in single combat maintaine ech against other our fortunes these articles agreed vnto That if I be vanquished all paynim countries shall do thée homage and Charles with many other prisoners shal be restored but if I vanquish thée that then thou shalt fall downe and adore Mahomet Pagan qd Meruin I sâ—e thine infinite pride yet am I willing to performe thy will but this withall added that thou send for Charles and the other Christian prisoners to behold the combat and I le oppose to them Mathaburna whom thou so much desirest It shal be done qd Barant and then sounded a generall retrait ech armie returning to their tents Yet vnderstand that of the 200000 pagans which were at the beginning of the battell there was now but 7000 and the christians that were 100000 now were but 24000 all the rest or the most of them slaine by the sword of Barant CHAP. XXIII 1 Of the single combat betwixt Meruine and Barant and of the death of Barant 2 The deliuery of Charls and the other Christians and the ouerthrow of the Pagans NOw were the Christians retired and the pagans also to whom Barant reported his conclusion with Meruine and therefore disarmed himselfe commaunding new armes to be prouided for him Meruine on the other part did the same When Barant was newly armed again to his liking he mounted vpon his horse took a launce into his hand and marched vnto the lists and with him Charls and thother prisoneâ—s as Meruine had desired who by this time mounted on Passant with a lance in his hand bringing Mathaburna on a palfrey trapt in gold came also into the lists There found he Barant to whom he saide See Barant this is the beauty of my life for her sake this day shall thy fortune or mine be buried Thou art a foole quoth Barant for were there ten such as thy â—elfe they could not be my conquerors Barant said Meruine let thy sword be thine Orator for in despite of thée I giue thée a shameful deâ—â—ance This said they retired either from other and charging their lances met with a fearefull incounter Barant breaking his staffe and doing no further mischiefe but Meruine assailed him so couragiously that piercing his shield through he ouerthrew Barant to the ground greatly astonished with the stroke yet notwithstanding in a veryie moment he raised himselfe againe and vowed by Mahomet that if he could but fasten hand on Merâ—ine hee would make him for euer charging staffe againe When Meruine had perfourmed his course and was returned he â—â—ied Barant either pay me for the lodging thou hast taken possession of or by the holy virgin I le haue thy head for a gage When Barant saw he made a ieast of him heâ— drew Entrant giuing Meruine such a blow on his shield that cleaâ—ing it in the middest he pierced his currats and wounded him in the body but yet to little or no purpose Meruine at the first drawing knew the sword and said I pray thée Barant tell me how thou gotst that sword By Mahomet quoth he the master of my fortune and he who will giue me conquest ouer thée I meane the powerfull spirite Mutafier that hath calculated my starres and assured me that no man shal be able to ouercome me but he who neuer tasted womans milke t was euen he that gaue it to mee and assured me at that time moreouer that the knight that owed it should neuer be deliuered from a hellish prison where he was in durance Barant Barant qd Meruine seest thou this Mace that hangeth by my saddle assure thee in despite of thy master Mutafier it shall strike thy life from thy body except thou wilt renounce Mahomet and then thy peace and my loue shall ioyne together Barant madded with his words tooke the yron ends of his launce and swore to Meruine if he would not descend he would kill his horse vnder him Then Meruine alighted and sware that his dissention should cost him deare â—re they parted Passant bowing his knees to the earth that his lord might alight the more easily Now stood they one against the other like two angry lions continuing a dismall and vnconstant battell no man being able to iudge which way Uictory was affected in the end they closed together and ouerthrew ech other tumbling and striuing til the day was shut vp by the euening and the darke night appeared at what time Barant requested Meruine to deferre the ending of the combat til the next morning to which the prince agréed because that by the meanes of Mutafier that then dwelt in the pagans body he was much ouertoiled When ech army was returned to their tents in the dead of night Barant askt the reason of Mutafier why he could not that day vanquish Meruine O Barant saide the diuell be not offended for he is the most valiant wise resolute and fortunate champion of the world and know if it had not bin for me this day he had many times slaine thée therefore I charge thee that to morrow thou hold with him neither faith nor loyaltie but by any treason whatsoeuer seeke his destruction otherwise is he neuer to be vanquished and with all the power I am able assure thy selfe of mine assistance At these wordes the diuell entred againe into the pagan and the night hauing her discharge the cleare day appeared when according to his former order he came into the field and armed with Mutafiers promises called out Meruine who sumptuously appointed entred the listes then they charged their lances and incountred each other piercing their shields and breaking their staues vpon their curaces and that with such fâ—riâ— that they were both ouerthrowne to the ground Passant féeling himselfe deliuered of his master went first to Barants horse and strangled him and then to Barants selfe whom also he had strangled if Mutafier in a fearefull shape had not shewed him selfe vnto him and made the horse fearfully flie away By this time Meruine had stricken Barant to the ground but in a trice he arose and made requitall of his sorrow giuing Meruine such a blowe with Entrant the good sword that passing through the helmet it gaue him a sore wound and made both his knees to kisse the earth but when he recouered himselfe he ranne and closed with Barant and by maine power ouerthrew him and in the fal laid hold on Entrant which he recouered from the pagan then rising the pagan took from him his â—ace and then began a new battell till at last Meruine gathering all his forces together and turning Entrant aloft stroke Barant such a blow as in despite of all resistance he claue his head 2 Then fell Barant downe dead in whom the Diuell challenged possession and then the Christians assailed the Pagans whom in an instant they ouerthrew 4000. being willing to receiue baptisme no sooner were the pagans vanquished but Meruine gaue all that they possessed amongest his souldiers whilest in the meane space Charles went to
supper they went to rest till the flight of birds gaue assurance of the sunnes presence and told them it was morning then arose Croisant causing the lists to be prepared and 200. horsemen to gard it in the midst whereof a stake was set vp at which his wife should be burned if Meruine failed in the conflict Then arose Meruine and armed him selfe with all the royall accomplements his soule desired and being at al pieces furnisht he caused Morbon to be sadled and couerd al ouer with a costly barb on whom he leapt and though Morbon for strength among horses was onely excelling yet his chine bended with the weight of the yongling Then demaunded Meruine his helmet which Croisant deliuerd him and withall a mighty launce strong and till then vntaught to skirmish Meruine thus sate like a second Mars or an excelling Perseus he made a solemne and religious vow to Mahomet euer after that to be so and in such maner and neuer more to vse or inherite the trade or name of a Marchant for qd he that trade abaseth an honorable disposition and brings slander to the sword and lance which euer should be adored Now was Brohars who before ye heard to be imprisoned infranchised and set at liberty immediatly causing his attendants to arme him whilst his thoghts expostulated with feare his soule holding argument with doubtfulnes yet was he an vnmatchable knight for valure onely treason the impoisoner of vertue hauing got habitation began to staine resolution Yet the story saith that this Brohars was brother to Geffray whom Karahew slue in the battel before the wals of Babilon as is written in the history of Oger the father of Meruiue But in no pagan court durst Karahew euer after meet with Brohars as well for feare of his fortitude as for a generall hate conceiued agenst him for offring to haue forced Rabions wife the son of Antifer But that which giues Brohars the greatest title of dignity and maketh all men feare to incounter him in combat is for that he hath fought xiiij-fields all with the sword and preuaild which euer after made him so fierce and proud of his fortune that he held himselfe altogether inuincible as if by a parliament of the gods he alone were deified Now was brought to him to mount vpon a mare of his owne which was damme to the good stéed Marcheuall which Oger lost vpon the sea her colour was not black but blackish 〈◊〉 he got her of Baucamont king of Damas and she was 〈◊〉 and made ready for the warres to go assaile Mermont in his city of Monâ—ment thence to win the faire princely virgin Berea whom Mermont had denied in mariage This mare which was brought Brohars was called Mordant fiery and couragious one qualitie of crueltie she had which was that no horse how strong or violent soeâ—er but she would instantly strangle if there weâ—e not a more than vâ—uall regard had to hir manner of fighting Brohars won her in an honorable combat and being mounted thereon he took his target and hanged it before his breast fasâ—ned a battle ax to his saddle poâ—ell griped in his strong arme a mighty lance thus accoutred he paced towâ—rds the field where Meruin attended his comming Croisant stil inuironed with ielousie and reuenge had now fasâ—ned Basina to the stake her executioners garding her with fire ready so assaile the wood so soone as Meruine should be ouerthrowne By this time was Brohars entred into the lists on whom when Meruine had fixed his eies and saw the portly maiesty of the princely