TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVL AND HIS APPROued good friend Maister Frances Young of Brent-pelliam in the County of Hertfort Esquire and to the most kinde Gentlewoman and my Mistresse Susan Young his louing wife and my Mistresse as much happinesse wisheth as their owne hearts can desire SHould I right worshihful as flatterers are woont to doe set downe a Catalogue of your commendations and enter into a Laborinth of loue toward you I know your wits so good that you would quickly espie it and I confesse mine owne nature such as I hartily hate My present purpose then at this time is neither to rehearse your many stinde fauours which I knowe you rather loue priuately to enlarge then listen publikely to heare laide open nor report mine owne vnthankfulnes which I am sorie hath beene so much yet you will forget although it were farre more bui as a dutifull remembrance of both these though not able to be shadowed in one subiect yet sufficient in your conceits I know being but in part acknowledged I send you this honourable Historie of Prince Palmerin of England which cost mee no more paiues in writing then I hope it will be pleasing to you in reading The Epistle This first part is but to relish your tast how yee can like of such worthy Knights loues and memorable aduentures whereof at my last being with you in the Countrie I sawe yee vse no mislike Then finding such gentle entertainment as I make no question of the second part shall bee with you very speedily after So committing your worship and my sweete Mistresse your wife to the heauenly protection I remaine yours to my vttermost ⸪ A. Munday TO THE LADIES AND GENTLEVVOMEN OF ENGLAND THE Authour wisheth such a courteous moderation in iudgement that his labours be not hastily reproched nor hatefully receiued AMong the best choyse of flowers faire Ladies all are not sweet where is most varietie of Medicine some are not soueraigne so amongst all the conceits you shall finde in this Booke all are not pithie though the most pretie When the Lion roareth the Lamb trembleth when the Captaine taketh his Lance the Coward ferareth his life euen so the brauery of the learned is so great a blemish to him that hath little that he feareth to proceede not daring to step a foot without a pardon Such are the ingenious inuentiōs right noble minded and courteous Ladies so plentifully sent to your perusing that were it not the bountiful respect of your gentle iudgements did assure me to taste of your friendly fauour I should conuert my studies into so great despaire as the verie thought were sufficient to kill him that dieth euery houre fearing displease But as mercy doth alway accompany your noble sexe and mildnesse represse any cholerick chance so know I that rigor cannot dwell where is no desire reuenge but as of all men are faultie I shall be forgiuen for company Your most bounden by dutie A. M. In lucubrationes A. M. Epigramma R. W. VT legi placuit nec enim placuisse mireris Namque tuum nomen fronte libellus habet Laudo animum cupioque tibi sint saepe labores Grati suecumbas ne mala verba ferens Nomines Indoctos doctosque reuoluera scripta Indoctique cito fulmen ab ore venit Sed tu perge tamen tipis ornare libellos Persoluent sumptum gloria fama decus Quaeso feras animo patienti me tibi calcar Addere currenti sum tuus esto meus R. W. THE FIRST PART OF THE NO LESSE RARE THEN EXCELLENT AND stately History of the famous and fortunate Prince Palmerin of England CHAP. I. How Don Edward sonne to Fredericke king of England hauing obtained in marriage faire Flerida daughter to the Emperor Palmerin of Constantinople returneth home againe into England and going on hunting lost himselfe in the vnfortunate Forrest of great Brittaine by pursuing an inchated Bore which brought him to the Castle of the Giant Dramufiande where he remained Prisoner a long time AFter that Don Edward sonne to the aged Fredericke king of England had finished his long desired marriage with Flerida daughter to the renowned Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople not onely to his owne good liking but also to the content of his friends and familiars he tooke his voyage from the Empire of Greece as it is at large mentioned in the booke entituled Primaleon of Greece toward the realme of England accompanied with the Princesse Flerida his espoused Lady beside a traine méete to attend on so puissant a person as the Prince was Being arriued at the English Court to the no little ioy of the Knights Father and great delight of his kinsfolke and friends they were welcommed as beséemed their royall estates and ioyfully receiued to their hearts content It chaunced in short space after the Princesse Flerida waxed great with childe a thing of no small comfort to the aged king nor of little pleasure to the young Prince Now is the tediousnesse of their trauaile the wearisome labour of their long iourney cleane cast out of remembrance as of no account and the ioyfull Prince Don Edward deuiseth each dainty delight and each gallant attempt that either might procure the Princesse to pleasure or by any meanes giue her occasion of pastime And for because the pinching pangs which alway frequentetth one in her case might either cause doubt of her good deliuery or daunger in her well doing her person being somewhat ouercharged with sickenes the young Prince was as carefull in preuenting such ill chaunce as circumspect in prouiding to shunne any such chaunge Leaning the Court he walked with her in Prograce through the Forrest of England for that he supposed the sight of the spreading Trées and pleasant passages through the grassy groues would be an occasion of the vnminding her former fits and driue out of memory the sudden assaults that were incident vnto her féeble nature vsing himselfe very pleasantly and calling himselfe Iulian the more to encrease her mirth All this while remained the aged King in his Pallace where the English Prince being armed cast his eyes on the portrait of Gridonia hauing by her side a Lion and a tender infant the sight whereof was of such maruailous estimation in his conceiued thought both by the shew of beautie he held and shape of bountie he iudged in her that hée abandoned his naturall Countrey to trie his good fortune against the couragious Knight Primaleon For the more certaintie whereof you may at large peruse the effects of his valiancie in the discourse of his memorable aduentures and concerning the fortunate procéeings which passed betwéene them aswell the prowesse of the one as valure of the other I must needes say it was such and of so great authoritie as it bare the title of perfect magnanimitie But returne we to our matter The Princesse Flerida perceuing the courteous care and diligent endeuour that her royall spouse Don Edward vsed for her greater delight so louingly
that detained him Prisoner THe Hystorie doeth discourse vnto vs how when the Emperor Palmerin of Constantinople left his royall estate to seeke aduenttures as a wandring Knight that he ariued in England accompanied with Trineus the Emperor of Allemaignes sonne who for the loue of faire Agriola in the English Court left his natiue Countrey and behaued himselfe so valiant that shée might esteeme him as one of her 〈◊〉 fauored Knight And in sooth not to diminish his praise or hold backe one title of his braue behauiour the exploites both of him and the Emperour Palmerin béeing both to most vnknowne were such as the King of England with all his Courtly assistaunts not onely commended their valure but also gaue them entertainement agréeable to their bounty and magnanimity For he perceiuing that their daily endeuours tended both to the safegard of their person and honour of his whole Realme gaue them that preferment in Court which they deserued in chiualry and that honour in name which they both argued to haue in nature whereby they were encouraged to attempt the hardest aduenture and so be honoured in their knightly behauiour In fauour of their Prince and ioue of their Country at length they obtained the full issue of their enterprise which was to haue with them the Prince Agriola whom on a day through leaue obtained of the King with the Queene her mother they got leaue to walke into the field not farre distant from the Court accompanied with diuerse Noble men and Gentlemen as you may reade more at large in the Historie of Palmerin d'Oliua which faith That sporting themselues there on the top of a hill on a sudden altogether vnlooked for there came a Giant named Frenaque well attended on with twentie fighting men who perforce tooke the Queene and her Daughter Agriola from them neither respecting the woefull meane of the Ladies nor gentle entreatie of the knights who had no defence to rescue them nor companie inough to resist them But at that time were more ready to vse a distaffe with Hercules then a Speare with Hannibal and rather required to handle a Lute in Venus Chamber then lift a Launce in Mars his Campe and for a soldiers iâ—unitiâ—n vsing sweete Parle with their Mistrisse and their Ladies laps for the hard lodging in the fielde So béeing thus altogether vnprouided lost the sum of their pleasure and honour of their Knighthood Palmerin and Trineus who had béene with the King in walking arriuing there and hearing of this losse encouraged them as wel as they might offring themselues to die ere they would put vp this iniurie So willing them all to prouide them presently for that a rash encounter might turne to an hard aduenture they proceeded in pursuit after the giant and ouertaking him behaued themselues so worthily that he was slain by the hands of the Emperor Palmerin Then the yong Prince Trineus as well that his Lady Agriola might perceiue his hardnes as also the Quéene her mother might giue his deeds commendation so valiantly menaced his courage that by the helpe of the other Knights all the Giants traine were vanquished so that the Quéene and her Daughter had suffered no spot of dishonour by their crueltie which greatly they stood in feare of This Giant had a Sister named Eutropa so cunning in Magicke that neither Zoriastes nor all the other Magitians were in this deuilish Art comparable to her by helpe whereof she had knowledge of the death of her Brother which entered so déepe into her heart that shee vowed her reuengement should excéede this cruell mischance And hauing in her Castell with her a Nephew of hers and the Sonne of this Giant Frenaque named Dramusiande by whom she meant to seeke her sharpe reuenge shee tooke him in her armes and entred into these rufull complaints Ah swéete Nephew albeit thou art fatherlesse yet art thou not friendlesse and though in thy tender time Fortune hath framed thy mishap yet espect a farder time which my Art shall beginne and thy manhoode finish And he that hath thus cruelly murthered the Father both hee himselfe his lynage friendes and familiars will I persecute with extreame rygor After these and such like speeches vttered shee prouided to fortifie and make strong her Castell least the King of England should seeke both the ruine of it and destruction of the Giants kindred when once it came to his eare the Treason shée pretended against him wherefore shée armed her selfe with all those of her kindred knowing that to resist the power of a King asked no smal defence And for a further remedy least worst should happen she enchaunted the Forrest round about so that none could enter her Forreste without her leaue vntill such time as the yong Giant Dramusiande were able to beare Armor and receiue the order of Knighthood In processe of time the young Giant grew able to beare Armor and then his heart began to thyrst for reuenge of his Fathers death the which to accomplish hee was very desirous in Trauell to aduenture his strength according as his heart desired But Eutropia perceiuing the courage of his minde to excéed the strength of his person deâ—iled him to stay his Iourney and she would yéelde into his hands such a one on whom hee might sufficiently reuenge the death of his Father Thus and with these perswasions she changed the minde of Dramusiande vntill the hard fortune of the Prince Don Edoard brought him to her Castell where he entred without any daunger for that his good Sworde kept the force of all Enchauntments from him but hauing lost it by her Diuellish deceyte remained as I haue expressed in vnspeakeablie Leauing this matter it shall not be amisse to speake somewhat of the state and condition of Dramusiande who albeit he were a Giant which commonly are of rough and impatient nature yet was he indued both with ciuilitie of life and honestie in behauiour exempting crueltie and surpassing all of his stocke and parentage in courtesie For after he had a long space kept Don Edoard in Prison and not onely perceiued his Princely qualities but also the sobrietie and great gentleâ—â—â— his life hee caused his Fetters to bee taken from his féete and gaue him leaue for recreation to walke about the Castell vppon condition that hee would not séeme to passe beyond his limits without his consent The courteous Prince gaue him his hand and Oath that he would not passe one foote further then his Licence should permit Yet notwithstanding for all that he gaue charge vnto diuerse to respect his walking abroade in that hee respected his Aunte Eutropaes promise which was that many valiaunt Knightes would Aduenture their liues in the searche of this strayed Prince whome she doubted not but to haue also as Prisoners in the Castell And against the comming thither of any such shee caused to lye in Embush in the Forrest a great number of Armed men to aide Dramusiand against them if his hard hap should
