek some diversion from these sorrows resolved to go on hunting and to that end departing out of the palace for to take horse a maid presented herself and kissing a paper which she had in her hand delivered it to him telling him withall that it came from the wise Vrganda with that word he trembled for not having heard of her since the losse of his friends he thought she had not been living but had accompanied them in death whom so faithfully she had served during their lives But this his perturbation being of no long continuance he opened the paper and therin read these words Vrganda to the Greek Princes SOvereign Princes If you had not learned by so many crosses as you have met withall in the World what men of coâ—rage ought to know I
of his birth and that Florisel and Sidonia were extreamly afflâ—cted with sorrow for this losse These displeasing news caused great trouble in the Court all pastimes ceased complaints were renewed and every one grieved according to the measure of his love the new Knights desirous to shew their affection to the services of the house of Greece immediatly armed themselves and comming altogether before the Emperour they besought his permission to go in search both of this yong Prince and of the adventures of the World which request being granted them they departed the same day with a resolution to run over all Countries rather then to fail of their enterprise but their design was to no purpose for the Enchantresse Creonda in whose hands he was and that had not taken him away but only for that she foresaw by her Art that of her daughter Grisolita he should beget a Prince excelling all of his time had so enchanted him as by the sequel of this Discourse will appear that none but Alcander could know the place of his retreat or be able to contribute to his deliverance The Court being in mourning for this bad news and for the absence of so many Princes Spheramond had no contentment left him but in the conversation of Silvan who not willing to abandon him so soon endeavoured to make the time more pleasing and his losse lesse sensible unto him Howbeit forced by the necessity of his affairs he was constrained to depart together with his wife for to reduce the people of Lidia to their duties who seeing neither King nor Queen rendred but little obedience to their governours and began to rise in tumultuous maner Their departure made the Court very solitary but the Emperour knowing how to live every where with contentment never troubled himself with the consideration of so many losses as he had endured and began to attend the care of his subjects when a second advertisement gave him a fresh cause of discontent CHAP. XVIII The adventures of the new Knights after they had left the Court the Emperour Spheramond is advertised that the King of Canabea raised a mighty army to invade the Empire of Trebisond FOrtune is seldome satisfied with one attempt upon us she redoubles her assaults to see if she can overthrow us and never shews her face if we do not force her to it by the greatnes of our courage The losse of the little Clarisel of Guindaia not able to suffice her rage she would needs once again arm the Pagans for the ruine of those brave Princes who shewed still the same countenance in their afflictions as they had carried in their prosperity and were not troubled for being crost since it did but render their vertues the more eminent by ministring to them occasions of glory the new Knights going out at severall parts to seek adventures in the world Russian riding along with Esquilan on a plain hard by the Sea perceived a damsell flying from a tall old man that pursued her with a sword in his hand As I live said he at the view of so discurteous an act I would never have believed that a man so neer his grave could have done a thing so unworthy of himself Let us by no means leave this maid in this distresse wherfore put on I pray you that we may free her from the hands of this barbarous man which without doubt will never spare her being so inraged as he is Heerwith they set spurs to their horses but make what haste they could they were not able to overtake them before they came to the sea side where they saw the wench leap in a Bark and the old man after her who having taken her by the hair made as though he would have cut off her head The Knights much grieved for that they could not aid her in regard the Bark was put off a little from land they approached to them as neer as they could and thinking to alay his fury with intreaties began to conjure him to consider what he himself was and how little honour he should gain by dipping his hands in the bloud of a woman I know very well answered he what every man ows to his reputation but withall I am not ignorant of the content that revenge affoords This woman cannot escape death for satisfaction of the wrong I have received from her except you grant me one boon You shall have it said Esquilan whatever it be that you desire of us Come aboard this Bark then replied he and go with me I shall have time enough to let you know what I will require of you Wherupon not staying for further entreaty they presently lighted from their horses and by the advice of the old man leaving them upon the strand they entred that little Bark which without attending any more lading began to cut the waves with incredible speed The Knights much amazed to see themselves caried away in that sort looked round about them and seeing no Sailers for the steering and conducting this vessell they desired to be informed by what means it was done but they found no body to satisfie them therin the old man and the damsell no longer appearing nor any thing to be found in the Bark but two little Beds and a Table furnished with exquisit meat Verily said Esquilan this is one of the wise Alquifs or the unknown Vrganda's devices but never credit me if for fear of any inchantment I forbear now to eat of this meat wherwith he drew to the Table and finding a paper upon it he opened it and therin read these words Excellent Princes do not wonder at the novelties you have seen this day all is done for your glory and we have with Art disposed you to follow the influences of the Stars for which our care of you you will then give us thanks when as you shall with the hazard of your lives give us that you have this day promised us If I had not said Russian oftentimes heard of the like incounters I should be somwhat mistrustfull and could not touch this meat fearing the malice of some enemy but I entend not to be more cautelous then your self with that they sat down and finding the meat agreeable to their palâ—t they fell to with a good appetite and their repast being ended with thanks to heaven which never leaves his without relief in their necessities they saw a Dwarf come in to them who shewing a spirit much greater then his body thus spake unto them My Lords it is time for you to rowse up your selves and worthily to employ these arms you wear Heerwith they arose and looking about them they perceived two ships grapled together in one of the which were two Knights invironed with about twenty souldiers and two horrible Giants that charged them with such fury as they were amazed to see what resistance they made Their Bark laying them aboord just as they had laced on their helmets they leapt into that ship wherin
who finding himselfe amongst such dreadfull enemies was in some doubt of his life neverthelesse resolving to sell it dearly he bestirred himselfe with much valour and dexterity But it much inraged him for that his sword could not make way thorow the shaggy hair of these monsters which crushed his bones with their heavie clubs On the other side Fulgoran laid fearfully about him for desiring either to dye or to vanquish he had already overthrown two of them dead at his feet defending himself couragiously from the rest that pressed him with incredible fury The combat being in this dangerous estate the unknown Knight enraged for that he could not as yet see any bloud drawn from his enemies gave one of them such a thrust in the belly as he ran him quite thorow and thorow laying him dead on the grasse but he had not time to rejoyce at this his lucky dispatch of that monster for the rest charged him at the very same instant with two such cruell blows as they extended him on the earth quite void of sense beleeving then that he was dead they yelled forth such a dreadfull cry as the whole Island resouâ—ded therewith whereby Fulgoran being drawn to look about for to see whence it might proceed perceived the misfortune of his companion whereat he was so exceedingly incensed that taking his sword in both hands he discharged it so forcibly upon one of them as the hair not able to withstand the edge thereof it divided his head in two pieces whereupon not regarding the rest he ran suddenly to the unknown Knight whom his adversaries were a disarming and carried with the same fury as before he struck one of them so terribly on the shoulder as he cut him down to the very girdle The other three beholding this terrible blow presently forsook their former man and joyning with them that remained they assailed him so furiously that they gave him no leave to breathe their strokes descending so thick upon him as his shield seemed to be an anvill whereon 5 or 6 Smiths were a hammering Seeing himself pressed in this sort fearing that at length he should fall under the weight of these strokes he began to retire by little and little towards the Arch that so he might avoid fighting with them all at once when as a big Knight in gray Armour presented himselfe who seeing the inequality of this fray drew out his sword and therewith charged one of the Salvages with such strength as he sent his club arm and all unto the ground not contented therewith he gave another such a thrust just in the throat as the point of his sword came out at the nape of his neck laying him dead on the grasse Fulgoran no lesse amazed then pleased with the valour of this new commer took his sword again in both hands and fearing lest the glory of this adventure might be ravished from him he struck one of them that pursued him very hard with such violence on the thigh as cut it sheere off placing him in the number of those that live not The two that still remained beholding the horrible butchery of thir companions would have saved themselves by flight howbeit they were followed so close by the two Knights as their deaths were not deferred but to the third blow they received This victory being thus gloriously obtained Fulgoran going to the grey Knight spake in this manner Noble sir I must render that unto your valour which all the world cannot refuse you and give you thanks for my deliverance if I live it is through you but I will gladly spend so much bloud for your service as you have now preserved in my body pursue the good fortune which brought you hither the glory of this adventure is reserved for you and the beginning that I have given to it shall not make me desire to oppose your enterprize I have not done any thing sir answered he embracing him for your succour but what the Law of Knighthood commanded me So many enemies as you have extended heer on the earth and that dreadfull serpent which lies dead yonder are assured testimonies that you can vanquish without me and defeat your enemies without my assistance wherefore I will never attribute unto my selfe the honour due to your courage which verily is more then humane but shall be glad to go on with you and in all things be governed by your command Herewith they embraced again and were disposing of themselves to proceed in their enterprize when as Fulgoran bethinking him of his companion went presently unto him to see whether he were yet in case to receive any service from him Having then unlaced his helmet he found his face all covered with bloud but yet was much cheered to see him still breathe Courage said he unto him our enemies are slain and you revenged for the outrage they did you This victory answered he somewhat faintly would be a great contentment unto me were I sure that it had not cost you too much of your bloud I feel much pain replied Fulgoran from so many blowes that I have received but the Clubs being unable to to pierce my Armes I have not lost one drop of bloud the only thing that now troubles me is to see you so ill It is true answered he that I am very light headed but time wil restore me my judgement with my strength and if our Squires were heer to tend me I am perswaded I should be well again in a little time Fulgoran who highly prized him ran incontinently to the first Arch of the bridge to call them and leaving him in their hands he passed on with the gray Knight till they came to the Marble walls where they parted upon the encounter of two wayes Fulgoran taking that on the right hand and the gray Knight the left going then on with wonder to see so strong walls and dangerous guards they came much about the same time unto two gates the gray Knight to that on the west side and Fulgoran to the other that looked towards the Sun rising so that the sound of their knocking was heard both at one instant whereupon the gates flew open with a most dreadfull noyse which notwithstanding stayed not from entring in with their shields on their arms and their swords in their hands But they had not made three steps when as Fulgoran saw one of the hugest and most deformed Giants that might be advance towards him with an Axe of ten foot long which he discharged at his head with a confident beliefe to cleave him to the middle notwithstanding the goodnesse of his Arms howbeit he nimbly avoided the blow by leaping aside so that it lighted upon the ground whereinto it entred a great depâ—h Fulgoran laying hold on that advantage struck him so furiously on the arm that he separated it from his body and not satisfied therewith he was going to double his blow when as the Giant more through rage then judgement closed with
him and with his left hand arresting the stroke lifted him up mangre all his resistance with a purpose to batter him against the ground but the Knight perceiving himselfe in that extremity drew out a short dagger that he had and stab'd it into his belly which was unarmed This stroke bringing death with it the Giant tumbled presently down but with such ill fortune for Fulgoran as he fell under him being almost stifled with the weight of his body neverthelesse collecting all his forces together he so heaved at his dead enemy that he turned him aside thereby clearing himselfe of such an heavie burthen howbeit he was constrained to sit down and rest himselfe till he was raised again by a new occasion In the mean time the gray Knight was not idle for passing in just when Fulgoran did he was incountered with a furious Bull and a most fearfull Dragon which shewing him his teeth that were a cubit long and as sharp as a razor menaced him with aâ— approaching death yet being as valiant as could be he was no whit abashed but presented the point of his sword to the Dragon that thinking to swallow up his arm received a dangerous wound in the throat This hurt inraging the beast he retired a little to cast up the bloud that choked him but the Knight knowing he must lose no time presently advanced and guided by his good fortune gave such another thrust in his belly as his guts came presently forth with his life That done he made head to the Bull but he was so neer him that he could neither avoid the push of his horns nor make use of his sword so as all that he could do was again to present him with his shield but the beast came running at him with so much fury as the Knight was inforced to tumble three or four times over upon the sand with extream danger of his life had not the Bull leaping and bounding gone a good way from him to fetch his course with the more fury at him gave him leisure to rise but in so due a season as with a light leap he avoided the second incounter of his horns upon the point whereof he thought the hazard of his life did hang not willing to sticke in so fair a way he made as though he would stand his return but stepping aside he struck him so right upon the neck that he cut it half in sunder letting him run about the court with the pangs of death which was not long deferred for passing by Fulgoran who then was up he received another blow in the very same place which laid his head upon the earth The two Knights that saw not one another the house being between them having no more imployment below went up by two pair of stairs and found themselves the gray Knight in one of