beast that â—ore him I meane Mordant that gallant mare he fell mightily in loue with her and tooke a vow in his owne soule neuer againe to estéeme him selfe if that dayes conquest made him not true possessor of so highly to be estéemed treasure Now the time sommoning an end to these great deuoires a herald entred the lists after a solemne warning giuen by the sound of trumpets he pronounced this charge Lords and Knights belonging to the noble lord Croisant I straitly charge and command you vpon paine of death not to speak any word til the combat be fully ended and further vpon the foresaid paine I charge that none of what estate or conditioÌ„ soeuer do either assist resist impugne or deliuer either by signe or actioÌ„ any of the combaâ—ants but râ—â—er the triall of their truths to fortune valure and their swords At these words the whole assemblie of infinites silent and then the Herauld departed Then enâ—ered Croisant to the Champions and first spake in this manner to Brohars by all the allegeance thou owest to thy earths soueraigne by thy faith to Mahomet thy hope of coÌ„quest thy spirits redemption I charge thée â—elme whether all thine assextâ—on and accusation auowed against this lady Basina my wife be trâ—e I or no. Noble Croisant answered Brohars all is true by Iupiter I sweare and this day shalt thou see that trueth glorious by my conquest Meruine hearing him so obstinat desired Croisant to desist froÌ„ further speach for said he it is more then time the tâ—aitour had made his new reâ—antation Knights sayd Croisant begin at your pleasures and this day let trueth preuaile 2 So departed he the lists and the two combatants putting downe their beauers departed either from other a good distance to adde more violences to their courses and Basina with a more then speaking heart for feare had bound her lips to silence cried vpon Mahomet to guard her champion and confound the false confounder of her honour Now were they farre enough asunder when turning their 〈◊〉 and couching their launces they ranne against â—ch other with such swiftnesse that they ouerran the windes which ouerrun all other mouing creatures but in the shoâ—k when their launces felt honors seales vpoÌ„ their curats Meruin stroke Brohars so hard worthy a better name then that by which force is intituled that he tumbled him from the back of his good mare to the ground on the other part he likewise assailed Meruine so couragiously that both horse man equally kist the earth together but Meruine being quicke nimble and neuer more quicke then in the quicknesse of extremity quickly gate vp vnamazed But Brohars astonished with falling from a beast so hie and loftie arose thâ—ugh not so well yet as wel as he coâ—ld and drawing his â—word came to assault Meruin who cried vnâ—o him Traitor this deede this day shall make thee acte a sory tragedie Brohars enuiously angry at these words of Meruin strake at him with almost a more then diuine courage but he perceiuing the blowe retired a little and tooke it vpon his target yet it came from so violent an arme that it claue it downe to the ground cuâ—ting withal the spur from his right foot and the sword vnsatiâ—fied entred into the ground more then afoote and a halfe whose greedines to conquere hindred his conquering for hee could not recouer it againe but
an occasion 2 Thus after their interâ—ourse of speach they remayned at Montesteur vntil the next morning so from thence they rode to Brandis to the house of Minea wher she feasted them so roâ—ally as either treasure or friendship could any way purchase but after they were all disarmed and had pleasantly recreated themselues one with anothers excellencies on the sudden they heard one knocking at the gate wherupon Minea commaunded the Porter to goe see who knocked and to giue them enterance A way went the Porter and demanding the occasion of the noyse they bade him open the gates which he had no sooner done but there rushed in 14. knights all well armed of whom the nephew of Brandis named Merquier was one thence ascending into the hall they beheld where Meruine was playing at the cardes with Croisant on whoÌ„ instantly they seiâ—ed whilst he by force thinking to purchase his deliuerie found that force by their preuention surprised When Minea beheld this more then cruell occurrent she cried to Merquier and sayd yoong lord for Mahomets sake and the loue of vertue forbeare and suffer this excellent creature till to morrow at what time by thallegeance my soule oweth to heauen I will deliuer him to the Counte thy renowmed vnkle Lady replied Merquier pardon me for I wil not bicauâ—e if he passe this houre it is impossible tappeâ—se the kinred of them whom he hath slaine Sixe hath he sent to communicate with the dead therefore he may not liueâ—vnlesse hee can as none can find any means to recoueâ— the dead To make a short tale of a tedious astonishment this answer brought the lady to her wits end Sorrow desisting to counsell her in her disputation and notwithstanding all the force Meruine applied for his owne deliuerie he was taken by them bound carried to a stroÌ„g castle fetâ—redin an iron chaine and safely imprisoned all as vnpleasant to him as vnpittied of his enemies both without bound 3 Being thus all alone hauing no companions but anger his harmes grieued began thus to châ—â—e himselfe against reason improuident man said he how much better had it bin had I trusted Tirus my brother then mine own thoughts for then refusing the battel I had diuorced my selfe from this mischance which too vnluckily laies hold on me but he that impugns vertuous counsel with wilfulnes shall be beaten with repentaÌ„ce and haue no pity but his own tears Thus spake imprisoned Meruine while Tirus Iacob and thother merchants desperate to wish him any other good than goodnes in his death prepared them to depart about the effecting of their foren busines They calling Minea said Ladie we are sory for this disastrous misfortune which is chanced to imprisoned Meruine yet the importance of our businesse commands our departure for the mart at Boniuant approching so neare if we should thence be absent would highly redound to our losses she answered them againe Gentlemen depart at your best pleasures and for all your care of Meruine bestow it on my thoughts which shall so busie themselues in that action that before youâ— returne I doubt not but purchase his liberty so that he shall accompany you home to your country To be briefe her spéeches so much satisfied them that the next morning they tooke their iourney towards Boniuant in which trauel we wil for a while leaue them and speake alittle of the great king Baucamont who calling Pimon a noble gentleman of his Court to him gaue him letters to carry to his two nephews that is to say to Brandis in Eâ—clardia and to Antifer in Tartaria which contained hie matter of intreaty in theÌ„ to th end they shold aid him against the mighty king Meurmont of MontmeÌ„t who in despite had refused to bestow on him the beautifull Berea his daughter in marriage The seruiceable gallant soone effected the will of the king his master and the two kings instantly vâ—on thintreaty mustred so many of their men as were able to bâ—are armor and came to Damascus where they were royally entertained and among their discoursings Beaucamont discouered all the indignities conceiued against Meurmont first the deniall of his daughter then the disdaine of his embassade and lastly his threats of death to Pimon whom he estéemed euery way worthie of so great an imployment the very encountring whereof so imprisoned his thoughts with such furie that he sware by all the hie titles a king adoreth not to leaue him a foote of earth in the world to be ruler of if with penance he askt not mercie for his misdoing they two ayding him whom hee knew and euer estéemed inuincible with others They quickely bound their consents to his impatience and so foorthwith caused all their nauies to be rigged and thight in most royall manner which in short space they committed to the mercie of the mercifull â—â—ood hoysting vp their sailes and sailing with a prosperous gale for many nights and dayes til in the end Fortune who euer will shew the nature of her condition â—â—ost them with a mighty storme which was more then grieuously troublesome vnto them And to the fauour of that same we wil leaue them for a while and returne to poore imprisoned Meruine whom Minea Croysant with their neuer ceasing petitions bribes vowes and protestations had by this time deliuered at the instant of whose inlargement Tirus Iacob thother marchants made their returne from Boniuant and came directly to the house of Minea who entertained theÌ„ most kindly yet told them with a seeming countenaunce of sorow that by no meanes they could haue Meruin backe with them because he was adiudged sixe yeeres imprisonment and till the end thereof no releasement and from thence forth an eternal banishment for euer from that countrey This said she is the agréement we haue made with the parties which pursue him and proud we are we haue agréed vnder the price of his most precious life Wherfore perswade reuerent Barbin his father to expell griefe for his absence assuring him my care shall excâ—ede if possible the care of a naturall mother and my purse shal be lauishly open to defray all the costs charges and hinderances of Merâ—ine from his arâ—â—es and the famous Mordant his excellent beast I will preserue them for him as trophies wonne by diuine honour Madam said Iacob the musicke of your â—â—ordes become well the vertues of your mind wherefore as reason bindeth vs we are satisfied To morâ—ow before the sunne shall blesse the bosome of th earth we will begin our iorney onely with this request that we may see and salute Meruine before our departure The heauens forbid said Tyrus Fie Iacob thy speaches are too neare a kinne to thy old follies for it will proue no salutation but a prouocation to our owne deaths sithence thereby suspect may make vs parties to his actions This speach of Tirus made Iacob condemne himselfe of alittle improuidence so they rested with Minea for that night and earely