courtesie to the other knights the king lead the Quéene to the Prince Don Edward saying Madame behold now your Sonne for whom you haue wished so long now may you at leisure make knowne vnto him the gréeuous passions which for his absence you haue suffered And I desire you to entertaine these noble Princes with as great fauour as you can any way deuise for that we are greatly bound vnto them considering the danger they haue passed to finde our Sonne Don Edward Then he shewed her the noble Primaleon to whom she went embracing him in her armes and gaue him a swéete kisse for his welcome The like she did to the Prince Vernar the king Polendos Recinde Arnedes with all the Princes and Knights Then Flerida comming to her brother Primaleon imbraced him in her armes with these wordes Let it not be offensiue to you my noble brother that I haue stayed so long not welcomming you as I ought for sure the glad comming of my Lord Don Edward made me vnmindful of any other body Your reason Sister is allowed answered Primaleon and he that should blame you for it were not worthy to be estéemed among those that séeme to professe honour and vertue Then the King commanded their lodgings should be presently prouided which they found in euery point so royally adorned as they could not speake sufficient in praise of the court of England Thus staied they a good while in the English Court euery one desirous to returne into their owne Dominions more to set such things in order as their Deputies had failed in then for any desire they had to leaue the Court of England But because those whom they left in charge with their kingdomes had dealt in such order with their subiects as they were ready to rebell against their rightfull Prince therefore they thought the sooner they departed in the lesse time they might allay all the troubles againe CHAP. XLIII How Trineus the Emperour of Allemaigne hearing of the happy deliuery of the Princes out of the Castle of Dramusiande left the Court and with the Empresse Agriola trauailed till he arriued in England where he was very royally and Princely entertained REport had blazed in all Countreyes how the Princes and Knights that had béene so long time lost and could not he heard off were now at libertie and the aduenture of great Brittaine fully ended Trinens the Emperour of Allemaigne who had spent his dayes in great sorrowe grieuous complaints for his two Sonnes Vernar and Polinard now vnderstanding that they remained in the English Court his heart was supprised with so great ioy that not bewraying his intent to any hee determined to trauaile till hee came into England So accompanied with the Empresse Agriola and such knights as beséemeth his royall estate to haue with him hée passed thorow Germaine where at diuers Cities hée was honourably receiued at last landed on the Coast of England King Fredericke had knowledge of the comming of the Emperour Trineus wherefore he commanded the Chamber should be prouided wherein the Empresse from her childhood had talke with her at such time as the Emperor Palmerin and he came to present their seruice to the King of England Many noble Estates prepared to goe meete him thrée miles from the Citie of London and the king accompanied with Vernar and Polinard came to receiue him into the Citie But to rehearse vnto you the royall and gratious entertainment they receiued by the king with the sumptuous and rare deuises fcamed by the Citizens to welcome him withall would aske a greater time then I can well stay so long from discoursing of our History but so great was the kings fauour and so liberall the expences of his dutifull subiects that they said within themselues England had no fellow When they were come to the Pallace the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida being very gorgiously attyred against the comming of such a great State receiued him with such royaltie as is not here to be spoken of With great honour they were conducted to their Chamber all retyring backe except Vernar and Polinard their sons whom the Empresse commanded to stay with her because shée had a great desire to talke and conferre with them All the knights determined with themselues to prepare some notable shewes of pleasure wherewith they might delight the minde of the Emperor that he might perceiue what losse both Christendome and their noble Parents should haue had if fortune had determined their continuall seruitude to the Giant Dramusiande and had not wrought the meane to grant them their libertie The Emperor and Agriola passed away the time in pleasant communication to heare what aduentures their noble Sons had passed yet safely to escape such a bitter plunge for which they both lauded Fortune and estéemed their age the happiest time of their life Then would he often declare to Agriola what sharpe assaults he had endured in that chamber being amorous of her loue and bestowing his affaires in her seruice wishing for the time againe wherein he spent his flourishing youth so valiantly But knowing that his desire was vnpossible to be receuered he delighted to rehearse what pleasant cenceits had passed betweene him and her as well when she was coy as when she made acceptation of his courtesie and shewd her the secret places of danger which full many a time he made hazard in when he had desire to speake with her But nâ—w considering how his ancient time had cut off such amorous drifts as then he put in practise betwéene teares and pleasant talke he passed this remembrance in his silent thoughts knowing that youth must of force giue place to age and as then he had pleasure in amorâ—us deuises so new to content his age with ancient discourses And often would he rehearse what strange and rare aduentures his sonnes had reported during the time they sought for the strayed Prince as also the pleasures of Constantinople which was a meane to perswade his vrgent passions and to forsake such complaints as were bootelesse to be rehearsed The faire Aurora had no sooner left her old and ancient husband and shewed her bright beames vpon the earth but that galleries and scaffolds were made about the Tiltyard where the knights determined to shew the Emperour their valour The knights of England and Allemaign held both one side together and the Grecian knights maintained the other side each one behauing themselues with such hautie courage that the Emperour did assigne them singular commendations For sometime Fortune maketh cheyre of a weake Champion and alloweth him to be as aduenturous as the most hardy knight euen so the weake and strong preuailed so well together that both sides were praised aad the noble estates sufficiently pleased CHAP. XLV How Argolant arriued at Constantinople where in the presence of the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda and the faire Bazilia he declard how the knight of Fortune had deliuered Don Fdward Primaleon and the other captiue
minds They being in some doubt to gaine the ouerthrow suddenly entred the field Platir Floraman Francian Germaine of Orleance Vernar Polinard with others so that as then began the brauery of the fight which as it was well worthy past not without notable praise and the English Knights came still afresh to fiercely on them that the GreciaÌ„ Knights were through néere constraint vrged to retire But behold on a sudden to aide the Grecian Princes there entred thrée strange Knights very brauely mounted the first of them bearing in his shield on a grouÌ„d of sand the God Saturâ—us compassed about with Starres the second had for his deuise in a gréene field the Image of the House of Sadnes the â—hird would not haue his Shield knowne and therefore bare it couered These thrée séeing how the English Knights preuailed maruellously in their resistance couched their Speares and ran among the thickest of them whom to the great danger of both sides began a fierce battaile so that Vernar Tremoran Teneâ—rant and others were faine to be carried out of the field they were so sore wounded In like manner were diuerse of the English side till the Reâ—â—eite was sounded when the Prince Gracian with his company retired into his Campe and the English Knights conducted the Emperour and the King into the Pallace where sweet musicke and other delightfull exercises ioyned them all friends in their former vnity CHAP. XLVII How the three Knights that came to the Tournament were knowne to be the Knight of the Sauage man the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley and Blandidon And how Aliart discouered in the presence of all the Princes how Palmerin of England and Florian of the Forrest were the sonnes of the noble Don Edward and the Princes Flerida for proofe whereof he brought the Sauage man and his wife who had nourished the two young Princes so long in their Caue into their presence by whom this great ioy was fully confirmed WHen the Triumph was ended and the Emperour with King Fredericke returned into the Pallace the Tables were ready prepared when immediately they sate downe to take their repaste being seiâ—ed in such honorable and comely order as the princes were greatly in loue with the court of England Against supper was done the King gaue in charge that the Knights should prepare themselues to the dancing which done a sumptuous Banquet should presently be serued on the tables The Dancing and the Banquet finished and they sitting pleasantly ieasting one with another they entred the Hall the thrée Knights who had behaued themselues so brauely in the Tournament Many desired to come néere them because they would know of whence they were but to hinder their intents such a mist on a sudden arose in the Hall as the lights were dimmed the Torches burned very scarcely and the Ladies being dismaied caught their Knights in their Armes To put them out of this feare the mist departed and the Hall was as cleare as it was before when straight way they beheld in the middest a Lion and a Tiger enduring a great fight together and to set them at vnitie there entred a faire Damosell with a golden rod in her hand wherewith she touched them both and they humbled themselues at her féet This done shee departed and they arose againe in the forme of two fierce and vntamed Bulles which caused such an astonishment to all the beholders that they wished themselues to be foorth of the Hall But the Knights séeing their Ladies so greatly discouraged perswaded them that it was but some deuise artificially prouided for the delight of the Emperour but they would hardly beléeue them because the two Bulles fought so vehemently the one against the other and being ouercharged with wearines of fight fell to the ground breathing from their mouthes an horrible and ougly blacke smoke as was before The Hall auoided of all these accidents and in the same estate it was at first they might behold that thrée Knights with their heads vnarmed so that he who would not haue his shield known was found to be the gentle Knight of the Sauage man who presently went to the king and kneeling downe kissed his hand with these words My gracious Soueraigne I earnestly intreate at your hands this Knight may receiue the courteous entertainement your Grace will afford him at my request for this is the Sage Aliart your Maiesties most affectionate seruant to whom your griefe hath been so displeasant that he thought himselfe not in perfect quietnesse till he might manifest his humble deuoite to your Grace King Fredericke who had often heard report of the Sage Aliart by reason of the renowne and fame was spred abroad of him stoode in a doubt how it should bee hée because his youthful yeeres was much vnlikely to embrace so great cunning and learning as was euery where famed of him neuerthelesse giuing credit to the Knight of the Sauadge man hée embraced him with these salutations Certainely sir Aliart I am bound in duty to make good account of you as well for your vertuous dealings which doth iustly deserue it as also for bringing me my Fatherlesse Knight inso sound and good disposition of health wherein you haue not onely honoured me but likewise approoued the vnspotted faith of your Knighthood My gracious Lord answered Aliart the desire I haue to manifest the loialtie of my seruice vrgeth me to this opinion that might I liue neuer so long I could not accomplish so much as duty doth require in me respecting the great friendship I haue found at your Graces hand vndeserued But maâ— I vnder your Soueraigne pardon presume to disclose so great a secrete as shall both content your Highnesse as also this illustrious assembly The King supposing some glad tydings toward requested all the Princes to vouchsafe their audience when being euery one quietly placed to their owne content Aliart humbling himselfe to the Princesse Flerida began as followeth Madame it were hard for me to distinguish betwéene your extreame griefes passed and the swéete solace you enioy at this present for albeit this is to be thought beyond comparison yet in time when you were heauie your wofull complaints were equally as vehement as they that were priuie to their aduerse case could easily beare with the vrgent cause But referring long discourse of matter you are to estéeme your selfe highly honoured by this no lesse hauty then happy and famous Knight of Fortune who for your sake hath suffered the annoiance of paine in recompence of the dangerous trauaile you sustained for him at such time as you were deliuered of two Children in the vnfortunate Forrest when your Lord had left you For when the Sauage man had taken him and this redoubted Knight your Sonne Florian his Brother to sacrifice them to the rauenous iawes of his gréedy Lions pittie so pierced the heart of his poore and louing wife that shée saued them from the bloody slaughter and nourished them as carefully as she did this other
who is her owne Childe And Madam let not be forgotten the wordes sir Pridos rehearsed vnto you at such time as you had lost both husband and children which was reported to him by the Ladie Argonida for loe at this instant her promise is accomplished your noble Lord Don Edward is restored and your two lost sonnes safe and sound recouered whose Knightly valure hath sufficiently discharged the sorrowe that then your afflicted person suffered The Knight of Fortune is your Sonne Palmerin to whom you gaue that name in honour of the Emperour Palmerin your Father who by the meanes of the Knight Polendos receiued your son into his Court when he likewise caused him to be tearmed by his owne name And this aduenturous knight of the Sauage man is your other Sonne which according to the place of his birth you called him Florian of the Forrest him haue you nourished brought vp by your motherly care albeit he was knowen to you for no other then a straunger Thus to knit vp your former ioy I thought good to presume so farre as to make you partners of that which was not knowen to any but onely God and my selfe The Princesse Flerida and Don Edward wel viewing one an other were suddenly rauished with such an inward ioy as it is impossible for me to giue iudgement thereon then Palmerin and Florian came imbraced each other which moued the king and all there present vnto such delight that they could not conceale the great pleasure they conceiued whereupon the king entred into these words Trust me Syr Aliart these newes were altogether vnlookt for at this present albeit they haue béene earnestly desired long before this time but yet doe me the fauour to certifie me how you are assured of that which you haue giuen foorth for a manifest troth it may be here are some that dare hardly aduenture to beléeue it If I should my good Lord answered Aliart fable in such a case I were well worthy such seuere punishment as is due to him that should falsely informe a Prince But neuerthelesse to giue you the better assurance thereof marke what shall ensue and then answere how you are satisfied Then drewe hée foorth a little Booke whereon hauing read a prettie while the Sauage man and his Wife entred the Hall who had nourished Palmerin and Florian so long in theyr Caue when presently the two Princes beholding them went and imbraced them both with great courtesie the the like did Siluian who hauing learned more ciuility in court then when he remained with his Father in the Caue knéeled downe vnto them as was his duetie The Princesse Flerida receiued such excéeding ioy that shée imbraced them both very louingly and Palmerin thinking it great dishonour to him to be vnmindfull of his nurses that had vsed him so gently tooke them by the hand and brought them before the King giuing him to vnderstand that they twain had deserued a good reward in recompence of the great affection his Brother he had found at their hands The King taking them from the ground in his armes promised that their labour should be honorably rewarded so lifting his eyes vp to heauen he vttered his ioy in this manner O heauenly Father this is the last good happe that euer I desired to sée wherefore now if it be thy pleasure take me out of this miserable world before vnconstant Fortune determine any more mischance to me This done he tooke his two Nephews and brought them to the Princesse Flerida before whom they humbled themselues on their knées kissed her hand a great many times and she casting her armes about their necke in teares remembred the great danger she saw them both in when they endured the bloody Combate at such time as shee was faine to set them at vnitie Then Don