Thus this brave Martiallist taking his leave of the Souldan and Ladies departed from that great City and that evering marching ten miles to a little Town where for that night he took up his Quarters CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond and increasing his Army arrived at last neer to his Enemies Camp EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise and caused the Drums Trumpets and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March which Command being accordingly obeyed they advanced forwards but he was much hindered in his marches by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles his Army was one hundred thousand men compleat at which he was very joyful and therefore he made all the expedition possible to méet the Enemy before he should be come out of his own Kingdom But the Emperor of Trebizond having carryed on his business with great privacy had gotten his Forces together and mustring two hundred thousand men besides many fierce and strong Gyants he was advanced with his Army very far and was come into part of the Dominions of the Souldan of Babylon before he heard the News of the Souldans being returned which did somewhat trouble him but however he resolved to go on and not leave his Enterprize unattempted Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemies Forces he sent to sée what number they were and who had the Commanding of them The Messenger returning to him told him that the Souldans Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men and that they were conducted by a famous Knight called The Knight of the Golden Image Hearing this news he was somewhat discontented thereat for he had béen in the Wars betwéen the Souldan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron and there he had both heard and séen the valiant Acts of the Knight of the Golden Image but however he resolved to persist in his Enterprize and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward and endeavor to give his Enemy battel before he should increase his Forces not questioning but thorow the magnanimity of his own valor and that of his Knights and Gyants under his Command he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy caused his Army the next morning to march forwards intending that if his Enemy continued his march to joyn Battel with him Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forwards advanced apace being resolved as well as he to give him battel that day if it were possible but when they approached néer to one another their men were so wearied with that days travel that before they could put them in any good order and bring up the Rear of their Armies the Evening came on so that they were both forced to alter their Resolutions and therefore they both encamped themselves in fight of one another and all that night both Armies made great Fires so that it was an artificial day now and then running into one anothers Camp in small parties and doing some harm but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battel and so they did encouraging one another in the best sort that might be resolving to loss all their lives ere they would permit themselves to be overcome by their enemies Don Bellianis knowing what was necessary to be done by a good General having béen in many other battel 's ordered his Army and divided his Squadrons as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXIIII How Don Bellianis ordered his Forces and of the cruel bloody Battel between the Emperor of Trebizond and his Army and the Forces under the command of Don Bellianis THe morning being come wherein this great Battel was to be fought Don Bellianis arose early and dividing his Army into thrée Squadrons took forty thousand men under his own command twenty thousand men he ordered to be commanded by the Knight of Hope and twenty thousand men under the command of the Knight of the Flaming Sword and twenty thousand men more he ordered to be under the command of the Prince of Mesapotamia and not to stir to the Battel until there should be an absolute necessity or that he should be commanded by himself Thus having ordered his Battalions he commanded the Heads of every Troop to come to the Front of the Army where he encouraged them by this following discourse Gentlemen and fellow Souldiers the cause of this war I shall not néed to inform you of you being already satisfied in that particular the courages of your enemies you likewise are acquainted with having by often experience found that never any of your nation was overcome by them but that you still marched away conquerors giving laws to them rather then obeying any of their commands Their presumption that your King was absent was the chief occasion of this boldness in them or else they would not have béen so hardy as to enter your Land and now being ashamed after all this provision to turn back again without abiding the hazard of a Battel they with much unwillingness expect you their intention was to force your Princess command your Estates dispose of your persons and to make all the Inhabitants of this kingdom their Vassals hoping to have found you in disorder and without a Head but thanks be to heaven you have not onely a Head to rule over you in that your gracious Soveraign is restored but also a General who will hazard his person to the utmost with you and therefore I question not but you will have hearts to follow my example and if you sée any thing of courage in me to imitate me therein and follow my example and assure your selves that I resolve to conquer or die thus hoping you have all the same courage and resolution let us bravely fall on our enemies This spéech being ended caused a great shout throughout the whole Army and presently every one repairing to his own command they marched on to assault their enemies who all this while were not idle but the Emperor not forgetting what was necessary to be done did likewise order his Battel and divided them into four parts one of fifty thousand men he commanded himself the Prince of Albania commanded the like number and two mighty Giants of his kindred commanded the other two Squadrons Thus having divided his Forces and ordered his Battel he was likewise about to make an Oration to his Souldiers but the noise which his enemies made in their approaches diverted him and therefore causing his Trumpets and Drums and all maner of millitary Instruments to sound he being armed at all points in the Front of the Army went forwards to receive the Babylonians Don Bellianis being
they had a very great estéem for him having séen him exercise his valor Thus accompanied they came one morning to the King and Quéen to take their last Farewel when the King told them that since they would not take any Forces with them he desired that if his Cousin Don Bellianis or any of them had or should have any occasion for Forces he would at any time assist them with fifty thousand men and come in the head of them himself and give such testimonies of his good will and affection for them that he would merit the estéem and service they had done for him Having thus said the Quéen likewise heartily thanked them for the honor they had done her and desired to be kindly remembred to Don Bellianis hoping that he and they all the Ware being ended would take that place in their way home whereby she should again have the satisfaction of their good companies To which request of hers they assented to kissing her hands they departed and set forwards for Babylon The Knight of the Keyes was very heavy and pensive as you have heard which gave them all some trouble but Don Clarineo having a more particular estéem for him than the rest so wrought with him that at the last he won him to give him an account of the occasion of his melancholly which when he had heard he was likewise much troubled thereat participating in the sorrows of his Friend and promised him that so soon as he had séen his Brother Don Bellianis that he would return with him to Constantinople and there he would cause such diligent search to be made that he would finde her if she were any where in all those Seas vowing unto him an eternal friendship which the Knight of the Keyes not onely accepted but promised the same should continue to him to the end of his life This discourse being ended they passed on their Iourney in somewhat more pleasant communication in such manner that in short time they arrived near to the City of Babylon In which travels we will once more leave them and turn to Don Bellianis and his Companion the Numidian Prince and the rest of those valiant warriors that were set down before the City of Pharez CHAP. XXIX How Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia assaulted the Emperor and his Forces and forced them all to retire into the City GReat was the vexation and anger of Don Bellianis for that he saw the Wars had held him so long from the fight of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella and therefore he resolved to assault his Enemies and force them to a Battel and the Prince of Numidia was likewise of the same resolution Wherefore they providing all things ready divided their Army into two parts which they took betwéen them and so with their whole Forces set upon the Enemy in their Entrenchments and having given them the Alarm followed it with so much puissance that they soon forced them to retire to the City Walls The Emperor of Trebizond being advertised hereof came forth and at the Head of fifty thousand valiant men went to méet Don Bellianis whom he soon found and knew by the mightiness of his blows the presence of the Emperor gave some new courage to his Soldiers and he engaging with Don Bellianis caused them that were about to flée into the City to face about and return upon their Enemies and then there was a fierce Slaughter on all sides The Prince of Numidia with a party of fifty thousand men rode up and down the Field to give his assistance to that part or place where there was most néed and there was one party of the Emperor of Trebizond's Foot-soldiers of about fifty thousand who kept close together and did much harm to his Soldiers being commanded and guarded by ten strong Gyants whom the Numidian attempted to disperse but they were all so resolute that he could not break through their Rancks wherefore he attempted them a new way and retiring from them first ordered his Squadrons in the fashion of a Wedge the Front not being above twenty Knights but the Rear was above five hundred men broad and be in the Head of this party forced with his twenty Knights into the Ranks of his Enemies Squadron and maugre all the resistance of the Gyants and the rest he went into the body of the Army and being gone so far the rest followed him till at length the Rear of his Squadron opening to the right and left and so whéeling about both ways encompassed the Enemies whole Squadron engaging them in Front Rear Flanks and Middle and indéed on all sides at one and the same time he had such success that in short time he killed most of them so that of fifty thousand men there was not left one thousand alive All this while the Emperor himself was fighting valiantly with Don Bellianis where be gave and received many wounds but there was little advantage betwéen them by reason they were hindred by the multitude of other Knights that fought about them This incensed Don Bellianis being full of wrath that he could not execute the Revenge he intended on his Enemy but before they were parted he gave him on large wound on the shoulder and then the company increasing he was forced to leave him and so he fell into the Rancks of his Enemies being much angred the effects of which caused the death of many person for he seldom gave a stroke but death immediately followed He was attended by the Prince of Mesapotamia the Knight of the Flaming Sword and the Knight of Hope who did very well testifie themselves to be valiant Knights and good Practitioners in Bellonas Field great was the slaughter where they came but far greater where the Prince of Numidia was for he had destroyed all his foes and was now coming to Don Bellianis to assist him but he néeded little of his aid for like a roaring Lyon he flew like Lightening into all places of the Field The Emperor of Trebizond hearing of the ill fortune of his Squadron of Foot in whose strength he put much confidence was greatly dismayed at that Overthrow and being angred at his ill fortune he caused a Retreat to be sounded but it was in a very ill manner performed for he was forced to draw all his Forces into the City not being able any longer to kéep the Field leaving his Entrenchments to his Enemies and with great difficulty did he get into the City for he was hotly pursued by his Enemies and many of his men slain but at the length into the City he got and made fast the gates and then Don Bellianis Baltasano of Numidia and all their Forces being hindered from going further were forced to stay But coming into the place where their Enemies had encamped they found very good Booty which gave a great satisfaction to the Soldiers their General having given them frée leave to take all they could get This being done they
