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
he had left behind at the water followed him He thus being arrived at the City fortified it both within and without and sent thoroughout his Empire to all places for help resolving to make that place the seat of war for else he knew that the Souldans Forces would follow him further The next day after their departure Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those he had left at the water side wherefore he marched down thither but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken which when he had done he passed over with his whole Army resolving to pursue his enemy which he did accordingly and thus in good order he marched till he arrived néer the City of Pharez where he saw that the enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town so that all he did at present was to encamp himself néer them which when he had done he prepared to give them an assault which he did as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVI How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez sent Ambassadors to Albanta Georgia Muscovia and several other Kings his Allies to help him in his Wars with the Souldan of Babylon and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City DOn Bellianis being extreamly desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy before any other help came to him that he might acquire the more honor thereby resolved to set upon his enemies Camp that was without the City and if possible force them to retire into the City that he might lay a close Siege thereto and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions In order to which resolution after his men had rested themselves he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there took care for fresh supplies for he not onely sent thorough all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance such as were the Kings of Albania Georgia and the Emperor of Muscovia desiring them not to fail him in this occasion and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition and had such good success in their Embassies that the Emperor had great assistance as you shall hear hereafter In the mean time knowing that he had not onely a valiant but a politick enemy to deal with he kept strict Guards both within and without the City lest he should be surprized Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took did surprize him for having drawn out a Squadron of fifty thousand Knights the most accomplished in the whole Army caused them to put a piece of white silk or cloth in their Helmets that they might know one another though in the dark and in the middle of the night when his enemies expected no such matter he came to the Camp and killing the Centinels fell in among the Emperors Forces and slew many of them before they could arm themselves and such was their confusion in the dark that they without knowledge slew one another not knowing their enemies from friends by reason of the darkness of the night and their not being acquainted with his stratagem In this manner he run thorough the Camp and being followed by the best of his Army came to the walls of the City desiring them to open perswading the Guards that they were of their own party telling them that they must néeds speak with the Emperor but the Guards who had commands to the contrary went immediately to the Emperor and told him thereof who arising from his bed came to the wall and then he very well understood that the Army was alarmed wherefore he refused to open the Gates not knowing whither they were of his own Army or Enemies Don Bellianis perceiving this and that it would be to little purpose to continue there departed and so returned thorough the enemies Camp killing and staying all that were in his way and so being gone thorough the Camp and passed all the Guards he caused the retreat to be sounded which his Souldiers hearing soon understood the meaning thereof and so left the Camp and came to him who when they were câ—â—e fairly retreated to their own Quarters But Don Bellianis who had an intent to surprize the City and fayling therein as you have heard was somewhat vexed but however he considered that he done them a sufficient mischief for he had killed above twenty thousand of his enemies and came off with the loss of not above five hundred men This action gave the Emperor a sensible displeasure and did resolve if possible to revenge it but he could not at present put his resolves into execution wherefore he gave strict commands to kéep double Guards and more strict Watches hoping in short time to have such aid that he might be able not onely to revenge that loss but to beat his Foes out of the field But before any Forces came to his assistance Baltasano Prince of Numidia arrived at the Camp of Don Bellianis with one hundred thousand men and with new Orders from the Souldan that if the Emperor would pay the cost of the War and disband his Forces that then he should have peace otherwise that they should prosecute the War against him to the utmost such was the desire and inclination that the Souldan had for peace These Orders much troubled Don Bellianis being very discontented that the War must end and that he could not sacrifice the life of his rival fearing him so long as he should live lest he should so propound the having of the Princess Florisbella as the Souldan should accept of it and indéed when the prepositions were sent to the Emperor he was willing to accept of them provided be might have the Princess for his Wife otherwise he would stand to the utmost hazard of the war not questioning but by the help of his Allies and Friends but that he should not onely be able to beat his enemies out of his Country but to assault them in theirs and give them such trouble that the Souldan would be willing to propound his Daughter for a composition of the War This Answer being returned to the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano displeased them both but the anger that Don Bellianis was in at this proposition was so great that I am not able to express it for rising from the place where he sat he delivered this answer to the messenger Go tell thy Master that so long as the Souldan of Babylon has Subjects in his whole Empire that he shall never compel him to such baseness as the prostituting his most Royal Daughter to one so base and unworthy and were all the treasure of the Souldan exhausted all his Subjects slain and none left in his whole Empire to defend him yet I would
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