Edward their noble Father in remembrance of the valiant behauiour he had séene in them both at the Castle of Dramusiande receiued them in his armes with such courteous gréetings on either part as the ioy in such a case did vrge them to manifest The Emperor Trineus a partaker of this Fortunate sight came to both the Princes and vsed many friendly spéeches to them in like manner did the Empresse Agriola the Kings Recinde and Arnedes with all the Princes and Ladies whose ioyes were not small for this happy successe Then Palmerin vsed great courtesie to the Prince Primaleon for that he vnderstood him to be father of his Lady and Mistresse Polinarda and Sonne to the Emperor his Grandfather who had vouchsaued him his honour dnring the time he remained in his Pallace at Constantinople The Sauage man and his Wife were very graciously entertained who séeing the two Princes in dignity beyond their expectations when they were in their Caue did greatly reioyce that Fortune had so fauourably preserued their noble liues Palmerin séeing the time that euery one prepared themselues to their chambers commanded Siluian to conduct his father and mother to a faire and rich Chamber which was prouided for them Euery one departing the king accompanyed Aliart to his Chamber where he desired to know what the other knight was that came in his company If it please your Grace answered Aliart to morrow morning you shall be resolued to the vttermost in the meane space assure your selfe that he is such a one as his valour deserueth to be remembred amongst the most renowned Thus with a generall gladnesse euery one went to take their rest forgetting all gréefe that was passed before in remembrance of the fortunate successe that had happened at this instant determination of ioy CHAP. XLVIII How on the morrow Blandidon was knowne and Aliart bewraied himselfe and Pompides to be the Sonnes of the Prince Don Edward Argonida the Lady of enchāted the Isle And how the Emperour Trineus with the other Princes determined to depart from the Court of England but were desired first to goe see Castle of the Giant Dramusiande wherein the Princes had remained Prisoners so long time THe pleasures in the Court of the aged King of England of the Prince Palmerin and Don Florian his Brother that the Cittizens passed away the night merrily in making of great Bonefires ringing of Bels to manifest the ioy which they likewise conceiued for this happy accident In the morning the king went to the chamber of the two Nephewes where he found Primaleon and the Prince Vernar merrily disposing themselues together and so accompanied with Arnedes and Recinde they went to the chamber of the Emperour Trineus who béeing already stirring prepared themselues to go heare diuine Seruice which was accomplished with maruailous great solemnitie When they returned vn to the Pallace such was the assembly of people to sée the two Princes that they could hardly ascend the staires to the great hall the people were gathered into such a prease The strange Princes endcucured themselues to entertaine the Sage Aliart very honourably so that from the hightest to the lowest
he was greatly made account of insomuch as euery one thought his labour well imployed to do him seruice and euery one were desirâ—us to question with him how Don Florian was guarantized of his wounds which he had receiued at the Castle of Dramusiande When dinner was ended they went all to the chamber of the Empresse Agriola with whom the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida had dined and the king desiring silence when they were all placed began in this order to the Sage Aliart Let it not séeme displeasant vnto you good Sir that I presume to remember you of a promise made yester-night as also to deliuer me from a doubt that I haue conceiued of your selfe which is if I may request so much fauour to tell me of whence you are because the great cunning and science I haue heard to be in you doth argue you are discended of some noble linage To which demand Aliart presently returned this answer I was determined déere Soueraigne neuer to bewray my selfe to auy but since your Maiestie hath commanded me whose words are more of force to compell me then any prince or potentate may or can constraine me I will certifie you of that which neither friend nor foe could yet get of me This knight whose name you are desirous to know is called Blandidon as concerning his birth and Parentage the Prince Florian can at large giue you to vnderstand for which cause I will passe no furder to discouer what he is But as touching my self this knight here named Pompides and my selfe are Brethren both of vs the sonnes of the Prince Don Edward and Argonida the Lady of the Enchanted Isle as hath béene affirmed to vs by the oath of diuerse Don Edward sitting by his beloued Flerida loath to conceale any thing that might profite in this case humbling himselfe to the King his Father began as followeth Deare father what Sir Aliart hath deliuered to your Grace I must and will auouch to be most true they are both my Sonnes wherefore I desire you to entertaine them as your Nephewes And my swéete Flerida let it not séene as disliked of you because it was long before I entred acquaintance with you and such were the craftie deuices Argonida vsed with me that what with perill of my life and the pleasure I had also in her company these twaine are the fruits of our long familiar labours The King came to them aud imbraced them very louingly when presently Florian at his instant request declared the hautis Exploytes and Knightly déedes hée had both tryed and found in the noble Blandidon Flerida forgaue her Lord Don Edward this offence smyling at the subtill inuentions Argonida vsed to gaine the desire she bare to the English prince when immediately Aliart and Pompides came and submitted themselues to her whom shée welcommed as hartily as had they béene her owne children and so continued pleasantly talking with them till time required they should depart to their Chambers Palmerin of England held yâ— Sage Aliart in great estimation when he perceiued he was allyed to him in kindred so that altogether he framed his delight to be in his company and would not attempt any thing but he should be priuie to it The Triumphes and sumptuous feastes continued daily aboundantly and euery night there was Marking Dauncing rare deuises put in execution so that the Grecian Knights highly honoured the Ladies of England whose braue gesture of Courtly entertainement was not onely estéemed of them but as much commended at their returne in the Court of Constantinople After a long continuance of this excéeding ioy Arnedes and Recinde concluded to depart to their kingdomes leauing their sonnes to accompany the other Princes in their pleasure which the Emperour perceiuing determined to iourney towards Allemaigne also But when they prepared themselues to take their leaue Don Edward and the other Princes desired them to vouchsafe the paines to sée the Castle of Dramusiande wherein so long time they had béene kept as prisoners This request pleased the Emperor very well so that he desired Arnedes and Recinde to beare him company also and then they would depart together Intreaty had quickly wonne them so that on the morrow they departed themselues thither accompanied with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the English Court who greatly longed to sée the Castle so much spoken off that had caused great Brittaine to stand in such feare and by the prowesse of the Noble Palmerin was brought into subiection CHAP. XLIX How the Emperour Trineus the King of England with all the Princes and Ladies rode towards the Castle of Dramusiande where by the way they saw the Caue of the Sauage man wherein the two Princes had beene so long time nourished And how all the way as they rode the Sage Aliart presented them with many rare and braue deuises vntill such time as they arriued at the Castle Where they met with a strange knight who in honor of the beautie of his Lady Miragarda Iusted with diuers of the Princes and departed againe from thence vnknowne to any but the Sage Aliart who discouered to Palmerin of England his name and whence he was IN the morning the Knights who had behaued themselues so worthily in the triumph prouiding them of new and rich Armor made great haste because they would bee ready to goe with the Giant Drausiande onely because they would gratifie their Ladies in bearing them company to sée this Castle At their departure foorth of London the King by sound of Trumpet and Heralde caused them to be proclaimed that no Citizens should offer to follow them because hée had determined being so many of themselues that none should enter the Castle but the Ladies and the Knights For that night hée concluded to lye in the Forrest and therefore sent such prouision of Tents and Pauillions that when they were arriued there they found euery thing to their owne contentment The Princesse Flerida was desirous to sport her selfe about the Forrest and walking By the place where shée had suffered the extreame panges of her trauayle the Sauage man came and humbled himselfe vnto her declaring how in that place he tooke the two Princes from her and nourished them in his Coue which was néere adioyning On this report the knights were desirous to sée his Caue so taking leaue of the Princesse they walked with him thither where after Primaleon Maiortes and the Soldane Bellagris were entred they began euery one to be greatly amazed séeing this Caue to containe so large a breadth and length which made them suppose it to be in manner an intricate De dalus All about on the walles was hanged Tapistrie not of Gold Silke Caddis or such maner of stuffe but the skinnes of Beastes which the two Princes had slaine very finely laboured into an artificiall frame and so decked foorth the Chambers that the Knights marueyled in so desart a place to finde such a fayre dwelling A great while they stood debating with
beléeuing that his victorie procéeded from the beauty of his Lady would once more put his Fortune in hazard thinking the feature of his faire Altea to be as soueraigne in authoritie as the strange Miragarda wherevpon he thus began to conferre with himselfe Albeit Madame I haue suffered your name to be absent a while from my thoughts yet hath your beautie bene alwayes extant in my memory so that I neuer vowed the title to any but you although mishap would haue vrged me to the contrary Wherefore at this time let your beautie so fauour me that I may foyle mine enemy in the perfect honour of your fame Then they encountred one another againe couragiously passing the first course with the breake of the Staffe but at the second time Floraman and his Stéede was throwne to the ground very violently when making recourse to his former secrete spéeches be began as thus I perceiue now Altea that my misfortune chanceth thorow your froward opinion of mée and that the more I attempt in your honour the more you repay me still with hatred which will vrge me to forsake your seruice and neuer assay any thing hereafter on warrant of your courtesie The Emperour Trineus and all the Princes were very sad to behold the sorrowe of Floraman as also to sée Onistalde and Pompides reduced into like mischance whereat the strange Knight triumphed which Don Florian stomaking to see his friends on euery side foyled and the Knight to vant himselfe in such sort giuing a Conge to the Empresse and her Ladies ranne violently against the strange Knight Thrée times they met yet neither preuayling against the other when the strange Knight looking on his Shielde and perceyuing the faire face of his Lady to be somewhat raised with the Speare began in this order to talke to himselfe Now can I execute my selfe of the dishonour I haue receiued in suffering her faire face to be polluted to whom I owe most dutifull affection for neither can I preuaile against him that hath done it nor endure long the Combate I am so attached with sorrow At the fourth attempt they met so furiously together that they were both layde along on the earth when because the night approched so fast on Palmerin could not compasse the meane to enter the Iust which made him suppose hée should displease his fayre Polinarda but Aliart to put him from that opinion he came to him with these wordes Good Syr let it not séeme offensiue to you because you haue not Iusted with this Knight for if your valoure should returne him any disaduantage your Lady and Mistresse would thinke great vngentlenesse in you I thanke you Syr Aliart answered Palmerin for your courteous perswasion in wishing me from that which might be my hurt albeit vnknowen vnto me yet by your Arte made manifest to you But may I request the name of his knight wherein you may make mee greatly beholding to you as also it will cause me vse more circumspection in mine attempts wherein I onely desire to escape the anger of my Lady Polinarda to which question Aliart shaped this reply Your courtesie is such and so great in mine affection that I cannot conceale the thing which may doe you pleasure wherefore you shall vnderstand that this knight is named Florendos who putteth his noble déedes in proofe for the honour of her whose Image you may perceiue figured on his Shielde euen as you hazard all your actions to purchase the fauour of her who is your Lady and his Sister At these words Palmerin imbraced Aliart giuing him hartie thankes in that he had satisfied his earnest desire which he vowed to kéepe secrete and not discouer to any Don Florian being mounted on Horsebacke againe was somewhat offended that he had receiued no better successe against the strange knight whom he perceiued with his Esquire ryding away in great hast as loath to be knowne because he had not sped according to his hauty desire for which cause hee departed in no small sorrowe CHAP. L. How after the strange knight was departed Sage Aliart bewraied to them the faire Miragarda And how they entred the Castle of Dramusiande which Palmerin gaue againe to the giant his friend who in his honour caused it to bee called the Inuincible Fort of Fortune Departing from thence Aliart brought them to his Castle in the Obscure Valley where he shewed them many rare and strange deuices from whence the kings Recinde and Arnedes taking their leaue of the Emperour and the king of England departed home into their countries And how in a while after the Emperor and the Princes iourney from the court of England when as Don Edward discouered to Soldane Bellagris that Blandidon was his sonne begotten on the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia THe strange knight being very spéedy in his departure the Emperour with the other Princes ceassed not to commend his redoubted enterprise greatly desiring to know what he was which made them very importunate so the Sage Aliart but they laboured in vaine for he would not in this matter satisfie their desire But to the Prince Primaleon hee told in secret that hée was a personage of great authoritie whose valour was excellent and his vertue equally thereto apparant and that the Ladie whose Portraite he vsed in his Shéeld to whom he bare such affection as he would in nothing disobey her will causeth him to absent himselfe from the company of all other till hée haue attained that title which his Lady desireth and himselfe deserueth And to satisfie his Ladies pleasure he hath ventured his life to arriue at this place thinking the aduenture of Dramusiande to be reserued for him but when he perceiued it was already finished by the Prowesse of the knight to whom he voweth his humble seruice he could not with his honour but proffer you the Ioust to cause you know both his bountie and courage is sufficient to haue enterprised such a hautie and pecillous aduedture Then Don Eward desired him to shew the name of the Damosell to whom he had vowed such earnest affection whose will Aliart loth to gaine say beganne in this order to answer his request The Lady to whom this Knight hath vowed his seruice is named of euery one the faire Miragarda whose face if any would take occasion to contempleate should behold the perfect rare and substantiall Image of only beauty As concerning her birth she is daughter to the Countie Arla◠and of great authoritie in the dominion of Spaine whose singuler forme when this knight had beheld he could not chuse but thrust himselfe among the pykes of hazard insomuch as none that hath seene her could withdraw their effections but haue aduentured limme and life for her who is beyond any in comparison Trust me said the king Recinde I haue bene well acquainted with the County himselfe but as for such exquisite perfection to remaine in his daughter I neuer before this time could gaine the knowledge for indéede when I left
