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
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
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
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
in three peeces and Russian getting up in an extraordinary rage made him beleeve that his death was no further from him then till he received the next blow so that valuing his life more then his honour he shamefully turned his back and not daring to stand the fury of our Christian he ran away through the Court of the Castle at the very same time when as Don Rogel gave one of the Giants his deaths wound and got him into the inchanted Hall as into a place of refuge or sanctuary Russian following him and finding one of the Giants in his way gave him so terrible a blow upon his head that he clave him to the very teeth and suddenly withall entred the Hall where Mandajar was who seeing himself followed so close went up the stairs which led to the throne of love and taking that copper Idoll in his hand he was going to throw it at Russian but was prevented by his sword which divided his body in two The Knight was no sooner fallen with the image in his hand but a terrible clap of thunder was heard which was followed with so thick a smoke as nothing could be discovered a good while after howbeit an hour being past in that darknesse and the day recovering its former brightnesse the place of the throne was seen to be strangely changed for in stead thereof was a fine covered Fountain of the same Marble which the two Arches underneath it were framed which contained a most clear and transparant water whereinto Russian looking beheld the fair Neece of the Emperour of Guardacia just as he saw her at Constantinople at such time as he delivered her from the inchantment in which she was held for Fulgosoâ—â— cause This object ravisht him and that beauty so pleasing to his soule transporting him from the thought of all other contentments he was about to discover his love unto her as if she had indeed been present when aâ— the noyse that a man in Armes comming towards him made awaked him out of this pleasing dream and possessed him with despight and ragâ— to be so interrupted Rash and presumptuâ—â—â— said he looking up and not knowing that it was the Emperour his father why come you to trouble my delight and to divert me from the greatest pleasure that a 〈◊〉 may meet with in his life As I live I will chastice you for this insolence and you shall pay me interest for the content you have deprived me off Don Rogel who knew him by his Arms could not forbear laughing and answered You have no reason to threaten me for you shall never finde a Knight more ready to do you pleasure then my selfe These are excuses said Russian which wil hardly serve your turn and to think of satisfying me with words is to deceive your self you must therefore provide for your defence Nay said Don Rogel I had rather yeeld you the victory presently for there is no reason I should take away that life which I have given you or that you should bereave me of mine from whom you hold yours Your words replied Russian do amaze me for either you are the Emperour Don Rogel and my Lord or I understand you not It is true said Don Rogel lifting up his Bever that I am your father brought hither by the strangest accident in the world and infinitely pleased with the honour which you have gained by the ruine of these inchantments But pray tell me what delight was that from which I hindred you Your eyes my Lord said Russian after he had modestly excused himselfe upon his ignorance will better inform you then my words If you please to look into this fountain which was set heer in the time of the mist perhaps you will have cause to say with me that it is one of the rarest wonders that may be seen Don Rogel then more curious then before went presently up the steps and looking into the water he beheld the fair Emperesse of Persia his wife who with a sad countenance declared that his absence was not little grievous to her that loved him so truly Fair-Mistris said he then it is not without extream sorrow that I am thus esloigned from you But alas I am compelled to it by the necessity of occasions that will not suffer me to enjoy the happinesse of your presence as your felicity seems to depend on mine Comfort your self I beseech you for a time the common Father of all things will render us that contentment and our delights will be the more pleasing after the displeasure of so long an absence with that looking down he espied the sword and helmet whereof we have heertofore spoken hanging over the two marble arches he had a desire to prove if those arms were reserved for his glory but perceiving a Damsell comming in with two Lions in a lease he went speedily down to entertain her and to go the neerest way passed under one of the arches where he presently lost the remembrance of all things remaining inchanted without any will to go out but for to combat those which should touch him with their swords Râ—ssian who thought that some new matter of wonder had made him stay there straightway