came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did well enough to maintain the Fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that they caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner flie This gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the néerer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those who fled informed themselves of the manner of the Fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolved to receive them but they still made haste and arriving néer the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirâ—ops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blyws they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had dismounted and stain above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with their Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him He coming néerer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great pains have you taken to come thus far to my assistance The Phenician courteously replyed to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me Then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Fliorispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keyes and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through the Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he flew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were néer him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him Greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself so assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to see who it was that hindred his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead None of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up néer the City walls and the Prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he
described in the 59th Chapter of the First Part of this excellent History the Emperor commanded that a strict and just account should be taken of how many Fighting men were left in the City and Trenches which Command being put in execution by Duke Alfiron and Sabian of Trebanto who were very vigilant and careful therein and after they had taken a just account thereof they delivered it to Don Bellaneo whereby they found that there was not above fifty thousand men both in the City and Trenches and that they had lost ten thousand men for the Duke brought twenty thousand men with him from Persepolis and there was within the City besides forty thousand fighting men when as on the other side the Souldan had at least four hundred thousand fighting men besides above fifty thousand which were slain in the last Battel and the Souldans men daily increased and many good and hardy Knights and Giants from all parts of the Empire of Persia came in daily to them at the brute of these Wars and for the love that they bore to their magnanimous and redoubted Prince Perianeo Knight of the Images for whose return there was great Ioy throughout all those Countreys On the other side great was the grief and sorrow of the most péerless Princess Persiana who was married to the Duke Alfiron as is before recounted and for whose sake alone all these Wars were begun and in whose Quarrel many redoubted Knights had lost their lives As much troubled was the beauteous Princess Aurora for the absence of Don Bellianis the Knight of The Golden Image and Don Brianel whose success in the winning of her Kingdom and other strange Adventures she had not yet heard of But all these sorrows were somewhat mitigated in that the City was so well guarded by Don Bellaneo Knight of The Imperial Crowns and the rest of those invincible Princes and Knights Thus the Battel continued indifferent on both sides till Boraldo and Don Fermosel arrived with their several Squadrons of fifty thousand men a piece brake thorough the rancks of their enemies and attempted to force their way into the City which they endeavored by all means possible to effect for they brought Scaling-Ladders and all other instruments of War fitting to assault it which when Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Knights heard they immediately retreated into the City knowing that it was but weakly manned and not able long to resist the furious assaults that would be made Thus the Emperor who as I told you before was ingaged in a bloody Fight with the Knight of the Images was forced to leave the Combate unfinished to retire to the City to rescue it which he heard was well nigh taken being come néer the gates of the City he saw that the enemy had gotten possession of part of the wall and likewise he saw the Knight of the Images coming behind him with all his Forces wherefore he séeing the extreamity of the business hasted into the City and stood in réer of all his Forces and was the last man that entred holding a continual Fight with his enemies till he saw all his own Forces were within the walls and then he himself entred not permitting any of his enemies Forces to enter with him which they by all means attempted to do so soon as he was entred and the gate strongly fastned he repaired to that part of the wall which he saw was possessed by the enemy and mounting thereon being followed by several valiant Knights soon tumbled the enemies from the wall and kept the possession thereof but all this and what ever else they could do did not hinder the enemy from getting the possession of the wall in many places which they at last kept in despight of all the Forces of the City and were ready to descend the wall and enter the City when they heard a great noise of Trumpets and Clarions and a great company of armed Knights behind them who gave a great assault to those of their Forces that were below at which they were greatly astonished and séeing them come forward with a great deal of impetuosity and destruction of many of their Forces the chief Commander who had gotten the possession of the wall came down to help their companions and the rest who still remained on the wall were soon forced from thence and thrown headlong down where they ended their lives Thus was the Battel again revived and many of the Souldans Knights and Giants lost their lives by the invincible arms of four or five Knights who came in company of the late Forces that came to relieve the City but among the rest there was one Knight who was armed with an armor garnished with Basilisks that put all men to amaze for they rather judged him to be a raging Tyger or hungry Lion then any mortal Knight for in a short time he dismounted above fifty Knights and killed four Giants and yet he was not at all wearied but still bestowed such deadly strokes amongst the Souldans knights that they all fled from him as from their immediate death till at last the two brothers Caroliano and Boraldo both assaulted him and laid many weighty strokes both on his Sheild and Helmet but he reached one of them so great a blow that he made him catch hold on his horses neck to save himself from falling and then being much inraged gave the other such a thrust that he tumbled him from his horse and so he procéeded killing and destroying all that durst withstand him In the mean time his other four companions were not idle for they behaved themselves with extraordinary courage It was two hours before day when this battel first began and now it was about four of the clock in the afternoon and yet it was not ended but at last the Souldans Knights and Giants being much wearied were about to retreat when they once more saw fresh Forces coming towards them which was indéed commanded by the Souldan himself who séeing the Battel continue so long and understanding by a messenger that the City was likely to be relieved came on with all his Forces to assist his Son whereby he might as he hoped put an end to this troublesom War but he found himself to be bravely received by the Knight of the Basilisks and his companions When they in the City saw this they informed the Emperor Don Bellaneo thereof who commanded one of the Gates to be immediately opened out of which he issued with ten thousand men and went immediately to the place where the Knight of the Basilisks was engaged and séeing him do such wonders and supposing him to command the rest he said to him Knight since you have though unknown endeavored to give us so great aid I pray let it be used to the best advantage which will be at this time with all convenient spéed to retire into the City else you will presently be overpowred by their great Forces and then your
assistance will be of little effect The Knight of the Basilisks gave attention to this advice and knowing not onely the person that gave it but that it was also very good endeavored by his own example and actions to retire to the City and so he and his companions did with all their Forces onely with the loss of two thousand men which were killed in the Battel and retreat And the Souldan and his Son the Knight of the Images séeing themselves forced to retire from the City walls by reason of the approaching of the night which was now coming on retired into their enemies trenches with a resolution to abide there till they could take the City but they were prevented as hereafter shall be declared CHAP. II. Who the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions were and how the Siege was raised and the Souldan and all his Forces retired to Persepolis SO soon as the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions were entred the City the Emperor caused a strait Guard to be placed on the Walls and then retired to the Pallace where he was welcomed by the two Princesses Persiana and Aurora but greatly was the Ioy of all increased when the Knight of the Basilisks discovered himself to be Don Bellianis Knight of the Golden Image and his Companions to be his two Brothers Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly and his Cousin Don Brianel of Macedon but there was one Knight who continued still unknown to all but the Duke Alfiron who being unarmed knew him to be his brother Don Gorino and indéed to him they were very much engaged for his help and assistance for he was not onely a good Knight himself but he had brought twenty thousand valiant Knights and Soldiers with him to aid his Brother and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions overtaking him in their return from Antioch and understanding that his design was onely to relieve the City of Bollera and their Iourney being intended for the same place they discovered themselves to him to be friends to his Brother the Duke Alfiron and thereupon they joyned themselves together and arrived at the City in so fortunate a time that had they not come as they did the City must néeds have béen taken by the enemies by reason of their great forces and the small power that was within to oppose them but their arrival in so fortunate a time caused the Souldan to loose his Design and made him retreat as we have before told you with the loss of one hundred thousand men and many valiant Knights and Giants But however he was resolved not to leave the City walls till he had not onely taken it but also destroyed it and razed it to the ground in revenge of the Injuries he had received of Duke Alfiron and his Companions But here we will leave him without the City and return to our Champions within who little feared him and all his Forces The Princess Aurora being informed of the return of Don Brianel sent for him to give her an account of his Adventures in Antioch and it was not long ere he accompanied with his two Companions Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore came into her presence and falling on his knées to kiss her hand she refused to grant it but raised him and his Companions from the ground with much fréedom and joy he being somewhat emboldened by her fréedom did arise and salute her which she courteously received and then she seating her self in her Chair caused other seats to be brought for Don Brianel and his Companions where they being seated and Don Brianel knowing for what cause he was sent for immediately declared unto her the good success of his Embassie and how that by the assistance of those two Knights there present and of their brother Don Bellianis as also by the advice and help of Palineo and Damartino he had slain the Vsurping King Tramolcano and the Count Garino and reduced the Kingdom to her obedience and that there was nothing now wanting but her presence to make her subjects happy and that they were all ready to obey her in every thing and in the mean time till she could come thither they had sworn Oaths of Allegiance to Damartino according to her orders and command This news greatly contented the Princess and she returned many thanks to Don Brianel and his companions after which they departed from her presence and went to the place where the Emperor his Son and Duke Alfiron with the rest of the Commanders were in Councel about what was necessary to be done as well for the defence of themselves as for the offending of their enemies and there it was concluded to send Don Clarineo to Persepolis to attend the landing of two hundred thousand men who were come from Greece with the Emperor and gave him orders that he should conduct those Forces directly t◠Persepolis to assault it that thereby the Souldan hearing thereof might be enforced to withdraw his Forces to aid that City and so they should be left frée This determination was immediately put in execution and Don Clarineo in company of fifty Knights presently departed and travelled so long that night that the next morning they arrived within two leagues of Persepolis and then they took another way and went somewhat about that they might travel undiscovered and so they did till they arrived at the Sea-side where they immediately embarqued themselves and ranging about the Sea for some time they at last discovered the Navy and approaching to them went aboard the Admiral and immediately causing the principal of the Captains and other Commanders to come aboard he declared the will of the Emperor to which they all promised ready obedience and thereupon they presently set sayl for Persepolis and they had not sailed six hours before they discovered the shore where they landed without any interruption and leaving a sufficient company to guard the Navy they immediately marched on to Persepolis where they arriving endeavored to enter but were strongly repulsed by the Souldans Forces and the place being very well fortified they were forced to retire and fortifie themselves in Trenches near the City till they had further orders from the Emperor The City of Persepolis being thus assaulted some of the Forces went immediately to the Souldans Camp before Bollera to certifie him thereof where they arrived one morning early just as the Souldan and his Son with all their Forces were going to assault the City but they were much astonished with this news and did greatly wonder from whence all those Forces should arrive however commanding the Messengers to silence they resolved to give the On-set to the City before they departed and thereupon went forwards with all their accoutrements of War Perianeo Knight of the Images being extraordinarily enraged immediately got a Ladder and mounted the wall where he soon either cut in pieces or tumbled down all such as were placed there to oppose him and
