thus expressed himself Alas my Love I see thou hast well obeyed my will in every point with joy since my return I oft have heard thy praises told how vertuous and chact thou hast remain'd and above all took pleasure to releive the poor my self disguised having received Alms from thy hands unknown It was I that free'd England from the cruel Danes and ever since have had my Lodging in this Cave oft fed on Roots and drank Water from the Brook shedding tears for true Repentance for my crying sins and now have made my peace with Heaven he would have proceeded but she interrupted him and fetching a deep sigh cryed Ah my dear Lord and could you be so cruel to your mournful Phaelice thus long to conceal your self from her that with such earnestness enquired after you but in vain no news of you e'r reached my longing Ear Alas said Guy it was for the welfare of my immortal Soul that I made not my self nor solitary dwelling known nor should I now have done though Heaven knows I love thee above all earthly things had not this mortal sickness seized me and according to my promise I desired to embrace thee once before I dye weep not my Love t is but a short space and we shall meet in Heaven never to be seperated more this being no sooner said but a fit of his Disease seized him he fell into a swound whereupon she with much rubbing and sprinkling of water in his face with the assistance of the Travellor brought him to life again then sending for her servants ordered them to fetch all manner of Cordials and would have removed her Lord to his Castel but he would in no wise consent to it saying he had chosen that silent place quietly there to resign his breath the which he did accordingly in two daies after commending his immortal soul into the hands of his great Creator leaving her sole Possessor of all his worldly Goods to dispose of them as she thought good during which space of Life she would not leave him but warched with him in the cold Cave and no sooner perceiving his immortal soul had taken slight but she cryed Ah cruel death then wilt thou let me slay no I will but follow my dear Lord to his Eternal place which said she in the height of Distraction beat her snowy breasts tore off her golden hair and mangled her face and had done greater violence had they not restrayn'd her then embracing the dead Corps she fell into a swound which her servants perceiving conveyed her with the body of her departed Lord to Warwick Castle Long it was not before the fame of Guy's death that great Champion of the World whose equal Europe could never boast of since or before spread through the Land whereupon the King and Queen left York and came to Warwick to give order for the Burial of so Renowned a Subject and like wise to comfort his of consolate Lady but could not effect the latter for she shun'd all converse delighting more in solitary Darkness than in Light refusing either meat or drink for three dayes space in the mean while Guy's Corps by the King's order was Imbalmed aâ—d all the Castle hung with mourning to the ground but while they were sumpteously preparing for his Funeral the Countess through extream grief fell into a violent Fever of which in despight of Art in a short space she dyed and breathing out her Soul cryed now my Lord with joy I come to enjoy thy company for ever in bright Mansions far above the Starry Skies This renewed the former Grief throughout the Nation each exclaiming against the Tyranny of Death who had bereaved them in so short a space of the most Renowned pair the Nation ever bred the one for Matchless Deeds in Arms the other for matchless Beauty and Vertue The King gave order to Erect a spatious Monument over the Tomb designed for them on which was Carved Guy's Noble and Heroick deeds with both their Images lying as it were a sleep whilst Angels strewed Roses and fragrant flowers around them and placed Garlands on their heads The time of the Solemnity being come all the Nobility in England in Mourning attended the Beirs the King Queen being chief mourners whilst the Trumpets sounded dolefully before them and the Priests their Requiems Sung their bodies were laid hath Tombe and this Cpitaph was infixed c. EPITAPH Under this sacred Pile of Marble Stone Doe lye the Wonders of the World whom none Could ever match her 's War and Beauties Pride The far-Famed Bridegroome and his lovely Bride Great Mars and Venus here Entombed lye VVhose Names Immortal are and cannot Dye After this the King caused Guy's Sword with which he fought most of his dreadful Battels withal the Head of the Dragon killed in Northumberland and the Râ—â— of the Dun Cow with several other Trophies of his Conquest to be hanged up in Warwick Castle as likewise on Cloth of Arras the full proportion of the Monstrous Dragon which was about thirty foot in length appointing a man a yearly Sallary to keep them some of which are remaining to this day and may be seen for the better satisfaction of the curious or incredulous of the Age which will hardly be induced to believe that ever such Worthies were though Scripture it self makes mention of several FINIS A Book of FORTUNE with Prophetical Solutions Giving Satisfaction in every condition of humane Life either as it relates to Love or business Written in the Reign of King Henry the Eight and ever since carefully preserved by a Monk beyond Sea and now brought over into England by George Stranmore Gent. Sold by Philip Brooksby at his Shop the sign of the Golden Ball in west-smithfield near the Hospital Gate 〈…〉 or Faithful Collection of the Newest and most Delightful Songs that are sung at Court and both the Theatres Honours Preservation without blood or a sober advice to Duellists Being a Compendious Tract of the most Exquisite Nature to appease the sudden Fits of Fury which English spirits have of late been too much subject too with many cautions how without the loss of Reputation or the least imprint of Cowardise as well the Nobility as Gentry of this Nation may refuse to Hazard their Lives and Fortunes on such mean pretences of Vindicating a Miscalled Honour or Unmanly Gallantry shewing likewise what dangerous inconveniencies men thrust themselves forward in such cases with an account how such Duels prove plain Murther and are contrary to the Laws of God and Man There newly Printed for and sold by Philip Brooksby at the Golden Ball near the Hospital Gate in West-smithfield where any English or Irish Chapmen may be furnished with all sorts of Histories small books or Ballads at reasonable Rates