entered under the other as desiring to participate of his fathers good fortune but he was also enchanted in the same sort and finding a chair there he sat him down withouâ— any thought of his Agriclea As soon as these two Princes were thus arrested the Damsell fâ—stening two iron chains unto two buckles that appeared at the ends of that frame and struck the Lions with a rod she had in her hand which done the fountain seated upon four iron wheels began to move with the drawing of the Lions who were no sooner out of the Castle but the whole building sunk into the earth the Damsell being left in a corniche of the frame with the rains in her hand and the coffer which the savages had brought in between the two arches but so close shut that no body could possibly come to see what was within it CHAP. XXIX That which befell Esquilan of Poland and Perion of Turkie going in quest of Den Rogel THE Gentlemen that accompanied Don Rogel on hunting having made a thousand turns in the wood without hearing any news of him determined to return to the City beleeving that they should finde him there but when they came thither and found him not they advertised Don Florisel of his losse who was very much grieved thereat and would certainly have gone himself the same day to seek him had he not counted it an unpardonable fault to have left his Empire and his people to the mercy of their enemies whose comming he every howr expected having had intelligence that they were at sea and might with a fair wind be quickly there Determining therefore not to stir he called Esquilan and Perion to him commanded them to get to horse and to seek Don Rogel four dayes with a charge that if in that time
not contribute to mine own safety answered she Will my presence avail this Knight say you It is most just that I give him this small satisfaction seeing he contemns his own life to save mine let us go then when you please but with this assurance that for everv drop of bloud his enemies sword shall draw from him so many tears shall I shed so being attended by certain Ladies she appeared upon the walls just at the time when Rozalmond being come to Fulmigadan said unto him Knight it is time for you to say that Armazia is too fair to fall into the power of a man so ill made as your self she hath sent me hither to free you of the error you are in that she may one day affect you howsoever her father hath been constrained by fear to promise the contrary but thinking that these words would not be very pleasing unto you I am come provided to answer you other wayes What do I hear said Fulmigadan in wonderfull fury doth Armazia disdain the honour of my favour and do I see my self defied by one man alone O ye Gods How will I be revenged on her and you for this affront but thou insolent Knight shalt begin the dance for bringing me so harsh a message Saying so he unsheathed a long and heavie Scimiter wherewithall he struck at Rozalmonds head but he observing his action threw away his lance and laying his hand suddenly on his sword opposed his left arm to the fury of the blow which was so great that it made him bow to the crupper of his horse with extreme pain but he presently setled himself again and desiring to be revenged he struck him with such fury that the Pagan receiving the blow upon his shield thought he had been under the ruines of a tower overthrown by lightning and indeed he so astonished him that had it not been for his horse that carried him away Rozalmond who had his sword aloft might easily have vanquished and slain him This first blow amazing Armazia inflamed her with the love of this Knight and mâ—de her wish that his enemy might never come to himself again but seeing him re-settle himself in his saddle and with a world of madnesse make head against his adversary that pursued him her bloud congealed in her vains with the apprehension of so mortall a blow as the inâ—initenesse of his choler did threaten â—nd in truth the rage of the Pagan was such that Rozalmonda arms though the best of the world could not have resisted the fury of the blow but lightly avoiding it and making use of the opportunity he charged full upon the body of Fulmigadan which he opened and gave passage to his bloud to issue forth in great abundance Thus the battell waxing every minute hotter and hotter the ground was strewed with pieces of their armor the grasse was died with their bloud the skie enlightened with the fire which sparkled from their helmets and the encounter of their swords If the force of Fulmlgadan seemed monstrous no lesse admirable appeared the addresse of his adversary both in abating and shifting his blows briefly this combat brought a generall astonishment and every one expected the end of it by some dreadfull blow In the mean time the two combatants charged one another with extream fury and taking no time to breathe so quick were their strokes that their swords were neverseen but in the air or on their armour Fulmigadan far more enraged then can be exprest and striking with passion and not with judgement railed against heaven and earth for producing a man so