Bellianis according to his resolution he had already taken did engage him and all his Forces in another Field-battel before the arrival of his other Forces as shall be shewed you at large in the Chapter following CHAP. XXV How Don Bellianie fought another Bâ—ttel with the Emperor of Trebizond and how he forced him to leave the Field and how he followed him into his own Countrey TWo hours before day the next morning did Don Bellianis without any noise of Trumpets or other Warlike Instruments leave his own Camp and with his whole Forces marched to assault his Enemies who having kept a strict Watch took the Alarm but before they could put themselves in a readiness Don Bellianis and his Forces had sacrificed the lives of above twenty thousand men The Emperor of Trebizond being enraged at this surprisal soon called for his Armor and having armed himself therewith and being mounted on a lusty Courser soon revenged himself of some of his Enemies for before be brake his Lance he dismounted above twenty Knights and being accompanied with twenty fierce Gyants who were appointed for his Guard by reason of the last days misfortune they with their broad and sharp cutting Cymetars and Battel-axes made a woful destruction to what place soever they came present death followed to those that resisted them at length they met with the Prince of Mesapotamia who having béen idle all the last Battel was resolved to make amends in this days Combate and went with a Guard of one hundred Knights killing and forcing their ways thorow the enemies Camp Him and his Knights did the Emperor and his Giants assail and betwéen them happened a bloody Conflict for the Giants being of the best in the whole Army had presently slain twenty of his Knights which so enraged the Mesapotamian that maugre all their resistance he sent two of their black souls immediately to accompany his Knights and fiercely breaking thorough the midst of them he ran against the Emperor with great advantage for he well nigh dismounted him from his horse for he not being provided for the encounter was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to save himself from falling At which assault he recovering himself and being enraged with his Sword gave his adversary so mighty a blow on the helmet that he bent his head to the horses neck and would have soon dispatched him of his life but that the Knight of Hope came then timely enough to prevent him and so received the blow and returned it so fiercely on the Emperor that he was wounded on the Thigh and by this time the Prince of Mesapotamia was recovered to his senses and finding the danger he was delivered from was first thankful to the heavens and then revenged himself on one of the Giants who was next him whose Arm he cut off and wounded him so in the side that his life was sacrificed to his revenge Thus the Battel was in this part of the field but the Knight of the Golden Image and the Knight of the Flaming Sword kéeping company with one another made very great havock of their enemies and being followed by a great party of valiant Knights gave the enemy so terrible an On-set that after two hours contention they fled and left the field having first left it thickly strewed with the dead bodies of the Emperors Forces Don Bellianis pursued him so long that in the end they came to a great River and séeing that death was both before and behind them they made a stand and bravely resisted him and all his Forces where they fought so desperately that the streames of the River which were went to be of a christaline hew were now by means of the great slaughter was there made become of a scalretâ—dy All this while the Emperor and his Giants with great part of his Forces were engaged as I told you with the Prince of Mesapotamia and the Knight of Hope where though they on both sides performed miracles yet in the end be in despight of all the resistance he could make after the death of many of his Giants and a very great slaughter of his men was likewise forced to retreat which he did with a great deal of sobriety hoping that the other part of his Army was in better case then that which he commanded But he was not long without the knowledge of what had happened to them and hearing that they were engaged at the River side he then commanded some of the most valiant of the Grants to make good the Retreat with the best advantage and the least loss that they could while he himself went in all haste to his Forces hoping by his presence to put new courage into their breasts When he came to them he found that they had made a mighty resistance and that she Fight was very bloody wherefore that he might exercise the part of a discréet General and bring them off with the least loss he knowing that there was a Bridge not far off sent to possess it which when he had done he commanded his Army to retire thither as fast as they could he himself with the most valiant Knights of his whole Army making good the Rear as well as they could but notwithstanding all the diligence and valor that they could use Don Bellianis and the Knights with him plyed their business so well that ere they got over the River many of them lost their lives At length they got to the other side of the River and in despight of Don Bellianis and all his Forces they cut down the Bridge so that there was no way for him and his Forces to follow them This being done he left a strong Guard at the Rivers side and then returned to the place where the Emperor had encamped where they found great Treasure for so great was their haste in their Retreat that they had not time to take any thing with them All the Booty of the Emperors Camp he gave to the Souldiers which gave them a great satisfaction and caused them ever to have a great estéem of him This being done he dispatched messengers to inform the Souldan of what he had done not forgetting to write to his Dear Princess the remembrance of whom made him the more desirous to put an end to these wars that he might solace his spirits in her company The Emperor of Trebizond being thus forced to leave the field and séeing that fortune was a little contrary to him yet being of an extraordinary courage resolved still to persevere in his enterprise and not to leave off basely hoping in the end to attain his desires and in order to the strengthning and recruiting his Forces he sent commands to those Forces that were behind to a wait his coming to a City called Pharez which was the first City in his Empire which being accordingly done one evening leaving some horsemen at the River side he raised his Camp and departed to Pharez and the next day those that
that it were equal to hers and the good Will of her Father and Friends joyned to her own Inclination she should do that willingly for him which the Emperor of Trebizond endeavored to force her to so greatly was she satisfied not onely in the Courage and Magnanimity but also in the Vertues of the Knight of the Basilisks When she had said thus she held her peace and somewhat blushed that she had so plainly discovered her affection to her Father but she was somewhat satisfied when her Father gave her this Reply That he was wholly of her opinion and that he questioned not but one so every way accomplished was likewise of an Illustrious Birth and that he would endeavor to satisfie himself in his Birth in the mean time he advised his Daughter to write to the Knight and give him some satisfaction such as she should think fit And he said he questioned not but he was of an extraordinary Quality for he propounded the Raising two hundred thousand men to fight under him in this Service This was the discourse betwéen the Emperor and his Daughter which being ended she retired into her Closet where she was expected by her Cousin the Princess Mattarosa who had received Letters from Don Bellianis one for her self and another for her Cousin When the Princess Florisbella came there she found her Cousin reading of that to her self but she quickly left off that to deliver the other to her Cousin which she no sooner received but she opened the Seal and found therein written as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella MADAM I First crave your pardon for my silence hitherto and give you this for excuse that my Sword hath till this time been so employed that I had not time to exercise my Pen. My Sword hath been exercised in the destruction of your Enemies and indeed we have had so good effects the justness of your Quarrel commanding it that your Enemies are not onely expelled out of your Kingdom but they are in some kinde of distress in their own for we have at last by the help of your valiant Cousin the Prince of Numidia and the Forces he brought with him forced the Enemy with great loss to leave the Fieâ—d and retire to the City where we have now encompassed him The Propositions your Father sent were not accepted of though very reasonable and the Emperor of Trebizond is still so presumptuous as to desire your Person in marriage and upon these terms he will leave the War and this he questions not to force you to do by the help of more Forces he is raising and by the Aid he expects from some of his Alliance how pleasant this Proposition was you may easily judge and that he might as well have said that we should all suffer our selves to be slain without any resistance and I for my part would sooner have consented to that than this so unjust command This his presumption caused me to defie his person and I had a Resolution to kill him or die at our next meeting but hitherto I have been hindred from executing this my just Resolution but I still keep in the same Determination Madam this is the present condition of your publick affairs but I continaally suffer Martyrdom in my long absence from your divine presence Madam I beseech you pardon my presumption in writing so plainly to the Souldan your Father I did it to understand somewhat of his inclination I pray let me by your answer know his resentments thereof Thus Madam hoping and not questioning your Constancy and that your inclination will still continue to make me happy I rest Your Eternal Servant Don Bellianis The Princess having read hers with much content desired to know the effect of the Letter sent by her Knight to the Princess Mattarosa which she delivered into her hands to give her that satisfaction and in exchange took hers the Princess Florisbella read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Mattarosa MADAM I Shall not trouble you with an Account of our proceedings in the War my Letter to the Souldan or that to my Princess will give you that satisfaction but to tell you in general that all things here are well and we want nothing but your pleasing Companies to divert us Madam I hope you sometimes have some thoughts of us and that that friendship which hath been contracted between us is not forgotten And I hope you have a particular care of the Affairs of me your poor Servant whom out of nothing you have made so happy I beseech you continue me in the good opinion of my fair Princess your Cousin and assure her that I will ever endeavor to give her dayly effects of my duty and service The Prince your Brother is in very good health and hath performed Wonders in this War and the young Knight of Hope is very diligent in preserving the Favor you were formerly pleased to give him and in honor of your Name he acts marvellously and gives great testimonies of a valiant minde the effects of which have caused the deaths of many of your Adversaries and indeed he is such a one as deserves an esteem from you having your Name and Person in great veneration This is all I shall at present trouble you with yet once more I beg you to continue my Princesses esteem towards me and in doing thereof you shall eternally oblige Your Servant Don Bellianis The Princess having read this Letter returned it to her Cousin and then they conferred together what was necessary to be done The Princess Florisbella informed her Cousin of the Discourse that had happened betwéen her Father and her self about Don Bellianis and said that there was nothing wanting to gain the Souldans Consent but the discovery of Don Bellianis his Quality and then she questioned not but her Father when he should be informed of his High Birth would be very well satisfied in every thing and therefore said she I think it will not be amiss for to you to discourse of this matter to your Aunt my Mother and you may take occasion to declare somewhat of Don Bellianis his Extraction telling her that you heard of it by some of his Company when you were released from the Gyant Altifer To this they both agréed and resolved but they had no occasion thereof for not long after arrived at the Court the Princes Don Clarineo of Spain Don Lucidamore of Thessaly and the rest of their Companions in search of Don Bellianis When they arrived at the Pallace they enquired for the Souldan who was with his Council communicating to them the good News that he had received by Letters from the Knight of the Basilisks Being come into the Presence Don Clarineo in behalf of himself and his Companions told the Souldan that they came from the Court of the Princess Aurora from Antioch who desired to be recommended to him in all humility and had sent him a
saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other and so they both agréed to retire to their own Forces to sée how the Fight was maintained and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries they arrived at their own Camp where they saw the two Knights of Hope and the Flaming Sword bravely engaged with six couragious Knights and yet they defended themselves very valorously they soon joyned with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights In the mean time the Emperor being frée endeavored to withdraw his Forces and coming to the two Kings of Albania and Georgia after some Complements he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces which being done they all retired into the City but with the loss of twenty thousand men Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very gates When they were entered the City the Emperor conducted the two Kings to the Pallace where he entertained them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenthed themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with all his Forces issued out of the City with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparrel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into his Enemies Camp where with his own arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followed him imitating his example slew many of their enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition be furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleaved him down-right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were néer him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom he at length found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side Thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both parties that came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which that they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran furiously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his Stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights before he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way thorough all this Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he reached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off of one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and
your Commands which though it was altogether untrue yet he expected your Daughter as a Guerdon of his merit accordingly your Highness though much against the good will and liking of your said Daughter caused them to be Married but he for his other wicked doings was justly slain and the Knight of the Golden Image and his companions vindicated her credit and mine as to your Highness is fully known but such was the continual anger of your Highness that contrary to the word of so great a Personage you kept me in prison till both my self and your Daughter were released by means of the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and many other Knights who with your Daughters free consent caused us to be lawfully Married as in justice we ought whereupon your Highness hath since still followed us with all the violence possible endeavoring to destroy us but the Gods be praised we have hitherto valiantly defended our selves from all your Forces and question not still to do But however our inclination to peace is such that we humbly and heartily desire it and that you will give us your Royal word for the same in expectation of which or of such other Answer as you shall send I rest Your Son and Subject Duke Alfiron This Letter being read the Souldan was much perplexed that any one should in so open a manner declare his unjust actions and charge him with unjustice told the messenger that he might depart and the next day he would send an Answer by a messenger of his own The Knight being gone the Souldan and his Son entred into consultation what was necessary to be done and the Knight of the Images knowing that the Emperor of Greece and his Son Don Bellianis and many of their kindred were in the Camp of Duke Alfiron for they had learned so much by some prisoners they had taken of the Emperors Army they therefore resolved to be revenged of all their wrongs in general and that they might the more easily bring their determination to pass they concluded that the Knight of the Images the two brothers Caroliano and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace should enter in Combate with the Emperor of Greece his Son Don Bellianis Duke Alfiron and any other Knight of their Army and in order to this their resolution the Souldan writ a Letter and sent it to the Camp according as he had promised The messenger that carried the Answer of the Souldan arriving at the Camp was conducted to the Tent of the Emperor where he and the rest of the Commanders being assembled he delivered the Cartel to Duke Alfiron who immediately causing the same to be opened they read as followeth The Letter of the Souldan to Duke Alfiron and his Companions I Know not what reason thou hadst to contradict or hinder our will in the marriage of our Daughter to Don Gallaneo or any other to whom it was our pleasure to bestow her but that thou wouldest shew thy self false to our Imperial Crown and Dignity in taking part with our greatest enemies and those whom we have the greatest cause to hate such as is the Emperor of Greece and his Son and many of the Knights of their linage by whose help and assistance thou hast falsly stollen away our Daughter and dost still unjustly detain her and with whose help thou endeavorest to destroy this our Empire contrary to thy Allegiance Therefore we let thee to understand that our pleasure is that thou either presently send us our daughter and assist us in the destruction of those Christians our mortal enemies or prepare thy self to be chastised according to thy demerits but if thou thy self and they are still so hardy to resist us we have given leave to our noble Son Perianeo our Cousins Caroliana and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace to meet thee and the said Emperor and his Son and any other Knight you shall chuse to mortal Combat promising that our Army shall not during the Combat hinder you and we expect your performance of the same conditions This if you will do we shall be ready to perform tomorrow before our City gates this is all at present from Your Lord the Souldan Great was the amazement of the Duke Alfiron and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and the rest of the Pagan Knights when they understood that the Emperor of Greece and his Son and kinsmen were those who they had so long entertained amongst them but they were soon satisfied when the Emperor Don Bellaneo arose from his seat and spake as followeth KIngs of Armenia and Tessifanty and Duke Alfiron with all the rest of your Companions it cannot be unknown to you how unjustly the Souldan your Master has endeavored oftentimes to take away my life as the undertaking of Don Gallaneo doth sufficiently testifie and I do not conceive but any of you being so wronged would use his utmost endeavors to revenge himself in order to which I came from Constantinople accompanied with these Forces but they have done little yet in prosecution of my revenge As for my Son he came not hither to injure the Souldan but to do justice to the Princess of Aurora who is truly Princess of Antioch and to destroy that Usurper Don Gallaneo who usurped the same Since our arrival many occasions have presented themselves whereby we have lost much blood in your Cause and have wronged none of you and do resolve still to continue constant to you till we shall cause the Emperor to do you justice and that shall be our satisfaction therefore resolve your selves what Answer to return him for I and my Son will undertake the Combat After the Emperor had finished his Spéech the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty thanked him and his Son and the rest of the Knights for what they had said and done and resolved that since the cause at present was but to bring the Souldan to do Iustice that they would still continue with them and force him to do it or venture their lives and fortunes in the compelling him thereto And Duke Alfiron who was one of the persons that was challenged answered That he was of the same opinion with them and thanked the Emperor his Don and the rest for the assistance they had given him and told them that he was willing to accept the Combat propounded whereupon Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia desired that he might be the other Combatant which was granted and the Messenger was sent to the Souldan to signifie the same accordingly CHAP. IV. Of the Combat between the Eight Knights and of the end thereof NO sooner had the Golden Charioteér of Heaven set forward on his dayly Iourney to illuminate the world with the refulgent Beams of his Countenance but all our Combatants prepared themselves for the Combat Don Bellianis of Greece in whose heart was not onely revenge but jealousie desired that he might combat with his Rival Perianeo Knight of the Images The good Emperor his Father resolved to
try the Valor of Gramalis of Thrace and Duke Alfiron and Contumeliano desired to undertake the two Brothers Caroliano and Boraldo Thus every one having made choice with whom to fight resolved to overcome or die in the place and they onely expected the coming of the Challengers out of the City About ten of the Clock before Noon the Souldan with a Guard of Forty thousand Knights issued out of one of the Gates with the Champions ready for the Combat The Souldan being seated in a place appointed for that purpose and the Guard placed without one side of the Lists the Challengers with the sound of Drums and Trumpets entred the same where they had not long continued but the Defendants likewise entred and the Guard on their side being placed on another side of the Lists the Souldan commanded the Signal of the Fight to be given by the Trumpets at whose sound the Knights with armed fury made against each other in such sort that they rather seemed so many sudden flashes of Lightning breaking through the airy passage of the Heaven than men and horse met in the midst of the field with so mighty encounters as if so many pieces of Ordnance had béen discharged Don Bellianis thinking himself concerned more than ordinary encountred the Knight of the Images so violently that he caused him to lay hold on his horse neck to save himself from falling and with the shock that he received be lost both his stirrops but they both soon recovered themselves and turning about with a brave grace and courage drew their Swords and gave one another such strong and mighty blows that their pure cutting Swâ—rds soon made the blood to appear through their Armor The Emperor and Gramalis of Thrace encountred each other so furiously that the Emperor threw Gramalis on the ground and disabled his horse and received so great a shock himself that he lost both his stirrops but he recovered himself and drawing his Sword went to méet his Adversary who was coming to him on foot which he séeing likewise dismounted himself and came on foot likewise valiantly to méet him but Gramalis being more ready than the Emperor gave him so mighty a blow on the Helmet that it astonished him which made his rage to kindle in his breast that the very fire sparkled in his eyes and like a hot chafed Boar or hungry Lyon bent to his prey wounded Gramalis that had struck him with so puissant a blow on the Helmet that he cut it in two as if it had béen of Paste-board sâ—rely wounding his head resting so astonished that he knew not whether he was alive or dead Gramalis in short time recovered himself and séeing what danger he was in by reason of one blow received from his enemy was greatly abashed so that covering himself with his Shield he gave the Emperor many wounds which he féeling and resolving to be revenged of gave his enemy so great a blow on the Shield that he cut it in two pieces and wounded him so sorely on the head and arm that be in short time fell to the ground which the Emperor séeing he left him and went to Duke Alfiron who wanted his assistance Alfiron and Contumeliano encountring the two Brothers gave to each other so marvellous encounters that they all measured their lengths on the earth but like valiant Knights they soon got on their féet and began an excellent Combat which continued a long time without any great advantage but in the end Caroliano with whom Alfiron fought gave him so great a blow on the head that he cut the Laces of his Helmet and somewhat wounded his head but Alfiron resolving to revenge himself gave Caroliano so mighty a blow on the Helmet that it much astonished him and passing from thence wounded his shoulder very sorely but the blow having found so great resistance his Sword brake in two pieces whereupon Caroliano though sorely wounded séeing his Adversary without Helmet or Sword went forward with a resolution that one blow should put an end to the Combat but just as he went to perform what be intended the Emperor met him and rescued Alfiron who séeing the desperateness of his condition being without a sword espied that of Gramalis lying by him suddenly took it up and went to receive his enemy who was now fighting with the Emperor Contumeliano and his enemy were not idle but did their utmost devoirs like good Knights to endanger each other so that the ground where they stood was dyed with the blood that came from the great number of wounds they received This Battel had continued eight hours and neither of the two Knights Don Bellianis nor Perianeo