The Renowned HISTORY or the LIFE and DEATH of GUY EARL of WARWICK CONTAINING His Noble EXPLOITS and VICTORIES LONDON Printed by H. Brugis for P. Brooksby at the Golden Hall near the Hospital-Gate in West-Smithfield MDCLXXXI The Episile to the Reader COurteous Reader I have here undertaken to give you a full and satisfactory Account of the Life and Death of the far-Famed and Most Renowned English Champion GUY Earl of Warwick according to what can be Collected out of the best Historians both Antient and Modern No Work in this Nature ever yet appearing to the World with more then half a Face or an imperfect Relation the which has rather sullied the Heroick Actions of so brave a man then caused them to shine in their Native Brightness which was one of the chief Causes that incited me to venture this vast Scene which includes not only Europe but great part of Asia e'r it can be finished having ever had a Veneration for the Memories of Worthy men I thought not fit to let such Lawrels wither in the dust as hertofore have flourished on the Brows of our Renowned Hero England's greatest boast well knowing how great an Ingratitude it is to let that Honour lye buryed in silence that of the Nation has deserved so well and above all I consider there is no greater Spur to prick forwards the minds of men to undertake Great Designs and Vallarous Exploits than by Reading the worthy Deeds of such as have thereby attained to the height of Glory For stories of Battels and of Warlike Enterprizes if drawn to the Life do most commonly as it were bear fire in themselves the which often so inflames the Souls of youth that it stirs them up with a desire to imitate the same and the very remembrance inspires them with courage for the Soul of man being composed of a fiery substance if not restrained by dulness and gross Humours of the body will be ever reaching after this sublâ—â—e placed in a more then ordinary Sphear especially in English men who at this day are Famed for Courage and true Heroick Vallor through all the yet known World No Nation under Heaven but in that must give us the preheminencey or we may justly claim it as our Birthrights And now dear Countrey-men since I have taken some small pains in drawing out this History as near as possible to the Life I hope you will be so just to the Memory of this Renowned Earl as to read over his Warlike and Pious Actions if not to imitate them which is the only wish of him who is a greater admirer of true worth Your loving Country man to serve you JOHN SHURLY The Argument HOw Guy Lineally descended from Cassibilanus the Pamous British Prince with a brief Account of the Roman and Saxon Conquest over this Isle of Guy's Birth and Parentage his Youthful Exploits and first falling in Love with Phaelice and what passed between them how she sent him abroad to Fight having been admonished of his warlike Exploits in a Dream how Guy Landing in Normandy killed two Champions and grievously wounded the third freeing a Lady who was wrongfully condemned to dye how he was pursued by Duke Philbertus how he fought with him at Sea and took him Prisoner how he worsted all the German Princes and won from them the Emperours Daughter he returning here to England kills the monstrous Dun Cow after being sent abroad he kills sixteen of Duke Ottons men who lay in a wood to intercept his Life assists the Duke of Lovain against Lorain raises the Siege with a dreadful overthrow afterwards makes Peace and with two thousand men puts to Sea in order to the Relief of Bizantium Besieged by the Turks meets with several Pirates and destroyes many of them raises the Siege and kills several of the Pagan Champions routing their Armies Terty wounded and his Lady taken from him the which he restores and assists his Father Besieged by Duke Otton whom he in single Combate kild a Dragon and a Bore then returns to England and kills another Dragon in Northumberland after that is Married then departs on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Kills Amarant a huge Giant and delivers those that he kept in Tortures routs Amanthus and restores Earl Terry to his Earldome returns to England Combats Colbron the Danish Giant and kills him put the Armies to rout freeing England then lives in a Cave unknown to all bus the King at his death seads Phaelice his Ring who coming to him closed his Eyes and shortly after dyes her self for grief are splendidly buryed in one Tombe with an Epitaph infixed and many other particulars more at large CHAP. I. A Brief Narration of the Roman and Saxon Conquest made of this Island and of the miseries it endured which brings us to the Birth and Lineal decent of our Famous Champion the Heroick Earl WHen Rome had spread her Ensignes wide into the world and made most Nations yield unto her Arms France totally subdued some wenty years before our Saviours Birth Caesar ambitious of more Honour from the distant shore cast his Eyes on this our Brittish Isle enclosed with white Rocks from whence most do affirm it took its name and rounded with the Sea then wild and barbarous without Law or civil Customes all painted people and in manners strange yet the great Warriour