puissant and couragious as to be able to withstand his force that made the whole world to shake and seeing that four hours were already spent since the combat first began and yet had gotten no advantage of his enemy he gave such desperate blows that made Rozalmond amazed at his fury but being no lesse incensed to see that in the beginning of his arms the victory was so long disputed in the presence and for the preservation of Armazia to whom his soul was so far ingaged he resolved either to die or suddenly to vanquish clasping his sword then fast in his hand he began to presse the Pagan with such terrible blows that his forces seemed to increase with his travell whereat Fulmigadan was so transported with rage that he took his Scimiter in both his hands and discharged it so furiously upon Rozalmonds helmet as it made him fall backward upon the crupper of his horse casting out great quantity of bloud at his mouth and nose whereupon every one thought him to be dead and the Emperour commanded his Knights to assail his enemy who seemed to be all covered over with bloud and dust but even as the troops were about to march they beheld Rozalmond raise himself up and make towards Fulmigadan with such horrible fury that he who contemned the dreadfull thunder of the Gods began to fear seeing him arrive with so much rage and indeed the blow which he discharged on his head was such that it cleaved him down to the very shoulders overthrowing him stark dead to the ground This victory thus generously obtained brought a world of contentment to the Emperor but much more to the beautifull Armazia who not able to contain her joy so published the praises of this Knight as if she had neither voice nor speech but for his glory howbeit every one thinking that she did it in regard of the interest which she had in the death of Fulmigadan it was not supposed that her love made her speak in that maner but she could not possibly contain her self in the excesse of her passion for seeing Rozalmond come with some wounds upon him she made it appear that she would be partaker of his pain and not enduring to stay till the Emperour had entertained and caressed him she went and with an amorous countenance asked of him whether his wounds were dangerous Madam answered he I am not so ill but that if I were to begin another combat for your service I would most gladly undertake it The Gods said she forbid such another accident you have done so much this day that your name shall never die in this Empire so long as the world doth last but I fear I shall abuse your patience if I do not permit your wounds to be visited wherefore I will leave you having first entreated you to make use of all things heer as if you were in your own house the obligation wherein we stand ingaged unto you gives you this power and commands me to seek out the means to shew my self acknowleding in particular which assure your self I will do in the mean time have regard to your health so with most amourous looks she departed leaving him more contented with the care she had of him then with a Monarchie The Emperours Chyrurgeons being arrived would have dressed his wounds but Cassandra desiring them to leave that unto her she caused
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
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
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
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
found the means to fasten a blow with the flat of his sword full upon the body of one of them wherewith being overthrown she reassumed her former shape and so did the other not long after who abandoning her horrible figure took the form of Orestia again at which our Warriour very much rejoycing advanced to the Tower and with the pummell of his sword he knocked the Christall with such force as it brake into a thousand peices making so great and dreadfull a noyse that the Iland being covered over with a thick Fog shaked for two hours together at the end whereof the Sunne receiving its former light neither the christall Tower the Lovers nor the ship wherein Rozalmond came were to be seen only a Pillar appeared in the midst of the place upon which Rozalmond read this inscribed Vrganda to the Emperour of Martaria GReat Monarch wonder not if thy daughters destined to the Princes of Greece follow the way of their glory thou shalt one day goe and find them in Corolandaya whither now I conduct them for to have thy share in the contentment of their Nuptials and to bow after their example before unknown Altars Well Sir said Rozalmond did not I tell you that Heaven had taken the defence of these Knights in hand and that therefore you should not wish their destruction It hath miraculously delivered them from your power that they might not be subjected to your displeasure will you still persist then in opposing the ordinances thereof and not consider that they are your children which fly from you that they may not leave you the regret for having followed rather the motions of a Tyrant then a Father Without doubt answered the Emperour and caressing him as if he had