the fairest chambers that ever he had seen and Fulgoran in a hall where the first object that his eyes lighted on was the beautifull wife of Dardanor chained in a corner half naked and almost covered over with bloud Good Gods said he stepping a little back Where am I Do I not see Clairangia the Queen of my desires as well as of Romeria in chains that are onely fit for slaves Ah Madam Those that have thus intreated you understand not your merit But do not I beseech you afflict your self any further See heer your Fulgoran who vows by all the Deities that he adores either to revenge your wrongs or to die with you Alas said she with a sigh and no lesse rapt with astonishment then delight to see this Knight there whom she loved as much as her life it is most true that the Gods never forsake them that in their afflictions crave their aid Dear friend I alwayes hoped that my freedom would be procured by your hand and though the strength of this place was very great yet I beleeved that your vertue could meet with nothing able to resist it you are come just as it should be for I had not long to live the torments I save suffered have been so grievous as I wonder how I could have patience to endure them You are doubly bound to a revenge but because you know not yet this secret I must tell you that our private caresses at Celibana made my belly so to swell that you may see good testimony of it ere it be long howbeit Dardanor was free from all suspition of it till an old Sorceresse sister to the King of the frozen Isles who died at the great battell of Aleppo came into the Court the same day that he returned from the warre of Greece and said to him Knowest thou King of Romeria that thy wife is with child of a son which is none of thine and that shall one day when he comes to know his father ruine the Altars of the Gods whom we adore No thy knowledge doth not extend so far but for that I am obliged to preserve the Pagan name I came to thee to advertise thee of the affront done unto thee And the better to clear this point remember the Count of China he spake but out of suspition yet was his accusation most true and therefore would advise thee to choak this brat before it be able to do mischiefe but because it would be a dishonour for thee to defile thy hands in the bloud of thy wife leave thy revenge to me and give me permission to punish her my way you know the violent humour of Dardanor This discourse having rekindled the displeasure that he had conceived against me at the time when you delivered me he presently put me into this womans hand who making me go with her into a Chariot drawn by four Griffions brought me to this house chained me by the neck as now you see me and ever since hath daily whipped me with rods threatning to put me and my child to one of the cruellest deaths that ever was seen which she would questionlesse have done long since but that she still told me how the stars did not as yet give way to her desires so as I beleeve our lives are limitted by the onely pleasure of the gods This is a case answered Fulgoran whereof we are not now to speak let us rather seek out this old witch to punish her as she deserves But pardon me Madam if this desire be more pressing with me then the care of freeing you now from these chains for so long as she lives we shall have nothing but troubles here I will therefore pursue that businesse with all the speed I may So making obeisance to his Lady he went up a little paire of stairs which carried him to the top of the house where at his first comming he espied this Enchantresse drawing figures and characters upon the floor As I live said he old Megara taking her fast by the hair which hung about her ears your devils shall not now serve your turn but you shall give an account of your
admiring the horrible blows of the first four and the gracefull activity which the other two shewed in holding so many play But doubting their too long stay might perhaps be prejudiciall to these four brave warriors they leapt into the Giants ship in despight of their Knights resistance And at the first boording of it laid four of them upon the deck which might have affrighted the rest if one of the Giants seeing that slaughter had not left his enemy almost deprived of sense with a mighty blow that he gave him come in to their succor his presence animating them they began to fly upon our Knight with more fury then before whilst their Master combated Grandimore But being fallen into the hands of the most valiant Knights in the world their utmost indeavour nothing availed them for within a while the hatches were covered with their armour cut in a thousand pieces and the water with heads and quarters which every minute they made flie over boord so as none remained alive save the two Giants who beholding their troops defeated redoubled their blows with such fury as the Knights were amazed at it but straining themselves to discharge their blows with their utmost force caused the bloud to issue so abundantly out of the many wounds they had received that they both fell down dead almost at one instant the one at the feet of Grandimore and the other into the sea by the valour of him with whom he fought Fulgoran then with Prigmaleon advanced towards the Knights to salute them but hearing a great noise in their own ship they suddenly turned about and seeing the unknown Knights Squire fallen into the sea they all made what haste they could to save him which when they had done and taken him up their ship flew off from the other with such celerity as the Knights had no time either to give them thanks for their assistance or to enquire of their names and fortunes Now whilst their Bark carried them away in this sort to a Port of Greece where within two dayes after they arrived to the exceeding contentment of Grandimore that was sore wounded and had none in their vessell who knew how to cure him The other Conquerours having romaged the Giants ship met with a most beautifull Lady accompanied with six maids so sad and disfigured with the fear they were in that there appeared no bloud in their faces Going then to comfort her and bringing her forth into the light one of the Knights kneeling down and kissing her hand said unto her Madam put away all fear for your enemies are dead and heer are none but such as onely breathe for your safety We will let you understand who we are as we well know that you are the peerlesse Princesse Fontanea daughter to the great Emperour Amadis of Greece and now Queen of France assuring you that there are not any in the world more devoted to your service then our selves I am your Nephew Silvan and this brave warriouresse is the fair Savagesse lately become my wife These two great Knights are the Cenophales whom the Emperour Spheramond and the valiant Amadis d' Astre made purchase of in the wars of Peâ—sia and whom I met at sea bound for Constantinople If I did not know that Fortune taketh delight in crossing those which are raised to any greatnesse I should be amazed to finde you a prisoner and in danger of suffering violence from the base vilains into whose hands you were fallen But not being ignorant of her malice I take your misfortune to be such as may befall to any man onely this is it I wonder at how these Giants could take you out of your own Kingdom and from amongst your subjects a valiant people Ah dear Nephew said she imbracing and kissing him with much affection this mishap did not befall me in France but in an Island of this sea whether a storm had driven me with thirty Gentlemen that attended on me who gave but too good proof of their fidelity for after they had slain one of three Giants and twelve Knights they maintained the fight with the rest to the last gasp I was going by the consent of the Prince Lucendus my husband who intends to follow me presently towards Constantinople but my voiage was at an end and my life at the last period had I not met with you I commend the election you have made of this gallant Amazon whom I will ever love and cherish as I have alwayes done your mother And for these two brave Giants that accompany you let them be assured I will never forget the pains they have taken to set me free Then going to the fair Savagesse she entertained her with as much kindnesse and respect as her valour and their alliance meritted then giving these two Cenophales her hands to kisse she received them very graciously These complements over she went into Silvans ship with all her women who seemed as if they had been risen from death to life and commanding the Marriners to hoise up all their sails she made directly for Constantinople where within two dayes she landed to the infinite joy of all those Princes who were thither returned from Trebisond about ten or twelve dayes before her arrivall there CHAP. XXV Florizell of Niquea proclaims a Tâ—rnament in honour of the French Queens arrivall the end thereof with the brave actions of a number of gallant Knights THE arrivall of this matchlesse Queen with Silvan and the beautifull Savagesse his wife causing a publick rejâ—ycing Florizell determined to keep open Court â—or eight dayes together during which time a Iust was ordained for the young Knights and a Tourney for the conclusion thereof with a safe conduct for all strangers Messengers were therefore sent into every quarter that these first magnificences after the death of so many Princes might be the more glorious and that those which survived might in this sort demonstrate that their courages were nothing abated by afflictions All things being disposed to pleasure a multitude of good Knâ—ghts flocked thither from all parts Artificers were set on work horses were managed for the Tilt the trumpets sounded in every corner In briefe nothing was spoken of but mirth and all men strove to shew their gladnesse for the greater contentment of the Princes The first day of the Iusts being come and Florizell of Niquea set at Table with all those Kings a Squire came into the Hall and kneeling down thus spake unto him Excellent Prince the two Knights of the Crowns as valiant peradventure as any on the eâ—rth do by me beseech you to grant them a favour in contemplation of the desire they have to do you service They know that these three next dayes are dedicated to exercises of Arms the two first for the Iusts and the third for the Tourney They therefore humbly crave that they may be permitted to maintain with the lance against all that will run with them during those two daies not that
Dwarf made to shew his agility Prigmaleon returned to his thoughts where we will leave him to follow the course of our History CHAP. XXXIX A Damsell arrives at Constantinople with the head of the great Marandâ—r slain by the Knight of the Savage EVery one seeking diversions from their cares the Court seemed not to ressent the absence of the Princes that were inchanted because they hoped to see them delivered ere it were long When as there came into the Hall a Damsell reasonably handsome carrying in her hand the head of a Giant who beholding the company a good while with wonder to see Knights of so brave a presence and Ladies of such beauty enquired very modestly which was the Emperour of the Parthians Gentlewoman answered Russian to whom she then spake he hath been absent from hence some few dayes but if your affairs cannot permit you to attend his return and that you stand in need of his aid I will willingly supply his place and with a free heart do you service I am said she much bound to your curtesie but God be thanked I have heer in my hand an occasion of rejoycing rather then of complaining nor am I come hither to crave the help of any whatsoever but to present to that Excellent Emperour the head of the greatest enemy he had brought to this passe by the incomparable valour of a Knight that bears a wilde man in his shield whom I may justly vaunt to be one of the valiantest men upon the earth and the Phoenix of those that this day bear arms This Knight meeting with me in the confines of Macedon could not passe by me without enquiring after the cause of some tears which he saw me shed I freely told him that the villany of a Giant who had ravished me did wring them from me and that I was going to Constantinople to crave reparation of that wrong knowing well that the Princes of Greece did never refuse their assistance to Ladies in distresse and that particularly I intended to addresse my self to the Emperor Spheramond both for that he holds the reputation of surpassing all Knights of this age and that the Giant had told me how all the villanies which he then committed were done by him in some sort to revenge the death of another Giant whom the Emperour had slain when as a Knight errant he followed adventures abroad in the world Without doubt then answered this courtâ—ous Knight you could not make your revenge more certain then by referring it to the hands of that brave Prince who hath with all reason acquired those praises which the woâ—ld doth give him But if you be pleased to make use of me I shall most willingly imploy my self in your service It is a long journey from hence to Constantinople your enemy may finde occasion to get him further off you will take a great deal of pains in vain and not be satisfied in your desire On the other side I do passionately long to demonstrate unto that valorous Prince how I do love his vertue as much as other men do honour his birth and that I will labour so long as I live to ruine his enemies To what end should I trouble you with our discourse This gentlenesse of his so wrought upon me that after I had thorowly considered him and judged him fit for any great attempt I carriâ—d him straight to the Giants Castle where to be short he did wonders For not satisfied with laying that foul masse of flesh on the earth in a very dangerous combat he defeated thirty or forty Knights who were seldome out of that Robbers company it was to me an unspeakable delight to see some arms flie to the ground some men cut asunder in the midst others cloven to the girdle the boldest of them stoutly scattered and the gallantry of this Knight did so please me that if I had not acquainted him with the misfortune that by the Giant had befallen me I had endeavoured to make him love me but feating to be slighted I passed from love to the resentment of his good will vowing to serve him upon all occasions and to that end intreated him to lay some command upon me I would not have you said he give me so many thanks for a thing whereunto I was bound by the laws of Chivalrie but since you will needs oblige me take the head of your enemy and for a further satisfaction of your minde carry it to Constantinople present it to that warlike Prince and render your grief the lesse by publishing the revenge you have had for it I shall with a good will replied I undertake that journey but then Sir will you be pleased to tell me who you are to the end I may know to whom I am so infinitely indebted See heer my name in my shield said he shewing a Savage pourtrayed thereupon for a more perfect knowledge of me at this present I may not give Follow on your way whilst I go some other where to seek occasion of imploying my arms with that not thinking it convenient to be troublesome I took the head of Marandor for so was the Giant named and began my journey to this place where I am arrived with grief for that I finde not the Emperour of the Parthians to give him an account of this brave Knight but if you please I will leave it in your charge to do it upon condition that I shall at any time be ready to deserve it of you in all possibly I may Whereupon she laid the head of Marandor on the floor and making a very humble reverence immediatly departed leaving all the Princes extreamly desirous to know this so valiant and brave new Knight Whilst they were all commending the valour of the Knight of the Savage Russian who still had Agriclea in his memory could not be at rest and would certainly have been gone had it not been for the desire he had to see his father and his kinsfolks at liberty but that respect prevailing with him he passed the most part of his dayes unquietly enough contrarily Prigmaleon who interpreting Polixena's answer to his advantage felt so many delights amidst his pain that he blessed love every minute being pleased with the change of his condition as the cause of all his felicity If he walked in the woods or gardens it was not with any purpose to complaine but to entertain himselfe with the contemplation of his good forâ—une and to grave the names of Polixena and himselfe on the barkes of trees his actions were altogether amorous And if he suffered any thing at all her sole impatience was the cause thereof howbeit hoping that time would bring him remedy he gently supported the violence of his desires Pleasing himself then in this fashion with the entertainmen of his owne thoughts and sometimes in the remembrance of his Lady the time slipt so sweetly away that they were insensibly come to the Eve of these Princes enfranchisement whereof I will relate