fired with successful Fortune regarding not the People but the Land desirous to anex it to his Conquests and the Roman Empire by reason of its temperate and pleasant scituation set sail from Callis with 200 Ships thinking with his experienced Legions and old Soldiers trained in War in a short space to over run this Isle then ignorant in seats of Arms but ere he Landed found true Brittish valour so beyond his expectation that he stood amazed for the Britains having notice of the Invasion all assembled under their several Kings or Princes Cassibilain a Famous Britain then being chief from whom renowned Guy our famous English Champion sprung they encountered the Romans so fiertely at their Landing that Caesar himself was forced shamefully to retreat with the lsss of his own sword and several Ensigns and Standards were taken his Army broken and he forced back to France to make Recruits such was the valour then our Nation bore and at the first onset foiled proud Rome to whose dread Arms the world thier portion homage paid nor did she make a Conquest here at last by the Sword but after infinite loss and twenty years toil was forced to grant the Britains their own terms the which was in the Reign of Augustus about the time of our Saviours birth that Prince of peace who established peace throughout the world and for 400 years that the Roman Emperours by their Lieutenants Ruled this Isle no nation afforded more valiant redoubted men who were continually drawn out for to supply their Armies in most quarters of the world till the Red horse went out to take peace from the Earth
slaughtered rout fell down on either hand and his men following it hard in less then two hours space the amazed Tuscanes fled on all sides in confusion leaving six thousand of their dead and dying friends upon the place which the Duke seeing in a rage desperately minded was resolved to dye and not survive his infamy whereupon he sought in every part for Guy whirling his sword about to make him room to whom he approching said now have I found thee who hast haunted me from place to place and challenge thee in Arms to try whom Fortune has designed to favour for death is berter then an ignominious loss of honour to whom Guy thus replyed proud Duke whose treacheries are not to me unknown who causelesly sent lately to envade my life know that I joy to meet thee at which they rushed together and like Lions fierce encountred each other whilst from their Helms the sparks of sice flew and ratling Armour ecchoed in the Skies till the Duke wounded deep on the right side fainted and fell down for loss of blood the which Guy seeing remembred that he was a Christian and thereupon began to compassionate his unhappy fate striving to recover him but in vain for ofter his having made a true confession of his many crimes and asked pardon of all whom in his life-time he had offended the crim Tyrant death prevailed and led him captive to the shades of night at which with a relenting mind after having delivered him to his friends to be honourably interred returned to the Castle where with great joy he was received of all especially of Terry Ossil and the old Earl but after having spent two daies there with much delight Herauld and he took their leave and departed Still searching glory's stage to court bright fame And win themselves an everlasting name CHAP. XII How Guy killed a Monstrous Bore and of the Honour done him by the Dukes of Lorain and Lovain how he return'd to England and killed a munstrous Dragon in Northumberland and the honour done him by the King and his Reception by fair Phaelice GUy and Herauld having taken leave proceeded onwards of their journey towards the Duke of Lovains Court but not having passed far e're in the Forest they saw coming towards them the hugest Bore that Earth e'r bred whose Eyes like two Beacons blazed and on his back the horrid bristles stood much like a Grove of spears his Tusks which like two Ivory bâ—â—works stood were at least two foot in length his jaws with blood and slaughter all besmeered before whose rage nor man nor beast could staud but Guy nothing daunted gave his horse to Heraul for to hold and drawing out his massy blade went to meet him at whom the beast coming with open mouth grunted horribly Guy stood not to complement him but let sly with all his force as if lones thunderbolts from broken-clouds had fest so that the Bore never feeling such weighty strokes nor smarting wounds till then turned tall and endeavoured to save himself by flight but all in vain for Guy pursuing laid so hard upon his swinish head that down he fell be smeered with blood and with a horrid noise that made the Forrest shake breathed out his life after which Guy hewingoff his head the which was at least one hundred weight bore it upon his Launce to the Duke of Lovains Court where no sooner arriving but the Duke commanded all his Drums Trumpets Clarions and other instruments of War to welcome him going with his Nobles to congratulate his safe return with all the imaginable expressions of joy and ten thousand happy wishes sending notice of his arrival to the Duke of Lorain whâ— with all the Nobility of his Court in very splendid Equipage came to embrace the worlds admired man and to present him with gifts and honours though not suitable to his deserts the two Dukes making a publique Feast for the space of ten dayes for all commers whatsoever But Guy having been so long absent from the bright beauty who was to be the reward of all his dreadful toyl was much desirous to return for England his Native place long it was before he could obtain their licences to depart they still preparing one noble exercise or other to delay him till at last he opened to them his Love giving them to understand it was for that that he so long had roamed about the world and undertaken enterprizes