shewed any kinde of weariness and though they were much wounded yet continued they as vigorous and strong as at the beginning Don Bellianis being much enraged hereat did his utmost endeavor to put his enemy out of breath which he did perform by his quickness and multitude of strokes which he gave him so that in the end his enemy could not hurt him and did nothing but defend himself But Perianeo being enraged that he was so likely to be overcome resolved to put all his strength to one blow which he did in such sort that striking Don Bellianis on the Helmet he put him out of all remembrance and his horse being somewhat wounded ran about the field with him So soon as he came to himself and found in what condition he was and that his enemy pursued him to take away his life he caught hold on his Sword which hung to his Wrist with a Chain and being enraged far more than any Bull or Lion he lifted up his Sword and gave his enemy so great a blow on the thigh that he cut him to the hard bone from which wound issued much blood and redoubled his stroke in such manner on his Adversaries Helm that he beat him quite from his horse without any sense or understanding and looking about him saw the Duke Alfiron likewise on the ground with one blow he had received from Caroliano on the head where he had nothing to defend it But the Emperor soon revenged this wrong for he gave Caroliano so mighty a blow on the head that he laid him on the earth Contumeliano and his adversary Boraldo were both grown very faint and Contumeliano was at last forced to retire Don Bellianis perceiving how the day was likely to be their own dismounted from his horse with a resolution to kill Don Perianeo if he were not dead already but on an instant there happened a great flash of Lightning and Thunder and there issued from a Cloud a Charriot of Fire drawn by six Griffiâ—ns and in the Charriot there was an old man who with the help of a Dwarf took up the bodies of Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace and placing them in the Chariot mounted therein himself immediately ascended the Skies leaving behinde him a great fire and smoke which being gone there appeared
during life and concluding her Spéech she shed many tears To which the Souldan replyed That her disobedience to his Commands had occasioned the loss of the lives of many of his Subjects and that therefore she might expect the Gods to be continually angred with all her undertakings but as for his part séeing she had made so frée a Confession of her fault he did fréely forgive her and then arising from his Throne he came down and took her by the hand and raised her from the ground and then caused the Duke Alfiron to arise to whom he gave her wishing the Gods to bless them Thus this being done to the content of all that were present the Souldan commanded the Tables to be covered and desired the strangers to sit down to Dinner promising in the Afternoon to give them satisfaction in order to a general Peace CHAP. VIII How the Wars were ended between the Souldan and the Emperor and a Peace concluded for ten years NO sooner was Dinner ended but the Souldan entring into his Council Chamber sent for Don Bellianis and Don Brianel and told them that since he was satisfied in his Daughters Marriage which had béen the greatest cause of these Wars it should be at their own dispose whether they would have Peace or War The Souldan having understood formerly of the Affairs of that Kingdom and that it was now in the possession of her Deputies granted the Request of Don Bellianis on condition that She and her Heirs would for the future pay the accustomed Tribute the which she on her part promised to perform The next thing that was propounded was Peace betwéen the Emperor and the Souldan which the Souldan consented to hold firmly for ten years And to conclude all promised a frée Pardon to the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty who were his Tributaries Whereupon Don Bellianis and Don Brianel departed from the Souldan to carry this News to the Camp where the Chief being assembled joyfully received the News and for that night made continual Bone-fires so that both in the City and Camp it was all night as light as day The next morning early a Messenger arrived in the Camp to give an Invitation to the Emperor and the rest of those great Lords to come into the City to dine with the Souldan which Invitation was accepted of and accordingly about Eleven of the Clock they all set forwards and so entred the City being attended with great Ceremonies and Pomp by many of the Souldans Knights As soon as they came near the Pallace the Souldan had notice thereof and came to receive them and although till now they had béen the greatest enemies in all the world yet the Souldan and the Emperor embraced one another with much fréedom and amity And thus the Souldan received all the rest of the principal Knights and so conducted them into the Great Hall of the Pallace where all things were provided for Dinner in most sumptuous manner which being ended the Souldan and Emperor ratified and confirmed the Peace which had béen before concluded on And to signifie his love to Duke Alfiron he then gave unto him the Kingdom of Shyraz which was a place under his subjection and belonged to his Empire and then the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana his wife were immediately owned by all for King and Quéen of Shyraz Nothing was now wanting in the Court of Persia to give it its full lustre but the presence of the Prince Perianeo whose absence much discontented the Souldan All things being thus fortunately concluded the Souldan disbanded his Army and the Emperor sent his away by Sea under the command of Sabian of Trebanto who accordingly embarqued himself and within ten days departed there was nothing now wanting but to put the two Princesses in possession of their Kingdoms the Princess Aurora into her Kingdom of Antioch and the Princess Persiana and her husband into possession of the Kingdom of Shyraz for which purpose he writ Letters to the present Governor to give them possession thereof the Princess Aurora desired the company of some Knights to go with her the first that offered his service was Don Brianel and then Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly because they had formerly béen there desired to attend her and so did Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia his Cousin these all chose to attend the Princess Aurora On the other side Don Bellianis desired his Father to permit him to attend the Princess Persiana and her Husband to Shyraz and he chose rather to go thither because it was néerest to Babylon where his beloved Princess did remain and to which place he intended to go His Father intending to carry him home with him hardly consented to this separation but at length at the intreaty of the Princess and her Husband he was content provided his Son engaged to return home again in six moneths which he consented to do They that accompanied the Princess besides were the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty so that there was not any left to accompany the Emperor home but Arsileo Prince of Hungary and Don Gorino was sent back to the City of Bollera to signifie the conclusion of the Peace Thus all were appointed to travel onely Boraldo Don Fermosel and Crisalaneo who stayed with the Souldan Things being thus concluded every person after they had taken leave of the Souldan within two days after departed CHAP. IX How the Princess Aurora and Don Brianel with the rest of their Company arrived at Antioch and what happened to them there That which the Quéen took first into her consideration was the ordering of her houshold and the first Officer she made was the Controller thereof which Office she gave to Don Brianel intending ere long to make him Controller of her person This joy continued many days and many were the Iousts and Tournaments that were exercised to delight the quéen in which exercise the Knights that accompanied her thither still bore away the prize however the Count Gariano demeaned himself like a valliant and hardy knight maintaining the Iousts for one day against all Knights-adventurers in which time he dismounted above twenty Knights The Quéen understanding one day that Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano intended to leave her Court and to go séek out adventures else where resolved before their departure to consummate her marriage with Don Brianel to whom she communicated the matter and he had demeaned himself so courteously that he questioned not but that it would be to the general satisfaction of her Nobility and therefore knowing the minde of the Princess he discovered it to Damartino and Gariano and several others of the Nobility and the next day the Quéen being in Counsel one of her Nobility propounded a husband to her which proposition was no sooner made but the general debate of the Counsel was of that matter and after several propositions Don Brianel was by several of
drew his Sword which his enemy likewise did and gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow on the Helm The Knight of the Island of Pearls having given his enemy two such notable strokes without receiving any did certainly assure himself of the better of the Combate but was quickly of another minde when Don Bellianis being throughly enraged lifting up his Sword gave the Knight so mighty a blow that he tumbled him down from his Horse But he soon recovered his Legs and Sword and went on to kill the horse of his enemy which Don Bellianis séeing he quickly dismounted and assaulted his enemy with many strokes which were returned with great strength During the time of this Combate with the Knights their Horses began a fierce Combate for they ran violently against one another and lifting up their fore féet wounded each other and what that could not do they performed with their téeth biting one another in marvellous manner to the great astonishment of the Beholders Thus continued they a good while but in the end Don Bellianis his Horse caused the other to run away which was taken notice of to be a good Omen to his Master who in the mean time was not idle But resolving so soon as this Combate was finished to be gone therefore he did his utmost endeavor to vanquish his enemy whom he had so wounded in several places that it was impossible for him to continue much longer But Don Bellianis being much vexed at the rediousness of the Fight lifting his Sword very high gave the Knight so great a stroke on the Helm that he cut it in pieces and wounded his head in such manner that he fell to the earth when presently setting the point of his Sword to his Breast be asked him if he would acknowledge the King and Quéen to be his lawful Sovereigns To which the Knight replyed He would never consent to any such thing during his life Whereupon Don Bellianis without any more ado immediately cut off his Head and then he went to the Herauld and commanded him to go forward with his Proclamation which he accordingly did in open field with the general acclamations of many thousands of people who were there present Thus this Combate being ended Don Bellianis went to the King and Quéen and desired them to give him leave to depart immediately which they were very unwilling to do but he telling them that he was confident that they would have no further service to employ him in and that he would ere long return and visit them they consented to his departure but the King was very desirous for him to take some number of knights along with him which he wholly refused But the Quéen offered him a Dwarf which she brought with her from her Fathers Court whose service for the Queens sake he accepted and so he presently departed on his Iourney in company of his own Dwarf and that which the Queen gave him and they attended with all their Train retired to the Pallace CHAP. XVI How Don Bellianis travelling to Babylon met with a Damsel that was sent to finde him and how he returned with her to the Souldans Pallace WIth great Ioy and Content travelled the worthy Don Belâ—ianis towards Babylon being very earnestly desirous to arrive in the presence of his Lady and in this manner he travelled two days without happening on any Adventure The third day being mounted on Horse-back early in the morning he had not rid above an hour contemplating on the divine Perfections of his most excellent Lady and ruminating in his thoughts what service he should do that he might pretend to somewhat of her favor and wishing for some extraordinary Adventure that he might shew forth his worth at length he met with a Lady attended with two Knights who came riding on amain They no sooner saw him but the Lady who knew Don Bellianis by his Armor and Shield immediately with excess of Ioy eryed out Oh most fortunate I that have so soon finished my Iourney by méeting with the most Magnanim us and Valiant Knight that ever drew Sword and that at such a time when there is the greatest néed in the world At which words the Knight of the Golden Image much wondred not knowing how he should be discovered in so strange a Countrey But the Lady soon satisfied him of that doubt by telling him that she belonged to the Princess Mattarosa and was one of those that was with her Mistress released from the power of the Gyant Altifer and his Companions by the strength and power of his invincible arm Don Bellianis much wondring to sée her courteously asked her in what health her Lady was and the cause of her travel To this Sir Knight replyed she I shall give you an answer on condition that you forthwith go along with me to Babylon and there present your self to my Mistriss and the Princess Florisbella and there receive such Orders from them as they shall give to which Request he readily consented wherefore they setting forwards on their Iourney the Lady began her Discourse as followeth Know then most valiant and redoubted Knight that never since the Walls of Babylon was built by the brave Semiramis was greater sorrow within that City than there is now and never was there greater cause of mourning for it is not a wéek since one of the greatest pieces of Treachery was committed that ever was heard of One day the Souldan our Dread Lord accompanied by his Emperess Silviana the Princess Florisbella the Princess Mattarosa my Mistriss and many other great Personages having béen a Hunting were met by a grave old Man and two Damsels they were all thrée drawn in a Chariot and coming near our company they all made the most pitiful complaint in the world The Souldan taking compassion on them demanded what was the cause of their so great Complaint To which spéech the old man replyed that he being travelling to Babylon with those two Damsels and his Daughter two Knights séeing his Daughter of admirable beauty desired her company to abuse her which she not consenting to they endeavored to force her and in the end notwithstanding all the resistance they could make they drew her out of the Charriot intending to execute their lusts upon her but she resolving rather to die than lose her honor so long resisted them that one of them must inhumanely drew his Sword and gave her so great a wound on the head that she immediately fell as dead to the ground which they seeing immediately mounted their horses and departed leaving my poor daughter stretched along the grass strugling for life In this manner we all remained making excéeding lamentations when an old matron coming by and being told the occasion of our complaint commanded us to bind up the wound and lay her in the Chariot telling us that she was not to be cured but by one single touch of the fairest hand in the world now sir we are going to Babylon to