princes and for your exploit assure your selfe it is more full of honors than midnight of stars After this was said Marrant and Calix went to their bed-chambers and the heart-consuming carefull Berea rose from her blacke lodging déeply vowing that this damnable practise should be declared to the king hir father and so she went vnto her owne chamber where the Fairy Gratiana attended her comming and when the Fairy beheld her she said Madame your lookes are gastly and dispairefull how fareth your Ladieship or where haue you bin At that demaund Berea with a sad countenance reported from point to point all the treason committed against hor Meruine and with such féeling protestations that all her amazement flew to Grariana and she looked with a greater terrour At length gathering her sences together she said It behoueth vs madame to be wise how we manage this mischieuous action By heauen said Berea I will tell it to the king my father Not for a kingdom quoth Gratiana for so may you draw your selfe in danger 2 Rather let vs accuse false Calix and lay the treason on his shoulders but because we will not be vncircumspect let vs go to the vertuous Drohes take his counsell to which they agréed and so came into the chamber of Drohes who had lien long sick of a burning feuer whom when he beheld he knightly saluted and demanded what occasion they had that so late an houre brought them from their rest Berea without circumstance in plaine but pittifull speaches denounced vnto him both the reason and the treason which when he heard his manly heart was mad at the misaduenture for Meruine was as deare to him as his soules safety Yet with a staid countenance he said Lady banish al feare for to morrow I will not faile but before the king I wil call Calix to account for the treason and euen so God deliuer me from my extreame malady as I will without dissimulation shew the true loue I beare vnto the princely Meruine Thanks good Drohes said Berea and so departed to hir bed but no rest could draw the motions of her sunny eies but al night she wept and lamented for the losss of hir only beloued Meruine As soone as the morning had thrust his forehead ouer the moâ—â—taines Drohes in whom could slumber no forget fulnesse arose with a lâ—on-like resolution to combat against Calix and make him confesse his treason but alas he had lien vij wéeks sick of a fierie ague through want of food was now weak and feebâ—e now God be his guide for his attempt is dangerous When Drohes was ready he went into the great hâ—ll where he found K. Mâ—rmont Iacob the Marchant and Barbin incoâ—inently when Drohes saw the king he said King of Montment iustly maiest thou be accounted vnwise and traiterous to thine owne maiestie when thou sufferest the death of the most wise and valiantest creature of the world who had done thée so great honour and proâ—ite as to the like may nothing be compaâ—ed whose sword twise in one day hath ransomed thee from thine enemies and whose prowesse hath deiluered captiue to thee the kings of the greatest nations Alas how little right or lawe is backe repaied him when he is traiterously murdered It is Meruine of whom I speake he in whom valure is proude to haue an habtiation he that took Baucamont and Antifer who yet are thy prisoners Whâ—n Mermont beheld with what a setled and displeased countâ—nance of discontentment Drohes spake he said I pray thée desist thy speach for there is neither king nor prince vnder the cope of heauen who shall wrong the gentle Meruine but I le die or worke a mighty reuengement Yea said Drohes these speaches are of royall value know then he is in your house that hath murdred Meruin in the forest where yesterday you hunted name him said the king t is Calix said Drohes At that word the King changed his colour and calling before him a Sergeant at armes commaunding him to take a band of souldiers with him and fetch Calix before him which immediately was done the rumor whereof astonished Marant who went after to behold the occurrents 3 No sooner approched Calix before the king but Drohes said Traitor thou euen thy false selfe who hast murdred renowned Meruine in the woords which if thou deniest my sword shall make thée confesse with repentance before this day be fully vanisht in signe whereof there is my gage which I pawne to prooue all my assertion truer than thy religion When Calix heard him he beganne to waxe pale bowing his head to his breast without speaking any word which the king perceiuing he said false traitor why takest thou not the gage which he offereth by the saith I beare vnto Mahomet if thou be guilty all the golde in the world shall not ransome thée from a shameful death I refuse it not qd Calix and then lifting aloft his head took vp his gage Marant séeing what had passed aduising himselfe said to the king Now your maiesty must assigne vs a day of combate to the end we may assemble our friends and kinred together to behold the combate and my selfe will be pledge for the fealtie of Calix my kinsman By Mahomet saith the king I vnderstand not your intention but as I am king of this region I will not eate till I sée an end of this dissention Then forthwith was Calix commaunded to be armed and Iacob carried Drohes to the chamber of Berea who gaue him the most excellentest wines and rarest conserues that time or experience had found out of all which he tasted with good appetite making himselfe strong and lusty Then was he armed in euery péece according to his owne liking and when he was readily prepared he mounted on his horse Marcheuall which sometimes was belonging to the famous duke Oger then taking a launce in his hand trotted in stately maner into the great court ioyning on the castle of Turgon which the king had then caused to be prepared for that dreadfull battell a world of gallant cheualiers attended Drohes into the lists And a short space after Marant brought Calix whom he ernestly besought that if he were discomfited yet that he would not accuse him and he would quickely procure his peace with the king Calix agréed giuing his faith thereunto and entred the field where Drohes attended him whose bodiâ— though sickenes had made weake yet his courage as inuincible was most mighty albeit he knew Calix to be renowmed for faith of chiâ—alrie When both the combatants were in a readines the king said Champions stand forth for I will that the occasion of this battell be published vnto euery one say therfore Drohes of what thou accusest him I say qd Drohes and what I say this sword and arme shal witnes to be true that this traitor Calik here present hath murdred Meruine in the forest where your highnes yesterday hunted as I will proue vpon his body before it be
night It is a false he said Calix I neuer had thought of so monstrous treason in signe whereof I defie thee and craue no other redéemer than this hand and the combat This said retiring themselues the trumpets sounded and they putting spurs to their horses charged ech other Calix valiantly assailed Drohes breaking his launce into manie shiuers but Drohes answerd him with so strong a counterbuffe that he threw him to the ground backeward but in a moment be rose againe and drawing his sword saide to him Traitor if thou dismountest not thy selfe I will kill thy horse at that word Drohes alighted with his sword charged Calix so mightily that had not his weapon turnd it had bin the first last of the battel yet for all this ill hap it fell with so huge a power as hewing away his pouldrons laces it pierced his flesh so far as the traitor shrunke Then said Drohes villaine ere thou and I depart I will make thée dance before the K. a Morisco galliard Calix as much ashamed at the contempt as grieued with the blow rushed vpon Drohes and strucke him with so manly a puissance as th earth and flowers thereon trembled and withall the sword glauncing downe cutte away one of Drohes spurs and alittle of the flesh with it insomuch that he wanted litle of falling ouer and ouer and let no man thinke it anie dishonour considering his weaknes and the long liuing paine of his sicknes Then Drohes lifting his heart to heauen said Swéet Iesus thou diuine sauiour of the world look downe from heauen vpon me and lend strength to my weake arme to vanquish this miscreant sith all the end of my act is to exalt thy diuine Godhead As he was thus speaking Calix strucke him againe with such mercilesse vigor as he turned about and staggerd iij. times in amazement Then said Calix whose pride lifted him higher then his fortune by the allegeance I owe to our great prophet if thou doest not immediately confesse before the king that thou hast accused me falsely of this treason ere the sunnâ— descend from the heauens I will diuorce thy head from thy shoulders Uâ—ilaine qd he I estéem thée not a pin then mounting his sword he smote Calix on the helmet that he fell to the ground yet instantly he rose vp againe but by the glauncing of the blade was cut from his right thigh a piece of flesh enough to haue gorged a cast of Falcons for a whole day Calix made mad with this ill misfortune grasping his sword in both his hands came right against Drohes meaning with that blow to make an end of the combate but Drohes turning himselfe sodainely for the sword came as thunder or lightning wisely slipt aside the sword vnstaied by any interception droue into the ground more than a foot and a halfe and that with such vnusuall violence that by no power he had could it be drawne backe againe Drohes séâ—ing this leapt before Calix and strucke him in such maner that he cut off the arme which then was contending with the sword for mastery the anguish wherof made him fall to the earth But Drohes striking in his falling cut one of his legges off also the â—orment whereof made him cry that the whole assembly heard him When the traiterous Marant saw Calix thus vanquished in a moment he mounted himselfe on horseback and neuer gaue ouer flying till he came into the strong city of Minor that was gouerned by king Butor his father Drohes now séeing there was no power left in Calix to defend himselfe any longer said Traitor this mischiefe hath thy sinne heaped