to requite your kindenesse Polynarda contented herselfe very well with the gentle aunswere of the fayre Princesse Leonarda as well to be resolued of the speciall entertainment which shee gaue to her Noble Couzin Florian as also to remooue the suspition shee had of her singular Beautie fearing least her most fauoured Friende the Prince Palmerin of England should fall into any lyking to matche with her because she reserued him altogether for her séemely selfe The Prince Florian was not a little prowd of his good fortune and the Emperor would haue called him to him but that he saw how familiar the two princesses were in talk with him whervpon he determined if good hap would so permit to make a marriage betwéene him and the Princesse of Thrace whom he gaue as bed fellow to his Néeâ—e Polinarda assuring you that these two vertuous Ladies liued and loued so intirely together as the one could neuer be without the others company and what occasions of secrete sorrow so euer hapned the one would not 〈…〉 of the other in reuealing their close conceits for they 〈◊〉 of this minde that it could not be called firme and faithful friendship when all kind of such causes should not passe common betweene them At length the Emperor accompanied with the Prince Florian withdrew himselfe into his Chamber where he quistioned with him about the prosperous estates of the King of England his Grandfather and his father the Prince Don Edward not forgetting his deare daughter the faire Princesse Flerida whom he desired if it might be possible to sée before he dyed and after he had communed with him about many matters hee caused the Prince to be brought into his Chamber where the good Knight could not â—â—sse the night so quietly as he was accustomed the 〈…〉 princesse Leonarda was so earnest in his thoughts as 〈◊〉 and tumbled but could not enioy any wished rest On the next day in the morning when the Emperour had béene at the Chappell to heare diuine Seruice the Table was couered in the Princesse Fleridaes Chamber where he dined in the company of the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda and the faire Princesse of Thrace but after that the Tables were withdrawne and they had â—â—tten a prettie while talking together there entered a Damosell attired all in blacke with two séemely Esquiers attending on her she humbled herselfe before the Emperour with kissing his hand and did the like to the Empresse Gridonia and Polinarda who very gently imbraced the Damosell for that she knewe her to be one of the wayting Gentlewomen vpon the Princesse Targiana at such time as she was there abiding in the Emperours Court and before the Empresse shee stayed still when the Emperor hauing knowledge of her came and demanded other as concerning the welfare of her Lady and Mistresse to which wordes she answered in this manner Dread Prince and my most gratious Lord I desire you that you will not receiue any displeasure for that you sée me rather inclined to the Empresse then to your excellencie because the Princesie Targiana commaunded me to addresse my selfe vnto her highnesse as to one whom she vnfainedly regardeth but for your grace desireth to vnderstand how the Princesse my good Lady â—aâ—eth it is so that she neuer came foorth of her Chamber since the day that the Prince Polendos your Sonne and the other Princes and Knights were committed to prison during all which time she hath not ceassed most gratiously to wéepe and lament insomuch as her faire beautie is maruellously altered and chaunged yet hath the Turke her Father laboured as much as may be to disâ—wade her from this mournefull kinde of life but all in vaine he wasteth his endeuor for she tooke her oath in his presence that she would neuer giue euer vexing her selfe with continuall waiting vntill your knights enioyed as frée libertie as they had when they came with her from Constantinople The Turke her father fearing lest her extreame griefe would be a cause of shortning her youthfull time hath promised to restore them for the libertie of the Prince Albayzar whom they of Babilon haue request of him that they may enioy him among them againe for this cause the great Turke hath sent hither an Ambassadour who will be here either this day or tomorrow morning when your Highnesse shall vnderstand the summe of the matter And for that the Princesse Targiana feareth least you should denie to graunt what he requireth which may mooue such an inconuenience as your Maiestie would repent the great honour you bestowed on her in your Court she put me faithfully in trust to bring these tydings vnto the Empresse in whose presence I haue made you acquainted with that I had in charge because it teâ—cheth you more then it doeth any other person Moreouer shee carefully pondering euery carâ—e with her selfe and doubting least the mallice which her father beareth to the Princesse of your Court will séeke a secrete reuenge some way as treason intended betwéene him and his Ambassadour towards your Highnesse to preuent the worst that may happen she desireth you to returne her Father good words but not forgoe the Prince Albayzar whom you know her lawfull husband before first your Knights be foorth of her fathers power and that they haue attained such a place of assurance as al deuises notwithstanding no harme may come vnto them but if after their libertie such misfortune happen them as she would be very loath your Maiestie may as you sée cause finde your selfe agrieued with the offenders Faire Damosell answered the Emperour I accept very gratefully the good aduice of the Princesse Targiana and I sée very well that the honour she receiued in my Court albeit it was but small is now double and double rewarded and perswade your selfe that I am determined to follow her counsell The Emperour concluding his minde the Damosell came againe to the Princesse Polinarda to present her with the gratious commendations of the faire Targiana but when she behelde the rare and singular beautie of the Princesse of Thrace which set by her the damosell tooke the hardinesse to demaund and if that Lady were not the Princesse Miragarda for whom and by whom the Prince Albayzar was vanquished In sooth faire Damosell answered Polinarda this is not the Princesse Miragarda but this is Leonarda the Princesse of Thrace whom the noble Palmerin of England deliuered out of the enchantment wherein she remained a long and tedious time at these wordes the Damosell tooke occasion to beginne thus By your fauour Madame I knowe now who this Lady is because I haue not forgotten the straunge aduenture of the Cuppe which was brought by a Damosel into his Court and I assure you that Palmerin of England was of a very strange nature that he could both make so small account of such a faire Princesse as also in refusing the stately gouernment of the Kingdome of Thrace Polinarda desirous to mooue the Damosell from talking in that matter willed that
answered the knight of the Tiger you should haue had my helpe in taking his life from him if you had told me at the first what great wrong he had done you for the very earth will open to swallow those that intend or practise any treason against their Prince yea and the Prince himselfe cannot be frée from such secret conspirators when fauour shall stand in stéede of Iustice to such wicked offendors wherefore if they be sharpely punished the rest will be the better warned by their tranâ—gression And I assure you Madame you haue done as well beséemed a vertuous Princesse in cutting off that branch when fortune made the instrument of your vnhappinesse beside the duetie wherein you are bound to the knight your father did command you should sée so good a déede executed Now therefore let me humbly intreate you that you would kéepe your promise to Sir Pompides who is my Brother the nephew to king Frederick of England and sonne to the prince Don Edward who is father to him and me and friend to you I sée well sayde Armisia that I haue wrought the contentment of the Knight my father and taken vengeance for the death of the Prince Doriel my brother by the prowesse of him whose presence is no small honour to me neuerthelesse I may thinke my selfe little beholding to him in that he hath concealed himselfe so long from me who would haue allowed him more honourable entertainment And I pray you Sir let it not offeÌ„d you that I desire to know whether yon be the prince Palmerin or Florian of the Forrest his Brother not that I am affectioned more to the one then the other but because I would know which of them Fortune hath made me so happy to sée the Prince returned her this answer Florian of the Forrest Madame is so farre off this place as very hardly can one tell where to meete with him wherefore you may perswade your selfe that I am Palmerin whom if you please you may command as your seruant The Princesse Armisia embraced him very gratiously reioycing that she might any way accomplish the meanes to honour him because the king Meliadus her father was brother to the Quéene of England the Prince Don Edwards mother The death of the proude Adraspe was reported the same day in the king of Scots Court which was but foure leagues from this place and the name of the Knight that had slaine him whereupon the king vpon the next meaning tooke his Coatch and being accompanied with many worthy knights he came to sée the Prince Palmerin of England and hauing giuen him many gratious salutations he tooke Pompides by the hand promising to make as good estimation of him as he did of the Prince his sonne while he liued While the aged king sate familiarly talking with Armisia his Daughter the Archbishop of Esbreque arriued there by whom Pompides and Armisia were presently married together and then departing thence they went very strongly to seeke to the Duke of Sizana Father to the proud Adraspe whom the king vowed to put to death or kéepe him prisoner but he reckoned without his Hoste for the Duke being aduertised of his intent fled iâ—to Ireland whereupon his goods and liuing fell into the Kings handes They in England hauing knowledge of Pompides marriage made Triumphs and Bonfires for the good fortune that had happened to Pompides who was very well beloued of euery one as well for being the Sonne of the Prince Don Edward as for his vertuous bounty and knightly courage CHAP. XXXII How the knight of the Tiger tooke his leaue of Meliadus the king of Scots and of the Princesse Armisia his Daughter and what happened vnto him during his voyage WHen the Nuptials of Pompides were solomnized to the great contentment of the King of Scots and his whole Realme the Knight of the Tiger tooke his leaue of the King and the Princesse Armisia accompanied with his brother Pompides to whom before he was embarqued he gaue to vnderstand the charge wherein all Princes were bound that receiued royall dignitie desiring him very earnestly since fortune had brought him to so great felicitie that he would vse himselfe modestly and wisely because Fortune was so vncertaine in her selfe that sometime she put those persons in greatest feare whom she had placed in most assurance whereby she letteth them vnderstand that she can quickly dispossesse them of their happinesse at such time as they little looke for any such alteration But to the end you may enioy your dignitie with most assurance I counsell you to entertaine your subiects with amitie administring Iustice rightly vnto them which let bee done with so good zeale as it be not conuerted in rigour and cruelty whereby you shall cause them to say that their Gouernor is become tyrannous and vnmercifull to them My Lord answered Pompides your wordes sauouring of so good iudgement as they are worthy of most high commendation I cannot but thinke my selfe much bound to you for this your noble and friendly counsell assuring you that I will lodge them faithfully in my heart and accomplish them according to your gracious commaundement for in doing otherwise I shall iudge my selfe vnworthy to be named your Brother After many such like spéeches had past betwéene them they imbraced one another Pompides returning to the Citie and Palmerin entring the Shippe caused the sayles to be hoysed when the winde seruing them so well as after they had spent such time as is méete for so great a iourney the Prince tooke landing in Hungaria When he had past through diuerse places of the Countrey it was his chaunce to arriue in a goodly Forrest where at length he came to a very faire Fountaine which was couered with an Arke of maruellous ingenious workemanship and because the weather was excéeding hot he alighted to refresh himselfe at this Fountaine In the meane while Siluian suffered the horses to grase in the pasture and when the Prince had washed his hands and his face he espyed a little from him downe further in the Forrest a Damosel running very spéedily with her haire hanging about her shoulders and tearing her faire visage with her nailes crying and wéeping out of measure at last she espyed the Knight of the Tiger to whom she came running a great pace and casting her selfe at his féete she remained fearefully looking about her a good while hauing not the power to speake one word The Knight of the Tiger séeing her perplexed case began to pittie her very much and doubted lest he that had feared her would make pursuite after her he called for his Helmet which he had no sooner clasped on his head but he beheld comming the way that the Damosell came a giant very strongly armed carying in his hand a huge Mace who séeing the Damosell had demaunded succour of the Knight of the Tiger spake vnto her in this manner Trust me Damosell you betake your selfe to very simple assurance in that this knight wanteth