sée if we can finde the person that shall cure this Lady The Souldan and his Daughter having heard this discourse and séeing the Lady lie stretched along in the Charriot presently were desirous to sée where the wound was given for which cause they both entred the Charriot at which time the old man whipped his horses to make them go on but they stirred not one jot at which he much wondred and the Princess coming to the body of the extended Lady and touching her wound she presently lifted up her head and opening her eyes heartily thanked the Princess for her cure for by her touching the wound she was immediately cured Much did the old man wonder that notwithstanding all he could do to the horses that drew the Charriot he could not get them to move one foot but they stood as if their féet had been fixed to the ground and as much was the Princess and the rest of the company pleased with the finishing of that adventure and therefore the Princess séeing there was nothing else to be done descended from the Charriot which she had no sooner done but the horses that drew it immediately fell a running in a very violent maner not giving the Emperor leave to come out which the Ladies and Knights séeing were greatly abashed thereat and the Empress commanded many of the Knights who were best mounted to fâ—llow the Charriâ—t and bring back the Souldan but all their haste availed them nothing for the horses that drew the Charriot ran with incredible swiftness till they who pursued them quite lost sight thereof Great was the lamentations and sorrow of the Empress the Princess her Daughter and all the rest of the spectators not knowing what was become of the Souldan but they still hoped that some of the Knights would overtake the Chariot but though all the company stayed there six hours and all the Knights were returned yet no news was brought of the Souldan onely that the Chariot was gone out of their sight Great was the sorrow of the Empress and her Daughter and all the rest of the company but it growing late they were forced to go back to the City in much dolor by the way as they went a Damsel came and méeting the Empress gave her a Letter and immediately departed which she greatly wondering at caused the same to be immediately broken open wherein was read as followeth The Letter of Bellona to the Empress Silviana MAdam although it hath for many years been my greatest study and care to do all that I might for the preservation of you and your family yet this late adventure could not be helped by me and had not your Daughter been possessed of the Ring which she sometime since received at the hands of the Knight of the Basilisks she had fallen into greater danger of her person then is now be fallen her Father who is carried to such a place that it is impossible to release him but by the best Knight in the world Therefore Madam rest your self contented and be assured that he who gave your Daughter the Ring is most capable of finishing this adventure It will not be long before he arrives at your Court and then if he travels to the Caspian Sea he may give you and himself the satisfaction you desire Subscribed Bellona Much content and satisfaction did this Letter give to the Empress and much more to her Daughter considering the good she had received by your meanes when she accepted of the King and in this satisfaction they entred the City and went to the Pallace where they presently fell into consultation about what was necessary to be done Some were of advice to expect your coming to the Court according to the tenor of the Letter from Bellona but the Empress and her Daughter were too impatient to attend your coming and therefore the Princess Mattarosa having sometime before that given them an account how you had rescued her they were very desirous to know which way you took when you parted from her To which question she quickly answered that you were then gone to Shyraz but intended not to stay there long wherefore they immediately hearing that I knew you by your Armor commanded me in company of these two Knights to séek you out and this Sir Knight was the occasion of my journey Don Bellianis rested much perplexed and amazed at the discourse he had heard perplexed that his Lady was in so great sorrow but withal he was very glad that fortune still pointed out something for him to do whereby he might in part express the zealous love and affection which he had towards his Princess not estéeming any thing that he could do though with the extreamest hazard of his life a sufficient merit for the least favor that he should receive at the hands of his Lady This discourse had held them a good part of the way and they being come néer Babylon they resolved to reach thither that night wherefore they made the greatest haste they could so that before Sun-set they arrived in the City and rode presently to the Court where they were received by the Empress and her Daughter and other great personages as shall be related to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XVII How Don Bellianis arrived at the Souldan of Babylons Pallace and how he was received by the Empress and Ladies and of his discourse with the Princess Florisbella and Mattarosa BEfore I tell you how Don Bellianis was entertained at the Pallace it will be necessary to tell you what was become of the Souldan The sage Fristone friend to Perianeo and enemy to Don Bellianis being desirous to use the utmost of his Art to pleasure Perianeo and knowing of the great love that he bore to the Princess Florisbella did as was related to you in the first Book of this History endeavor by meanes of the enchanted Tent to get her into his possession but hindred of his purposes by the sudden arrival of Don Bellianis who by means of the Enchanted Sword and Armor that he had on finished that Adventure to the disgrace and trouble of Fristone he being himself wounded his Tent vanishing away and the Princess Florisbella saved This misfortune vexed him so much that he endeavored all that he could to be revenged and therefore knowing that Don Bellianis would about this time come to Babylon and be very likely to win the Princess resolved to prevent him and therefore caused that Charriot to be provided and all the other things which met the Souldan as is declared in the fore-going chapter hoping to get her into the Charriot and then assuring himself that when he lashed the horses they would run so fast that he néeded not fear to be overtaken Being thus furnished he arrived néer Babylon as is related in the fore-going chapter and having by his piteous discourse induced the Souldan and his Daughter to come into the Charriot he was very joyful but when he thought himself most sure
likewise in the Front of his Army séeing his enemy approach and believing it to be the Emperor because he had on his accustomed black Armor in which he had gotten great renown anger and jealousie so incensed him that taking a strong Lance and couching the same he ran full against him and the other being also provided did the same in such brave manner that their Lances shivered into pieces and their horses méeting had like to have overthrown one another but these two brave Warriors soon recovering themselves and drawing their Swords assaulted one another with incredible fury Long did their Combate endure together so that both Armies joyned and as well the Soldiers as the Commanders performed wonders making an incredible slaughter at length one of the Gyants Cousin to the Emperor advancing with his Troop arrived at the place where the two Generals were in Combate and resolving to dispatch Don Bellianis cowardly came behinde him and gave him so weighty a blow on the Helmet that he fell backwards on his horse and he going to redouble the same had certainly killed him at the second blow had not the horse of Don Bellianis run away with his Master who soon coming again to himself and being extraordinarily enraged perceived that it was the Gyant that had used him so hardly for he still pursued him to take away his life which he séeing being more enraged than any Numidian Lioness bereaved of her whelps the fire sparkling from his eyes let fall his Target and taking his Sword in both hands laid so puissant a blow on the Gyant that he did cleave him down from the head to the middle The Black Knight séeing this cryed out Oh ye Gods with how much force and valor have you endued one single Knight Don Bellianis having done this execution spurred on his beast and more furiously than a baited Bull entred the Army of his Enemy where he did kill and slay all that came within the reach of his Sword The Black Knight did the like till at length he was encountred with by the Knight of Hope who in despight of his resolution to go forwards made him stay and bravely received him but the Black Knight being of admirable force and dexterity so handled him that in short time he left him without sense or motion and so he departed and went forwards killing and slaying all that had the valor to oppose him Thus continued he a long time till one came to him and told him that his presence would be very necessary in his own Army for that the Knight of the Golden Image and those who followed him had put one of the Squadrons of his Army to the rout which he hearing presently departed and coming to the place where Don Bellianis was he saw him perform things incredible for he was in pursuit of many Knights none of them having so much resolution as to turn their faces towards him for if they did they certainly met with their deaths The Emperor séeing this was forced for the safety of his own men to engage himself once more in Combat with him which Don Bellianis was not at all discontented at but renewing his forces he likewise renewed the Fight with him These two valiant Champions continued long in fight together and gave to each other such violent blows that those Forces that were there stood still and forbore fighting to behold them But Don Bellianis whose match was not to be found throughout the whole Vniverse being angred that the Fight continued so long gave the Emperor so mighty a blow on the arm that he wounded him so mightily that his Sword fell out of his hand which Don Bellianis séeing and intending to redouble his blow was prevented for many valiant Knights who had till then stood still séeing their Prince in so great danger went and succored him and in despight of Don Bellianis carried him away to his Tent where when his wound was dressed be would have entred the Fight again but his Chirurgeons would not in any wise permit it Thus the absence of the Emperor caused Don Bellianis and his party to prevail but although he behaved himself with great valor and killed many Knights and Giants yet their great numbers still freshly coming on in the end tired him so that when the night approached he having continued the Battel all that day he withdrew his men and contented himself with what he had done for the next morning having taken an account of the numbers that he had lost be found that he wanted but Fiftéen thousandsmen when on the enemies part were slain at least fifty thousand men That day the Knights of Hope and of the Flaming Sword did perform bravely and not having ever béen in any Battel before they by the example of their General performed excellently both in commanding and executing and the Prince of Mesapotamia though a most valiant Knight and much against his will this day performed nothing for he remained where his General had commanded him and there was no occasion to use that force that was under his Command till it was night and then they retreated in good order to the place were he was placed and there taking up their quarters expected the approach of the next mornings sun to renew their fight News was soon carried every where of the good fortune of the Knight of the Golden Image and the Forces under his command and how that in single Combate he had so wounded the Emperor of Trebizond in the arm that he was forced to leave the fight and of those other advantages that he had gotten which caused many more of the Souldan of Babylons Subjects to come in unto him and the next day there arrived a fresh supply of fifty thousand men from the Prince of Numidia with promise and assurance that he himself would within few days be with him in the Head of one hundred thousand men and then they did not question but they should be able to expel their enemies out of the Country But Don Bellianis believing that he had Forces enough already to perform that without any new Additions resolved to try the fortune of another day with his whole Army resolving to die or drive his enemies out of the field In this resolution be continued and therefore gave order that all should be in readiness to fall upon their enemies whensoever he should command them On the other side the Emperor of Trebizond was much discontented at the wound he had received but he resolved that should not hinder him from fighting in his own person in the next Battel which he intended should be within two days for by that time he expected a recruit of fifty thousand men which were already raised and onely staid behind to expect his Command for them to advance which Forces he sent for with this resolution that as soon as they were come to him he would again hazard another Field-battel but he was hindered of his purpose for Don