in your person Mighty Love divert both the one and the other of these accidents and suffer not humanity to be of more power then thy selfe These complaints infinitely displeased me and I would fain have retired if my new passion would have permitted me but being no longer Mistris of my will I came inconsiderately to mine owne ruine neverthelesse knowing that modesty is a powerfull charm to win mens affections I would not seem impudent but withdrew my self under some trees fast by and began to sing hoping that he would repair to the voice as he did for not giving me so much leasure as to sing out fowr verses he arose and creeping from oak to oak he came very neer unto me I marked him well but making as though I did not I continued my song at the end whereof he shewed himself and saluting me with an excellent grace demanded of me whether I would accept of his company Another would have been affraid at the sudden approach of a man unknown but not desiring to make use of any such cunning I answered him with a smile which might very well have testified my thoghts that it were simplicity to refuse a Knight of so fair a presence as his To what end should I relate the discourse we had then and how I applied all my allurements and charms for to render our disease common Without doubt it would but adde unto my misery wherefore I will only let you know that taking occasion to discover unto him what I thought of certain sighs he had fetched I told him that his good parts had possest me with a great desire to love him and that I intreated him to consider what good he had gotten without any labour at all My speech ending with a mighty blush he looked upon me and answering me with a sigh Alas Madam said he unto me what a world of cause have I now to complain of my ill fortune which having ingaged my affection in another place will not suffer me to receive the favours you would confer upon me These eies wherein you yet see tears do witnes but too well that my heart is not at quiet and that a woman possesseth it be pleased then not to accuse me if I doe not dispose of it according to your desire seeing I have not the power so to do but if in any other thing you can think me fit for your service Madam command I will recompence the honour of your love with my bloud and will gladly die to assure you that I am much obliged by your favour Imagine I pray you whether I took any pleasure in this answer whereby the death of all my hopes was concluded No questionles for I was almost ready to swound with grief at it but my anger preserved my judgement for to complain of him and I began to tearm him cruell when I saw a woman appear who knowing him alighted at that very instant and presenting him a letter said that Clitia so was my rivall called remembred her service unto him At these words I perceived him grow pale and his legs became so feeble that he had fallen down had not that woman upheld him I was almost as sensible of his indisposition as himself but desiring to make use of the opportunity it gave me I took the letter out of his hand and knew by the contents thereof that Clitia being ready to be delivered of a child derived from their stollen pleasures desired him to return in all haste both for to legitimate the birth of it as also by that way to deserve the favour which her mother had alwaies denied them protesting in case he were disloiall not to survive her delivery but to poison her self I was violently in love with him I must confesse but when I considered the reason that he had to affect this woman who upon his faith had made no difficulty to give him that which ought of all things to be most dear unto us I set by mine own interest and shewing more pity then love I counselled him to depart instantly away since it so much concerned his Mistris life and honor This is to love nobly said he being come to himself again but Madam my misfortune will not suffer me to expedite my journey my horse being slain in a combat which I had yesterday just without this wood That shall not hinder you replied I for I that would give you my self cannot refuse you an horse Then bringing him to my stable I bestowed one of the best Coursers of the Kingdome on him and so letting him go I returned to my chamber for to complain of my destiny that had made me to love a man who had not the power to recompence my affection and for to seek out reasons to divert me from these fancies in the continuance whereof I saw my assured ruine but to speak truth I could not resolve so much as to say that I would never love him proceeding then in my former passion I presently dispatched away a Squire and charged him expresly to enquire what became of Alcidas so is that worthy Knight named which he performed with so much care that about six daies after he reported unto me the death of Clitia who had poisoned her self thinking that the retardment of her lover was a sign of his disloialty and further which much perplexed me he delivered that the mother of this Lady had caused Alcidas to be apprehended as he was shedding an ocean of tears on his Mistrisses tombe and imprisoning him had condemned him shamefully to lose his head if within three moneths he did not finde a Knight that would combat Farnabazan a terrible and mighty Giant who came not long since to inhabit upon this womans lands no man knowing wherefore If the death of Clitia was pleasing to me because it opened a door to my hopes you may as well beleeve that the captivity of Alcidas afflicted me howbeit loving him too much onely to bestow tears on him I put my self to sea two daies after with a purpose to go unto Constantinople to demand the assistance of some one of those brave Princes which seek the like occasions of glory but I am sufficiently satisfied for all my travell having incountred you in the strangest manner that ever was and applauding my good fortune I will hope that ere long you will restore me to the supremest degree of my felicity seeing justice accompanies your arms Madam assure your self answered Clarisel that I will gladly fight for his preservation and your contentment but if you would oblige me make truce with your complaints and restrain these tears a little that so our voiage may seem the lesse tedious It is fit said she that having found a remedy for my grief I should shew a merrier countenance I will no longer complain then but apply my self to make the time if I can more pleasing unto you Whilest they discoursed in this manner Rozalmond and the Knight of the Desert being
this goodly Kingdom where the first incounteâ— I met withall was a very beautifull Gentlewoman who understanding by my speech that I was a stranger invited me very courteously to repose some time in her house to the which I consented in a most unluckie time well may I say so for my torments will not suffer me to speak better I was conducted then to my chamber where being disarmed I presently saw Claristea enter so is this cruell fâ—ir named who seemed to be curious after novelties asked me a thousand questions whereunto I answered as I conceived very fully Whilst she talked thus with me I marked her very heedfully and observing powerfull charms in hereies a marvellous delicate face a winning grace in her carriage and a certain kinde of Majestie in her countenance I could not chuse but love her To what end should I hold you longer with discouâ—sing my pâ—ssions I discovered my thoughts unto her Alas Love would needs force me to it for to make me suffer afterwards a torment worse then death by a million of sighs I made her understand the power she had over me and a thousand times besought her to take some compassion of my endurings but she was so far from beleeving my protestations or regarding my pain that she would at no hand grant me the honour to be her Knight If ever you have loved you may easily conjecture how great my sorrow was seeing all my hopes so frustrate truly it was such that no whit respecting my life since I was not pleasing to whom I adored I resolved to appear no more before her and so one morning I departed with a purpose to undergo things impossible for a man to perform to the end I might free my self from farther languishing and indeed I never complained of the rigour of my imprisonment from which you have delivered me in hope that death would give an end to all my troubles Behold Sâ—r this is that which you have desired of me and if there be any other thing wherein I may serve you I would desire you to command me before I get me to some desert where I may with more liberty bewail my misfortune This is a resolution said Alcidamant very unbefitting the honour of a good Knight wherefore you shall never put it in practice if you will be ruled by me rather hope for something from your merit and compell this insensible creature to blame her ingratitude and acknowledge your services a small matter pleases a woman a far lesse displeases her and oftentimes she loves us in our neglect of her as she despiseth us when we adore her beauty My grief replied Florimond made me wish for death but your discourse makes me desire life for to imploy it in your service This is as it should be said Alcidamant now it were not amisse we began to think of dislodging from hence where so little good is meant us Truly answered Florimond I was about to advise you unto it for the lesse while we stay here the easier will it be for us Whereupon Florimond having himself caused the barrier to be opened and followed Alcidamant to a village not far off where they met with the adventures which shall be recounted in the ensuing Chapter CHAP. XX. The strange adventure which happened to the Knight of the Palms and Florimond with the deâ—iverance of Claristea and her love to Alcidamant THE Knight of the Palms having enduâ—ed so much the day before fell asleep assoon as he was a bed but Florimond more oppest with care and sorrow could take no rest his ill fortune presented it self continually before him and Claristea's rigour so tormented him that he found no ease save in his complaints arising then he walked about the chamber but that being too strait for the liberty of his thoughts he went unto certain trees that bordered on the high way which led unto the village and there was so ingaged in his passions as he thought on nothing else What a weakâ—esse is this in me said he to sigh for an ingratefull creature that takes pleasure in my sufferings her cruelty should make me despise her as much as her beauty hath made me love her and my just disdain should give me that content which her neglect and my fidelity deny me Ah Claristea my anger should make me happy it should make me forget you so to deliver my self out of the pain wherein I am or at leastwise not to think of you but to hate you seeing you take the course to undo me But alas it is not in my power my desires are tied to my misfortune I love my misery because you are the occasion of it and shall never resolve for hate as I do for patience Live then as you please either ingratefull or inclined to favour me alter your minde or persevere in your purpose to destroy me I will never breathe but for you nor shall my desires be bestowed any other where So concluding to die rather then to be wanting in loialty he was devising some way how he might come to see Claristea again when as a great noise made him give ear to certain voices he heard but suddenly remembring that the Moon shone clear enough to let him see what he desired he abandoned the shadow of those trees and got him into the midst of the high way where he perceived three Giants coming on which seemed three towers leading five or six damsels bound who crying to heaven for help filled the air with their complaints This object amazed him and if he had been armed without doubt he had set upon these Giants although he had been sure to die for it but having not so much as his sword about him he returned instantly unto the trees with a resolution to follow and succor those afflicted women assoone as ever he was armed Concealing himself then under a walnut tree he patiently suffered them to passe by but he was marvellously astonished when as they were just against him to hear the voice of his fair Mistris amongst the confusion of their lamentations and observe the very garments as he thought which she wore the day he parted from her Either I am enchanted said he to himself or I see Claristea a captive Ah beauteous mistris My death shall testifie the greatnes of my passion for I will free you from those chains which are nothing so hard as they that bind my heart or I will die couragiously that I may not survive my misfortune Whereupon he was about to have pluckt away a branch from the tâ—ee under which he stood and begun the fight therwiâ—h but knowing he should lose himself so to no purpose he forbore and stealing softly from one tree to another he got to the house where his horse and arms stood before the door wherof these women staid as if some good spirit had told them that they should find succour there howbeit they were constrained to set forwards instantly out of the fear they
had of one of those Giants who switching them ever and anon with a wand said unto them with a terrible voice On on ye baggages or I will cut you in a thousand peeces These words and this action put Florimond into such a rage that immediatly he got into his lodging and finding his Squire by good fortune awake commanded him to saddle his horse with all expedition armed himself and never minding the Knight of the Palms who was fast asleep in an inner chamber mounted on his steed and straightway galloped after the Giants In the mean time Arnides having heard the noise was got forth to know the cause thereof where seeing Florimond depart in such haste and understanding part of this adventure by his Squire he suddenly returned in to Altidamantâ— chamber and pulling him by the arm for to awake him he said unto him Do you sleep Sir whilest others are upon brave emploiment For Gods sake arise and ride after Florimond who to succor certain damsels that are led away captive by three Giants hath put himself into a danger out of which he cannot escape unlesse he be generously assisted At these words Alcidamant leapt out of his bed and whilest Arnides was making ready his horses hastily armed himself vaulted into his saddle and spurred as hard as he could drive afâ—er Florimond who having made wonderfull speed had overtaken the Giants just as the Sun began to appear These three Colosses seeing themselves pursued but by one Knight alone fell a laughing outright and continued on their way as it were disdaining to draw their swords but one of them not able to endure this presumption turned him about and said unto the others This Woodcock will needs be taken in the net which we have not pitcht for him go you on I le soon give him his pâ—sport and be with you presently Wherupon drawing out his curtelax he attended Florimonds approach and seeing him come running at him with his lance in his rest he thought to have slipt aside and cut it in two howbeit he was not so quick but that he was surprized and encountred with such force as he was fain to recoil two or three steps back for to save himself from falling which put him into so great a fury that cursing his Gods he advanced to cleave him in twain But Florimond resolving to fight with judgement and not with passion lightly avoided the blow and letting it fall to no purpose gave his enemy so home a thrust under the left arm that it entred three fingers deep into his body When as the Giant beheld his armor all besmeared with bloud he was ready to burst with choler and rage and lifting up his heavy curtelax he laboured to let it descend on Florimond who knowing that death attended on that weapon somtimes leapt aside and somtimes slipt under his enemies arm so making it still to fall in vain This combat growing more cruell and furious through the force and dexterity of these warriors it continued so long till the incomparable Alcidamant came galloping to them who staying to behold the fight Florimonds Squire said unto him Alas Sir you see not the