Constantinople DVring the the time this great ioy was in the Court of Constantinople for the comming of the prince Palmerin the Emperour had tidings brought him how the Prince Albayzar had leuied a great and mighty Armie to come and besiege the Cittie and assure the Messenger that the Lord who was the Soldane Bellagris was preparing himselfe in a readinesse to come and aide him The Emperour being at this time ouercharged with age found himselfe farre vnable to deale in these affaires the consideration whereof did not a little displease him Neuerthelesse he fayled not to make prouision as wisedome willed to entertaine the enemy whereupon he writ to the Soldane Bellagris sending him heartie thankes for the good forwardnesse hâ— saw in him especially in a time so néedfull and when the messenger to the Soldane was dispatched the Emperour sent presently to informe of these newes Arnedes the King of France his Sonne in law Recinde the king of Spaine Don Edward the Prince of England the Emperour Vernar of Allemaigne Maiortes and many others The Armie of the Turkes was no sooner heard of but the Knights who followed their noble aduentures returned to Constantinople knowing they shuld make better trial of their valour there then in any other places and such was the rumour spread abroad to the Turks intention as in short time the Citie of Constantinople was furnished with many noble and redoubted knights where aduentures was presented to them day by day but the Emperour would not suffer them to pursue after such occasions because they were nothing else but deceite and villany wayting still for the time when he should be assaulted by Albayzar who was now setting forward on the Seas being accompanyed with diuers approoued knights at armes as also a number of cruell and bloody minded Giants intending to make a generall spoyle of all the Emperors Dominions But till we haue better occassion we will leaue them a while and returne to the Prince Palmerin who during the brute of the Turkes Army was aduertised of the death of Satrafort the gouernor of the Perillous Isle being taken by Trofolant the Fearefull who was descended to the giants kindred And as it is rehearsed in the first volume of this History that Trafolant was vanquished in the Tournament by the Prince Florendos and had the like mishap the day following by the prowesse of the Knight of the Sauage man who guarded the shéeld of the Palme Tree in the forrest of the Cleere Fountain which the Damosell from the Sage Aliart brought to the Emperour Palmerin that he might deliuer it to the Knight his Nephew who had woone the honour of the day in the Tournament It was likewise his fortune after when he trauailed to the Castle of the Giant Almaroll to be vanquished there by the Prince Florendos who guarded the shéeld of the faire Miragarda and returning thence he met with the Damoselles Knight when offering to take one of his Ladies from him they fell to the Combate and in the end was likewise vanquished The conceit of his so many and sundry foyles and all by the Knights of the Emperours Court caused him to deuise by what meanes he might worke some iniurie to them that belonged to the Emperour in respect he was so seuerely bent against them as he would take vpon him to reuenge the death of Calfurnien and his brethren But to the ende he might the better execute his treacherous enterprise hée tooke his way to the Profound Isle thinking there to inuent some treason by the aide of Collambra but his intent was there disapointed for it was told him that she was brought to the Emperours Court of Greece Then he determined to goe visit the Perillous Isle being accompanied with two Knights that were his kinsemen with whom he knewe well how to dissemble the treason on his stomacke and Satrafort thinking them to be of the Emperours Court of Constantinople entertained them very louingly into his Castle where when they had soiourned for certaine daies they murthered Satrafort and all his houshold But the pleasure of this victorie was very short to them for Argentao the gouernour of the Profound Isle came by a secret wile suddenly on them with his power and taking Trofolant in the Forrest sent him presently to the Emperours Court where was no little ioy of his comming in that he saued Palmerin a iourney who was taking his leaue of his friendes because he would goe to take the Traitors that had done such villanie Trofolant was condemned by the lawe and publiely executed according as his trecherous dealings deserued and Argentao was honourably recompenced that he might haue the better occasion to be carefull and circumspect in his office So soone as Trofolant was put to death the Sage Aliart arriued at the Court of Constantinople whose presence gaue greater assurance to the Emperour and his Knightes and he gaue them heartie thankes in that they were so ready to goe recouer the Perillous Isle After the Sage Aliart there came to the Court the Prince Floraman Albanis of Frieze Reccamon Leyman of Burgunuy beside many other princes and knights who had euery one forsaken their seuerall countries to assist the Emperour of Constantinople with their aide because they had heard of the Turks preparation The very same day was tydings brought to the Court how Fredericke the king of England was dead which newes caused â—o small griefe among the Princes especially to the Emperour himselfe who being as aged as King Fredericke was iudged himselfe not of long continuance behind him in that this was a speciall president for him to regard King Fredericke being one he made most chiefe and high account of Prince Edward was then crowned King of England to the great ioy of all his subiects he being such a vertuous and magnanimous Prince and the funerals of king Frederick was solemnized in Greece with very great state their Beacons burning and Bonfires made through the whole Empire according as it was the custome in that Countrey CHAP. XXXVI Of an aduenture which happened during the troubles at Constantinople in the Realme of France and after what manner it chanced THe History reporteth that certaine Ladies in the Realme of France enuying the renowned of Polinarda of Greece Miragarda of Spaine and Leonarda of Thrace whose beauties defaced greatly the Ladies in all other Countries began to complaine very much on the French knightes that either by the want of courage or their little regard of loue their beauties remained vnknowne in other Realmes Countries and Prouinces Vpon this occasion they found themselues somewhat agréeued and to the end they would remedie the cause foure Ladies of the king of France his Court thinking to excell all other in beauties enterprised to establish an aduenture to mooue the mindes of many Knights to come endure their triall against such as would maintaine their beauties The first of these Ladies was called Mansia the second Telanfia the third Latrania and tge fourth
the Quéene Arnalte that her presence was very agreeable to him Dramusiande was so conquered with the loue Arlencea as he could rest in no place neither enioy any quietnesse Palmerin who liued now in more content then he had of long time before did not yet thinke all things sound and sure for that Lone presenteth daily some occasions of feare to amorous persons vntill such time as their desires are perfectly contented In the meane while this great ioy continued Pompides King of Scottes with his Queene arriued at the Emperors Cour who were receiued with maruellous great pompe and honour The Prince Primaleon desirous to shewe himselfe thankefull for diuerse occasions had passed betweene the Prince Don Edward and himselfe ledde the Queene of Scottes Palfray by the bridle till she came to the Pallace Gate notwithstanding the intreatie of Pompides and her selfe very often to the contrarie The Quéene of Scottes was lodged with the princesse Polinarda who held her selfe greatly contented because shee was so neere in alliance to her most fauoured friend Palmerin and Pomp des went to comfort the Knight of the Sauage man in his chamber where he kept and would not as yet goe abroad so heauily he tooke the death of King Fredericke his Grandfather The Court of Constantinople was in short time so well furnished with Princes and noble Knights as they were iudged more then needed to entertaine the whole puissance of the Pagan Kings CHAP. XLVIII How Arnedes King of Fraunce and his Queene Recinde King of Spaine and his Queene accompanied with the Princesse Miragarda and the Giant Almaroll arriued at the Emperours Court of Constantinople THe Emperour séeing himselfe brought into the extremity of age thought good to enioyn his Nephewe in marriage and also the other Princes and Knights that had béene nourished in his court and that he might mooue a generall good liking by so doing he imparted his intent to the Empresse and his sonne Primaleon When hee vnderstood how well they thought of the matter hée writ presently to Arnedes King of France his sonne in lawe that he would doe him so much honour as to come with the Quéene to his Court. In like manner his Maiestie dispatched letters to Don Edward King of England and Flerida his daughter to Recinde king of Spaine desiring him and his Quéene to come to his Court and bring the Princesse Miragarda in their company The Emperour Vernar was sent for likewise and Tarnaes King of Lacedemonia with his Daughter Sidelia whose beautie caried some credit at that time and the Soldane Bellagris with Maiortes and many others the Emperour by his Letters inuited to his Court But the first that came to Constantinople were the Emperour Vernar and King Edward of England soone after came the Soldane Bellagris and Maiortes their entertainement being according as their noble estates deserued Then came the King Tarnaes with his Quéene Sidelia his Daughter and the sorrowfull Lady Pandricia whom the Empresse lodged in her owne Chamber The two Kings Arnedes and Recinde arriued with their Shippes at the Port of Constantinople and sounded their Trumpets and Drummes so gallantly as the people were afraide in the Cittie fearing left their enemies were come but the Princesse came to receiue them with great ioy where they might behold the King of France in a sumptuous Galley couered with cloath of Golde of great value wherein was himselfe his Quéene Florenda and Graciana his two Daughters with many Ladies and Knightes beside In another Galion was the King Recinde and the Quéene with a number of Knights for his Guarde Before them in another Galion was the fairest Princesse Miragarda the Giant Almaroll the Prince Florendos and many other knights The King Recinde being aduertised that the Emperour intended to marry the Princesse to his Nephewe Florendos with the King Arnedes consent to doe them the more honour caused their Galion to march formost as the Captaine ouer all the other Vesselles The Emperour was so glad of these tydings as hée forsooke his Coatch and was brought in a chayre to the place where these Princes should land and the Empresse with the Quéenes Princesses and Ladies mounted on their horses which were clad in most rich and costly harnesse and so they ridde to the Port of the Citie very stately There was the Emperour accompanied with his Sonne Primaleon king Edward of England the Emperour Vernar of Allemaigne Soldane Bellagris Maiortes Ternaes the king of Lacedemonia Polendos Estrelant Pompides and Dragonalt and no little ioy it was to him in his aged yéeres to see himselfe so beloued of the most puissant Princes that were in the whole world but albeit the presence of these great personages was veâ—y pleasant to him yet could hee not choose but take it heauily séeing the preasse so fore vppon him as long hée could not bée a companion for them The kings Arnedes and Recinde and the Prince Florendos being all come on land they knéeled downe to kisse the Emperours hand but he imbracing them in his armes would not suffer him to honour him so much then came the Quéene of Spaine and the Quéene of France with her two daughters whom his Maiestie welcomed very familiarly And when the Princesse Miragarda came into his presence he accepted of her maruellous graciously entring into these spéeches to her I am very glad Madame that you would vouchsafe to come hither where I may requite the great gentlenesse I haue found at your hands in prouiding to detaine the Prince Albayzar in so good securitie The Princesse Miragarda made no other answere but with a milde and Princely courtesie made showe how well shee tooke the Emperours words and I assure you her presence abashed the iudgements of a number in whose eyes she seemed the faicest creature on the earth The Giant Almaroll was likewise very welcome to the Emperour and when the Princesse Polinarda had courteously saluted Miragarda she shrunke aside to her Brother Florendos entertaining him with this language I perceiue new wel my Lord and Brother that you haue good cause to thinke your labour well bestowed in that you haue trauelled for a Lady of so singular beautie I would with all my heart good Sister answered Florendo that I had the due recompence my labour hath deserued so might I be in the better assurance Oh Brother said Polinarda the Giant Almaroll hath no authoritie to shut the doore against you here therefore I promise you the Princesse of Thrace and I will not â—orget to enterprise the meanes whereby you shall no doubt finde fauour The Emperour would delay the time no longer but to the Pallace they rode altogether the Prince Primalcon leading the Queene of Spaines horse by the bridle albeit the King Recinde was very loth to suffer him The King Polendos did as much honour to the Queene of Fraunce and King Edward of England afforded the like to the faire Princesse Miragarda as well to content the aged Emperor as to honour his
the sonne of King Edward and certifying her likewise how the Soldan had receiued his Heathenish faith to make her amends by marriage which she ought not to refuse as well considering the valour and riches of the Soldane who was a mighty and renowmed Prince as also that her son might know his noble father Pandritia heauily looking about her was so sore troubled as it was a great while ere she spake a word but after she had better remembred her selfe shee earnestly beheld king Edward speaking to him in this maner My hard destiny worthy Prince hath concealed this so long which you at last haue vouchsafed to bewray that my life may be heereafter more pleasant then it hath beene and this you may assure your selfe that if I had knowne of this before I had giuen due chastisement to my ignorant misfortune But since it is come to light at this time both the loue of my sonne the saluation of the Soldane and his Subiects compelleth me to forget all matters past considered also that the force of loue made him deceiue in this manner The Emperour liked well of that she had said and the Empresse embraced hee many times being so glad as could be possible that all things came to such a happy end Blandidon was then called into presence who was very sorry when he knew king Edward was not his father but the hope to be preferred by the Soldanes dignitie made him to forget all former occasions and take content in that present before him 〈…〉 L. How the Soldan Bellagris was baptized and how afterward the Emperor caused him to be married to Pandritia and how the other Princes of his court were married also AFter that these marriages were thus agréed vpon the Emperour commaunded the day following that all things for the solemnizing these honourable rites shoâ—ld be prepared in the most decent maner because he would haue them all married in the great Hall of his Pallace there the Archbishop of Constantinople sayd diuine seruice afterward he made a learned Sermon to giue the Soldane Bellagris earnest affection to the law of Iesus Christ publishing likewise openly what had passed betwéene him and the Ladie Pandritia because no suspition should arise by them who were apt enough to conceine an euill opinion When the Archbishop had concluded his sermon be baptized the Soldane The Emperor and king Edward of England were his Godfathers and the two Empresses his Godmothers And to honour him the more the Emperour