so perrillons against which they could find no argument but ordering one of the best Ships immediately to be rigged and fitted they unwillingly dismissed him after having accompanied him to the Sea side saying Go and prosper thou Renowned Worthy of the world thrice happy is the land that gave thee birth and more happy she that must enjoy thee in her arms may Victory a waight thee wheresoe'r thou goest and crown thy browes with new fading Bayes For which Guy having returned his humible thanks gave order to hoist up Sail and having a good forewind in four dayes touched on English ground The which the King no sooner hearing of but he sent several of his Nobles to desire his company at York where then he kept his Court Guy hearing that it was his Soveraigns pleasure stood not to dispute but joyfully accompanied them though he had rather have gone to his inestimable jewel the fair Phaelice First no sooner Herauld and he were conducted to the Kings presence where he sate in his Throne with all his Nobles standing cound about him but they offered to kneell as was their duty but the King forbade it and rising from his Chair of State took them in his arms and embraced them saying worthy Champions by whom my Realm is famous through the world and especially by you fir Guy whose Arms have done such wonders as amaze mankind before whose arm the haughty foes still bowed their stubborn necks Monsters and Tyrants by thy prowess fell and Armies seatâ—ered strewed the field with slain matchless in War in Arms not to be equalled Fames brazen Trumpet hath thy worth proclaimed and thee the everliving Monument of true Heroick greatness stiled spreading thy mighty Deeds unto the utmost cornees of the Laud thou the Oppressors scourge and the oppressed's shield receive such favours as a King can give At which Guy bowing low and returned all humble thanks he thus begun Dread Soveraign Lord to whom I all Allegiance owe your praises of my worth are too to great for my deserts but could there be an enterprize found out of greater difficulty wherein your most obedient subject could do ought to merit the least of these favours your Highness heaps upon â—â—e I should think my self for ever blest a happiness so infinite I should be proud to purchase with my Life Alass said the King and with that he sighed there is an enterprize of dangerous consequence within the limits of this Isle but I must hide it from thee least in such a dangerous attempt I lose the
shall quaff thy â—â—â—d and with that laid at Guy with his Massy Club who nimbly avoided the coming stâ—oaks â— drew his sword so that a dreadful fight began which long continued douâ—â—ful till through excess of heat Amarant began to saint which Guy perceiving redoubled his force and hewed upon his Armour till he dinted and cut it through in several places which the crafty Giant finding the better to recover breach feighned thirst and besought Guy to leâ— him drink of the adjacent River and not to take the advantage of Natures enforcements to which Guy readily condescended saying Drink thy fiâ—â— that so I may have the greater task to Conâ—â—or thee who when subdued shall have no excuse so said Heroick Guy And Amarant strait to the River hasted drinking largely of the swelling flood whilst Guy stood prepared to receive him at his return The Giant having ended his draught and quenched his thirst takes up his Club and comes at him with all his force rest having added fresh vigour the which Guy observing nimbly avoided the furious stroake which falling on the ground entred above a foot therein so that before he could recover his stroak Guy struck him full on the head which made him recoil six huge paces but wheeling about he charged again with greater force then before so that the Combate having continued about the space of four hours Guy grew thirsty desiring the like leave that he before had graunted to which Amarant scoffingly replâ—ed he never was so great a fooll as to releive his foe but to take all advantages this so inraged Guy that with force exceeding he smoat upon the Gyants Crest and with three blows brought him to the ground who fasting like a Ciclops made the Earth to quake and being down cryed out for quarter but in vain for Guy remembring his base ingratitude immediatly lopped off his frightful head which divided from the Monsterous trunk he fixed on the Gates and taking the Key he entred the Castle where he found the wofullest Spectacles that e'r his eyes beheld tender Ladies in â—â—â—k Dungeons living for many years on humane flesh nay forced to eat their husbands or their nearest friends such was the rigour of the merciless Tyrant These he released but going farther found a massy dore on brazen Pillars hung he not having the Keys forced them open with Iron instruments he found in the Castle where he had no sooner entred but he beheld such sights as made him start with horrour above fifty persons among which were the Knights Sonns hanged up by the heelâ—s many of them with their heads downwards other by the Wrists and some by the middle or Privy Members all looking as pale as death who no sooner hearing the Gate open but supposed it had been the Gyant coming to torment them as his use was to make himself pastime whereupon they with lamentable cries began to beseech him to put them â—ut of their pains But contray Guy gently took them down who through weakness were no wayes able to stand when he had done this he went and called the Knight who no sooner entred and saw what Guy had done but falling at his feet he rendred him ten thousand thanks but Guy taking him up embraced him saying he alwayes had vowed to right the wronged and help the oppressed against the mighty oppressor this he having sayed and they understanding he was their deliverer with tears of joy blessed the day that gave him birth and a