worst of the adventure in this combat two monsters like to this heer have carried away certain Ladies who are sure to be ravished by them without your assistance I will die said Alcidamant before that shal be and if their safety may depend on me no man els shall run the hazard of their deliverance but my self Heerwith he posted away and rode almost an howr without discovering that which he sought for wherupon beginning to fear lest he should fail of his enterprise in regard he was entring into a great and spacious forrest he heard the cries of a woman that sounded very brief amidst the silence of those woods turning then to that part whither the voice seemed to call him he approached to certain oaks under the which he saw a Giant that held five damsels bound with a cord and another more dreadfull then he who strove to violate a maid fair beyond excellence and which made those outcriâ—s he had heard By heaven said he aiming the point of his lance at this Giants throat I will be as good as thou art wicked this steell shall be the death of thee that art so base as to go about to ravish a woman that infinitely deserves to be served How now said this proud Giant darest thou offer to disturb me from enjoying a pleasure wherein I placed a sovereign happines By all my Gods I le teach thee better manners and respit thy death no longer then to the first blow I shall give thee whereupon drawing out his curtelax he thought to divide the Knight of the Palms in two peeces but he was turned aside to receive the encounter of the other who having tied those damsels to the foot of a tree ran furiously at him with his lance charged Their encounter was dangerous Alcidamant somwhat astonished had much ado to keep his saddle but he more fortunat past his lance quite through the body of his enemy who was overthrown dead in the place and that in good time for the first Giant arriving the mean while gave him so terrible a blow that it made his head bow to his saddle bowe great was the pain that he felt therby but raising up himself more furious then ever he had been in all his life he gave his enemy so dangerous a stroak on his shield that his arm being too weak to sustain the brunt of it carried it to his head with such violence that it made him knock his chin agâ—inst his breast and see a thousand stars more then ever he had beheld The Giant amâ—zed therewith advanced his heavy curtelax again but the Knight of the Palms not intending to abide the fury of it slipt aside and seeing that his choler made him to neglect the guarding of himself he discharged so mighty a blow on his left arm that it made way to the quick and gave him a great wound a little under the elbow Wherupon the Giant entring into extream rage would have closed with his enemy but the point of Alcidamants sword made another deep entrance into his body so that not able to get within him as he desired he had recourse again to his cimiter wherewith he laid about him more dangerously then before This while the damsell who had seen her self so neer to be ravished was got up and having unbound her companions was fallen on her knees heartily praying unto heaven to assist their Knight and beginning to be in some hope by the death of the first Giant and the bad estate whereinto the other was reduced she observed this valiant Knight of the Palms admired his addresse and force and comparing him to God Mars it begot a well willing in her towards him which by little and little converting into love made her wish him the victory that so she might be liable to a recompence
death and my self more particularly who had by this time lost my honour or my life if you had been lesse strong and valiant I am exceeding glad said Rozalmond that I have diverted so great a mischief But how fell you into it By my disdain of this traitors affections answered she whom I would never suffer to visit me being perswaded that so il-favoured loath some and vicious a man was uncapâ—ble of love and most unworthy the affection of a woman of my quality He was indeed said Rozalmond too ugly and you too fair to have any part in your good grace Wherefore I was resolved to die said she and would hâ—ve câ—st my sâ—lf out of the window headlong before he should havâ— satisfied his beastly appetite upon me for having been advertised that he had surprised my house I suddenly fled into these chambers upon the confidence of three doors fast locked barred upon me with a purpose neverthelesse if it came to the worft to break mine own neck and by an honourable death prevent the grief of enduring the approaches and violence of so mishapen a monster who hath met with the justice of the Gods in his crime and his defeat having rendered me mistris again of my house I assure you Sir that you may absolutely command it Whereupon taking him by the hand she led him into a goodly chamber where Artander having unarmed him she caused him to put on a rich cloak which became him so well that this Gentlewoman named Basiliana could not behold him without the feeling of a secret fire that began to consume her heart Good Gods said she to her self how happy were I if this gallant Knight would love me as much as Dramant did I should soon change my minde and would not forbid him to represent his passions unto me I must incourage him unto it then and by my carriage let him know that I will be more facile to his desires then I was to his whom he hath slain which I may do without shame for covering my boldnesse with the resentment I ow to his assistance I may make him beleeve that my caresses are without artifice and so carry him insensibly to crave some more particular favours This resolution seeming proper to her for her contentment and having presented him with confects she drew him to walk in the garden whilst preparation was made for supper and buriall for the dead bodies Seeing her self alone with him and in the liberty to speak she would fain have begun and discovered her thoughts but bashfulnesse stopt her wouth as often as she opened it for that purpose ever and anon she changed colour and remaining silent she left her eyes to perform that office whereby Rozalmond judged easily of her pain but remembering his Armazia and not permitting his heart to conceive a thought to the prejudice of his love he made as though he understood not the mysterie of so great a silence and entertained her with ordinary discourse wherewithall not being contented it made her at last resolve to break the ice and begin this language to him with a sigh I have reason to rejoyce at your arrivall in these parts whereby your valour hath preserved me but withall I am much afraid Sir that it hath drawn me out of one danger to plunge me into another far greater for loving you more passionately then the small time of my acquaintance with you will seem to permit and doubting to finde your affections ingaged to some happier beauty I can expect no other then a wretched death from the refusall you will make me of corresponding to my desires I have discovered this secret unto you being unable to conceal it not with an opinion that you will despise what is so freely offered you but to oâ—lige you to be acknowledging for it Weigh this well Sir for my life and death is in your hands and upon your answer depends all that I can hope for or fear in this world This discourse ending with tears whereby she thought to move him unto pity she would have fallen on her knees before him but Rozalmond not permitting it sâ—id unto her Madam the truth is your speech doth not only amaze but much perplexe me for knowing how far the power of love doth extend I would gladly both give you some reliefe and yet not offend against mine own duty but considering to what I am obliged I may not for many reasons satisfie your desire The first is that I am forbidden by the religion which I hold to love any other woman but her whom heaven hath lawfully legitimated me especially Idolaters as you are the second is that I am not permitted as a Knight to spoyle a woman of her honour after I have nobly preserved it since our order is chiefely instituted for the preservation of Ladyes the third and most important of all is that my heart being ingaged under the power of another that loves me I may not to please you deceive her unlesse I will become a disloyall traitor thus have I dealt as frely with you as you have done with me and letting you see what cause I have to deny you it must oblige you to clear me from all ingratitude the meeknesse of men I confesse is great but we are to doe all things with reason and never so to subject our selves as not to be our owne masters still What glory should I gaine by the succour I have given you if I should now undo you and what were you the better for escaping Dramants violence if under the colour of my services I should do you the like wrong Not a whit Madam nor could your beauty that might seeme to excuse me before the world leave me without blame before heaven I must be then more constant and you more generous to the end that the victory obtained over our own desires may settle a quiet peace in our consciences You have given me reasons answered she with a sad countenance which are but so many shifts for to excuse your self upon the difference of our religions is nothing men are generally borne for the satisfaction of one another and a single opinion ought not to be denied them in that point to say also that it were a dishonour for you to cast me away after you have saved me from shipwrack is but a poore obligation for it is not to ruine but to preserve what is frely given you that only that alone which you may insist upon is that you will not betray a Lady that truly loves you but thereunto likewise I answer how you shall do her no wrong in loving me at at this time since my intention is not to deprive her absolutely of the power which her merit hath assuredly given her over you neverthelesse I will not presse you further but leaving you to the liberty either of contenting me or making me to dye I will only beseech you to read in my eies that which I shall suffer in
as much content as my self glory and be assured that I will never give you cause to complain of me Neither will I give you any answered she for to deny me your services Whereupon Alcidamant taking her hands kissed them a thousand times with incredible delight and had suffered himself to be transported with the excesse of his joy if she had not on a sudden retired for to take away all occasion of suspect After that they met often sometimes publikely sometimes in the walks where our Frenchman discovering his passion by his looks and sighs begot an exceeding desire in her to relieve him had she not been retained by that bashfulnesse which ordinarily accompâ—nies maidens Madam said he ever and anon I languish away my heart is compassed with a fire that consumes it strange â—ancies intercept my sleep my grief grows greater and greater and I die a thousand times a day yet you are not sensible of my sufferings and harder then the rock you leave me in my torment not affording me the remedy I so much want Could you be content to see me lost or to hear it said another day that your rigour was the cause of my death No Madam it would be a grief to you and when you should call to minde that the world could not give you a servant more faithfully yours you would lament to no purpose attend not this repentance I beseech you let me receive your grace before time or sorrow make me uncapable of it conferring more particular favours on me then hitherto you have done make â—e sâ—y that I am the happiest Knight living Sweet heart answered she with a smile it troubles me exceedingly to hear you complain thus of me without a cause and would it were fitting for me to let you know that I love you no lesse then my self But what can I do for you and what would you hope for from me Do I refuse to hear the assurances which continually you give me of your affections Do I intreat you neglectfully or can you think that my actions are governed more by cruelty then honour Questionlesse if you be not blinded with passion you cannot chuse but see that I â—o not want love and you shall never finde my disposition guilty of ingratituâ—e be pacified then I pray you live better satisfied for my sake and â—â—teâ—rupt not my content with your unquietnesse I desire said he to appear before you more contained But alas Madam my grief will not permit it and spite of my teeth my looks must shew you what is in my heart You say I have no cause to complain have I not think you when I may not see you but in fear You are alwayes in the midst of your Captains how can I tell you then before them that my soul is all of a flame Your minde is continually carried away with the care of affairs that every minute are presented unto you what place can there be left then for a thought of me No Madam you scarce think of me at any time and that is it which makes me despair of all remedy I acknowledge with you that I never deserved the grace which I demand but you are the onely cause of it and the little power which you have left me hath not permitted me to have cut your enemies Camp already in pieces if that be it you look for Madam keep me no longer heer I will soon rid them away and deliver you though every souldier were converted into a Giant What a misery is this answered she I thought I had obliged you to live wiâ—â— more content by the assurance I have given you of my affection but it â—â—â—ms your impatience is thereby the more increased and that the care which I take to have you alwayes in my sight proves a trouble unto you You say that it is alwayes in the presence of my Commanders Do you hold it fit that I should deny them accesse when they come to speak with me about my affairs For my part I do not but am perswaded that giving them occasion to talk to my disadvantage I should ruine that which I am raising for your glory we are to carry our selves more advisedly and with better discretion neverthelesse I am resolved to commit an errour rather then discontent you What is it you require of me That you would be pleased said he to grant me admittance into your chamber when all the house is at rest to the end I may discover my sufferings with that liberty which a lover ought to have That were too much answered she if I loved you lesse but relying on your vertue I will be contented to grant it you so as you will presently swear unto me to attempt nothing but with leave That respect you alwayes bear about you said Alcidamant wherefore Madam I protest unto you by the faith of a Knight no way to offend you Be ready then for to morrow night said Merodiana and follow Cistenia when she comes for you Madam said Alcidamant kissing her hands this is the happiest promise that ever was made howbeit I must beseech you to add yet something more to my felicitie That I will said she provided that it do no way contravenne the protestation you have made to be contain'd No Madam answered he for my request is that you will render me worthy of this grace by the defeat of some of your enemies and that you will not hinder me from waking them to morrow morning I speak not this without reason we came hither for your service we have enterprised nothing these three weeks that we have been heer your people begin to lose the good opinion which they had of us and some stick not to say that this course of ours is not correspondent to our great words Moreover I should not find so much pleasure in the favour you purpose to do me if I should not appeare before you like a generous and valiant Knight Sweet Madam be carried by these considerations to yeeld unto this intreaty of mine whereby you shall infinitly oblige me and testifie that you repose confidence in me I will not hinder you said she seeing my word is past howbeit tempt not Fortune nor hazzard your self too far if you love me but carefully preserve your life whereupon depends all the happinesse of my dayes This discourse finishing with our Frenchmans infinite content he assembled the Captains communicated to them his designe and finding them well disposed to his mind he chose out two thousand of the most resolute men and commanded them to be ready an howr before day and so retiring with Troilus he went to take a little rest This designe running in his mind he slept not long but arose armed himselfe put Troilus in the head of a thousand horse caused him to sally forth at one gate and making a shorter cut went and charged the enemies with such fury that being surprised he made an horrible slaughter of them before they had