would haue him first married so the Soldane Bellagris and Pandritia being thus knit together in Matrimonie Blandidon humbled himselfe before them in signe of obedience but the Soldane embracing him tooke him vp reioycing greatly that he had so good a knight to his sonne and that hée should leaue to his subiects such a worthy Gouernour After that Pandritia was thus espoused to the Soldane the Empresse and her Ladies walked with her because the Emperour would haue Florendos and Miragarda matched next which being done his heart abandoned all woonted care and taking her by the hand gaue place to other the Quéenes of England and Spaine walking with them along the Hall to comfort these new married folkes with their good counsell Next entred the Prince Polinarda led betwéene the Empresse of Allemaigne and the Quéene of Fraunce Palmerin going before her accompanied with the Emperour Vernar and the King Tarnes of Lacedemonia and next them came the faire Princesse of Thrace betwéene the Queene Francelina of Thessalie and the Quéene Flerida of England they being glad to sée her matched with the Prince Florian of the Forrest After these two noble English Princes had wedded their swéete friends the Princes Gracian Berold Platir and all the other Prince and Knights were espoused vnto their Ladies Then the new Quéen of Thrace and the Princesse Polinarda entred leading Arlencea betweene them whose beautie shewed very stately being set foorth by the presence of these two Princesses the Prince Primaleon and King Edward accompanied the Giant Dramusiande who was married to Arlencea with great royaltie When they were departed the place the Princesse Miragarda humbly intreated the Emperour that he would giue Cordigea daughter to the Giant Gatarin she remaining in her seruice in marriage to the Giant Almaroll whereto his maister presently agreed after he had vnderstood the good will of Cordigea so he gaue her himselfe to honour the Princesse Miragarda the more to the Giant Almaroll Of this Cordigea you may reade more at large in the second Booke of the notable History of Don Edward of Brittaine The Giant Almaroll was Lord of another Fortresse not farre from thence where he had kept the Princesse Miragarda this Fortresse being called Beauties Bulwarke whereof hee made a present to his espoused Lady Cordigea on condition she should call the Castle after her owne name but returne we againe to our Historie As soone as the Archbishop had ended all these Ceremonies of these marriages the Emperor went into the Queene Flerides Chamber where the dinner was prouided to honor these princes withall and with the Ladies came in Florenda and Graciana the daughters of the king Arnedeâ— but Germaine of Orleaunce being the affectionate seruant of Florenda thought himselfe vnworthy to come in presence because hee was counted but a subiect to the king of France yet did the Emperour make such commendation of the knightly déedes of Germaine of Orleaunce as the King graunted him to marry with his Daughter Florenda albeit his Daughter Graciana found her selfe discontented that she could not get a husband to ioy with them for company The feast was serued with most magnificall honor and the new married Prince made such high account off as it was thought a heauenly life to be a married man for Florendos Palmerin Florian Platir and the other princes were respected in the fauour of the Emperors and the Kings exceedingly in like manner was Miragarda Leonarda Polinarda Sidelia and all other Princesses honoured by the Empresses and the Quéenes most stately to beholde Oftentimes they would recreate themselues thorough the City to the no small delight and content of the Emperour who marking all his frienâ—s and seeing the Prince Floraman absent from their company hée demanded what was become of him Some made answere that hee was a little from the Palace sitting mourning vnder a Tree Which when Florendos vnderstood hee left the company and went to him and perswaded him to come and reioyce with them Floraman returned him this answere Why doe you trauell your selfe so Sir Florendos to haue him be partners of the pleasures you enioy who hath for euer lost his comfort The great good will I vnfainedly beare you doth not deserue you should so deale with me in that my sorrowes would be ten times more if I should doe as you would haue mee therefore I desire you let me beare my griefe quietly séeing I am hee whom Fortune delighteth to torment continually Florendos deuised all
wordes fearing hee should not long enioy his Queene and Wife but the Sage Aliart séeing these two Louers restored to their liberty tooke his leaue of them to trauell to Constantinople where his presence was long desired and looked for and he gaue charge to the knight of the Sauage man that he would come thither with all speede possible because his friends might be greatly furthered by his company But to let you vnderstand by what occasion the Quéene of Thrace was thus enchanted the History discourseth how the Princesse Targiana could not forget her anger and heauy displeasure towards the knight of the Sauage man but dayly thyrsting and desiring for reuengement entertained as partner in her purpose an Enchantresse whose dwelling was in the Realme of Persia named Drusia Velonna Targiana expecting the time when she might open her intent to this Enchauntresse Drusia at length consented to fulfill her mind and one day when the Princesse was bathing her selfe at a Fountaine Drusia came suddainly to her thorow the window of an high Tower and presenting her selfe so straungely before her the Princesse Targiana was so amazed and frighted thereat as she called to her seruants to come and helpe her But Drusia reuealing her selfe the Princesse was quickly remooued from this feare whereupon she rehearsed her earnest desire to be reuenged on the knight of the Sauage man requesting her fauour and furderaunce in the cause The Enchauntresse being one that loued the Princesse well and was glad to compasse any thing that might yeeld her content spake vnto her in this manner Madame I haue well pondered the matter wherewith you haue made me acquainted and haue deuised the meanes to releaue your ouercharged and troubled thoughtes and very easâ—y might we be reuenged on the knight of the Sauage man if it were not for his brother the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Vally whose great experience and knowledge may be some hinderance to vs neuerthelesse I haue found out one practise wherby you may bring him into great trouble and daunger Oh Velonâ—a quoth Targiana it is the onely thing I desire to hinder or offend him by any way whatsoeuer You know well Madame aunswered Drusia Velonna that he is but slenderlie affected to them who notwithstanding loue him with most especial good will yet is he so amorous of the Queene of Thrace his Wife as it is not possible for any man to be more wherefore I intend to conuey her into such a secret place where the Sage Aliart shall haue no power to helpe her vntill the Empire of Greece be all poyled and brought to confusion neyther shall the knight of the Sauage man bee able to finde her but shall spend his time in seeking after her yet shall his labour be bestowed to no such ende she would Targâ—ana was very well contented with that the Enchauntresse had tolde her wherevpon she enchaunted the Queene of Thrace in the manner as I haue declared to you already Afterwards she returned to the Princesse Targiana whom she likewise conducted by her Arte to the Castle of the Quéene Melia at what time Albayzar was gone vnto Babylon and when Targiana had sufficiently pleased her selfe beholding the rare and strange alteration of the Quéene of Thrace she desired Drusia to shut the doore and to hang the Key at the chaine about the Serpents necke wherevpon Targiana departed thence to the place of the Great Turke her Father afterward tooke her Iourney into Persia being of the opinion that the Sage Aliart could not helpe the pittiful estate of the Queene of Thrace In the Castle of Melia she remained thus Enchaunted vntill the Knight of the Sauadge man and the Sage Aliart met together and deliuered her But now wee will returne to the Prince Albayzar who is comming to laye Siege to the Cittie of Constantinople whither the Knight of the Sauadge man trauelled speedily for that it were against reason that such a Noble and redoubted Knight should be absent from the place where his déerest Friends were assembled together CHAP. LIII ¶ Of that which the Christians did in the Citie of Constantinople at what time the Princesse Targiana sent tydings to the Courte of the Emperour Palmerin of the comming of his Enemyes IT is rehearsed in the Chronicle of the Emperour Palmerin how the Kings of England Spayne France Lacedemonia and Thessalia were desirous to depart to theyr seuerall Kingdomes after the Triumphes sports for the Mariages of their Friends were somewhat ouerblowne and past And euen as they were preparing themselues to their iourney Fortune who would make them partners of yâ— Emperors daungers towardes presented them with such occasions as they were constrained to breake off theyr former determination in that the Princesse Targiana sent news at the very same instant to the Emperour of the huge Nauie which Albayzar had prepared to besiege Constantinople withall Moreouer shee gaue to vnderstand how the Armie of the Great Turke her Father was as then arriued in the Porte of Armenia and stayed but onely for the Winde likewise that the Turke her Father had appointed Albayzar chiefe captaine Generall of his Armie because hee surpassed all the other in valour and courage The report of this Armie caused great astonishment in manie and chiefly to them who were not able to endure the trauell of Armes and the Emperour Palmerin himselfe was so ouercharged with yéeres as that hée could not walke out of his Chamber yet was hee able to comfort and encourage his deerest Friends with good Counsell wherby their troubled mindes were greatly cased Primaleon who was naturally giuen to be couragious and brauely minded did not make account of any misfortunes that might happen to him and the rather because the valiant Princes and Knights in his companie could not be summoned at a better time to witnesse theyr Nobilitie The Kings Court sent to â—he Gouernours of their Realmes and Signories that they should leuey what power they could possible and come thither to them with all speede to assist them CHAP. LIIII ¶ How the Enemies sent an Embassadour to the Emperours Court and of the answer which was made him AFter the manner as I haue declared to you already the Emperour prouided for the entertaining of his Enemies and as his Maiestie was aduising himselfe about these Affayres he was aduertised that an Embassadour was arriued at the Porte of the Cittie who demaunded safe conduct before hée would come on shoare His Maiesty with the counsel of the Kings and Princes was content to graunt his request Wherevpon the Embassadour tooke Landing and being accompanyed with foure Knights hee tooke his way to the Emperours Pallace The Kings and Princes determined that the Embassadour should rehearse the cause of his arriuall to the Prince Primaleon before they would suffer him to come into the Emperours presence but diuerse of them were of a contrary opinion affirming that the presence and noble Answere of the Emperour himselfe would more daunte and
terrifie the Enemie then all they were able to doe Vpon this determination they were agréede and the Emperour was brought in his Chayre into the great Hall where the Embassador stayed who hauing viewed the strength of the Citie knew well they should bestow good labour before they could conquer it The Emperour according to his milde and Noble nature receyued the Embassador from his enemie very gratiously and after the Kings and Princes were in theyr due and appointed places and a generall silence amongst them all the Embassadour began in these speeches Illustrious and most puissant Emperour I could wish to sée thée in the Flourishing estate of thy yeares as well to be a participate of many troubles imminent to them that dare take vppon them to defende thy Empyre as also to enlarge the contentment of them who shall be so happie as to gaine the victorie in the fielde of Battell which is now presented to thy Maiestie I am to let thée vnderstand that Albayzar the great Soldan of Babylon and Prince of Turkie accompanyed with other Soldans Kings puissant Princes hath sent me to thée to let thée know that they are determined with theyr strength and power to besiege this Citie to reuenge the death of manie theyr especiall Friendes who receyued their dishonour before this Cittie Neuerthelesse the Soldane Albayzar hauing not forgotten the gracious courtesie thou didst sometimes vse towards Oloricque Alchidiana and the Princesse Targiana hath thus concluded fearing to be noted of ingratitude to make thée this offer eyther to surrender the Cittie of Constantinople and the knight of the Sauage man King of Thrace thy Nephew into his hands or depart leaue thine Empyre subiect to his power without offering any resistance to his determination On this condition hee will not bring his Armie into thine Empyre and hée thinketh it more necessary for thée rather to loose one Cittie then the whole Empyre and better it were for thée to deliuer one man into his hands then to sée the death of a number thy especiall Friends To which words the Emperour thus answered My Friend I can hardly endure to let thée passe any further in spéeches but I must néedes answer you thus that I account it well for my profite to follow his counsell in this matter if by the sending him one man I may make sure account of the safetie of the rest But if that one man be found so good a Knight as his Valour is sufficient to redeeme the Captiuitie of all the other I must not be so forgetfull of my honour as to render a State of assurance to your Lordes mercie Besides it were a thing much against reason and duety to yeelde that Cittie into the hands of Heathen Infidells where the true God is to be worshipped in spirit and truth And truely I cannot but maruell much that hée should offer to come thus into my Empire considering what promises hath past betweene him and mée for I was of the opinion that I should rather be furthered by his aide and assistance then hindered or impeached thus maliciously But for all this my trust is in GOD that I shall prepare his graue before the Walles of this Cittie as I haue done alreadie to many of his Predecessours who without regarde of theyr owne Honour or my courtesie haue come to assaile me in this manner I perceyue then my Lord answered the Embassaâ—our that because Fortune hath daily fauoured you to this present you will not dreade the misfortunes whereinto you may suddenly fall therefore I intend to returne with this answere to my Lord who sent me So taking his leaue he returned to his Galley where it lay at Anckor being accompanyed with many Princes and Lords of the Emperours Court and after they had giuen him a very friendly Farewell his Galley set forward with such expedition as in short time it came to the rest of the Armie CHAP. LV. ¶ How the Armie of the Great Turke arriued in the Port of Constantinople and of the noble and valiant prowesse of the Christians before they would suffer the Pagans to take Landing THe Embassadour from Albayzar to the Soldane of Babylon being thus departed the Emperour Palmerin called together all the Princes and Nobles in his Courte to giue present order to