thousand times more this in which he had released them from their torments after which Guy having comforted them all he could delivered the Keys of the Castle to the Knight with strict charge carefully to look to the distressed Ladies and the rest he put off the Armour and taking his gown and his staff departed towards Jerusalem with many a weary step over Hills and Rockey Mountains through Woods and Forrests where the dreadful wild Beasts roared around him sosâ—itary all alone and often sitting down in the shade or by some murmuring brook would with tears bewail his sins and condemn himself for the many great transgressions he had committed lamenting his youthful follyes whilst Wildings and Berries were his dayly food and water from the Christal Spring sufficed for drink to quench his thirst whom now we must bewailing his depraveties and return into England to take a view how Phaelice bears the absence of her wandring Lord. Whilst through untroden muzes he does stray To Juda's Land his sins to purge away CHAP. XIV How Guy's departure out of England is lamented and of strange Adventures that befel him in the Holy Land how at his return he Routed Amantbuses's his Army and restored Earl Terry to his Lordships afterwards returning into England which he found almost destroyed by the Danes NO sooner did the King and the Nobility hear that Guy was departed the Land on a Pilgrimage but they were struck mute with admiration wondring that he could so soon leave the fairest creature England had for a toylsome and solitary life yet commend his Piety that began such early Repentance and set his Soul at far greater value then all his Honours or glittering Treasures so that for this he 'l gain as much applause as before he had done for his victories In the mean while Phaelice pensive and shunned all converse unless it were concerning her Lord keeping her self reserved and Chast seldome being seen abroad the Queen and several great Ladies came several times to visit her and to perswade her out of her melancholy but in vain she would not harken to tales of mirth but often retiring ints her Closet she would bewail his absence saying Alaâ—s where wanders now my Guy what unknown Climate holds that far-famed man whom Europe lately held in Admiration but now unknown in poor array he traâ—es the Desarts thinking on me whilst Tears gush from his brim-ful Eyes and sitting down under some spreading shade bemoans my loanly state wishing himself oft in my armes Oh why did we ever part for this short moments bliss that was scarce worth his thoughts did he undertake such toil and six years spend in dreadful War alass could it be my Lord that could leave me thus forlorn bereâ—t of joy and comfortless even in thâ— dawn of Happiness overcasting with thick Clouds of sorrow the morning Sun when all my hopes were growing perfect a cruel Fate to me but it is for the sake of thy immortal Soul which makes me bear it with the leâ—s regret and be more patient in thy absence hoping one day to behold thy much beloved face again but where e'r thou art I know thy thoughts are fixed upon mae thy heart is oft in England though thou art far remote t is sure thou canst not forget thy Phaelice whom once thou lovedâ—t so dear no I know thou canst not I should wrong thy Vertues should I but imagine it Oh my Lord couldst thou but know how sensible I am of the great
dangers that you must needs hazard your self in whilst through Wildernesses large and wide you travel dedeâ—titute of food and ly abnoctious now unarmed to the devouring jaws of each brast of Prey and your absence bath tortured thus my poor bleeding heart with fear which is worse then death it self but wheresoever thou goest this is my comfort my sâ—ul aâ—tends thee though my body from the watery Globe's divided Leagues without number So saying her eyes burst out with Pearlly Tears and sobs stopped the passage of her voice refusing all pleasant Wines or sumptuous Diet her delight being only to feast the Poor and dayly to relieve with her own hand such as caâ—â—e for Charity whilst her Lord having travelled through Arabia and Palestinâ— after many a weary step arrived at the long wished for place the which to visit in those Popish times was heldâ— sufficient to expiate all sins committed till that time c. Guy took curious Observations â—â—th of the Sepulchre wherein the Aramathenian deposited the glorious body of our blessed Saviour inhumanely put to death by the cruel Iews after that the ruined Temple wherein he taught as likewise Mount Calâ—ary or Golgatha where his precious blood was shed for sinful man then the Reliâ—es of the Cross the Crown of Thorns and Scourge and many other memorials kept in the Church now built upon the Holy Sepulchre by the Patriarch Having stayed there about some twenty years with great Devotion he felt a natural decay knowing that Age still hurryed death on and being much desirous to lay his bones in his Native Land and to see his virtuous Wife before death cloased his eyes with long benighting slumber he takes his leave to tread back again those steps that he had trod before Wandring through divers Countries and Regions barefooted all day and when night came reposed in some hollow Cave that Nature had Arched with Pumice or beneath some spreading Oak laying his head upon the Mossy Bark so passing on by degrees till he came into Itally where long he had not travelled before he met with his old acquaintance Earl Terry whose Father beiâ—g dead Duke Ottons Son by name Amanibus had invaded his Tertitories and having overthrown him in three huge battels had taken from him his Lordships and Dominions in the revenging his Father slain by Guy and himself being forced to fly to save his life which Guy understanding bid him be of good chear for as I am an English man said he I will do thee right and bear the