the Emperour or his Daughter who with good reason prefer that which you have now performed far before yesterdaies offence but the Gyants death having rendred their kindred your enemies all the Princes favour cannot protect you from being treacherouslie murthered wherfore be carefull if you mean to abide here to keep your self unknown Saying thus and and reaching him his hand he helped him up with such case that he remained very much amazed to find so much strength in so little a bodie Being able then to walke a little they descended down the mountain on that side that looked to the Sea and entred both into a Grott where Amadis was instantly unarmed that done he layd him down upon a bed which seemed to have been set there expressely for him and discovered his wounds to this little man who having bathed them with a very odoriferous liquour and afterwards laid certain plaisters to them he covered him and willed him to sleep In the mean time the Emperours Chyrurgions were much troubled for being come where the Monster lay and missing the knight that had been so recommended to their care they were exceedingly afflicted but especially the poor Shepherd who bitterly weeping cried out Alas this is the place where I left him the grasse is yet wet with his bloud and it is not long since he could be taken away surely some god came hither and hath carried him to heaven Ah noble knight why was not I here that I might have participated a little of thy glory or if some worse chance hath befaln thee that I might then have run thy fortune Hereupon the Emperor arriving and understanding how the knight could not be found he was exceedingly discontented but Palmirenna much more for the matchlesse valour of this stranger whereof she had been an eye-witnesse and the extream perill wherun to he had exposed himself in the combat with the monster for her sake had so taken her as she was marvellous sensible of his losse howbeit her Father commanded his knights to disperse themselves in the search of him she comforted her self in hope to heare of him ere it were long and so went to observe the Beast which seemed still so dreadfull as it made all the assistants to tremble O ye gods sayd the Emperour much astonished at the sight of so horrible a figure what a courage had he need of that durst encounter so deformed a creature when as being dead it terrifies all that behold it Ah incomparable knight then the which a more valiant never breathed upon the earth thou art afraid to present thy selfe before me in regard of one poor offence but be assured no man shall ever be more welcome to me then thy self Go then and seek him out and place the skin of the Beast stuft with straw on the highest Tower of Cardana valiant persons cannot be too much honoured Saying so he returned into Palmirenna's Coach where all the way to the Citie he entertained her with the praises of this knight which he thought could never be sufficient for so transcendent a merrit CHAP. IIII. Floridan of Persiabeing delivered out of Captivitie by the victorie of Amadis becomes enamoured of Amplamira The invention that Amadis useth to see Palmirenna CArdana having just occasion to resent the death of this Monster which in short time would have rendred it desolate was replenished in a moment with a world of bonfires and nothing was heard but shouts of joy confusedly mingled with the musick of a million of instruments in such sort that the Emperour arriving therupon was conducted to his Palace with more magnificence then if he had triumphed over the greatest Monarch of the earth This Prince beholding his people amidst their content chaunting his greatnesse and the praises of our Warriour remembred the Gentleman that accompanied him in the slaughter of his servants and being magnanimous commanded him to his Presence wherupon being presently brought before him in irons he said â—nto him It were unreasonable that in the eâ—nesse of a publike joy derivâ—â— from the valour of your Companion you alone should have cause to complain of fortune wherefore passing by the displeasure I received from you yesterday It is our pleasure that you be freed from these chaiâ—s and that you have the same power here of your actions as you had before your arrivall in these parts provided that you let me know who the Knight is and that you likewise conceale not your own condition Mighty Prince answered hee the generosity of Kings appears alwaies in their Clâ—mencie and as the cruelty of Tyrants tenders them subject to a thousand kind of mischiefes so doth mercy assure good Princes even in the middest of greatest dangers being a Prisoner I expected as much reliefe from your pitty as from mine own innocencie for I knew that reason would at length have drawn you to consider that I was forced to fight and that a man cannot commit a fault in preserving his life with the losse of theirs that sought to deprive him of it howbeit I acknowledge my self infinitly obliged to your Majestie for making me without languishing any longer in misery of a slave your most humble and faithfull servant in which regard your Highnes shall alwayes and absolutely dispose of the life you have now given me And if I do not satisfie your Majesties desire by telling you the name of this Knight to whose valour you say that you are ingaged in such powerfull obligations bee assured Sir that it is because I do not know it not having had the honour of his acquaintance but since yesterday that hee drew me out of the middest of the waves where by the casting away of the bark which carried me I was like to have perished for my own particular you behold Sir a poor Gentleman of Persia commonly called the Knight of the Flowers who having nothing at this present but the honour of the favour which you are pleased to promise him will labour to deserve it by the greatnesse of his service This good will of yours said the Emperour doth content mee and beleeve that you shall have no cause given you to depart from hence commanding him then to be accommodated with all that he should need hee appointed him a Chamber that opened into the Gardens and so fell to talk of the discretion sweet carriage and handsomenesse he had observed in him which seemed so extraordinary unto his Courtiers that they were wonderfully taken with his rare perfections Hee retired then free from those chains which might have fettered his hands but not from those love had prepared to bring his heart into subjection for the excellent beauty of Amplamira second daughter to the Emperour having bin still present before his eyes all the while that hee was in the Hall had made so deep an impression in his soul that hee had wholly surrendred it into her power But it is time to leave him to the comfort of his deliverance and to the pleasing
he concealed his mind hoping that Corazinda had more judgement then to suffer her self to be carried by such an ill favoured and ugly beast Whilst all these gallants dyed for the love of her she felt the same passions for the Lady and because shee durst not sigh but in secret shee spent much of her time alone in the Gardens where shee entertained her self in this manner To what end serves this borrowed disguise if I have not an heart to crave a remedy for the extremity of my grief I see Palmirenna it is true I kisse her hands and by an excesse of good fortune shee sometimes joynes her lips unto mine but what doth that avayl mee seeing she does it in regard of the habit that I were not of the love that I beaâ— her Nothing questionlesse but to increase my torment these are winds which in stead of extinguishing my flame make it burn with the more violence and if I take not a stronger resolution I have laboured in vain to get the possession of so invaluable a gâ—mme I must then either quit this habit or make another and better use of it then hitherto I have done womens hearts are not without pitty and when Palmirenna shall know that I am a Knight shee will not advance my death by manifesting it to another But what is this I say will shee not have just cause to blame this deceit and to banish me from her sight for a punishment of so hainous a crime yes no doubt and wheras the good will shee bore mee whilst she thought me to be of her sex might counsell her to do otherwise honour and decencie will fence her to it I do therfore ill to yield to my desires I am more happy then I deserve for the longer I suffer the greater will be my glory So resolving to be silent and leave her remedy untâ— time shee sate her down one day under a tree upon whose bark she had graven a thousand characters where shee began to renew her complaints when as Palmirenna arriving there by chance with three of her Ladies caught her by the arm and said What Corazinda are you still weeping cannot all our caresses make you forget our countrey Truly I have reason to complain of you and will never beleeve that you love mee so much as you say since you continue so sad here Think not answered she some what amazed to see her self so surprised that I bestow these tears on the remembrance of my countrey or friends their absence is the least of my cares but I grieve for that I cannot profit you by my service nor advance my self a whit in the honour of your savour for loving you farre more and that beyond all comparison as I may truly say then all the Knights of the world put together can possibly do I could wish that your eyes should rest no where but on mee as my thoughts have no other object then the excellencie of your beauty I wonder said Palmirenna that you should complain thus of me without a cause doth not my womens jealousie who are vexed for that they cannot be so free with mee as you are make it evidently appear how infinitly I love you clear your self of this sinister impression and be confident dear Corazinda that if your content depends on me you shall live as happily as your own heart can wish being resolved to give you and that most willingly all that you can desire of mee provided I may see you no more thus afflicted Now are all my sorrows at an end answered Corazinda for all the good of my future life is tyed to the effect of this promise which I hope you will never forget and to make my happinesse compleat there wants nothing but this that whereas herein the Court I am called the fair slave you will be pleased that hereafter I may bee called Palmirenna's fair slave Here at the Princesse fell a laughing and embracing her said that it pleased her very well Some houres being sweetly spent in such like discourse which testifying more and more an extream love that gave the Ladies great occasion to marvell from whence the heat of so powerfull an affection should proceed these two incomparable beauties retired into the Palace where the Emperour meeting with them began on a sudden to feel that fire burn which the first sight of our fair slâ—ve bad kindled in his brest Pretty one said hee â—nto her having withdrawn her to a window doe not you thinke is time yet to case my pain and shall the discretion which you have sound in my carriage leave you insensible of my sufferings consider that my love can make you the happiest Woman of the world and that your good fortuâ—e depends on the pitty which you shall have of me and that if you be inexorable you will give mee just occasion to accuse your in gretitude and to retrench you of those favours which you receivehere Sir answered she knowing full well that â—hee was to flatter his grief rather than incense his choller my judgement is not so weak as to make me neglect the contentment and advantages which the honour of your affection doth promise mee but do you think that having yet sighes in my mouth and tears in my eyes to be wayl my captivity my esloignment from my countrey and the losse of my friends I can resolve for any pleasure verely I cannot time the common Physician of our miseries may alter this peevish humour and furnish mee with other devises bee pleased I beseech you Sir to attend your remedy from thence your delight will be the greater when I shall give it you without grudging and not forcing my will you shall oblige mee to commâ—nd your gentlenesse in the mean while let mee obrain of you that you will not afflict yourself and giving mee leave to retyre from hence for to avoid the suspicion which may bee had of your intent leave me so to manage my sorrows with time as I may be ableere it be long to satisfie your hopes Go my dearest Cornkinds said be insinitly contented with this answer the gods which have made you to â—air make you as true Palmirennaes fair slave having got off in this manner went to find on her Lady but understanding that shee was laid down to sleep shee returned into the Garden where having made afewturns she peceiveda man lying on the grasse under the shadow of certain trees who thinking hee was not over-heand spake thus Wretched Knight what canst thou expect from thy enterprise but insuppottabletonments thou imaginest that time and thy services will beget a liking of thee in this Princesse but thou wilt be deceived shee will receive them from thee as from an ordinary Knight obliged by the liberality of her father what wilt thou doe then wilt thou discoverthy self for to serve her openly thou wilt not be believed but say thou wert difference of religion would serve for a cause to refuse thee now to
Mistris shal make him think of me Verely said Rozalmond I hold him as ingratefull as valiant since he hath broken his word with you and be assured Madam that I wil fight with him again upon this quarrel whensoever I can meet with him and if fortune favour me I wil bring him back to you Your good wil doth much oblige me answered she but if you desire to do me a pleasure forbear the execution of your intent for the Combat between you could not be determined without an irreparable loss wherefore if you have any compassion of my suffering rather counsel him to remember his vowes the favour which he hath received from me and making him sorry for abusing them represent unto him that my Crown one of the richest and bravest of the earth may arrest the ambition of any Gentleman how great soever he be This speach was finished with tears but being comforted by Rozalmond who promised to use his best art and all the arguments he could think upon to give her desire content she dryed her eyes and returning into the Hall she sate down to dinner with him intreating him a little after to make some abode in her countrey wherunto he having willingly assented she carryed him the next day to the Capital Citie of her Kingdome where she did him all the honour she could possibly devise sometimes entertaining him with Masques and Shews and at other times with Iousts and Turnaments wherin he so behaved himself that Merodiana being advertised thereof requested him to come and see her Leaving Silvana then in much griefe for his departure he went unto her sister who insensibly forgetting Alcidamant was so taken with the beauty and comeliness of this Prince that she took no greater care then to render her selfe more amiable with the grace of clothes and dressings though nature had made her excellent that way for to win him to love her but he that had a constant soul and that was wholly given up to his Armazia was nothing moved with her passion howbeit fearing lest his faith at length might waver by the continuall pursuits of this beautifull Queen who questionless had charms of power to captivate the heart of the coldest affection he resolved to depart wherefore one day taking his leave which he had very much adoe to obtain he got him to Sea leaving so good an opinion of his valour in the Kingdoms of these two sisters as he was of no less esteem there then the famous Knight of the Palmes CHAP. XIV Rozalmond landing in the Kingdom of Clariana arrives by fortune at Alcidamants Grat he laments over his arms beleeving him dead and afterwards incountring him they become friends Rozalmond having wisely avoyded the danger of Merodiana's allurements rode all the day with a resolution to travell into Gardacia for to know whether time had defaced him out of Armazia's affection but fortune that meant otherways to dispose of his actions deferred the effect of this his intent and caused him to make another voyage more profitable and necessary for the good of Christendom Being imbarqued then in a Ship the wind which should have carried him one way drove him quite contrary another and brought him upon the coast of the Kingdom of Clariana where the Pilot for fear of a threatned Tempest making some stay he would needs go on shore to see the countrey