euery one that they should with all the best spéede possible prouide themselues in Armes to forbidde the entraunce of the Enemie and to haue good regard to the affaires of the Citie and safety of the same which was committed to the Guard of the Emperour Vernar and the King Polendos accompanyed with a thousand fiue hundreth Knights on Horsebacke and foure hundreth Footemen King Edward of England was chosen by Generall consent chiefe Captaine and Gouernour of the Fielde hauing vnder his conduct two thousand Knightes beside the Giant Dramusiande who by his Noble behauiour in that expedition wonne very great estimation Maiortes Pridos the Duke of Galles Don Rosiande de la Bronde his Sonne Argolant the Duke of Horten Pompides and fifty Knightes that were come in theyr company So diuiding theyr Knights into foure parts they were in number eight thousand to euery thousand was a Generall Captain Arnedes King of France had the ordering of fiue hundred being attended on likewise by his Sonnes Gracian Guerin and Germaine of Orleance beside fifty good and hardy French Knights A thousand fiue hundred more were conducted by Recinde King of Spayne the Princes Berolde and Onstalde his Sonnes awayting on him with the Giant Almaroll and one hundreth Spanish Knights The Soldane Bellagris was Captaine ouer foure hundred Knights being his owne Subiects and for the guard of his owne person he had prouided one hundred of the chiefest knights of his Court among whom was his Sonne Blandidon whose noble behauiour deserued commendations To Belcar Duke of Pontus and Durace was committed the like charge as to the Kings Recinde and Arnedes hauing for the Guarde of his owne person Don Rosuell and Bellizart his Sonnes To the King Tarnaes of Lacedemonia who was an Ancient and noble Prince was giuen the Guard of the Pallace and for the more security of the Empresse the other Queenes and Ladyes hée had attending on him two hundred Knightes Primaleon was chosen Lord Generall for the Cittie hauing in his charge seauen hundred Knightes wherewith he had regarde as well to the Field as to the Cittie Palmerin Florendos Platir and diuers other Knights had the charge of the vtter wings of the Armie as lost children to giue succour where they perceyued most necessitie Thus was the Emperours Court well stored with noble and renowmed Knights yet his Maiestie and King Edward greatly desired the presence of the Prince Florian of the Forrest in whose absence both the Horsemen and Footemen were ordained as I haue alreadie declared On the next morning King Edward commaunded to strike vp Allarum for hee was giuen to vnderstand that the Enemie was within halfe a league of the
beautie might not compare with theirs and gréeuing that Leonarda had escaped so well from the place where she caused her to be enchaunted she came to the Princesse Miragarda with these spéeches I cannot chuse Madame but estéeme meruailous well of their paines that aduenture their honour in the field in the defence of your beautie which is the cause that I must take in very good part the labour that the Prince Albayzar bestowed on your behalfe To the Quéen Leonarda she would not speak one word because she was married to the Prince Florian whome she condemned as her mortall enemie The Princesse of Armenia sitting betwéene Miragarda and Leonarda was very much abashed in that she was not acquainted with any of the Ladies of the Emperors Court who notwithstanding entertained her very honourablie thus they continued their Princelie courtesies one to another till the night drawing on Targiana tooke her leaue of the Emperor desiring his Maiestie to excuse her for the warre which was commenced contrary to her will The Empresse and the Ladies brought them to the Pallace gate where on eche side they parted with such heauinesse as they could not speake to one another but the Emperor himselfe accompanied them without the Cittie and because Targiana excused her selfe of the warre which Albayzar had enterprised against his Maiestie he tooke her by the hand speaking to her in this manner I promise you Madame it is not a little griefe to me that I cannot at this time witnesse how leâ—th I am to be iudged vngratefull vnto you who deserues to be honoured with most gratious seruice And as for the malicious dealing of Albayzar trust me it cannot diminish one iote of the good will I beare you but this I assure you you may dispose both of me and my Court at your pleasure and may make your selfe as bolde and welcome héere as if you were in the great Turke your Fathers Court. So breaking off and saluting eche other with great courtesie the Emperour was carryed backe to his Pallace and Targiana was conducted to the Camp accompanied with the Emperour Vernar the Kings of England Fraunce and Spayne and many other Princes of the Emperors Court who hauing brought her to the Campe tooke their leaue and returned to the Citty deuising seuerally among themselues to whose lotte Targiana and the other Ladyes should fall if so be the victory chanced on theyr side for it is oftentimes the nature of Souldiers to share diuide the spoyle among themselues before Fortune hath deliuered it into theyr hands CHAP. LXII ¶ Of the Battell betweene the Christians and the Turks and of that which happened NOt many Dayes after the arriuall of the Princesse Targiana the Princes as well on the one side as on the other concluded to ioyne in Battell Marrie the Christians were more desirous thereto then the Turks because the Victuals beganne to waxe scant within the Cittie Besides Albayzar came oftentimes and prouoked them also with his Standard and Ensigns displayed which vrged the Knights to cry call to theyr CoÌ„manders and Captains to suffer them to saillie foorth of the Cittie for it was a griefe to them to be so enclosed within and theyr Enemyes come daring so boldely to them without Vppon this Primaleon would gladly haue issued foorth if the other Princes would haue bin ruled after him but they would not Aduenture so rashly because many of them were weake and sickly with trauelling on the Seas therefore they determined to recouer themselues in perfect assurance of their health before they would thuste themselues into the face of daunger After they had well rested and recouered themselues and found that they were strong and able to deale with the Enemie the Commaunders summoned their traines into the Field and King Edward being Generall of the whole Forces commaunded both Horse-men and Foote-men to prepare themselues to Battell The first Squadron was conducted by the Soldane Bellagris to whome was committed fiue thousand good Soldiers being all his owne Subiects The second was giuen in charge to Recinde King of Spaine who had the conduct of thrée thousand but then sent him from the Kingdome of Spayne The third was led by Arnedes King of Fraunce who had the charge of the like number as the King of Spaine had with the two thousand Souldiers that were sent him from France The fourth was vnder the conduct of Polendos King of Thessalie who had attending on him the like number The fift was in the charge of the Emperour Vernar of Allemaigne and the sixt and last being foure thousand was conducted by King Edward of England Primaleon would not this day take vpon him any charge that he might the better giue succour to those places where he perceiued most daunger because he iudged it a pollicie to be vsed in Warre All these that followe were brauely séene in the Fielde this Day Belcar Drapos of Normandie Maiortes otherwise called the Great Dog Palmerin of England Florian of the Forrest Florendos Platir Blandidon Berolde Prince of Spayne Floraman of Sardignia Gracian of France Don Rosuell Bellizart Onistalde Tenebrant Francian Pompides the Sage Aliart the King Estreliant Frisoll Albanis of Frieze Rodamont Dragonalt King of Nauarre Luyman of Burgundie Germaine of Orleance Tremoran Don Resiran de la Bronde Dramusiande Almaroll and all the most renowmed Knightes of the Emperors Court who were in the Squadron vnder the conduct of the Soldane Bellagris they all concluding with themselues that so soone as the Battell should be begunne they would each of them take part on that side where theyr dutie and affection did best serue them The King Tarnaes accompanyed with many valiaunt Knights had committed to his charge the defence of the Cittie and of the Footemen were chosen fiftie thousand such as were accounted the most wisest and expert Souldiers that were vnder the conducting of the King Tarnaes to helpe to preuent any danger imminent to the Cittie King Edward himselfe being very braue and gallantly Armed ceased not to visite his charge of Horsemen and likewise hee came among the young Princes and Knightes encouraging them in noble spéeches and with a countenance bewraying the inuincible minde of a Conquerour desiring them to remember theyr Knightly déedes passed which might be an occasion to stirre them vp more nobly in defence of the flower of all Christendome With these and other such like spéeches he did so animate and embolden all his Traine as they that were the most fearefull and had least minde to deale with their enemies séemed as willing and forwards to the Battell as hée that was the brauest Souldier in the Field which when the King perceiued he withdrew himselfe and his company commanding the Soldane Bellagris to giue the first assault Albayzar diuided his Horsemen in ten companyes giuing to euery Squadron fiue thousand men The first Squadron was conducted by the Soldan of Persia who was accompanied with the Giant Framustant and about fiue hundred wel approued
Charriot bee brought into the Forrest to conuey the Princesse vnto the Court of her father K. Fredorick Who leaning in his chaÌ„ber window espied sir Pridos come ryding in great haste which caused him to cast a doubt of some euill newes approching in that he iudged a show of more sadnesse to be in him at that instant then before time hee could perceiue in him the like Whereof to be resolued he presently sent for Syr Pridos to know the cause of his so sudden arriuall whose griefe could not conceale the losse of Don Edoard but in teares laide open a discourse which grieued the Aged King tâ— heare it and galled his heart to recount it The King at these vnlooked for newes fell into such extreame passions both with the teares that bedeawed his Aged bearde and grieuous sighes that issued from his heart that Syr Pridos could hardly kéep life life in him or by intreaty vse any meanes of a patient perswasion for the Aged King was stroken into such a debility of hope that betwéene the impatient assaults of doubt and daunger hee thus began to vse spéeche with himselfe O my Don Edoard nature willes me to deplore thy losse and intire affection makes me dye for thy lacke whose presence was the staffe of myne Aged dayes and whose absence is the Sword that wounds me to the death But as no Grasse will hang on the héeles of Mercurie nor Mosse abide on the Stone Sisiphus so no certaintie can be looked for at the hands of Fortune whose sicklenesse is séene in chaunge and whose frowardnesse in chaunce Too long haue I trusted her and too late hath shee deceiued me the one my folly the other her fashion Yet doubt I not but if thou enioy thy life the substance of thy valure shall excéede the sharepnesse of her vengeance which will be no lesse welcome to thée then long wished of me But alas Well may 〈◊〉 hide my griefe but neuer heartily forget it well may I awhile brooke it but for no long time beare it for that the want of my comfort will cut off my dayes and the doubts I conceyue bring mee in greater distresse where if thou were present my minde would be satisfied and in spight of Fortune award all mischances While the King continued in this great agony of â—inde the Queene entred who likewise vnderstanding the losse of her Sonne began to adde another Stratageme of griefe bewraying her motherly affection both in teares and heauy complaints which to appease the aged King thus began Madame the honour of a noble minde is tried in aduersitie when as the extremitie of griefe is conquered by patience of the minde But the minde being impatient and not kept within the lymittes of a moderate gouernment the least Crosse that happeneth is too waightie in paine when the sence is farre too weake in reason It pleased the Almightie to giue vs a Sonne in whom wee receiued no little comfort and by whome our Fame hath béene Knightly aduanced And now to trie how we can brooke a moitie of his displeasure he hath caused some accident to happen to keepe him from vs whom we most of all desired yet not depriuing vs of hope but as to our griefe we haue lost him so to our comfort we shall see him againe In meane time let vs tollerate this sharpe affliction on his two Princely Children who till we enioy the fight of the Father againe shall with their noble Mother comfort our sorrowes and we also endeuour to abate their mones So one with another shal beare an equall share of aduersitie and be partners also in good Fortune if any chaunce to happen Thus the King and the Queene remained one while in a perswasion of patience an other while wholy vanquished with the force of their griefe whose Passions I referre to the iudgements of those that haue tasted the honour of Fame and hatred of Fortune Returne we now to Syr Pridos who in this time had caused his Brother to ride with a Chariot to the Forrest that the Princesse might be brought to the Court who being placed in the Chariot and ready to depart Shee gaue so heauy a farewel to the place as well for her Lord Don Edoard as misfortune of her Children that her attendaunts seemed as it were drowned in sadnes to see the Princesse ouercome with such sorrowe Being come to the Citie of London the Cittizens who at her comming from Greece did not onely excell in varietie of deuises but also discouered their ioy in singular Triumphes Now with a sorrowfull disposition they bewrayed the terrour of their losse and yet with an intermedled showe of ioy to assage the dolor of the Princesse When she came to the Court perceiued the great chaunge of woonted disportes both in the King and Queene as also in all the nobility who likewise vnderstanding the mishap of the two young Princes altogether begin a world of lamentations The king dismaying of any good hope the Quéene dispayring in double extremity the Lords and Ladies both in apparell and iesture wholly exclaiming on the cruelty of Fortune The Inhabitaunts throughout the whole Realme of England whose delight was many times to fit and conceiue maruailous opinions of the no lesse Knightly then famous aduentures of the Prince Don Edoard nowe sit sighing wringing their handes and pulling theyr bonnets ouer theyr eyes vsing as it were in a generall voyce amongst them Oh none but we vnhappy The King hauing thus passed this night in no lesse griefe of minde then sickly assaults of his aged person the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida equally considered on the morrow hée determined to send a Knight of his Court named Argolant Sonne to the Duke of Horten and Brother to Traendos who also had bin amourous of the Princesse Flerida to the Emperor Palmerin at Constantinople to let him vnderstand the late misfortune of England He being ready to depart as he rode thorow London the Stréetes were adorned with blacke and the Citizens arrayed in black and mourning manner bringing him to the Sea shore where he tooke shipping and departed The Princesse Flerida became very féeble of person insomuch that there was doubt of her good recouery but God not suffering her to ende as shee willingly would gaue her strength againe by little and little and comforted her selfe best when she was foorth of all company which caused many Knights to leaue the Court liue in search of the strayed Prince Don Edoard who pitied her case and his abscence Thus remained fayre Flerida as chast Penelope to her absent Lord Vlisses not fayling one iote in true and faithfull Loue though shée dayly contemned the aduerse estate of her life And hee likewise fayled not in constant loyalty but preferred the terror of death before the falsifying of his faith to his Lady Iustly fulfilling that neither distaunce of place nor extremity of Fortune could part in sunder their mutuall coniunction of spotlesse amitie CHAP. V. ¶ What the