Vsurper back to his own Tuscany at the naming of an Englishman Terry revived and with a dâ—p fetched sigh said Worthy Sir there was an Englishman once so much my friend as to save mine and my Fathers Life from the assatling Tuscanes but I fear death has laid him low in some silent Grave he not having been heard of in these parts for many years his name was Guy a man renowned above the rest of men so said the woful Earl not knowing Guy time having so altered his Warlik face to whom Guy answered not willing to make himself known Most Noble Earl I knew the man you speak of and oft have seen him in dreadful Battels tryed whilst through the bloody fields I ranged and chaced the Foe with equal success speaking in these ambiguous words he desired the Earl to fetch him aâ—uit of the highest proofed Armour and a strong sword and then to Muster up what men he had left and leave the event to Heaven in all this he was readily obeyed so that in a dayes space every thing was compleat for the March Guy causing the Trumpets to sound aloud at the noise of which some of the Tuscanes ascending the uppermost Turcet of the Castle saw four thousand men all the remains of twenty thouâ—and the rest being slain marching toward them of which they advertised Amanthus who conjecturing it to be Terry commanded his Souldiers to arm and opening the gate â—â— the town issue dout in good order about sixteen thousand strong marching in three Battalia's which Terry observing would have sled but Guy hartned him on saying himself would â—egin the Battel and charge the whole Army through long it was not before they came up close to each other the Tuscans giving such a shout as made the hills to Eccho upon which Guy having drawn out one thousand of his choscest men ordered to sound the Charge and thereupon with force exceeding engaged the first Embatteiled Squadron of the Enemies main Body who dreamed of no such fury and broâ—e through their Ranks disordering and putting them into great confusion whilst Guy layd round about him and at every stroke one or other slew in the mean while Terry was not idle for animated by Guy's example he on the other side â—harged Amanthus with the like success so that nothing but slaughter raged through the Plain the conflict continuing dreadful for the space of four hours when the Tuscans found themselves infinitelp worsted began to shrink and by disranking fell into so great a disorder that their Commanders could not draw them up which Guy perceiving pressed on cutting his way through Troops and Regiments and making such dreadful havock that though Amanthus with many of his trusty Friends going through the Army entreated them to take courage yet could he not restrain their flight so that all retreat to the town being cut off by two thousand that wheeled to the right they fled confused to the Woods and hills scattering themselves on every hand Guy and the Earl having pursued them till night returned where they found the Citizens come out to meet the Earl with the Keys expressing great joy for those that were left to guard it hearing of the overthrow durst not attend the sequel but abandoned it and fled which they no sooner perceived but they entred in great Triumph and there that night the Earl entertained Guy with all imaginary splendor even weeping for joy to be so unlooked for restored desiring to know his name that had wrought such wonders in his behalf but refused to make known who he was nor did he as sormerly take any delight in Applauses or entertainment but getting up betimes the next morning left the City unknown to the Earl or any of his Attendants so that journying to the Sea side he found a Ship just going for England in which he joyfully Embarqued the Vessel being bound for Bristol which was then likewise a place famous for Marchandize in eighteen dayes they arrived there where Landing they heard most doleful and unwelcome News for Canuce King of Denmark on a pretended quarrel for the loss of his Father who putting to Sea in a small Boat and a Tempest immediately arrising he was driven on this shore and being taken by one of the Barons of the Cinque Ports was carryed before the King who nobly entertained him and for his great skill in Hawking made him his cheif Faulconer which raised such envy in him that
he was displeased upon that account that one day taking his opportunity in a Forrest he slew him and fled into France Which Murther being laid to the Kings charge who was altogether ignorant of it the Danes under their aforesaid Captain and several others under pretence of Revenge but more out of greediness for Prey and Plunder Landed with about twenty thousand men and after them ten thousand more with which they ravaged and laid waste the Countrey destroying with fire and sword all before them ravishing women and Virgins and then ripping them up alive dashing babes against the ground and all other horrid impieties that can be imagined so terrible they dealt that the people fled before them dreading them worse than a Pestilence the King having garhered together the English Forces had sought several Battels in which he was worsted and thereupon retired with his friends to Winchester a Town then so strong that it was impossible to take it unless by starving Powder that Hellish Engine then lay deep hidden in the secrets of the Earth and was not formed to belch destruction to mankind against which the Danes having drawn all their Forces besieged it almost round there being no passage in or out but at the Western Gate Guy upon this sad News and distress of his King and Countrey thither he makes all speed resolving to raise the Siege or lose his life Nor age detains him but through guarding Foes He Fights his way and deals them stormes of blowes CHAP. XV. How the King being Besieged at Winchester Guy undertook to fight with Colbron a