accordingly getting on his Horse he spent two days without meeting of any adventure wherupon purposing to return to the sea he discovered a Brook whose sweet murmure invited him to alight under certain trees that grew all along the banks therof and cast a very pleasing shadow causing his Horse then to be tyed so as he might have the liberty to graze he walked so long up against the course of the stream that he found himself at the bottom of a Rock whereinto there was a pretty large entrance which gave him a desire to approach it for to see whether there were any thing within it worthy the employment of his courage but he was marvellously abashed to behold a little Crosse set up a good heigth under a tree for considering that this mark made glorious by the death of the Saviour of the world was not so much as known amongst these idolatrous people he was no lesse amazed thereat then at some prodigie howbeit finding some consolation in the hope he had to meet with Christians there he was passing in when as a new occasion of astonishment arrested him for at the foot of a tree he discovered a Cuirace an Helmet a Shield and other the arms appertaining to a Knight This Incounter possessing him with no lesse curiosity then the former had done with wonder he went presently and looking upon the Shield which was almost covered over with rust he perceived it to be that famous Ensign of the three Palmes made glorious by the honour of a thousand combats most generously performed by Alcidamant and assured himself that these were the arms which he had found invincible thorow the courage of his enemy Vertue that can do all in all with a noble spirit having changed this Warriors mind in a moment he could not forbear shedding of tears at the sight of so sad a spectacle Ay me said he kissing those Armes with a great deale of reverence how do I find you in a state most unworthy of your greatnesse why doe you no longer cover the body of that valiant Knight which so much honoured you You were odious to me always heretofore but now alas I pitty you as much as I have formerly hated you and as the world suffers a most irreparable losse in you so shall I grive eternally that you should remain thus of no use hereafter Wherupon laying all the pieces one upon another he took that excellent Sword which was gotten at the Castle of Serpents and that had shed many drops of his blood and having hung it on the bough of a tree he forth with passed into the Grot in the middest wherof he incountred a bank of green turfs raised in form of an Altar upon the which he beheld the portraiture of a Lady so exquisitely fair that he esteemed her no way inferiour to Armazia for perfection he continued a good while observing her by the assistance of a Lamp that was burning there but desiring nothing more then to meet with one that might tell him some news of this Knight whose death he greatly feared he went on and visited every corner of the Grot where finding nothing but a bed of leaves he returned forth incontinently and was going to fetch a walk under certain trees when as he espied a young Hermit in a long Gown of gray that was layd upon the grasse as it seemed to take some rest howbeit his griefe not permitting him to be silent he brake out thus Who shall hereafâ—er rely upon any thing in this world since I that had but one poor minute to passe for to see my self Master of
Sâ—ars having determined my life in this manner I cannot avoid their decree let Death come then when it will I shall never seek to decline it whereupon conâ—â—ding with a world of sighes Clâ—risel could not forbear stepping in and saying unto him Sir your affliction very much grieves me and your complaints have conducted me â—ither to tell you that your courage ought not to give place to your sufferings 〈◊〉 is to be seen in adversitie and men that are well acquaiâ—â—d with the world never faint under pressures you love a disacknowledging woman that will not recompence your services change your mind â—ill your affection with despight and leaving her to repent the loss of you be reveng'd of her neglect But if your soul be too far ingaged and that it be not in your power to get off take a better resolution then â—o complain thus in vain strive to overcome her rigour and serving her whether she will â—â— no give her occasion at length to condemn her ingratitude Alas said he whosoever you be that comforts me thus know that it is not in my power to make use of the good counsell you give me the reason whereof I sâ—al tell you if you will vouchsafe to sit down by me a little That is it I much desire answered Clarisel laying himself down by him but I cannot be perswaded that there is any miseâ—ie so great or strange in the world for which there may not a remedy be â—ound Sir said the solitarie Knight after hee heard the claâ—tering of his Armes I must intreat you to pardon me and 〈◊〉 it to the darkness of the night if my speech hath been less respectfull to you then it ought No no replyed Clâ—â—isel you may treat with me as you please let not any such consideration stay you but tell me freely the cause of so great a solitude Shee of whom I complain said he being one of those â—ayrest of France that may justly glory in their beauties having on a time courteously 〈◊〉 me in her house placed so many 〈◊〉 in her eyes as I was not able to look upon her with that Liberâ—â—â— which formerly I had for I found my heart surpriâ—ed and my desire of travelling Countries to acquire that renown so much aspy redunto by tâ—e best Knights confineâ— within the limits of her Walls so that 〈…〉 of paâ—ing thence without some assurance of loving â—â— purpose 〈…〉 cover my thoughts unto her and indâ—â—â— meeting 〈…〉 opportunitie I set her glass before her and demanded what opinion 〈◊〉 of her beautie but perdoiving that modestie would not permit 〈◊〉 to commend her self I recounted unto her the passions I had induced 〈◊〉 my arrival and used all the art I could possible devise to draw 〈◊〉 â—â—ciprocall affection howbeit in vain for she returned meâ— most rightous answer accompanying it with a command never to come in her sight again I am not able to deliver the grief I was in for this so â—ruâ—â— a change sufficeth it that I went presently away in a despeâ—ate manner and not caring what became of me I fell by accident into the power and person of Narsâ—nder the great inchaâ—er from whom being freed by the valour of the excâ—llent Knight of the Palmes it was my fortune the next day after to espy three Gyants leading five or six Gentlewomen in a chain 〈◊〉 the which perceiving my Claristea so is this inexorable sweet 〈◊〉 to be one I made no difficultie to expose my life unto apparant danger and carryed more by fury then judgement I set upon these three dreadfull Monsters and fought so madly with one of them the other two disdaining to meddle with me that in few words I sent his soule to hell whilst the brave Knight of whom I spake but now comming to my succour dispatched the world of the rest so delivering this crueâ—â— say â—â— who falling passionatly in love with him and feeling no lesâ— violent destrâ—â— then those that continually torment me would fain have made him her Husband but love being just to punish her for her pride caused this Knight who no doubt had some other Mistress to goe away and have her wherewith she was so discontented that in stead of recompending 〈◊〉 for so great a service whereby she had escaped deâ—â—ouring by the Gyants she shut her self up in a Cloyster taking upon her the vayâ—â— and habit of a Nunne before my face for to deprive me utterly of all hope of enjoying her which begot this resolution in me to aband on the world in â—â—ke manner Verely answered Clarisel your case is worthy of much pitty but I have told you that vertue is to be shewed in extremities you can expect for nothing from Claristea apply your self to some other â—adâ—â— â—â— pleasing and more kind that may make you forget that ever you loved her This is the right and sure mean to cure you of your miserie for wilfully to persist in so unadvised a purpose as to dye wretchedly 〈◊〉 more of folly then discretion Your counsell is so good said the solitarie Knight who was eveâ—â—â—at Florimond of Canabea of whom you have read the discourse in the nineteenth and twentieth Chapter of our second part that I am resolv'd to follow it since reason and heaven doe seem to command it Whereupon promising to depart with Clarisel that told him what company he had in the Wood they layd them to sleep and the next morning Clarisel causing him to mount on 〈◊〉 horse they took the next high-way they met withall where a little after they overtook a Gyaâ—â— who very much taken with Clarisels gallant demeâ—â—our said gently unto him Sir I should account it for no small happiness that your occasions would carry you my way therefore you may much oblige me by setting me know whether you are bound Your demand is so noble answered Clarisel that I should be most ready to satisfie you but we are strangers here and know not so much as the name of this Countrey where we arrived but the last night being driven into it by a tempest Why then I will tell you replyed the Gyant you are in the Kingdome of great Brittain some two little dayes journey from Windsor where the Court is now resident and in preparation of great Triumphs for the celebration of certain Mariages that are forthwith to be consummated but I beleeve some there will come short of their accompt for I hope to interrupt their sport and convert their laughter into tears Upon what occasion said Clarisel to be reveng'd of the wrong answered he that my Predecessors received from Galaor King of Sobradiza who took the rock of Galtares from the Gyant of Albadan my Grandfather and gave it to Gandalal the greatest enemie he had and very oportunly hath fortune conducted me hither at this time with the redoubted Zâ—robalan my brother who hath taken another way the more securely and closely to atchive our enterprize for they that are to be maried are the
Gentlewoman desired she might be brought before the Prince of Sobradiza I am he said Tristor will you have any thing with me Gentle Prince answered she here is one of your greatest enemies in case to conspire no more against your person as he had done with a brother of his far greater and more formidable then he who purposeth to be present at this assembly to revenge upon you the death of Albadan whom your Grandfather King Galaâ—â— defeated in the quarrell that Gandalac had with him concerning the Rock of Galtares the handsome Shepherd one of the best Knights of the world sends him to you with this advise that you take heed you be not surprised by that dangerous enemy the surviving brother Gentlewoman said Tristor I am infinitly indebted to the good will and valour of this Knight as also very much to you for the pains you have taken in comming hither which I will labour to acknowledge before you depart from hence touching the advise you have brought me it shall not be neglected and if the Gyant come I doubt not but he shal find some here couragious and strong enough to arrest the fury of his arms Whereupon retiring with an exceeding desire to know so brave a Warrior he caused the Waggon with the body to be fet in a corner of the Lists and placing himself in the window he perceived eighteen Knights come marching in three troops the formost whereof was conducted by Aristander Duke of South-Wales who was passionatly in love with Floriâ—â—a the daughter of Garamant Duke of North-Wales and desired to shew his valour for the maintenance of her beauty the second by Oradâ—rt Earle of Glocester who was no lesse affected to Theiphila the daughter of Don Sinaldo and the third by Orian Duke of Norfolk who had no other Mistris but glory These three Champions being each of them accompanied with five of the best Knights of great Britain ranked themselves according to their arrivall in the place and just opposite to Quedragant Abies and Agrian stood Aristander and two of his troop who at the sound of the Trumpets dislodged very bravely and broke his staffe upon his adversaries Shield without so much as moving Quedragant that incountred him so strongly as he made him lose his stirrops whilst his two Companions were unhorsed by Abies and Agrian Aristander extreamly vext for that he had done so little with his first staffe took another that was bigger and stronger â—â—â—ing to recover his honour at the second course neverthelesse he and his Horse were both overthrown to the ground These three being dispatched in this sort the rest presently advanced and ran very gallantly but fortune was no more favourable to thâ—â—â— then to their Companions for they were all layd on the grasse and constrained to give place to Gradart who at the third course against Agrian helped to fill up the number of the vanquished and so did Oriaâ— and those of his train a little after in so much that these eighteen of the best Knights of great Brittain being defeated they were conferring the prize on the Challengers when as a Gyant presented himself so huge and of so terrible an aspect as frighted all the assistants those warlike Princes excepted who choosing out good Launces prepared themselves to receive him and to maintain the honour which they had acquired howbeit they never used them for the great Gyant having discovered the body that lay in the Wagon cryed out with a horrible voyce Immortall gods who could deale thus with my brother since all the Knights in the world assembled together were not able to withstand him Ah dogs you have surprised him treacherously but you shall all dye in satisfaction of so foul a cryme Saying so he charged his Launce against Quedragant and passing it through his Shield and Arm flung him half a dozen paces over his Horses crupper then suddenly returning discharged two such terrible blows on Agrian and Abies that having wounded the one dangerously in the thigh and the other on the head he layed them both in the dust from whence flying in amongst the rest he cleft Gradart down to the wast and never rever regarding upon whom his Sword lighted he began to make so great a Massacre of Men Women and Knights that he had overthrown thirty at his feet before Rozanel and Tristor who had speedily armed themselves could come forth The Ladies shriked at the windows the people fled away the slaughter continued and the place was almost empty when as a Knight of a very goodly presence arrived accompanied with two Gentlemen unarmed a Shepherdesse whose face was covered with a vayl and certain Damosels richly clad who beholding the havock that the Gyant made drew forth his Sword and discharged it with such violence on him that he was forced to knock his chin against the pummell of his saddle which so rowsed the fury of this Monster as raysing himself up full of rage he thought to have divided his enemy with an horrible blow that he intended at him but the Knight who wâ—â— no lesse advised then valiant avoyded it by slipping aâ—â—de nevertheless it being no longer in the Gyants command it fel up on his own Horses head wherwith he fell down dead leaving his Master on foot which Claâ—isel perceiving presently quitted his saddle because he would not take any advantage and approaching his enemy showrâ—d so many blows on him that the blood began to dye his arms in five or six places Rozanel and Tristâ—â— comming in therupon were marvellously astonished at so cruell a conflict and knowing by his company that this was the handsome Shepherd which had sent them the first Gyant they fell to observe the manner of his fight the force of his blows seemed extream to them they admired his dexterity in shunning his enemies stroaks and thought it no lesse strange to see with what assurance he supported them whersoever they lighted upon him In the mean time the combat continued very terrible the ground was stâ—ewed with peices of their armour the grass was stayned with their blood the place was all fire with sparkles that flew from their Helmets and without taking any breath they charged one another so cruelly that ever and anon they had much adoe to keep themselves from falling Zorobâ—lâ—n more ontragious then can be imagined combatted with greater passion then judgement and cursing the gods for producing a man able to withstand him he roared out in that dreadfull manner as made the very house to shake At length transported with fury to see three houres spent fiftâ—e the beginning of the combat without any advantage over his adversary he took his Courtelas in both his hands and advancing it let it defeend with such force on Clarisels Shield that dividing it in twain it not only gave him a deep wound in the arm but made him set his knees to the ground wherwith being wonderfully incensed he suddenly got up and struck the Gyant with such