vpon thée know then I wil kil thee in the sight of this assembly if thou confessest not thy treason and the murder of Meruine Now by Mahomet said Calix my thoughts are guiltlesse of his euill at that word Drohes cut off his other arme Then said Calix ha excellent knight Drohes be no more my tormenter but call the king and to him I will report all things touching Meruine Then came the king and with him many barons to heare his confession to whom he told all their committed treason the first complotting the continuing and executing lastly how and in what maner they left him the place where his sword was hidden Then to the king he said My liege lay hands on your kinseman Marrant for it was he alone wrought vs all the mischiefe for which now my heart is inwardly sory When the king had heard all he could say he caused him to be dragged by the strength of horses into the field where he was hanged according vnto the custome of traitors in those countries And thus will we leaue to speake of him and returne to our former matter ¶ CHAP XIX 1 How king Mermont went to the forest to find Meruin 2 The occasion maner of his finding 3 How he brought him to Montment other aduentures AFter the death of the notable traitor Calix Drohes was carried into the chamber of Berea where he disarmed himselfe then calling for the skilfullest of the kings surgeons he had his wounds bound vp drest which with carefull regard were â—péedily healed Now Mermont who was piteously perplexed for the losse of Meruine commanded Iacob Barbin and diuers of his chiefest nobilitie to mount themselues on horsebacke for he would instantly to the forest in quest of Meruine to which they all accorded and being come to the woods they ranged a long time but could not find the fatall place of his abiding 2 But at last Mordant the courageous mare neighed so lowd and with such an vnusuall shrilnes as the K. hearing her said without doubt I heare the cry of Meruines mare in these parts let vs ride towards her with all spéed which doing they found the mare in the midst of the high way but Meruine by no means could their eyes recouer Then halowed the king alowd saying Ha my dearest and best friend Meruine where art thou I pray thée speake if thou be neare me conceale not thy selfe from him who so loueth thée When Meruine heard the king whose voice he knew by the resounding hee turned his head with great paine and said Come hither my lord to this vnhappy trée and behold how I am tormented Then went the king to him whose eies ranne ouer with pitie neither was there any flinty heart so obdurate which would not haue relented to sée Meruine so neare the doore of miserie for he was bound with such straitnesse that his nose gusht out of blood abundantly and his necke his armes and legs were swolne and coloured like a man in leprosie The vertuous King Mermont quickly cut his bands in sunder and Iacob and Barbin held him vp for his legs were not able to sustaine him whereat Barbin wept grieuously But Meruin recompenced him saying Father appease your sorrow for albeit my body be thus tormented yet my mind is so frée froÌ„ bondage that at this instant I could
incounter with xx knights well armed could I find Entrant my good sword which vnmanly the traitors tooke from me Meruine saide the king thou shalt soone haue thy sword and then went to the place where Calix had assignd him and brought Meruine his sword again My gratious liege said Meruin how knew your highnes where my sword was hidden Then reported the king vnto him all the circumstances of Drohes chalenge and victory against Calix To what purpose shall I double my discourse the king forgate not any point of the story Meruine was well contented with the historie and loued Drohes if possible more than he did before 3 Then being mounted on his mare be returned with them in gallant maner to Montment where all the burgesses and rulers of the towne ran foorth to méete him for Meruin was estéemed the patron of peace and highly loued amongst them then was he brought to the pallace where he was most roially receiued of the quéene and more then may bespoken of the beautifull Berea whose ioy to see him aliue like the highest heauen had no circomference yet durst she not proclaime iâ— but oft sighed that vnder clouds she was compelled to containe it Which when he perceiued he smild loued for she was wonderous faire and withall most wise and prudent Of her Meruine begat Orient who was father of the seuen signes of which one had â—o name Elias who begat Ydaim from whom issued Gâ—dfâ—ey of Bullen which conquered Ierusalem as it is written in the famous historie of the same Godfrey Meruine at that instant was of all men most ioyfully receiued and the king commanded his phisitions surgeons carefully to attend who in one moneth thorow their art diligence deliuered him safely recouered for which the king being glad both praised rewarded them After Meruine was healed make no question but he ouerslipt no time or occasion to visit his hearts goddesse Berea who to either other read al the legends of their misfortuns he making her she him a cabinet where they stord vp their chiefest treasures after they deuised of their loues whose last hope and conclusion was chastely to espouse one an other which before they could bring to passe they passed thorow many worlds of greater troubles for Meruine after he was returned to be a Christian he was fiue yéeres detained in Minor prisoner during which season Berea indured infinite mischances being twice enforced for her lifes safetie to renounce the redéemer Christ Iesus yet not by any meanes would she adore Mahomet but what shée did was womans weaknes and her lifes loue for always the true God of heauen was mighty in her memorie as shal be declared hereafter in this history And thus will we a while leaue to speake of them and intreate of an other occurrent ¶ CHAP. XX. 1 Of Pimons embassage from Esclamart to Baucamont touching the 4. sonnes of Gualtier of Denmarke 2 and how the peace was concluded betweene Mermont and Baucamont SOone after Meruine was recouered of his late misfortune as Mermont was sitting at the table with Baucamont and Antifer Pimon the embassador of Baucamont entered into the hall and after humble reuerences performed knéeling vpon his knées thus saluted the kings That Mahomet which gouerneth the vniâ—erse saue and defend the puissant king Baucamont my lord and soâ—eraigne the good king Mermont and Esclamart that hither hath sent me Know then you mightie kings of the most mightiest nations that king Esclamart desires you in the name of Mahomet commands you to knit an eternal peace betwéen you both for the profit of our religion the maintenance of al your kingdoms which if obstinatly you refuse all your dominions are in hazard and Baucamont my soueraigne shal assuredly loose Damascus for the false christians who séeke to confound our great prophet are entred into his confines with sword and fire consuming his territories not spacing infants or taking any paganto mercy that willingly without compulsion falleth not downe and adoreth their God the God of heauen as your maiestie shall more plainly behold by the contents of this letter which king Esclamart by me hath sent you then kissing the letter he deliuered it Baucamont which contained this that ensueth ⧠To the king of Damascus health THrise hie and mightie king of Damascus my soueraigne vnkle sithence these three yeeres that your sacred maiestie hath vnhappily bene detained prisoner I haue not budgde my foote nor remoued from this citie which I haue gouerned and ruled in most peacceable quiet vntill the end of this last moneth at what time the hare-braind sonnes of Gualtier of Denmarke inuaded thy dominions the names whereof ensueth The eldest as it is reported to mee is named Guion the second Bertran whose valure not any creature is able to resist the third Thyerry and the foureh Florion all exiles and banished their countreys wherefore I intreate your excellencie finde some meane to giue an end to your trouble and come home to defend your owne nation and if possible bring some aide for your foes are mightie From Damas Esclamart When Baucamont had read this letter he sayd to Mermont behold king of MontmeÌ„t if this newes be not a reaâ—y meane to thy fauour assure thée it is a hie tract to my vtter desolation for sith these foure brethren are entered into my countrey I know them so redoubted in armes that nothing is able to withstand them By these foure brethren in one yéere was the most famous Gratiana and fiue other kings before renowmed for chiualrie vtterly discomfited Besides Brandis hath written to me in inclosed letters that they are the most renounmed conquerors this day vnder the firmament These things considered I beséech your highnesse let vs conclude vpon agréement and leaue the hostilitie we haue maintained one against another the beginning whereof is my griefe and the ending that I aske thy mercy 2 Baucamont sayd Mermont more to defend the law of our religion then for any other zeale I haue to thy kindnes I fréely pardon thée the forfeit of thy life and kingdome and withall promise thee by a kingly protestation to aid defend thée against thine enimies Thus with diuers other ceremonies of stâ—icter combining was the truce concluded betwéene the kings and instantly edicts sent abroad into euery â—â—untrey for the assembling together of an infinite nuâ—â—be of pagans to make an vnuanquishable army which being mustred enrolled instantly there betooke themselues to the sea King Mermont Antifer Baucamont the wise al conquering Meruin where for a while we wil leaue them return to the 4. brethreÌ„ to wit Guion Bertran Thietry Florion noble Huon of Burdeaux who at that time was in the armie with them In their host was 20000. good christians by whose prowesse they had marched so farre that now they had laied their fledge to Damascus which then swarmed full of mis-beléeuing infidels because since the returne of Esclamart he had still in that