fortified themselves in their Enemies Entrenchments the two Generals resolving not only to continue close Siege to the City but also to assault them there setting Pionéers to work to undermine some part of the City Wall that they might make a breach and so enter to them and all the other ways that they could invent or imagine they put into practice but the design at that time was hindred for the City was soon after relieved by the arrival of fresh Supplies as shall be hereafter declared to you And now we will for a while turn back to Babylon to the Souldans Pallace and sée what the Ladies did which we shall shew you in the next Chapter CHAP. XXX How the Souldan of Babylon received a Letter from Don Bellianis who sent others to the Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa and of the Arrival of the Princes Don Clarineo of Spain Don Lucidamore of Thessaly and the rest of their Companions at Babylon in quest of Don Bellianis THe Souldan of Babylon had not heard any News of the success of his Forces under the Command of Don Bellianis since the departure of the Prince of Numidia onely such News as report gave out and therefore much desired to be satisfied in his Affairs however he continually raised more Forces and kept a great Guard about him to be ready at at all times when occasion should serve to be upon the march In these Affairs was he employed when one day sitting in Council an express Messenger came with Letters from the Camp which he delivered to the Souldan who immediately causing them to be opened there was written as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord SInce my arrival with your Forces I have been indifferently fortunate for I have not onely satisfied the mindes of your own Subjects in the way that I marched but have also received much aid by their voluntary assistance which I accepted of according to the Orders that you sent me and we have had some Engagement with the Enemy to a very good advantage for we have forced him to leave your Countrey part of which he was entred into and retire into his own with much loss and disadvantage The Arrival of the Prince of Numidia was very importunely done for we were then engaging the Enemy who is so wilfully resolute that without the aid he brought we should have had some disadvantage The Offers of Peace you sent were tendred to the Emperor of Trebizond but he in hopes of Assistance from his Neighboring Kings is still resolute to proceed in the War unless he may have the Princess your Daughter offered up to him Which Propositions of his we wholly declined and such is the anger of your Subjects at his Arrogancy in propounding things so unreasonable that rather than their Princess shall be exposed to a thing so disagreeable to her inclination they will all lose their lives If Sir you continue in this opinion as I hope your Imperial Majesty will never condescend to a thing so base and mean as the prostitution of your Daughter to have peace with your Enemy I then question not but to force your Enemy to very good tearms and much to your advantage If the Aid the Emperor expects does come in to him it will occasion the lengthening of the War and you some trouble to send some fresh Supplies which I question not your readiness to perform And Sir assure your self that in so just a Cause as this I shall not onely hazard my own person to the utmost perils but rather than condescend to any thing that is base I shall be able of my self to raise such Friends as shall bring me two hundred thousand men to justifie this Quarrel and be revenged of your unreasonable Enemies But I hope Sir ere any fresh Supplies come to the Enemy that we shall be able to compel him to put an end to this War And assure your self that all my utmost endeavors shall not be wanting in execution of this publique Affair as hitherto I have been ready to hazard my person in the preservation of your Person and that of your Family and I shall think my self sufficiently satisfied if for all my trouble and travel you will do me the honor to permit me to be a servant to You and your Family and more particularly to be admitted by your fair Daughter as a servant to her Vertues In expectation of which I shall account nothing dear so as I may be admitted for her Champion and I question not but I shall give a satisfaction to you all which I make my resolve to do or die A Faithful Servant to Your Imperial Majesty The Knight of the Basilisks Great satisfaction did this Letter give to the Souldan not onely for the good Success that his Forces had already obtained but for theit resolution to continue constant to him He considered that he had great cause to be thankful to the Knight of the Basilisks for so he was called at Court not being known by any other Name there he had béen much bound to him already for delivering Him and his Daughter from the Enchantment of the Tent as it was set down in the first Book of this History for the Assistance he had given his Cousin the Princess Aurora in helping her to her Kingdom of Antioch for his delivering his Cousin the Princess Mattarosa and her Brother the Prince of Numidia from the power of the Gyant Altifer and his Companions and more especially for releasing him from the Enchantment in the Island to the extraordinary great peril of his person and now at last he was engaged in a long and troublesom War and had performed very well already in it and had sent him his resolutions to persist therein and all the advantage he desired and propounded to himself for all these so signal Services was onely to be admitted a Servant and Champion to his Daughter whose Cause he was now fighting in These he thought so reasonable that he immediately sent for his Daughter and being resolved to do nothing as to her person without her consent he told her the effect of the Knights Letter and withal informed her of his Request desiring her that if it were not wholly against her inclination that she would grant the Request of the Knight She who was as desirous of this as he was and had not only a good will but an extraordinary affection for him answered her Father That she considered the Obligations they were all bound to the Knight of the Basilisks in were so many and binding that she was ready to do that as also any thing else that her Father should desire that would give a satisfaction to the Knight of the Basilisks who she said she believed was sent by the Gods for the preservation of her and all her Family and was certainly the Titular Angel of their Countrey And she further added that were she knowing of his Birth and Parentage and
saw the Superscription to be thus For the Most Accomplished Prince and Valiant Knight Don Bellianis of Greece but he was astonished when he had opened it and sound therein these Lines The LETTER of the Souldan of Babylon to Don Bellianis of Greece Noble Prince I Must beg excuse for the mean Treatment I gave you the cause was my ignorance of your Quality had I known your Princely Extraction I should have used you like the Son of so great an Emperor as is the Emperor of Greece but your Virtues and Magnanimity did well enough declare your descent wherefore I once again ask your pardon and do promise you as a requital my true Friendship and so soon as by your incomparable Valor you have put some end to this War I shall desire your presence that We may by some action testifie the esteem We have of your friendship We question not but you will receive a satisfactory Answer from the Princess Our Daughter who testifies not onely a respect but some affection for you and assure your self that We shall not hinder it but give her her freedom which We suppose will be to your satisfaction We have gained so much favor for your sake as to have the assistance of your Brothers and Relations whom We have sent here with some Supplies and do intend to send you more if occasion be but We hope that this will be enough not onely to make Our Enemy to be reasonable but also to give him some sensible trouble for that he hath given Us. Thus desiring of the Gods a protection for you We rest Your Freind The Souldan Great was the astonishment and joy of Don Bellianis at this Letter now concluding himself to be the happiest of all men living Having read this Letter he omitted the reading of the other for a more private occasion and so again welcomed his Friends but especially the valiant Knight Peter of Ireland who was a stranger to him and in whom he saw a great magnanimity Thus leaving off Consultations till the morning every one departed to Tents provided for them After they were departed Don Bellianis breaking open the Letter from the Princess Florisbella he found in it thus written The LETTER of the Princess Florisbella to Don Bellianis SIR YOur Letter gave me much satisfaction but your presence would give me much more and now the arrival of your Brethren and Relations with a Letter from my Cousin the Princess Aurora hath given that satisfaction to my Father that I was in much trouble how to do it He is very well acquainted with your Condition and hath desired me to accept you for my Knight which he needed not to have desired had he known how deeply your dear remembrance is fixed in my heart in fine there wants nothing now but your presence to make me happy and I question not but this will the more stir you to the destruction of your Rival who I account for my mortal enemy yet although I desire his ruine I would not have it purchased with your danger therefore as you are mine fail not to preserve your self and hazard not your person beyond the ordinary I hope the arrival of these your Relations and the Forces they bring with them will put an end to the War that my trouble for you may end with your presence which I continually wish for My Cousin Mattarosa fails not to keep you in my remembrance although she needs not give her self that trouble but however it is a pleasure for me continually to hear of you all that I desire is that I may see you with all expedition that I may have the satisfaction of your company in the mean time I will prepare things with my Mother that shall be to your satisfaction I pray for the future question not my constancy but assure your self I shall ever be Your Constant Friend Florisbella Don Bellianis having read this Letter kissed it a thousand times and could not satisfie himself with once reading of it so pleasant was these charming Lines and in this satisfaction he went to rest where though he took little by reason of the great content he had received by the Letters yet was he up early the next morning and mounting on his horse he viewed the Field which was the bloodiest spectacle that ever was beheld it being bestâ—owed with the bodies of almost two hundred thousand men whereof one hundred and fifty thousand were of the enemies Afterwards he retired into his Tent where some of the Commanders and Knights were come to wait on him to know his pleasure so he sent for the rest of the Chief of the Officers who entring into Consultation did resolve to leave the Field in possession of Baltasano and one hundred thousand men to prosecute the War and he and the rest would return with their Prisoners to Babylon to know the pleasure of the Souldan This was generally well liked of and accordingly executed so that the next day they departed as they had agreed and marched towards Babylon CHAP. XXXII How Magdalena Princess of Sardinia being left alone in the Island of Sicillia made a great Complaint for the absence of her Knight Peter Knight of the Keyes and how she travelled into Ireland to finde him out where missing him she caused a Monastery to be built resolving there to live in disguise in expectation of his return VVE will now for some time leave the Princes Don Bellianis of Greece and his Brethren and Companions with their Prisoners and others in their return to Babylon who marched thither-ward in all content and pleasure they being greatly satisfied in what they had done onely Peter of Ireland still continued extreamly discontented for the loss of his dear Lady the Princess Magdalena to whom we will return who as we told you was left in the Island of Sicillia being very weary of her travel slept a great while but at length she awaked and fetching a déep sigh lifted up her head and looking about her for her Knight she could not sée him whereupon she arose from the ground and walking about she could not finde him at which she much wondred and in great perplexity she made many turnings and walks about the place where she lay sometimes she went to the Water side to look that ways and then again she returned but altogether unsatisfied at length the night grew on and he returned not then was she much dismayed and fell into these Lamentations Oh unfortunate Princess how much unhappiness hath thy rashness caused thée already and to what end will this turn but yet how could I expect any blessing in my actions having left my Parents and Friends who it may be at this time are in as great perplexity for my departure as I am in and it is but the Iustice of Heaven that I should bear them company in their Complaints but alas they are safe and well in their own Court and I am here in a strange place having newly escaped