feet dangerously wounded in the head and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm â—umbled senselesse out of his saddle close by Brizardan who was in no better case These two horrible blows having wrought the effect which our Champions desired they lept presently into their saddles and beholding themselves invironed with four hundred Knights and the Gyant of the cruell Iland a daring man and endued with extream force unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Launce which he had reserved entire they began to charge them with such fury that in lesse then half an hour they had layd thirty at their feet neverthelesse the rest persisting very wilfully they were so followed and charged on every side as their horses being killed under them they were constrayned to alight and present themselves to their enemies who fell down dead as often as they encountred their blades In the meantime the Prince of France being withdrawn a little aside maintained a dreadfull combat with the King of the cruell Iland whose arms were all imbrewed in blood and questionlesse the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choller of this valiant Prince if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Gyant at the same instant on his Helmet he was forced to the ground where he lay not long for considering the danger he was in he arose more inraged then a Bull bayted with a Company of dogs and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four stroaks he â—left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder and flying upon the Gyant he ran him into the thigh making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself which little avayled him for this Prince calling to mind the priâ—e for which he fought gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very wast This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them they arose transported with rage and despight and falling upon our Warriours they charged them so furiously with an hundred and fifty Knights that were still left as they covered their bodies all over with wounds but being resolved to sell their lives dearly they grew so enraged by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in peices to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperour and the King of Cabilla who then arrived with fifty Knights thinking thâ—â— tâ— be rather furies then mortall men But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts ofering they were to combat an Hydra and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew Truly the wonders they did wâ—â—e to no purpose for being so weary that they were scarce able to lift their arms they expected nothing but a glorious death for to crown all their passed labours when as they perceived a Bark make to the land out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly lept a shore marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men which still resisted the violence of such a remayning multitude These two Warriours which were Flâ—â—â—sbel of the starre Lucibels uncle and the gentle Sestilian Prince of Spaine whom fortune had very oportunely brought thither admyring the vertue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequall a combat quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly beseiged as they layd six at their feete with the first six blowes that they gave which so revived our Gretians courages as they seemed to re-assume new forces running all three then into the middest of their enemies they performed such feates of armes as appeared even impossible to the beholders insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carryed with unspeakeable greife for the ravishing away of their Ladies and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it having taken some breath made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard and fiftie Knights that came newly from the Citie and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much who nothing fayling in courage were not withstanding so weary as unably longer to subsist they were resolved to dye a thousand times over rather then shew the least jot of fear or faint heartednes but desiring to doe something now at the last cast Amadis displayed all his force and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes head that he clove him downe to the shoulders to the unexpressable greife of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it Floridan and Lucibel had the same designe upon the Soldan and Brustufard howbeit their arms wanting vigor their blowes wrought not the effect they desired but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian that were â—carceable to wagge Amadis alone stood on his feete so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight but much more to be the cause of his Mistresse death who stayed but to see him fall for to cast her selfe into the Sea that laying desperately about him hee was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in when as two brave war like Knights arrived whereof the one carryed a Salvage pourtrayed on his sheild wherby you may guesse that it was the redoubted Griaâ— the Salvage and the beautifull Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renowne in the world as their incomparable valor was every where spoken of This mighty and valiant Champion ravished which admiration at the â—ight of foure hundred men and two gyants massacred by the sole valor of five knights beleived that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance so that furiouslie setting spurâ—es to his horse hee addressed himselfe against Brustafard upon whom hee discharged his sword which such violence that hee devided his body in two peices to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes who possest which more courage then strength rose instantly up and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh who terrified which this new succor betooke them all to flight Brizardan onely excepted that careles of his life since hee had lost the hope of enioying Amplamira went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet that hee overthrew her from her Horse to the ground shedding great abundance of bloud out of all the passages of her head which put Grian into such a rage as he
incomparable beauty which with fear was fallen down under a bush with her cousin the excellent Agriclea The desire he had to oblige this fair one by some service having made him suddenly to approach he drew out his Cymetar and giving his horse that by no means would come on to his companiâ—â— â—e discharged so mighty a blow on the body of this creature as might wâ—ll have divided an Anvile but the scales wherewithall he was covered being impenetrable he did but â—ow a little with it neverthelesse it forced hiâ— to quit his pray for to make head against the Gyant who â—o wâ—it dismayed gave him another full on the head with such a prodigeoâ—â—fall as made his brains fly out in five or six places sending him dead to the ground This dangerous enemy being in case to hurt no body any more Gorgophon went to Armazia and finding her in aswound he took her up in his arms for to recover her howbeit considering that he should never have a more a favourable opportunity he remounted on his horse after he had set Agriclea behind his companion and making away with incredible speed he got to the port where his ship rode into the which he imbarked himselfe with his rich pray so joyfull for having brought his designs to such an happy issue as he would not for all the Crowns of the world have exchanged the content he was in This while the Emperour and his Knights grown somewhat more confident returned to the succour of Armazia but not finding her and beholding the Serpent slain in that sort they imagined that none but Gorgophon could give that dreadfull blow whereupon they concluded that he was gone towards the Citie with the Princesse and the beauteous Infanta of Clariana so that with this opinion they left the Forrest but not long after they met with two Saylors who acquainted them with all the busines and assured them that the two Gyants were at sea with the Princesses At this news some ran to the ships for to pursue them others fell to crying out and complayning in such manner as nothing was heard but strange lamentations On the other side Armazia and her fair cousin were in as bad a case for comming to their senses and beholding themselves in the power of those hideous Monsters they presently dissolved into tears and took on most grievously being fully resolved to cast themselves into the sea which doubtlesse they had performed if Gorgophon qualifying his proud and barbarous humour had not assured them that they should receive no displeasure Madam said he to his fair Mistris before whom he was on his knees moderate these sighes and tears Gorgophon is not so cruell as you think he is nor will he ever have any thing from you but what what you shall be pleased freely to grant him time shall acquaint you with his merits and the good office he did you snatching you out of the jaws of that Serpent where your death was inevitable shall be followed with so many services that it may be you will judge him worthy of some favour This speech bringing a little comfort to these afflicted Ladies they wisely resolved to make use of the power their beauties had gotten over these Gyants and to entertain them kindly to decline the violence which they exceedingly feared from them in regard whereof the excellent Armazia answered him thus Gyant if you carry a mind noble enough to observe these promises you have made us we may in time dispose our selvs to wish you well but if you offer to force us in any thing be conâ—ident that our deaths shall prevent your cruelty â—nd that we will never want courage to rid our selves out of the world Further if you desire any way to oblige me doe not carry me to Circassia for the Soldâ—n being so deformed as it is reported unto me I shall never indure to come neer him you merit me thinks far more then he wherefore keep this good fortune for yourself and deserve it more by respect then by your services Madam replyed the Gyant transported with extream joy at this answer which Armazia reserving her selfe for Rozalmonds content had made of purpose to hold him in hand hoping by some accident or other to get out of his power Madam be assured that I will dye a thousand deaths rather then doe any thing shall be distastfull to you I will gladly attend all the time you shall please to ordain for my suffering in the mean while we will goe to the redoubted Ilands of which I am Lord where the power of all the Monarchs of the world shall never take you from thence being able enough to conserve my self and defend you But Madam in sign of the grace that you promise me permit me to kisse these more then delicate hands Most willingly said Armazia who desired to acquire an absolute command over his will and I think my cousin will shew no lesse favour to your companion saying so they tendred them their hands which these Gyants kissed with so much ardour and affection as they had much adoe to contain themselves from passing further but that they were restrayned by the hope they had of enjoying all quietly wherefore being marvellously contentented they fell to discourse with these Princesses and in this sort were carried by the wind which rising very high drove them by the will of heaven that would not permit the undoing of these two incomparable beauties not into the redoubted Ilands but into the Kingdome of Corolandaya where the fame of Griolanis and Adelazia's inchantment possessing them with a marvellous desire to see it they landed there and the next day went to Agricant with some hope for those Ladies to meet with some redress of their miseries The fire which shewed very horrible out of the windows and the lamentation of those unfortunate Lovers having moved Armazia to pitty she turned her to Gorgophon and said unto him Sir if your valour can give these poor wretches any relief you shall doe me a most acceptable service to succour them Madam you have said enough answered Gorgophon for if they were in the hands of all the Divels of hell I would goe and fetch them out since you have commanded me unto it wherupon having laced on his Helmet he made bravely to the dore where the four Pagan Knights charged him very rudely all at once but nothing abashed therwith he gave Falemond so dangerous a blow on the head that he extended him on the ground from whence by the force of Inchantment he stirred not til after the combat but presently feeling two mighty stroaks on his Helmet layd on by the gentle Armorand and the strong Grinaldo he turned towards them with such furie that if the charms had not hindered his Curtelass from drawing bloud of them he had cleft Grinaldo to the teeth neverthelesse the blow which he discharged on his shield was so violent as it layd him along by his companion to the
rather than to faile in his enterprise he arose in a rage began to cut those pikes partizans halberds and swords asunder and by little and little gayning ground sometimes flung his blade furiously about his head then gave a down-right and by and by a crosse blow briefly he skirmished in that manner as if he had had a thousand Knights in head against him This dangerous combat having continued above two hours with so much paine and labour as a Knight lesse strong and valiant could not have endured it hee met with certain steps upon the first whereof having but set his foot this so terrible a charge ceased which gave him leave to fit down on the second step so much out of breath that he was faine to lift up the visier of his helmet to take in ayr This while Griolanis was no lesse perplexed for he likewise came to a cave full of lighted torches but his adventure was far more pleasing than Grians for he found the ground covered with exceeding fair women which lay starke naked so close one to another that he was of necessity to tread upon their bellies if he would passe on whereat he was no lesse abashed then his companion had been at the sight of the pikes and halberds so as he remayned a pretty while in suspence not knowing what to resolve and that which put him more into confusion was to heare these women who one after another said thus unto him Cruell Knight what mean you to doe will you adde unto our misery and not contented to behold us in a torment far worse than death will you increase it by treading on our tender naked bodies be moved with our tears take another way we beseech you and performe your enterprise without our paine could you be contented to remember another day that you have been the destruction of an hundred Gentlewomen which never offended you The remorse wherof questionlesse would torture your conscience nor would you ever look upon a woman but it would extreamly grieve you to think that you had been wanting in pitty to them This speech very much disquieted Griolanis and he was upon the point to have quit them and undertaken his Companions way had he not called to mind that his Lady would then remain eternally in bonds and that he had been advised to passe on notwithstanding any consideration whatsoever wherefore thinking that he might without hurting these women passe along by lifting them up one after anotheer he took the first by the arm and set her on her feet which was no sooner done but she gave him so terrible a blow with her fist on his Helmet that in his opinion a thunderbolt could not have hit him with more violence How now Gentlewoman said he is this the recompence of my good will forbear I pray you and let me deliver your fellows wherwith not able to appease her that still continued beating him he resolved to spend no more time in words but took up the second by whom he was entreated as by the former and so proceeding to lift up those that were next he received so many blows on his head breast and back that he had much adoe to keep himselfe on his legs nevertheless what is not feazable for a valiant man that desires to draw his Mistresse out of so grievous a captivitie as that wherein he had seen his Adelazia His courage augmented with difficulties and though his flesh and bones were all battered and bruised yet he laboured so long that he rendred the passage free and had no