Monstrous Giant Kills him and routs the Danish Army forcing them with great slaughter to fly the Land and then betakes himself to his solitary Cave where he lived many years unknown GUy no sooner entring the Town but he went upon the Walls to veiw the Enemies Forces how they lay Encamped and what their numbers were not in the least making himself known to any Long he had not been there but out from a Tent placed on the Northside came proudly strutting an Armed Gyant of Monstrous size being at least twelve foot in height and eight in thickness he being the man that had so terrified the English and made great slaughter on them in all the Battels that were fought none being able to resist his strength but still fled before him he wearing underneath his high proofed Armour a shirt of Mail and bearing a great two edged Sword Long he had not stalked like a huge Colossus on the plain but disdainfully aloud he called unto the King and thus began for to Revile Athelitone now no more King of England but our Prisoner mued up within these Walls which we e'r long will Level with the ground in vain it is to trust to your defence come forth and try your Manhoods in the field dy here like men and so perhaps you may purchase to your selves the names of Valiant but if like Cowards there you stay till we slaughter you within your walls and roast you in the flaming Town Infamy unto posterity will blot the false fam'd English Renown which has spread wide into the world a report of such doowds as you never durst adventure T is agreed by all the Captains of our Army that if amongst all your Nobles you can find a man that dares to Combate me in which Combate if he remains victorious they will not only raise the Siege but depart the Land and leave you in Peace and quietness so said the proud insulting Foe at which their Armies shouted loud and gave him great applause At which daring affront the King being much perplexed turned to his Nobles demanding if any of them would adventure on the Noble Enterprize Remember said he how great Goliah fell by David's hand and shall this Pagan outbrave us thus for shame my Lords let it not be known T is Heavens cause we fight for the defence of the true Christian Faith as well as for our Countreys honour who can tell but God may have put this offer into their hearts either to free us from distress or to deliver them into our hands If none will undertake it I my self will Encounter with the haughty Foe and if I perish Heavens will be done So said the King but all around stood mute looking on each other who should first Reply which Guy who had stood all that while undiscovered observing with anger groaned and coming to the King most humbly besought his Majesty to confer on him the Honour of the Combate to which the King not dreaming who it was for all supposed Guy then dead by reason he had not been heard of in so long a time made answer â—las poor Pilgrim for so thou seemest to be thou art not able to contend with one so Mighty I had a Champion once whom Death has now snatch'd from me on whose head I would have ventured my Life and Crown Oh Renowned Guy for ever lost thou wouldst not have seen thy Soveraingn thus affronted and abused with that he turn'd and went whose Royal Tâ—ars grieved Guy for to behold still with supplications pressing him that he would give consent Saying Dread Lord though I 'm now unknown to you yet trust my Courage for this once and by Heaven I vow before the Sun descends beneath the Western deep he that has braved you now shall pay his Life for the affront at which Heroick speech the King stood amazed and wondred at the greatness of his saying I have accepted thee thou shalt be the man on whom I 'l venture England and immediately ordered his own Armour to be brought which Guy retiring put on least he should be known and girding on a massy sword came to the King to take his leave which the Nobles seeing began to offer their services but the King would not permit them now but embracing Guy unknown said Go thou worthy man and Heaven direct thy hand to quest thy Foe at which Guy returning humble thanks departed whilst on the walls all stood for to behold the Frey No sooner was he come within call of Colbron's Camp so was the Giant named but he cryed aloud Come forth presumptuous Dane who durst so late put base affront upon Majesty behold me English born that am come to chastise thy insolence at which the Dane rousing from his Couch whereon he was laid came forth where no sooner beholding Guy but frowning and dreadfully glared on him with his fiery Eyes and thus disdainfully began And could the King amongst his Lords find out no youthfuller for the Combate fit but to send an old man ready to drop into the Grave who weary of his Life growes desperate and fears not death as knowing by course of Nature a few moments more would put a period to his dayes t is sure he sent thee to mock me and maâ—e me more enraged bâ—â— be it how it will thou never shallt return alive perhaps so â—aid Guy if you can hinder it but as