power to make him loose his stirrops When as Meruine had thus dismounted him he turned to Huon and deliuering him his horse said Noble Christian mount thy selfe againe for so excellently haue I tasted of thy vertue that I will not wrong thée to purchase a kingdome Then vaâ—ted Huon vppe into his saddle eased with this hope that a world of Pagans that same day should pay for the shame which Meruine had done vnto him Now by this time was Meruine like vnto lightning flowen into the middest of the armie and Mermont like him was amongst the strongest battallions whom the gentle Florion at the first encounter ouerthrew euen vnto the verie ground and had in the same moment cut off his head if he had not béene relieued by a strong band of Sarazens who mounting their Lord againe flew all vpon the infant but so gallantly did he defend himselfe that they all started backe and the boldest duâ—st not giue another onset Then cried he aloft Denmarke and victory which as soone as Huon heaâ—d like a madde man he ranne into the battell and the first he encountred was Marquant whom he so saluted that his head flew in two pieces and after him a second a third and a fourth fell dead to the ground before him so mightily he sought to reuenge the shame Meruine had giuen him And in briefe such was his prowesse that he soone deliuered Florion from the throng of his enemies Not farre from them was Guion who had made a great slâ—ughter of the Pagans for from one at a blow he strake his eare from his head and his head from his shoulders Then old Baucamont aduance himselfe who had but one arme in which he held a strong launce wherewithall hee was inflamed to assaile Guion but he â—ailed of his intent though Guion failed not at all of his purpose for with his sword as he passed by he strucke that arme also from his shoulder to the terrour of the beholders and torment of Baucamont who hauing neuer an arme left cryed oâ—t Now am I the most miseraâ—le 〈◊〉 raigning vnder the sunne who am as hatefull to my selfe as fortune and with that passed through his army who sorrowed in beholde his misfortune When they of the Citie heard the rumoâ—r of this battell they issued out of the towne but were immediately intercepted by Bertran Thyerie and fiue thousand christians who brauely set vpon them Bertran who was most hardy was the first that charged and méeting with a noble Sarazin named Moysant stroke him dead from his horse after him foure more in the same ranke he after the same sorte serued and then cried This day traiâ—ors shal be Doomes day to your generation At which wordes his brother Thyerie and all the army gaue a most couragâ—us charge and ouerthrew a thousand Pagans that neuer rose againe to draw sword in anger What shal I write more Bertran his brother and their souldiors though not without great perill so behaued themselues against the citizens that if they had bin any more then fiue thousand the Pagans had neuer passed to ioyne with the great new landed army But now the day failed and the night beganne to shut in the sunnes windowes which was propitious for our christians because if the day had endured the valour of Meruin had ouerthrowne their reputation but now by reason of the darkenesse a retreite was sounded for which Meruine was gâ—â—eued and said they had coniured vp cloudes to shadowe their flying But notwithstanding all parts were content to vse the present benefite Now Guion and Bertran are returned vnto their tentes hugely inraged and Bertran said Brothers â—nd Lords this might hath the Pagans worst vs but if I liue til the morrowe God being mine ayder I will atchieue such wonders that the bloody liuery my sword shall put on shall last longer then their religion Now the Tables being couered the noble company sate downe to supper where they were honourably serued After supper as soone as the tables were taken away and the watch set the Generals went to their rest til the morning starre awakened the sun from slumber then rising and arming themselues they martialled their army into a warlike proportion intending to assault the pagans who on the other side were euery deale so watchfull and stoode ready to behold the signall Guion the vertuous Dane beholding both parties equall preparation fell downe vpon his knées and thus prayed Thou true God of vs and our forefathers I beséech thée in this battell be our guide and our defender lift high the glorie of thine owne name and bruze the armes of thy professed enemies increase in vs euerlasting spirites of courage that no scandalous report of our misfortune bring our aged fathers haires to the graue with disquiet if otherwise it be thy wil that our death shall this day giue an end to our aspirings yet thou Lambe of Redemption and thou God of Israell vouchsafe that our soules may be placed with thy saints in Paradice As soone as he had thus said bowing his head he kissed the earth 3 times for remembrance of the holy Trinity CHAP. XXIII 1 How the Christians were vanquished by Meruine 2 How Guion Bertran Thyerrie Florion and Huou of Buraeaux were taken prisoners and carried to Damascus AFter Guion had ended his Prayer and ceremony he came to his brethren and saide Princes I beseech you in the honour of the holy passion of our great God blot from your thoughts the remembrances of all worldly action out 〈◊〉 all your vnderstandings he applied to the axaltation of our true religion and the destruction of these faithlesse miscreants This said they marched towards their enimies And the Pagans raÌ„ged on the other side came prowdly against them But now by this time was sprung vp in Mermont and the other Pagan princes a mightie enuy against Meruine as if his glorie darkened their praise and it seemed to them that without his assistance they were able to vanquish the christiaÌ„s wherfore Mermont came vnto him and said Meruine thou art too valiant and ouer daring to march thus before continually in the hazard of all chances I pray thee stay behind with two and twentie thouâ—and and approch not vntil the extremitie of our last fortunes call thee because in thée consists our hope and thy losse will giue an assuraunce to their conquest I will said Meruine doe what your Maiestie commaunds me but of my lifâ— there is no wisedome in this pollicie for I know by proofe that all your mightines is not able to resist their prowesses yet notwithstanding approue your imagination if fortune proue contrary mine aide shal not be far distant though what you do in my conceite is but to gaine that which I regard not I meane this dayes glory and not as you pretend my safetie And it was true he prophesied for they enuied he should beare away the prize in ech battel and he but the son of Barbin the marchant Now began
tree inuironed with a kennell of hungry dagges so stoode Guion defending his life and teaching his followers how to die brauely But in a trice Meruine put those fiftie to the sworde and tooke Guion prisoner whom he deliuered to the Pagans whome he charged vpon their allegeaunce and his displeasure to vse those vertuous prisoners honourably When this was done he went vnto their â—ents where hee founde King Mermont and foure of his consortes also King Esclamart and sundrie other Pagans When Meruine beheld them hee sayd Kinges and Princes what make you heere I imagined you had ouerthrowne the Christian army but I see it is otherwise Ah Meruine sayd Mermont euen for thy countries sake and the honour of Mahomet deliuer vs from this thraldome Thou art onely wise onely valiant and onely most fortunate Mermont sayd Meraine thy freedome is already paid for and then cutting their bandes in sunder made them free from their afâ—â—ictions This done Mâ—ruine commanded the tentes tâ— be ransacked and all the wealth there of which was exceeding much to be brought into the city Then when al was performed and they returned into the pallace in Damascus Meruine commaunded all the prisoners whom he had taken to be brought before him and the other Pagan princes which being accordingly effected Guyda lookt vpon Bertran with a burning eye of desire and an amorous amazement sayiâ—g to Mermont can your Maiestie possibly behold a semblance that more exquisitly resembleth the gallant features of our most famous Meruine then this christian if his lineaments were as bigge and as largely shaped It is most true Madam saide Bandus and the more I beholde him the more I beholde him in him How Princesse replied Meruine is there in euery place one like me Heretofore you said I did resemble Duke Oger and am I now become like this christian what is hee also of Ogers liâ—e Then turning to Bertran he saide Christian I beseech thee without dissembling tell me the name of thy father and the descent of thy predigree Pagan said Bertran we whom you behold are the foure brethren that haue tormented Paganisme and yet hope to be the last end of their destruction Gautier of Denmarke is our father who wanne his crowne with his sworde and Oger whom you so renowne and whom Enuie her selfe dare not but extoll is brother to Guion our grandfather who now ruleth Ierusalem It is mâ—st true said a Pagan standing by Guion king of Ierusalem is brother to Oger whom I beheld in excellent combate to kill Bruhier before the walles of Laon and his brother Iustament before Accre so fierce and valiant is the descent of their pedigâ—â—e By Mahomet said Meruine sith I resemble Oger I would I were also of his issue and so hee was though mischiefe and euil 〈…〉 it from his knowledge but the time commeth in which he shall know himselfe and his of-spring Thus as you haue heard questioned the Pagans with Bertran who most stoutly made replies Then Mermont rising vp saide to Bertran All thy linage hath béene the scourge and ruine of our religion and I am too well assured that nothing but your deaths can giue peace to our quiet wherefore Meruine it is most necessarie they die to excuse our further trouble Not so my Lorde aunswered Meruine againe wee will not wedde Tyranny and Conquest together besides I vowed in my selfe not to doe them indignitie till I haue taken as them their father Gautier prisoner which done I will in a royall nauy crosse the â—eas lay siege to the flourishing citie of Paris and giue battel to the emperor Charles that is surnamed Great and