should willingly not only hear her but also give her consent thereto provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valor deserving and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto The Princess Mattarosa very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in procéeding replyed That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valor Vertue and Princely Descent in the whole world and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to and says she I shall not néed to name him further for this Character does sufficiently testifie that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece The Emperess replyed That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughters minde and says she I am sure that he has deserved more of her than all men living and could I finde that she would be willing to accept of him I would not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you this but also to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever stâ—ce I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a person not onely fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his minde herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefâ—re they all wished for an end of the War In these tearms they were when a Knight armed at all points came into the presence of the Souldan and dâ—ing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupâ—n the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord SInce my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for although your Forces did rather diminish than increase yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Souldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavors we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Souldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Souldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your Incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I finde my self capable of any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that He himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given
your Vertues but also an affection for your Person and if you are pleased with her and think the enjoyment of her Person will be any recompense for your great Labors be confident that you may have a free possession thereof and We shall think Our selves happy that We can have so brave a Prince for Our Son in Law by whose power and magnanimity we question not but we shall be able to defend this Empire Don Bellianis having heard this immediately fell on his knées and notwithstanding all the resistance of the Souldan kissed his hand and straitly embracing him in most humble manner thus replyed Ah Mighty Sir What Thankes or Returnes am I able to make for this so immense and most desireable Favour were I possessed of the whole Worlds Empire I should yet esteem my self too mean a person to enjoy so great a happiness as that of the Person of your Incomparable Daughter whose rare Perfections commands all the Potentates in the whole World to be at her dispose And Sir assure your self that for the future it shall be my endeavor to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forward and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came néer the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliments and made a Congratulatory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the middle of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Fetters of God and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladies The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her Divine Countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies representing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious than the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazled the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess away he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly Banquet being prepared they all sat down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was Married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Solemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came thither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to render their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were extream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness these great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by
for the Ioust when presently entred a Knight in black Armour having the Figure of Envy painted on his Shield This Knight coming at a time of Mirth in such an unaccustomed manner caused great Admiration in all the Beholders but the Actions which he did gave them greater cause of anger for no sooner had be placed himself at one end of the Lists in the head of all his Knights but he ran with great violence against the Prince Clarineo intending to kill him with his Lance for which purpose his Lance had a long Spike of Steel at the end and was made of the strongest Wood but he missed of his aim for he onely ran the Prince through the left arm and there brake his Lance. All his Companions did run with the like violence and intended the like mischief but some of them were thrown from their horses but they being thus armed did much mischief to several of the Princes Knights killing fiftéen out-right The Prince Don Clarineo séeing himself thus wounded quickly drew forth the piece of the Lance that was left in his Arm though with much pain and presently drew his Sword séeking about for his Enemy who had done him this mischief resolving to be revenged of him for the Injury he had received but it was some time ere he could finde him and then he saw him perform wonders for he killed ten of his Knights and laid them at his féet At length he came to him and having his Sword ready drawn assaulted him with great fury but it was to little purpose for the Sword of the one was sharp and the others was blunt and without an edge this disadvantage he was wholly unsensible of his anger and rage not giving him so much time as to consider thereof But at length he not onely found himself full of wounds and faint for loss of blood but looking about he saw most of his Knights lye dead about the Field In this condition did he remain when about one hundred Knights came to his Assistance but they prevailed not much in regard that they were all armed as the others were with blunt Swords and Lances and the anger they were in caused them to be unmindful of the danger they ran into The Knight of Envy and his Companions being all very valiant Knights still laid about them with great eagerness and fury to the loss of the Souldans Knights and to his great grief and sorrow who knew not how on a sudden to prevent so great a loss Don Bellianis and his Relations were extreamly angred herewith who were all unarmed or at the best had onely blunt Swords according to the Agréement of the Tournament but extream great was the Cry Noise and Confusion of the Princesses and Ladies fearing lest they should all have béen destroyed in this unfortunate Skirmish This raised the anger of our Grecian Prince to such a height that he was ready even to run amongst the throng unarmed as he was when suddenly he saw another Troop of above one hundred and fifty Knights enter the Field who soon testified to whom they did belong by the strokes which they gave for at every stroke blood followed their Swords so that he soon knew them to be his Enemies which he séeing and being now so far come to himself as to consider the danger he caused all the Ladies to depart and he himself with all his Friends ran hastily to their several Chambers to arm themselves which they did in the best manner they could and returning to the Field they found that above five hundred of his Friends and Knights were either slain or wounded He soon made head against his Enemies and assaulted them with a great deal of rage and anger to the great help of his Friends and to the loss and discouragement of his Enemies Many were on both sides slain by the hands of Don Bellianis and his Enemy the Knight of Envy who now met together and began a furious Fight to the great amazement of all the Beholders They were both greatly wounded and astonished at each others strength when in the midst of their fury there appeared over their heads a great Cloud which breaking there was séen and heard great Thunder and Lightning which amazed all in the place and a great Darkness was over all the place for the space of a quarter of an hour at the end of which there appeared a small Castle in the place of the Combate and by it lay Don Bellianis along on the earth and many of his Friends There also appeared an ancient woman who taking a Bottle put it to the mouth of Don Bellianis and some of the Water that was in it passing into his body he revived and arose and looking about him saw that which was happened and saw the old Woman and knew her to be Bellona the Enchanteress who desired him to go about the Field and pull off the Helmets from the Heads of those Knights that lay there that she might assist his Friends which he did accordingly and there they found his two Brothers Clarineo and Lucidamore Contumeliano and Peter of Ireland with many others much wounded to whom she gave some of her Water and they presently arose in very good estate and condition much wondring at that which had happened Don Bellianis séeing this did suppose that all that had happened this day had béen done by Enchantment and therefore he asked Bellona who and what these Enemies were and whether they were real men or onely Enchantment To which she replyed That in general they were men and valiant Knights as he and his Companions could well enough testifie that they were his Enemies and came to disturb the peace he was in and that they might not for the future be in a capacity to injure him further she had provided that Castle which she shewed him and whereinto she said it was necessary they should be put in order to which they all went about the Field and as many of the Knights their Enemies which were about fifty as they could finde yet alive were presently put into that Castle This being done Don Bellianis and his Brethren Friends and Knights in the company of the sage Bellona set forwards towards the Pallace but they were soon met by the Souldan and his Emperess the Princess Florisbella and the rest of the Princesses and Ladies who had already heard of the good health of their Knights and greatly rejoyced thereat Thus they all being together returned to the Pallace where they being seated the sage Bellona spake to them thus Most Noble Souldan and Emperess and you others Kings Queens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies It is many years since I foreknew the misfortune that would this day happen to you and many days and nights have I spent in considering of a way to prevent this mischief but I could not finde a better expedient than what I have now executed You are all now in good health and the ill that was intended is now prevented so that you may assure your selves that you are out of all danger of any present harm What they are that thus disturbed you you need not care to know at this time for they are safe enough from doing you any further mischief wherefore proceed now in your Mirth since nothing whatsoever shall be able to disturb you She having spoken thus held her peace and the Souldan and the rest gave great thanks to Bellona for the great Service she had done them Thus Reader we will make an end of this Part of this History leaving our Princes in great quiet and in the Third Part we shall tell you who were the Knight of Envy and his Companions and the cause of their coming at this time As also an end of the Wars between the two Empires of Trebizond and Babylon and what became of the two Princes Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace in the Pleasant Island and many other pleasant and delightful Adventures FINIS An Advertisement THe four first Parts of that Ancient and Honorable History of Amadis De Gaule formerly printed in a large Volume in Folio and now grown scare and dear are Epitomized and Contracted into one Volume in quarto and are intended suddenly for the Press to the satisfaction of those who have the Fifth and Sixth Parts of that History lately printed Also the Seventh and Eighth Parts are now in a good forwardness so that if the Stationer receives encouragement you may in time have all the Parts of that History in English You may in short time expect the Third Part of this History of Don Bellianis as also several other Histories of this nature Bookes printed for Andrew Kembe at St. Margarets-Hill in Southwark THe Batchelors Banquet Canaans Calamity Or The Destruction of Jerusalem Titana and Theseus Don Flores of Greece The Garland of Love and Good Will Francis Spira Christmas Carrols The Fathers Legacy The Fifth Part of Amadis de Gaule The History of Palladine of England The Second Part of the Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece VVith other Histories of this nature FINIS