Letter and then knéeling on his knées he delivered the same to the Souldan who causing the same to be opened it contained these words The LETTER of Aurora Queen of Antioch to the Souldan of Babylon Most Illustrious Vncle MY hard misfortune in being expelled my Kingdom hath long since arrived to your knowledge and now having so great a good as to be restored thereto I thought it convenient to inform you of the truth thereof The Illustrious Prince Don Bellianis of Greece and Son to the Emperor has by the appointment of the Gods been the chief Instrument of my Restauration for not onely he and his Friends killed the Usurpers Gallaneo and Tramolcano but also have caused the Souldan of Persia to give me full and quiet possession thereof where I am now peaceably setled And I have also joyned my self in Marriage with Don Brianel Prince of Macedon and Cousin to the same Don Bellianis who as I hear under the Names of the Knight of the Basilisks and the Golden Image hath done you some services Assure your self Sir that he has not his equal throughout the whole Universe as I by sufficient experience can testifie both for valor and vertue and I think my self the most happy in his Alliance having married into his Family This Noble Company that are now come to you are his Brethren and Alliance and are come in quest of their Brother and Friend What kindness you shall do to them I am confident they will deserve and it shall be likewise acknowledged to be done to Your affectionate and obliged Kinswoman Aurora of Antioch Greatly satisfied was the Souldan when he had read this Letter for now he knew that which he so much desired the Quality of Don Bellianis and séeing his two Brothers and knowing that they were all of his Alliance he arose from his Seat and kindly embraced them and bid them heartily welcome telling them that he accounted himself extreamly happy in their company and that he was more obliged to their Brother and Friend Don Bellianis than to all the persons on the earth They gave him many thankes for the good estéem he had of them and told him that they were likewise ready to serve him in what occasion soever he should employ them and since Don Bellianis was absent they desired his leave for them to depart towards him The Souldan consented to this but withal he desired them to take some Forces with them which was accordingly agréed on Thus after this Discourse with the Souldan he conducted them to the presence of the Emperess and her Daughter the Princess Florisbella and her Cousin Mattarosa and the rest of the Ladies which pleasant Sight gave a great content to all the Knights but Peter of Ireland but in him it renewed his sorrow for the loss of his Princess Magdalena The Emperess and Ladies being informed by the Souldan of the Quality of the Knights and that they were Brothers and néer Relations of Don Bellianis was much pleased with their company and giving them their hands to kiss told them that she was very joyful to sée them the Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa did likewise kindly receive them and the Princess Florisbella was not onely joyful for their arrival but also greatly contented that now her Father was satisfied in the true Quality of Don Bellianis The Knights were all very sensible of the occasion that continued Don Bellianis in the Souldans service and did truly think that it was for the sake of the Princess Florisbella whom they did estéem to be the most beautiful Lady they ever saw and therefore worthy to be served by so good a Knight At length after several Complements the Knights were disarmed and after a short repast the Souldan called them to Council wherein it was concluded that they should depart the next day and carry with them fifty thousand men who were all ready for the march to go and assist Don Bellianis CHAP. XXXI How the Emperor of Trebizond was relieved by the Arrival of the Kings of Albania and Georgia with one hundred thousand men and fifty thousand men sent by the Emperor of Russia and how he appointed a pitcht Battel with Don Bellianis and Baltasano Prince of Numidia and their Armies and how the two Princes Brothers to Don Bellianis and all the other Knights came with the Aid of fifty thousand men and engaged with Don Bellianis and his Army against the Emperor of Trebizond whom in the end they conquer and take him prisoner And so leaving one hundred thousand men in the Field under the Command of Baltasano Don Bellianis and the rest of his Friends and Alliance with the rest of the Army marched back with their prisoners to Babylon IN some distress was the Emperor of Trebizond by reason of his being so closely besieged in the City of Pharez but the expectation he had to be relieved by his Friends gave him some satisfaction and still continued him in his former Resolutions of not agréeing to the end of the War unless it were on the Conditions he had formerly propounded to Don Bellianis who you know was resolved rather to die than to yield to any such Proposals and therefore he and the Prince of Numidia endeavored all they could to gain the City but it was so well fortified that it was very difficult however they caused the Mines to be made to undermine the Wall but before they hadended that news came of the Arrival of fresh Supplies to to the Emperor whereupon they prepared themselves to resist them and to hinder if possible their entrance into the City The Emperor heared in battel gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow over the Helmet but be soon required it by returning him another on the shoulder which descending down wounded him on the Arm. Thus was the Fight on all sides vigorously prosecuted But the Kings of Albania and Georgia being wholly desirous to force their way into the City made it their whole business to yet thither and so by degrées they got ground till at length both the Armies came in sight of one another and then the Emperors Forces séeing that they were likely to be so well relieved gave a great shout and jâ—yned all their Forces together the noise that they made gave some disquiet to Don Bellianis who was still fighting with the Emperor and being desirous to know what was the matter he reached the Emperor so mighty a blow that he remained without féeling and so he turned his horse towards the place from whence the noise came and then he soon discovered that the occasion of it was the Arrival of the two Kings into the Army with their assistance He presently furiously rode through all the Ranks of his Enemies doing much execution till he arrived at the place where the Prince of Numidia was engaged in fight with two mighty Gyants one of which he presently assailed and with less than thrée strokes laid him dead at his féet when turning about he
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