by the aid of Mahomet I doubt not to bring all France to my subiection When Meruine had thus said he commanded the foure brethren and all thother christian prisoners to be strongly imprisoned in an impregnable tower where Bertran consumed his time in lamentation for his royall father and mother It hapned that Guyda Goham the brother of Gaifier being one day vnder the turret they heard the complaints of the haplesse Christians Sir saide Guyda what is he that now speaketh know you his voice Madam saide Goham it is the mightiest of the 4 brethren and the most absolute knight in the world next Meruine his name as I take it is Bertran whose linage is as great as his minde both incomprehensible After these speeches they departed but from Guyda neuer departed the remembraunce of those speeches wherefore as she went she said to her selfe that Bertran from her loue should finde an inuincible army to release him and that her desires should atend on him whilest her heart entertained a sympathy of his afflictions Now were they returned to the pallace where all the Pagan princes were set who both honoured and scared Meruine greatly beâ—ause when he was angry he spaâ—ed no creature of what estate soeuer but dealt his almes alike to all that maligne him When supper was ended Meruine commaunded that all the slaine Pagans should haue souldier-like buriall which being doone amongest the dead was found king Baucamont whom Meruine interâ—d râ—yally offering in his obsequies honorable lamentations As soone as the next day appeared aboue the mountaines Meruine commaunded all his army to be mustred for he would instantly march towards Babylon Wherefore calling king Bandus vnto him he gaue him the charge and gouernement of that citie of Damascus swearing him to his allegeance and with carefull respect to nourish and guard the honourable christian prisoners and also with all the reuerent obseruances appertaining to so great a Maiestie to adore and renowne the excellent princesse Guida When euery ceremony of his charge was ended he king Mermont and a thousand Pagans tooke shipping for Babylon where we will leaue them and a while discourse of other matters ¶ CHAP. XXIIII How Charlemaine departing from France to see the holy sepulchre arriued at Babylon and was royally receiued of King Gualtier 2 Of the Embassage two Pagans brought from Meruine and Gaudisse 3 A Councill holden by the Christians who demanded day of king Karaheu of Florion of Mesque and of his father Maysanâ— at their comming to Babylon THe Historie reporteth that in this time the most famous Emperor Charlemaine would néedes goe to Ierusalem to adore the holy sepulchre and to that end demaunded of duke Naymes if he would accompany him in the voyage who most willingly agréed aduising his Maiestie withall that it were good to take with him also the reuerent archbishop Turpin who had a longing desire to the iorney the twelue Péeres and fiue thousand resolued souldiers to the end that if in that expedition they were incountred with any Pagan princes they might yet be able to defend themselues from mischiefe Thy counsell pleaseth mée sayde Charles yet I can assure thee we may vnresisted passe euen vnto Samaria and Damascus for that the rule of the Christians runneth euen vnto their citie walls To be briefe in my Discourse after Charlemaine had
sawe them who led his brother Guyon bound in honours dishonourable fetters which when his eyes affirmed as true witnesses led by a vertuous â—unacie he â—lew in among them and strake him that held his brother such a blow that hee claue him to the breast after him another and another til Guyon was at libertie then giuing him an excellent sword the present of delight they two brothers beganne a strong battel against fiftie Pagans Guyon in reuenge of his wrong cloathing his sword in the heart blood of the Pagans By this time came posting by them the Seneschall of Iabary whom as Bertran was about to incounter he saide to preuent him Bâ—y deâ—ist and let me passe by thée for I will adiourne thine ill fortune till I haue slaine him who hath killed my brother and then if thy life be weary I will end thy breathing Pagan saide Bertran thou and thine intents are so farre asunder that I must needes talke with you before your passe so goodly a iourey and then turning aloft his sword hee assailed the Seneschall with such delicate vertue that in an instant he sent him to sléepe with his great great great grandfathers father then arresting his horse he gaue him to his brother Guyon who mounted thereon in the battell did most maruelious actions crying Honour for heauen and Denmarke which wordes gaue life to their souldiers and reuiued the halfe dying wounded so that he Pagans vnable to resist any longer betooke themselues to flight and were vtterly discomfited which when Butor beheld and comparing his huge hoste with their slender traine he called Mermont and said My lord of Montment I see it is impossible by fortitude to regaine your city so highly are the Christians inraged and so miserable the chaunces of our euill fortunes It is true it is very true answered Mermont the Sunne-shine of our glorie is wained therefore let vs fliâ— till Time preferre better aduentures This being spoken they betooke themselues to flight towards the sea coast which their army beholding like distraught men flew here and there and euery where to saue their liues whilest Bertran his brothers Gautier and Huon follow the chase putting to the sword all that were ouertaken so that of an hundred thousand that were at the beginning of the flight there escaped but foure hundred who with the kings entred into theyr shippes and betooke themselues to the Sea railing and cursing the great courages of the Chrisâ—ians who after the chase ended returned to the place of battell where it was admirable to beholde the slaine multitudes who lay one vpon another swimming in theyr owne bloodes whose current was mighty like to a flowing riuer amongest the Pagans was found vnspeakeable riches which gathered together the Conquerors returned victoriously and triumphantly into Montment hauing lost of their owne army but only ten thousand they were royally receiued of Mathaburna who all that day had prayed for the rare successe of their good fortune because shee feared it the Pagans had preuailed either her life or happy dayes should vndoubtedly haue quailed Gautier by certaine prisoners he had taken vnderstoode all the manner of Meruines imprisonment in Minor whither Butor and Mermont were fled wherefore he protested before God and his holy saints to follow them to which end he sent proclamations round about the realme of Montment to sommon all the princes thereof in his aide and the rescue of the most worthy Meruine whose loue was so infinite in those parts that presently there was numbred twenty thousand absolute approued knights knowne most valiantly couragious which with exceeding ioy Gautier with himselfe imbarked taking also with him diuers Pagan prisoners to conduct him the way to that receptacle of horror that Academie of misfortune damnable Minor CHAP. II. 1 How Gautier the Dane with twenty thousand followed Butor and Mermont to Minor 2 Of the skirmishes and taking of Nubia and Turquants death 3 Bertrans policie for surprizing of Minor GAutâ—er the Dane his foure sonnes Huon of Burdeaux Drohes and with them twenty thousand redoubted men at armes being aboord their ships hoysed vp sailes and knitting all their harts in one thought protested in the sight of God to pursue Butor so incessantly that if he tooke but a breathing rest in any place they would ouertake him and bid him new battell so on they sailed til they came by a goodly citie called Nubia whose gouernor was king Turquant who at that instant had left the towne to conduct and conuey Butor on his way to whom he was alied by a knot of affinity Mermont and the other pagans being passed by a wéeke before 2 When Gautier vnderstood whose towne it was and vnto whom it appertained hee immediately landed his men and vowed to assaile it the which hee did taking it with small or no losse to himselfe but infinit to his enemy for he put man woman and child to the sword that refused to be baptized Which done he drew out of the new baptized a regiment of the best reputed and left behind a garrison of his owne souldiers to fortifie and kéepe the Citie and then departed on his way towards Minor in which expedition he was so spâ—edy that he attained a wood but six leagues from thence where as his army was reposing they might beholde the king of Nubia returning from the conduct of Butor and with him fiue hundred souldiours whom when he saw they swore vnlesse they were Christians they should neuer escape them Which a citizen of Nubia hearing saide My Lord it is Turquant our late king that euen now is returning homeward from Minor At thatâ— word Gautier set his men in order to charge him Whilst Turquant surueying them fetcht a dâ—epe sigh and said Princes this day I feare we shall espouse our euill fortunes for I see men prepared to giue vs battell yet are their nations and colours vnknowne to vs yet what or whosoeuer they are wee must and will be our defenders These words were spoken so faintly that his armie like men halfe dying cried for a truâ—e saying they were but réedes and vnable to indure the stormes of so great an army But as they were in speaking Gautier set vpon them and flew the most part the rest flying about the fields here and there for succour which they found no where the sight whereof was so irkesome to king Turquant that in a mad rage he strake a Christian euen in the presence of Bertran such a mighty blow that he fell dead at his feete Which when the vertuous prince beheld he assailed the pagan so couragiously that with the first blow he diuided the vnion betwixt his head and shoulders then forthwith were the poore remnant of the pagans taken prisoners who for their liues safetie promised to receiue their soules safetie I mean bâ—ptisme Then demaunded Gautier where they had left king Butor and Mermont and they tolde him in Minor preparing an inuincible army to returne withall to Montment By the