sooner set his foot on the first step of a paire of stayres that he beheld before him but immediatly these women vanished leaving him in rest wherof doubtlesse he had as much need as Grian These two Warriours then having sate awhile arose and going up a matter of twenty steps entred just both together into a stately garden and meeting at a Fountain where they were about to have refreshed themselves with a little water they perceived a kennell of hounds of divers colours comming along behind two huntsmen wherof one of them said unto them in an arrogant manner Wretched Knights who brought you hither without my permission and how dare you be so bold as to meddle with the water of my Fountain be sure that you shall pay for your presumption goe said he speaking to his Dogs fall upon these audacious fellows and devoure them in satisfaction of their crime whereupon these two valiant Warriours turning about to defend themselves saw no Dogs but fifty or threescore Tygers that having invironed them flew upon them with strange fury some bit them by the legs some seized on their shields and some hung on their backs briefly they were so close pressed by them as at first they were not able to use their Swords but breaking from them in a mighty rage they began to deale such desperate blows that in lesse than an houre they had laid twenty at their feet wherat the rest becomming more cruell assaulted them in such manner as if their arms had not been of the best in the world these troublesome beasts had drawn blood from them in an hundred places but turning back to back and renewing the fight with incredible courage within two houres they made an end of the rest howbeit they were so weary that they were constrained to fit down and rest them where with wonder they observed how all about the Garden there were Statues of Marble placed of severall colours so well done as they wanted nought but speech and that the Fountain with most admirable art sent forth water on every side the desire they had to know wherfore all this cost was bestowed there not permitting them to rest any time they arose looked round about them and descrying no passage out they resolved to compasse the Wall till they met with one Griolanis went one way and Grian another wherein being ravished with the marvellous things they encountred they were an houre before they could compasse it at the end wherof and at such time as they were not far from one another they met with two great Pillars upon either of which was a Table hanging where in the Greek tongue was this written Knight if thou wilt passe into the Castle of Treasure and find that which is lost cut down this Pillar and be not dismaid at the difficulties thou shalt meet with in the alley These words having shewed the Knights how they should bring their enterprize to passe they with their Swords laid at these Pillars which at the very first blow going to pieces with a most dreadfull noyse out came two Salvages upon Griolanis and two furious Lyons on Grian who seizing on him with their pawes laboured to pull his shield from his arm but our Warriour discharged such a blow upon one of them as he laid him dead at his feet and a little after ran the other up to the hilts in the mean while Griolanis more couragious
Cassandra you can do no lesse neither can you choose but rejoyce at the happy event of these things But Sir it is most necessary that I should a little disturb the quiet and content you now enjoy and impart unto you a secret which I fear will find but a bad welcome All the Pagans are up in Arms at the instance of Idalcan Emperour of Melly who not long since received an overthrow in this place and so great is the number of the forces they have assembled now ready to fall upon Ethiopia because of the alliance the Emperour Prigmaleon hath lately made with you that unlesst it be assisted by some peculiar providence from heaven who never suffers his to perish for want of succour you cannot easily prevent their ruine I know very well the greatnesse of your courage will contemn this danger but take heed what you do for all other Armies that you have seen assembled heretofore are nothing in comparison of this where so many brave Knights will be ready to encounter you that the force of your unconquered Armies and of your friends were never more usefull and necessary than now Let them come when they will said Florisel we will be prepared for them and I hope to give them such entertainment as shall well abate the fury of their pride and the rather I make no doubt if you will assist us a little with some effect of your skill Sir answered she you must expect succour from heaven and your own valour the assistance of my skill can afford you none unlesse I should raise the dead and bring them to fight for your safetie but I perceive you do not understand these words nor can I speak in plainer tearms till the Destinies give way unto it think only upon those things which a good Captain ought to put in practise for the annoying of his enemyes and being seconded by Fortune who is alwayes your friend make them know that you are still invisible You have advised so well answered Florisel that if you please to go and try what entertainment our Ladyes will give you I will in the mean time deliberate therupon so leaving her with Sidonia and the other Princesses that accompanied her to whom she was forced to make a particular relation of the loves and adventures of Amadis and Clarisel and to describe the beautiee of Armazia Mirglinda Palmirenna and her Sisters He caused aâ—l the Princes then present at Constantinople to assemble in the Councell chamber where he spake to them in this manner Sirs I did not call you hither to resolve whither we ought to make a War or no since necessitie enforceth us therunto but to consult with you what means we had best use to oppose the violence of so mighty an enemie as is now ready to fall upon us It is a matter of no small consequence our eternall glory or absolute ruine depending therupon Wherfore I am of opinion our states having so long a time enjoyed peace and being now furnished with a multitude of brave souldiers who desire nothing more than opportunity to shew themselves so that it will be the best way to employ our Subjects our Allies all our friends and to raise as many men as possibly we can without taking from such garrisons as shal be necessary in important places so to prevent the insolencies of our enemies and cause that desolation which continually waits upon War to fall rather upon their own than our Territories They aym at Ethiopia wherfore said he addressing himself to Prigmaleon my advise shall be since that Empire receives your Lawes and acknowledgeth your Soveraignty that you depart suddenly with such forces as I will send along with you that you employ all the friends you can make in these parts that you cause your Ports and Frontier Towns to be fortified with all diligence and that you manage your affairs with such discretion that you may be able for a while to withstand the assault of so furâ—ous an Armie In the mean time we will hasten your succour and cut out so much work for these Insolents that perhaps it may prove the last designe they shall ever undertake against us This oppinion meeting with no opposition was equally received of all as the most profitable so every one retyred to consider of his charge Florisel gave out Commissions for the speedy levying of fiftie thousand Horse in Greece sent certain Gentlemen to Don Rogel to Spheramond to the Queen of Alaxtraxerea to Lucondus King of France dispatched his Courriers to Rome to Germanie to Sardinia to great Brittain to Guindaya to the Kings of Dardania of Comogena of the greater Indies of Samothracia of Lydia of Cataya of Poland of Hungary of Moldavia of Ireland of Scotland of Turkey in briefe to all the Princes of his acquaintance intreating them to meet him with their forces at Constantinople as soon as they possibly could He having made all these dispatches and being taught by experience that the wisdome and foresight of men do oftentimes exempt them from eminent dangers he caused Prigmaleon and Fulgoran to depart in a small Fly-boat which cost the fair Polixena his Wife many a tear who was forced to stay behind him and four dayes after he sent the valiant Esquilan of Poland in whose vertue he was most confident with him the two Cenophales Rosanel of Astrea who was then in the Court with the fair English Lady his Wife â—lorian Tristor Perionaf Turkie Quadragant Agrian of Scotland Abies of Ireland Dordanio Florisartus Leonidas of Mesopotamia Armond of Bohemia â—nd Melford in the head of fiftie thousand Horse commanding them to repaire with all expedition to Saba the chief Citie of Ethiopia and to acknowledge Prigmaleon for their Generall untill such time as he should be there himself in person In the mean space whilest these troups were advancing Prigmaleon and Fulgoran at the Sea had the benefit of afair wind but we seldome arrive at our desires without some crosses for on a sudden the Sea begins to swell and waxeth so rough that the Marriners foreseeing a violent tempest were forced to cast Anchor at the edge of a rock which made the point of a little Island where these two Knights dis-imbarquing themselves to decline the trouble of the Seas advanced into the Land commanding the Pilot to wait their returne The Iland seemed to be very delightfull by reason of the abundance of Trees planted in a handsome order upon the sides of little pleasant hills and shadowing the crystall Rivolets which environed the fruitfull Meadows As they were discoursing of the wonders of God the Creatour of all those things that presented themselves to their view they espyed a beautifull young Lady comming towards them who ever and anon tearing her hair uttered these sad and strange complaints Alas said she must the fire consume so sweet a face and can a womans rage be the cause of so great a disaster O ye gods let this day produce some
miracle and if ye will preserve me alive deliver this Knight from so cruell a death These words disposed the hearts of the two Princes to a sensibility of compassion so that drawing neere to her Fulgoran spake in this manner Lady may it lye in our power to doe you any service in this so pressing an affliction Yes without doubt replyed she and the pains you take will be most honourably employed in saving from death a most deserving Knight one of the most amiable the eyes of man ever beheld if you please to walk forward I 'le give you the whole relation for I fear if we should make any stay here we should come too late to relieve him This Knight arrived three moneths since in this Iland which is called the deceitfull Iland It was his ill fortune to fall into the hands of Gargaracia a Giantesse none of the largest in the world but the cruellest that ever was for taking pleasure in shedding of mans bloud she continually entertains a multitude of Ruffians in a Castle who either by surprisall or force seiz upon all the Knights that passe this way and cast them into prison from whence she bringeth out som of them once a yeare to facrifice to her Idols This young Gentleman I say being arrived here encountred twelve of her Souldiers which thinking presently to lay hands on him were charged with such an undaunted valour that ten of them being cut in pieces the other two betook themselves to their heeles this Knight pursuing them with too much confidence came at length before the Castle gates of this Gyantesse who making use of me for the better accomplishing of her treasons caused me to descend to appease his anger and to entreat him to take the benefit of the Castle to refresh himfelf in and to be assured that he should not receive the least wrong there His ill fortune enduced him to beleeve me so that he presently followed me in and unarming himself he shewed me so rare a beauty that to say the truth I began a little to feele the power of love which bred in me such an extream sorrow that I had been the means to imprison him within those cruell Walls as at the same instant I had set him at liberty by causing him to retyre if Gargaracia had not then entred with a designe rather to take from him his life than to give him any courteous entertainment but the ravishing charms of his looks overmastering this bloud-thirsty humour she forth-with became passionatly amorous resolving to spare him for the satisfying of her filthy lust and shamelesly embracing him she let him know that her intent was to make him happy by vouchsasing him a part in her own bed At those words the Knight taking a full view of her and seeing her face furrowed with wrincles her eyes sunk into her hed her grisly knotted haires blobberd-lips flat nose accompanied with all the marks of uglinesse could hardly forbear laughter neverthelesse considering that there might be danger in provoking her he made this reply that his faith obliging him to be ever true to the affections of a certain Lady whom hee loved he humbly besought her not to take it ill that he could not embrace the honour she was pleased to offer him How said she in a great rage do you slight me thus knowing that you are now in my power beleeve me you shal repent it at leisure Then laying hands on him she called twenty of her servants to her by whose assistance having fast bound him she cast him to my great grief into a dark Dungeon purposing to infflict daily upon him insufferable torments but her passion of love bearing a greater sway than that of anger she called me to her at break of day telling me that the nights rest had not freed her from those unquiet thoughts whereto the beauty of the young Knight had subjected her she desired me to visit him and to advise him to live in her favour otherwise he must expect no mercy This command suiting with my wishes I presently took a Torch in my hand and went down to the place where I found the Knight bound who perceiving me comming towards him demanded if I brought him the first news of his death to whom I answered that my comming was not to afflict him but to let him know that in my opinion he could doe much better to give way a little to my Ladies passion then to submit himselfe to her cruelty she is preparing said I horrible torments avoyd them I beseech you since you may and be not so cruell to your selfe as to become your own Murderer How replyed he yeeld to the affection of such a Monster Lady if this be the end your discourse ayms at I must needs let you know you loose your labour she thinks to affright me with the threats of punishment and I am resolved to endure them all even to death than in the least measure to satisfie her desires You are then said I either very faithfull or else too wilfull in your opinion Neither the one nor the other answered he for I cannot acknowledge my selfe guilty of any wilfulnesse in refusing the imbraces of an old carkasse the very sight whereof is a terrour to me neither doe I decline them to keep my affections entire to any Mistris my soule as yet being free from subjection to any beauty whatsoever and if I did to her use this diffimulation it was only in hope to escape by that means out of her hands but since that and all other shifts faile me let fortune dispose of me as she pleases You refuse her then said I because she is not beautifull Yes answered he for that only reason but if I should desire to have any interest in her I could wish for my own sake to see her deformities changed into your perfections Vpon these words to acknowledge the truth and my own weaknesse those first sparkes of love which his sight onely had before kindled did so inflame my heart that laying aside the consideration of modesty which ought never to be separated from a young Lady I ran hastily and embraced him promising him withall to deliver him upon any conditions though never so dangerous Then leaving him somewhat comforted with the hope of escaping I went to seeke Gargaracia to whom I reported that the Knight began to speake a more pleasing language and that without doubt her courteous entertaynment would prevaile much more with him than her cruelty wherewith she being not a little satisfied gave me commission to conduct him into a Chamber wherof she her selfe kept the key to whom notwithstanding I had accesse twise a day faining continually some excuse or other by means whereof I enjoyed sweetly the imbraces of this young Knight still keeping Gargaracia in a firm opinion that she should ere long have the full fruition of him so that we led a life full of content and happinesse in the midst of misery But