wise and as strong as you have been mistook contemn not Age in me these arms and my just cause shall soon decide the business of the War so saying they charged upon each other with such force as made their ratling Harness Eccho in the Skies and fire like Lightning from each Helm flew the Combate being dreadful to tehâ—â—d bloody and doubtful the Dane never been so matched before wounds were received on both sides whiles shouts that rent the Sky from the Town and Danish Camp were sent but Fortune who till now had stood neuter began to turn on Guy's Victorious arm whom she had failed never so that with a full blow he cutting through Colbron's Armour gave him a wound in the left shoulder from whence the blood flowing amain he begain to faint and faulter in his strokes which Guy perceiving laid the fiercer on and redoubling his strength whilst piecemeal down his harness dropped whereupon the Giant entreated Guy for to desist and seemingly let him the Conquest gain and he would promote him in the Danish Army Fooll as thou art said Guy thy suit and Coward-fear are now to be despised thinkest thou that England's Crown I 'l lose unless I lose my Life no know presumptuous man how thou wert mistaken at the first and much more now at last with that his dreadful blade he swings about his head which in the air much like a Commet showed and with a redoubled blow which like a Thunderbolt fell on Colbron's head he broke his Helm and peirced so deep into his head that staggering ten paces back he dropped upon the ground which the Danes seeing contrary to agreement came running to his aid but all too late for Guy had hewed his Head off from the Monsterous Trunk and with his Sword drove the disordered Squadron back slaughtering them on every side so that none durst come within the reach of his Sword but to the earth fell wounded or slain The King from the walls perceiving in what danger he was in with six thousand all that he had left Sallied out of the Town and instantly came to his Rescue charging upon the formost with such bravery that he bore down all before him who for loss of their Champion were now grown fearful so that breaking through their Ranks he disordered them and the English fighting courragiously for their Lives and Liberties made a great slaughter whilst this was doing Guy who had retired to refresh himself being well mounted returned to the Battel cutting in pieces and destroying so terribly all that durst oppose him that all the place where he fought lay piled with slain so that having drawn out a thousand English Horse he marching in the Front Charged through the main Body of the Enemy whilst the King Charging their Left Wing put them to the Rout so that numbers of their Cheif Commanders and Soldiers being killed and taken Prisoners they fled towards the Sea where their Shipping lay but the King and Guy resolving to clear the Land of such a Plague pursued hard after them not without infinite slaughter for upon the News of the Overthrow all the Countries through which they fled with such Weapons as they could get fell upon them that of Thirty thousand scarce five thousand got safe to Denmark most of the Plunder they had gotten being likewise recovered so great was the Victory that day After the pursuit the King and his Army returned to Winchester where he would have made all the splendid provision for his unknown Champion that could be imagined but Guy refused it saying he had renounced all worldly Pomp entreating his Majesty to give him leave for to depart the which the King would by no means consent to till he had declared his name against which he urged many Excuses but seeing the King so desirous he taking him aside told him he was his faithful Subject Guy and that after many and various adventures which hapned in his so long wandring up and down the Earth he was come to England for his Grave and so happily arrived as to rid his Country of its cruel Foe entreating his Majesty not to discover his Arrival to any not so much as to his Queen the which the King promised to observe and with tears embracing him after a long conference gave him Licence to depart only binding him with promise to send him word privately where he resided which he afterwards did and the King without any Attendance came often to Visit him in his solitary Cave where he lived many years So humble was the Warriour whose Renown And mighty Deeds might justly claim a CROWN CHAP. XVI Of Phaelice her behaviour for the absence of her Lord how she came to have knowledgâ— of him of his and her Deaths aâ—â—uâ—als the descript on of their Tombs and Epitaph how Guy's Sword and the Trophies of his Conquests were hung up in the Castle PHaelice not all this while having heard of her Lord remains pensive and sad her only Recreation being to releive the Poor who in numbers still flock about her Gates for Alms the which she liberally distributed with her own hand often enquiring of the Pilgrims that came from the Holy Land if they had heard of one Guy her much loved Lord and they answer no she would turn away and weep concluding he was dead and then breaking out into passionate expressions complain of her hard Fate which Guy himself in disguise often hearing his eyes growing thereupon full he would turn aside and weep to bear her company many times receiving Alms at her hands and resolve not to discover himself But at last finding Valours strength decay and that death approches fast he thought fit to send the Marriage Ring according to his promise being much desirous to behold her once more before he dyed so that espying a Traveller coming towards his Cave he called to him and out of all love desired him to do so great a favour as to carry a Ring to the Countess of Warwick and if she requested of him to direct her to his Cave he doubted not but she would largely reward the utmost of his demands The man at first seemed very unwilling as not knowing what it should mean making many excuses till Guy pressing more and more affirming that he meant no ill but that the Countess would gladly receive his message he at last undertook it and Posting to Warwick Castle knocked loudly at the gate desiring to speak with the Countess in her proper person for such was his Commission no sooner she being come but bowing low he delivered her the Pledge of dear Remembrance the which she no sooner saw but knew it and wept for joy and ordering her servants to give the Messenger an Hundred Marks for the good tidings and went with him to the Cave where her Lord was who espying her though feeble and weak went out to meet her where they embraced each other not being able to speak for a â—â—md space till Guy