defended the towne that all their assaults proued vtterly frustrate and so we wil leaue a while to speake more of them and returne to Bertran and Drohes whom we left imprisoned at Minor and had so continued thrée yeres during which space they were by the beautifull Singlay both regarded fauâ—ured and estéemed hauing their desires accomplished as soone as they could desire so mightily did she loue Bertran and so willing she was her will should make it manifest onely their escape that could not be inuented so great was the enuie of the nation against them CHAP. V. Of the gallant life that Bertran and Drohes led in Minor 2 Of the Tourney which was proclaimed for the loue of Singlay 3 Of the priuate wonders Bertran did IOyously and euen in the height of contentment liued Bertran and Drohes prisoners in the citie Minor seruiceably attended on by Singlay and a Lady of hers named Adain whose secrecie exceeded the priuatest coniecture Singlay was the loue of Bertran and Adain the loue of Drohes for whose sakes they effected whatsoeuer could be desired In this same time there arriued at Minor an Ambassadour from Montment who reported to Mermont the taking of his city by Gorbant and the losse of it againe to Gautier and his iâ—j sons which when he vnderstood he went to Butor and held a councill how they might recouer it and in th end agréed to craue aid of all the pagan kings at that time suruiuing which they did and gained infinites amongst which came one gallant Gentleman the sonne of king Belmarine of the age of eightéene yeares who brought with him eighteene thousand and had to name Baham exceeding wise and highly renowmed for deedes of armes and feates of renowmed chiualrie he was mightily inamoured with the beauty of Singlay and demaunded her in marriage but shee neglected his suite hauing no other thought but what she borrowed from the most excellent Bertran But Baham not omitting any thing that might inflame the coldnesse of her affection caused a solemne tourneament to bee proclaimed before the chamber of his heartes mistresse the fairest Singlay to the end that shee might beholde his prowesse Thither resorted many redouted pagans to the iusts that were in the honor of Singlay the whilest Marant her euer-hating brother tormented his thoughtes with busying them to find out the reason why she disdained a man of so good a perfection and in the end concluded that of necessitie shee either loued some pagan prince or some christian for shee was a woman and women will loue and no doubt but shee was in loue With that Bertran entred into his mind who then was his sisters prisoner so that hee swore by Mahomet it was so and no otherwise wherefore vppon the day of the tourneament the traitour priuately hid himselfe in his sisters chamber not seene of any one 2 Euen now were all the Pagans armed that came to that gallant sport of honour and all the Ladies flocked to the windowes to the end they might beholde the aduentures amongst whom Singlay would not consort her selfe but saide for that time her chamber should be her scaffolde thither she went and thither she brought Bertran and Drohes to behold and laugh at what her selfe derided no sooner was Bertran in her chamber but taking Singlay in his armes he cast her vpon a rich embrodered cowch where hâ— made loue rich with the richest of loues pleasures and saidee Goddesse that guidest loues world in my bosome let the combat of our â—ffections equall or suâ—passe the pagans conâ—lict for wée are his knights and his absolute champions they without but shadowes of foolish ceremonies This said he locâ—â— her in his armes and with kisses and those delights that â—xceede kisses wooed till they both were conquered Drohes on the other side was not behind with his triumph making Adain blush and sweare shee was by loues power conquered Alas alas aâ— this while they little imagined the traiâ—our Marant to be in her chamber who like a dumbe mischiefe lay and noted all that passed between them Now hauing done dalliance the Ladies went to the windowes to behold the iustes and the two Knights behinde them crying ayme to others vertues till such time that a Herault at armes ranne crying vp and downe the field that Belmarine Baham had vanquished all commers and to haue to equall in the deedes of knighthood When Singlay had heard the king at armes make this proclamation she smiling said to Bertran Looke what a gallant prince I haue refused for your loue drawing vpon me the wrath of my father for neglecting his offer whose equall for chiualâ—ie liues not betwixt this and Brandis Bertran to this speech made no reply but the aide of Adain who for Drohes loue would hazard any thing he withdrew him selfe priuately gote armour and an excellent horse on the which being mounted hee trotted to the place where the iusts were solemâ—ized whos 's first approch Singlay seuerely noted and called to Bertran but Adain told her he was gone to his solitary chamber a little troubled in heart intending for some houres to giue repose to his vnquiet at that Singlay turned her sweete speech to Drohes aud said See faire Knight what a comely champion is newly entred the Lists beleeue me this person promiseth wonders but his bad furnituâ—e saieth hee shoulde be pnre in vertue beleeue me I maruell whence he came Madam said Adain that best knew the aduenture the foulest Muscle hath the richest pearle and a Diamond set in yron is more precious than a perle in golde with the curioâ—sest workemanship the pouerty of his Armes may couer a vertuous spirit and hée may prooue more redoubted than the best in the assemblie therefore doe not blame but attend his fortune Neither do I saide Singlay yet giue me leaue to smile at the attempt for his had furnished estate must néedes cause laughter 3 As they were thus talking Baham of Belmarine set â—oorth himselfe to the iusts but would not runne against Bertran because the bandes of his furniture was an assurance as he thought of no defence and his death nor price of honour yet notwithstanding Bertran thrust himselfe forward which Boham séeing said to his companion there is not remedy but I must incounter yond silly halfe armed creature wherefore I will onely ouerthrowe him from his horse and that shall be his penance Which saide he put spurres to his beast and Bertran on the other side mette him with such an incounter that lighting vppon Bahams breast with his launce he ouertheew horse and man to the ground backward at which the Ladies laughed excéedingly and Singlay séeing the blow laughed much more than any other and calling Drohes said Tell me swéete knight how shall I take this to sée a poore halfe armed villaine ouerthrow my loue hée that hath protested these Armes in mine honour Madam said Drohes hée is a villaine that villainoâ—ly effectteth any thing but this poore vassall hath done it
his soule forsooke her vnâ—allowed mansion and in that same moment both it and his body were miraculously borne thence into hell to the â—earefull terror of all the beholders who concluded him to be execrable and damned This finished Butor came and embraced Bertran gaue him Singlay to wife doing him all the honor possible Mermont did as much and all the other Pagan princes making a festiuall for his conuersion in religion Great banquets were made and Bertran was set at the Table next to the king who vaunted that now there was not a kingdome in christendome which hee would not conquer Then kissing his daughter he blessed the time of her generation saying Now she should be the Empresse of the world for her husband with twenty thousand gallants he would giue him should presently goe conquer France She was prowd to heare those speaches yet neither in shew nor in words would expresse it but protested that if it had not bin Mahomets commaundement she neuer would haue married Then was Caliph the Flamine called for who incontinently married them according to the old prophane customes of Mahomet CHAP. VII 1 How Bertran and Drohes vnder the pretence of Paganisme brought fortie thousand Pagans before Montment 2 How the most part of them were there confounded and put to the sword THus vnder the veile of infidelitie Bertran and Drohes abused the Pagans who verely imagined that they had renounced Christ Iesus but it fell out farre otherwise as you shall vnderstand When Bertran had espoused Singlay doubt not of the Royall solempnities which continued for the space of eight dayes at the end whereof Butor deliuered to him fortie thousand resolued men at armes and desired him with all expedition to goe aide the mightie king Gorbant who had for thrée yeares laied siege against Montment but could not preuaile To this he willingly condiscended swearing withall that he and Drohes also would exalt Mahomet where yet neuer any God was adored but my Lord quoth he I humbly beseech you before I goe let me sée the prisoner Meruine and on my life I will also conuert him againe to our true religion My sonne quoth Butor desire it not for it is altogether impossible because it I doe graunt it is my death in that I â—aue promised so much to the diuell Mutafier who daily administreth vnto him and effecteth what is fit for his being Then said Bertran I will no more desire it so mustering vp his men he departed from Minor Singlay Adain Drohes and Mermont going with him hoping of that which was without hope I meane to regaine his cittie So continuall was their march that now they are come to Brandis where they rested themselues that night in which Drohes asked Bertran what course they should take to destroy those dogges those vnbelieuing infidelels Instantly said Bertran I know not but we will priuatly giue my father notice and hee shall come to our succour When Adain heard them who was néece to king GorbaÌ„t she said Princes write your Letters and vpon my soule I will safely deliuer them and in this maner Know that king Gorbant is mine vnckle and I euer haue bin right deare in his sighs to whom I will declare that I am sent in priuat to vnderstand the state of the christians in Montment and how that you are comming by sea to succor him I know he will