was ready to have descended the wall entred the City when the Emperor himself and several other valiant Knights in his company came and resisted him Many fierce and hardy blows were given and received on both sides for they had both an implacable hatred to each other and the Emperor knowing that if he could vanquish that enemy he should easily force the rest to retire laid mighty strokes on the Knight of the Images so that in the end he put him quite out of breath and inforced him to retire from the wall in despight of all the resistance he could possibly make all this while the rest of the Knights and Giants on both sides were not idle but did their uttermost endeavors the one to possess and the other to defend the wall which indéed was so well guarded by so many valiant and magnanimous Knights that indéed the flower of all Chivalry was there present and therefore the Moat which incompassed the City was in a manner filled with the blood and dead bodies of the assaylants which the Souldan perceiving and knowing that his presence was required and indéed more necessary in another place he caused his Forces to retreat which he could hardly effect in regard of the desperateness of the Fight in all places at last he withdrew his Forces and finding that he had gained nothing but that this Onset had cost him the lose of fifty thousand men he resolved to depart that night and retire to Persepolis Those in the City séeing their enemies withdrawn in good order returned to their several Quarters where they greatly rejoyced in their good fortune The Emperor and his Son with all the rest of those couragious Knights resolving the next day to issue out of the City and set upon their enemies in the open field but when the next morning was come and they were ready to put this their resolution in execution they found that all their enemies were departed having taken the benefit of the night for that purpose wherefore they went and disarmed themselves and then went again to counsel where they resolved to do as followeth CHAP. III. How Don Bellaneo the Emperor and the rest of the Knights and Forces followed the Souldan to Persepolis and that which happened there THe Emperor Don Bellaneo and the rest of the Knights being entred into council it was concluded that every one should provide himself to depart from that City and follow the Souldan They very well knowing that the Forces of the Emperor under the command of Don Clarineo being arrived at Persepolis and the Souldan being informed thereof was the cause of his so sudden departure wherefore Don Alfiron the Emperor Don Bellianis the rest of the Knights went immediately to put their Forces in readiness which when they had done they came to the Court to the Ladies to take their farewel of them The Princess Persiana was much troubled and perplexed that she should so soon leave her husband the Duke and was greatly discontented that all this war was occasioned thorough her Marriage with the Duke whereby the lives of so many brave Knights were put into continual jeopardy wherefore she besought the Duke her Husband Don Bellaneo and his son Don Bellianis to use their uttermost endeavors to reconcile this difference betwéen her husband and her Father without the effusion of any more blood which they promised to endeavor The Princess Aurora was likewise much troubled that her affairs was thus hindred by these Wars but her discontent was the greater in that Don Brianel and she must part wherefore she applied her self to Don Bellianis and calling him Her Deliverer desired him to make all the haste he could possible in his return thither that he might put her in possession of her Kingdom which he promised to do but she not satisfied with this desired that some one of his companions might be left in that City for the guard thereof He thereupon resâ—lved to give her all the pleasure he could told her that he would so order it that Don Brianel should be left behind for that purpose at the naming of whom she blushed and returned him thanks therefore So he took his leave of her and of the two Damsels that belonged to the Princess Florisbella and departed to his Father and the rest of the Knights telling them what he had promised to the Princess Aurora and that it was necessary to leave Don Brianel for guard of the City which was accordingly done Thus these brave Warriors left the City in guard of Don Brianel and ten thousand men and marched onward to Persepolis with sixty thousand men The Emperor and his company with easie matches at length arrived neer Persepolis where they found Don Clarineo with all his Forces ready to receive them who informed them that the night before the Souldan and his Son with all the rest of the Army arrived there and with the loss of many men had entred the City Thus these Forces being united made a very considerable Army and therefore Duke Alfiron did not question but he should in short time compel the Souldan his Father in Law to consent to his Marriage and therefore he desired that the rest of the Knights would give him leave to write to the Souldan to know his minde whether he would be for peace or war To which they consented and he writ to him accordingly and sent it by one of his Knights who coming to the gates of the City was questioned what he was and what he would have Who replyed That he came to speak with the Souldan from his Lord the Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Knights in his company whereupon the Souldan being advertised hereof commanded that he should be brought before him which was done accordingly and he coming unto the great Hall of the Souldans Pallace made his due reverence to him and to his Son the Knight of the Images and the rest of those high Personages there assembled and delivered his Letter to the Souldan who gave the same to his Secretary who opening the Seal found therein written as followeth The Letter of the Duke of Alfiron to the Souldan of Persia MOst Mighty Sir it is not unknown to your Highness the great love and affection that I have for a long time bore to the most incomparable Princess Persiana your Daughter and how that I have always been ready to do all reasonable things to testifie to her my Love and to your self my service but so it is that your Highness being blinded with revenge on Don Belleano the Emperor of Greece did decree That whosoever should vanquish and kill the said Emperor should not onely have your Highnesses Daughter to wife but half your Highness Dominions with her which was proudly and indiscreetly undertaken by Don Gallaneo of Antioch who though he attempted it could never bring the same to pass but was forced to return to your Court and there falsly reported that he had effected
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
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
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
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