been his Sonne your reasons are such as I am resolved to yeeld unto them but let me intreat you to stay and refresh your felfe here a while with me and withall to let me know who you are Sir replyed Rozalmond I have such important affairs as I may not well sojourn here above a day at the most yet to obey you I will make it up two and to testifie unto you how much I glory in the honour of your favour I will tell you that which for some particular reasons I would otherwise conceale from all the world and will freely confesse unto you that I am Rozalmond of Greece sonne unto Spheramond Emperour of Parthia and very neer of kin to those Princes whom I desire you to call your children Noble friend said the Emperour embracing him a new I am more contend with this incounter of you than with the acquisition of a Monarchy I am not ignorant of the glory your Fathers have gotten in the world and yet I am perswaded that you surpasse them far in valour wherefore I shall make a dear account of the honour of your alliance so that with all my heart I forgive my daughters and will goe into Corolandaya since they are to be there in assurance whereof you shall see during the two dayes which you promise to abide here what Bonfires I will cause to be made in Cardana for joy of their mariages which at their return shall be renewed all over my Empire Whereupon he returned to the Citie with Rozalmond who was entertayned there with a world of magnificense and tryumph In the mean time Amadis Floridan and Lucibel were sayling on the Sea so infinitly satisfied with the free enjoying of their Mistresses as they past away eleven dayes insensibly at the end whereof they arrived in Corolandaya where the marvellous inchantment of the Queen having arrested them they resolved to prove the adventure and accordingly Lucibel and Floridan having been after a long and dangerous combat vanquished by Gorgophon more by the advantage of an armour and shield which Diabolion the Inchanter had given him as to one that he held to be the firmest Pillar of Paganism Amadis putting on his good arms and presenting himselfe in the place ran against the Gyant with such force that incountring in the midst of the course they were both of them carried so rudely to the earth as they remayned a pretty while astonished neverthelesse indignation having raysed both with equall fury they drew out their swords wherwith they began so cruelly to cut one another that in a moment the ground was all strewed with peices of their armour Gorgophon who thought there was not a man in the world able to resist the fury of his Curtelas discharged most dreadfull blows but our Warriour knew so well how to decline them and to make him such sharpe returns that the combat became most terrible their arms were al dyed red with blood and as often as their weapons were in the ayr every one looked to see their heads thundred in peices Gorgophon beheld Armazia Amadis cast his eye on his Palmirenna wherewith they were so animated that the horrible effects of their rage drew pitty from all the assistants Four hours being past since the beginning of the combat Gorgophon enraged for that he had no advantage of his enemy took his Fauchion in both his hands and advancing it he let it descend with such violence on Amadis his shield as dividing it in two it opened his arm that sustayned it and forced him to set his knees to the ground which so incensed our Knight that rising up in a mighty chafe he discharged such a stroke on his Helmet as made a wound two fingers deep in his head and constrayned him withall to stagger in that sort as he had much 〈◊〉 keep himselfe from falâ—ing but being 〈…〉 by shame 〈…〉 the fight with such honour that caused all the Spectators to tremble In 〈…〉 of them possessed with equall fury after six hours 〈◊〉 and without taking of breath they 〈◊〉 their sword◠〈◊〉 in their hands and at one 〈◊〉 discharging upon each other with most strange force Gorgophon with the violence of the blow fell down backward from his 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 quite deprived of all sense and his casque so full of blood that 〈◊〉 he had been 〈◊〉 had not the Gyant his companion spâ—â—dily 〈◊〉 him on the other side Amadis not able to support the fury of that which he had received dropt presently after to the earth in like manner with so little appearance of 〈◊〉 that Palmirenna teaâ—ing her hayâ— began â—o 〈◊〉 his death but his Helmet being suddenly opened hee came straight-way to himselfe agaiâ—e and was carried to the Marquis of Beltâ—â—â—â—'s house where the Chyrurgions having found his wouâ—ds to be very dangerous promiâ—â—d notwithstanding to cure him in a moneth and Gorgophon in six weeks CHAP. XXIX Rozalmond 〈◊〉 with Trasiclea leads 〈◊〉 Alcidamants 〈◊〉 her regrets upon his arms their 〈◊〉 and Reconciliation Rozalmond having been three days in Cardana most magnificently honoured and entertayned departed with infinit discontent to the Emperour who to testifie the esteem he made of him conducted him in person to the port where with many
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