beléeue me and without contradiction let me passe carelesse of any thing Then more I will perswade him to march forth to meete and receiue you which done I will passe into Montment deliuer your letters to your father and make my returne with all speede backe againe They all highly commended the stratagem and dispatched her away onely with one Attendant who was a Pagan All whatsoeuer she promised she performed and abused Gorbant with false ioy went vnto Gautier deliuered the letters and was royally receiued Then did Gautier goe with his thrée sonnes to counsaile and thus concluded That they would send to Gorbant and faigne to deliuer vp the towne on condition that they might haue leaue quietly to passe into Fraunce making him belieue their pouerty was so great they could no longer indure warres furie which when he vnderstandes he will fall to his regardlesse humor Then shall Bertran and Drohes cause great Feasts and Banquets to be made during whose Cuppâ—â— and Triumphs we will with all our powers issue forth and if fortune fauour vs make an end of our bad fortunes This agreed vpon they deliuered it to Adain who taking her leaue departed In the meane sapce Gautier dispatcht other letters to Gorbant who had then with all the royall triumph could bee inuented receiued Bertran Drohes and the other Pagans At which feast Guyda tooke her sonne Barant aside and saide Deare sonnes wilt thou not accuse me and I will tell thée a secret which saue to thy selfe shall neuer be knowne to any creature liuing By Mahomet Mother said the youth I will not Then know said she that this famous prince Bertran whose sunne-light staineth all the gallants about him he euen he and not Gorbaut is thy father he begot thée of me at Damascus long ere I sawe king Gorbant and for leauing me in that estate I tooke displeasure and wedded as thou séest Madame said Barant he is a villaine and hath done most damnably but if he belieue not in Mahomet our God ere long time I will be his murderer because he shall not scandall me with the name of a bastard Turning these speaches Adain came and saluted King Gorbant after her Gautiers Ambassadour who presented his Lords letters Which when Gorbant had read he cried Pagans reioyce for before two dayes be compassed we will be commaunders of the citie Gautier offers to deliuer it so he may safely returne into France but it is not our pleasure for neither he nor any of his adheâ—ents shall escape vnpunished Thus did king Gorbant boast who little knew the news that Adain brought who priuately deliuered a letter vnto Bertran from his father which when he had read he shewd it to Drohes then they two agreed to arme themselues vnder their dublets which they did and then went into king Gorbants tent desiring that for the happines of the news there might be a festiual proclaimed and solempne banquets and Iubilies made through all the campe with proclamation that for that day no man on paine of death should put on an armour or weare a sword but consecrate all his deeds with mirth to Mahomet Gorbant though this motion conuenient and forthwith sent his edicts and proclamations abroad which were fulfilled 2 Gautier the holy Dane all this while was within Montment preparing his hoast in a readinesse onely staying the returne of an espiall whom hee had sent to bring him word when the Pagans were set at dinner Long it was not but he came and â—ad him in the name of God issue forth for the Pagans were all set and triumphing carelesse of all manner
bodies Then came Malabeon and said Princes now is the time to be gone therefore sheath your swords and retire why quoth Meruin or for what cause Because saide Malabeon Mutafier euen now is in comming and when he shall perceiue this slaughter he inraged will set all the city on fire with vnquenchable flames so that we nor any pagan shall escape the mischiefe Thus forward the Christians departed fighting all the way till they were without Minor and without the streight passage then retired the Pagans but were no sooner reentred but Mutafier came who when he missed Meruine he became madly inraged and with the frenziâ— of his anger set all the City on fire so that not a Pagan escaped from burning but onelie one who then was without the Citty and immediately bare those sadde tidings vnto Barant the Cruell who little or nothing esteemed the discourse Meruine and his companions being within â—ight maruelled at the hugenesse of the fire till Malabeon calling his son hade him conduct the princes and aid them in euery thing for of force he must passe into the Fairie land to heare a cause betwixt two of his aliance that then were at diâ—â—â—â—tion and so he departed and Meruine and the rest marched on their way CHAP. XVII 1 How Meruine Robaster and Drohes ariued in a wood amongest robbers 2 Of the dangers they were in 3 How Malabeon aided them 4 How they slew the theeues THe thrée Christians after the departure of Malabeon trauelled all the day without finding any house or place of harbor in the end they came into a thicke wood where they trauelled a long time till in the end sitting downe vnder a chesnut trée they saide to themselues that vnlesse some aduenture called them forth they would rest there all that night but their repose was very short before x. outlaws that liued by robbing came out and espied them so that one said to the rest behold yond itj. weary ones on my life they are full of gold wherefore let vs take them and carry them to our Castle where our master Barre will be prowd of them This saide they aduaunced themselues and saluted the Princes who stedfastly beheld till one of the theeues said Gentlemen you are wel found and gallants said Robaster who rose withall you are as well met what is your pleasures Our pleasures are said one outlaw that if you haue store of gold you diuide it amongst vs. We haue qd Robaster enough for our selues and for xx such as we be onely we lacke lodging which if you will be so kinde as help vs with then commaund our purses Gentlemen said the thiefe if you will follow me to a castle hard by you shall haue that and what besides ye will desire Thy words are swéet qd Robaster ride then before and we will follow thée Come said the thiefe who thought to take them prisoners And then they passed along with the ten Outlawes and the thrée Christians and as they rode Drohes perswaded them to be aduised for the Uillaines were not guilty of one good thought towards them T is true qd Robaster but it is no matter for we thrée being together were we in hell in despite of all the diuels in hell we would giue our selues fréedome they do thinke to haue gold and for mine owne part since I was borne I neuer bore one crosse about me In sadnesse said Meruine then I am thy companion for iust so well am I stored but it skilleth not for their imagination will giue vs entertainment By my soule quoth Drohes smiling as bare is the payment our host shall get at my hand Thus making sport at their wants they followed the théeues to the castle Malfeaus where alighting they ascended vp into the hall where hanged all the shieldes of those haplesse Knights whom in the house were murdered Belieue me qd Meruine this a right beautifull place what is hee that is lord thereof His name said one of the Outlawes is Barre a prince of great possessions Then came an other â—aying Gentlemen it is the custome of this house all lodgers here deliuer vp to me their weapons till their departure Friend qd Meruine not ours by any means for we loue them so deare that we lie with them eate with them walke with them and nothing but death can part vs and them It séemeth then saide the thiefe you suspect some mischiefe Mischiefe said Robaster looking about let me sée him that is so hardy as not to tremble if we frowne vpon him Why qd a villaine againe thinke you we are not enow to master you thrée Yes yes Then were the castle gates lockt vp for all the villains were entred in and Barre their captaine vsed the princes very kindly setting them by his side at the table where was store of all meats yet Robaster would neither eate nor drinke any thing wherefore Barre askt him if he did it for penance Yea sir qd one of the thieues it is for the good men he hath slain and for the robberies he hath done in his life time Robaster hearing him snatcht vp a knife and threw it at him but missing the villaine it strucke halfe a foot into a table which Barre seeing was much grieued and desired Robaster to be patient and amends should be made him Then came the vassaile and knéeling asked him forgiuenes which after some ceremonies was granted on condition he should loose one eie for calling him murderer Barre that then durst not deny aâ—y thing agréed so he lost an eie but vowd ere midnight to be reuenged Supperended and the time of rest come Barre broght them into a faire chamber with one bed in it saying to Robaster You shall lodge here and these other in another chamber not far off How qd Robaster shall we be diuided by heauen we are all one and will not be seperated Sir qd Barre I haue no chamber with thrée beds Fetch iij qâ— Robaster I willl said Barre who durst not denie any thing so two beds more were brought in 2 As soone as he was gone Meruine locked the doores and then beganne they to disarme themselues which the thieues perceiued through a â—hinke that was in the wall of the chamber When they were laide they fell soundly asléepe insomuch that they snoared Then retired all the thieues like vnto thieues indeede being wonderously agast and fearefull offering sometimes to turne backe againe imagining that the princes sléep was but fained and counterfet At the last perceiâ—ing they slept indeede they much the more boldely set forward hauing all resolued amongst themselues and each to other sworne the death of the Christians But the damned Captaine of this wicked crue bade them first seaze the Princes weapons for their more securenes which accordingly they did and then they went fiue to each beddes side with their naked swordes in their hands beeing readie to giue the dismall stroakes of their vnhappinesse had not God deliuered them strangely and thus it was