Sauadge man did with the two young Princes how pittie vanquished the bloody tiranny he was minded to execute on them And how Argolant arriued at Constantinople at what time the Emperour Palmerin was at the Triumphes for the birth of faire Polinarda Where declaring his tidings the Emperours Sonne Primaleon presently tooke himselfe to trauaile beside diuers Noble personges who followed in the search of the famous Don Edoard REturne we now to the Sauadge man who as the History declareth hastened to his Caue with the two yong Princesse in his armes his Wife there awaighting the returne of her Husband hauing in her armes her owne childe being about the age of one yéere He bing come to her presented her the two young Princes declaring that all that day hée had found no other Dinner for themselues and the Lyons then those two Infauntes whom hée willed might presently be dismembred in pieces for that his hungry stomacke required to haue meate The Wife in whose heart motherly pittie excelled Sauadge crueltie for that indeede Women by nature doe beare a more estimation of mercie then is requisite in men shée vsed such kinde perswasions with her Husband as also finding the meane to prouide other necessaries for him that she saued the liues of the Infants and satisfied the hungry appetite of her Husband so that louingly shée became theyr second Mother and as carefully nourished them as had they béene the fruite of her owne body Where we will leaue them a while to God and good Fortune being not forgetfull of Argolant whom we left sayling toward Constantinople After so long being on the Seas as is required in so long a iourney he arriued at the famous City of Constantinople on a Sunday morning where he perceiued as gallant Triumphes in preparation as were at the renowned mariages of Primaleon and the Prince Don Edoard The cause whereof was for ioy of the birth of the Daughter of the Prince Primaleon whom the Emperor gaue to name Polinarda in token that her beauty good Fortune should excell any Lady liuing at that day In honour of this ioy the Triumphes were proclaimed which procured the assemblie of many noble personages among whom was Tarnaes the K. of Lacedemonia Polendos King of Thessalie and Belcar the Duke of Duras the presence of these States being no small honour to the Emperor and Fame to the Court of Constantinople Argolant attired all in blacke Armor rode through the Cittie and in short time arriued at the Emperors Pallace where beholding the valiant behauiour of each couragious knight to winne honour in this Triumphe with an heauie sigh he called to memory the vnlooked for sorrows of the Court of England which was adorned with no lesse griefe then was the Emperours Court with gladnesse Which perswaded such an vnkinde conceite in the heart of the gentle Knight Argolant who estéemed the loyaltie of friendshippe to serue as an especiall remedy to the afflicted mind that he feared his newes were not of force sufficient to chaunge theyr excéeding myrth albeit his expectation was deceiued in that point Then approched he the place where the Emperor sate at dinner where with no lesse ciuilitie of iesture then modest behauiour of personage hée vayled his helmet offering to kisse the Emperors hand which might not be permitted in that he was ignorant of whence hée was Which he perceiuing beganne in presence of them all to declare his Ambassage not forgetting the place and person which in euery point hée handled with duetie The Emperour well noting the sadde tale of Argolant the misfortune of his Sonne Don Edoard and heauinesse of the English Court he withdrew himselfe frō the Table into his Chamber where as patiently as his griefe would suffer him he beganne to vse his spéeches in this manner I know not whether the Gods in granting me a prosperous course in youth haue determined to ruinate my dayes in mine age or Fortune holding me then in fauour beyond al men hath allowed my misfortune now to be aboue any if so it was appointed I would my life had ended then in tranquillitie who◠I feared no endamagement then prolonging my dayes in hope of an aunswerable age to bée subiect to the miserie of time and abiect from the honour of a noble heart Well what hath passed to thy high good hap and what is present to the no small anguish of thy heart let the remembrance of the one extinguish the Fame of the other and the crueltie of chaunce roote vp the inestimable praise of thy conquest These and sundrie other heany complaints were vttered by the Emperour the triumphes were now of small estimation for that thorow the whole Court these sorrowfull tidings had strooken a suddaine alteration But most of all in the heart of the noble Primaleon who vnderstanding the misfortune his déere Friende and brother Don Eodard stood not to cast doubt of this matter or that accident either how Fortune might fauour him or endamage his suddaine enterprise but as couertly as he might departed from Constantinople refusing Father Mother Wife Children Lands liuing and all that the loyaltie hée bare to his friend might declare he preferred his safetie before his owne solace And that his deedes might be answerable to his good intent he vowed to trauatle the course of his to search in euery desolate and vnfrequented place but he would finde his déere friend Don Eodard Whose welfare he as heartily desired as his owne life for that he had found the like trustie and vnspotted affection in him when through his valure he defended him from the Giant Gatherin The Emperor was aduertised of his departure by the vnaccustomed pensiuenesse of his espoused Lady Gridonia as also by the great sadnesse of the Empresse his mother whom neither the gentle perswasion of the Emperor might satisfie nor endeuour of her Courtly Ladies might winne any meane to pacifie Who vsed the more diligence in the matter onely for the affection they bare to the Princesse Flerida by whose vertuous and Princely behauiour of life which had not onely rauished the mindes of all but obtained the good liking of euery one in that vertue is the chiefe ornament of noble or ignoble they were all encouraged to attempt any occasion to set the Empire at quiet When the Emperour perceiued her great disquietnesse that the spéeches of the Ladies as also of himselfe were bestowed to small effect he beganne to vse commendations of the valiant attempt of his Sonne Primaleon in that his courage of minde vrged him to so famous an enterprise Desiring her to consider the losse of the Prince Don Edoard their Sonne in law and that the good Fortune of Primaleon might bring inestimable comfort to all Kingdomes in Christendome so that the honour of his hardie attempt deserued rather a generall reioysing then such sad complaints as they séemed to bewray The knights who had likewise béene partners in the Triumph and bare great good will to the
Prince Don Edoard as also to the noble Primaleon withdrew themselues to their lodgings and armed themselues presently posting with all spéed they might after the aduenterous Primaleon some taking one way and some another As well those that vsed the Triumphes for their Ladies sakes as also those whose redoubted behauiour hath both wonne the honour of the field and dignitie of fame All with a mutuall consent aduentured limme and life that the report of their déedes might manifest the renowne of their knighthood And because you shall haue knowledge who behaued themselues most worthy cōmendations in this no lesse famous then rare aduenture I will bewray some of them to you that yonr gentle opinion of their paines may yéeld them in recompence part of a condigne praise The first that tooke the courage to hazarde himselfe in the field had to name Polendos King of Thessaly Sonne to Frisol the King of Hungaria accompanied with his brother Belcar The next was the Prince of Allemaigne son to the Emperor Trineus and named Vernar who honoured the beautie of faire Bazilia youngest daughter to the Emperour Palmerin to whom he was newly maried and stood in doubt how to proceed least Fortune should not be so fauourable to him as he expected which caused some slacknesse in good will Neuerthelesse after he had considered the honor of Mars and sharpe cōflicts of Venus how the one was lasting in Fame and the other linked to an effeminate fancie hee determined to follow his Companions driuing into obliuion the pleasaunt conceyts that hee often estéemed in his best beloued vsing this perswasion with himselfe That hee which vanquished himselfe with the vanitie of Fancy and yéeldeth the libertie of his will to fond affection is more méete to handle a Lute then a Lance and better to court a Lady then deserue the braue name of a Captaine In this perswasion hee departed intending so knightly an opinion in his minde that the honour of his name should expresse his noblenes and valure of his bounty be estéemed of his fayre Bazilia Thus was the city of Constantinople as it were desolate wanting the noble knights which were thence departed which caused the Emperour to visite the chiefest places in the Citie to the no small content of himselfe ioy of the Citizens who little minded the absence of the noble Gentlemen in that the Emperor so louingly vouchsafed thē his cōmpany Thē departed Argolant frō the Court of Constātinople toward the realme of England bearing answere of his Ambassage from the Emperor to his Lord soueraigne how y◠losse of the Prince Don Edoard was blazed in the courts of diuers noble Princes As in the court of Armedes King of France his Cousin Son in law to the Emperor of Constantinople as also in the court of Recinde K. of Spaine in the court of Pellagris the Souldan of Niquee with the noble Maiortes many Princes more to whom the losse of the English Prince was as grieuous as to himself For proofe whereof the imployed paines of diuerse noble mindes might remaine as witnesse who walked the Forrests and vnknowne passages in many Countryes that Martiall behauior was neuer more estéemed thē it was during the search of this strayed Prince Argolant being departed from the Emperour after many dayes Trauell hee arriued at the English Courte whereas to the king Fredericke the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida hee deliuered the answere of his Message who were greatly satisfied in hearing the Noble Attempts of the Grecian Knights by whose endeuoured paines they had good and prosperous successe CHAP. VI. ¶ How Primaleon endeuoring himselfe in the diligent search of the prince Don Edoard happened to meet with the Funeralls of the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia Daughter to the K. of Lacedemonia the which she solemnized for the vnkinde repulse she sustained by the Prince Don Edoard NOw Primaleon determining his secrete escape from the Cittie of Constantinople as I haue before declared commaunded his Esquyre to bring his Courser and Armour and closely to conuey all his Equippage and furniture behind the Storehouse of his Sister Flerida for that none should be priuie to his intent but only he The Esqu failed not to accomplish the pleasure of his Lord. And being come to the appointed place he armed the Prince except his Shield and Helmet which he bare himself so mounting on Horsbacke they both departed vowing to rest in no place till hee might recouer some wished tydings of his Brother and Friend Don Edoard without whom he would neuer returne to Greece again Long he trauelled before he encountred any aduenture worthy the rehearsall But at length arriuing in the bottom of a valley in Lacedemonia whē the Sun was declined to the west parts he was discoraged for that the night was obscure vpon him beside thicknes of the trées made his passage more tenebrous thē else it would haue bene so that very hardly he could finde his way Wandring on still vsing his minde with seuerall Imaginations at least to the comfort of himselfe and ioy of an Esquyre who sorrowed to sée his Lorde so suddenly pensiue hee espyed a gailant troupe of Ladyes bearing in theyr hands lighted Torches eache one well mounted on a lustie Stéede attyred all in blacke and framing their voices to great lamentations Primaleon surprised with great griefe of minde to sée such fayre Ladyes weare the habite of Mourners tooke the boldnesse of himselfe to beholde what they were and drawing himselfe somewhat nearer to them to them perceiued the chiefe Lady and Mistresse of them her Palfrey trapped with black Veluet her Vesture of the same and foure ancient Knights in the middest bearing a Funerall couered all with blacke Veluet Primaleon perceiuing their heauy lamentations and that they were nothing abashed at his presence but helde on their Iourney as though they had not séene him he tooke such an earnest desire in himself that he must néeds demand the cause why they mourned in that manner Then presenting himselfe before the chiefest Ladie whose faire face had sustained a great blemish by the abundance of teares that issued from her Eyes in this manner he prepared himselfe to giue the Onset Faire Lady impute it not to flattery that I call you so nor to Folly in so much as you are so but rather of your nature cannot admit your own praise for the perfectiō of your mind being answered in perswasion of my vnfeigned meaning which estéemeth you as I haue said albeit farre inferior to that I could say It is no more my desire then vnder duety I may demaund nor my Sute no otherwise disposed then may stand with your Honour to replie and my honesty to request I being a friend to all Ladies and foe vnto none insomuch that a moytie of their desires should rather hinder me by mishap then dishearten me by any danger So that in briefe my request is thus why you frequent this solitary place accompanied with these who are equal
their kingdomes and signories and vnhappily were taken prisoners in this cruel enchaunted Castell which was great griefe to their friends and inestimable sorrowe to their well peopled Dominions When Aliart had considered all these vnfortunate accidents enterprised so hoâ—ourably and falling out so vnhappily he determined to hazard himselfe in the search of his father and to try his strength against the Giant Dramusiande whose force he little or nothing estéemed but bare a great desire to his aduenture which could no way be finished but by his meanes onely In this mind he departed to the Valley of Perdition which was named so because all the noble Knights were there lost and there he determined to make his habitation to follow his studie and prouide remedies against diuerse mischanches that were like to happen And because his nature desired to be solitary in that his bringing vp was forth of all company he builded him a little Fortresse betwéene two great high mountaines which kept the light of the Sunne away by day and the Moone in yâ— night season This dwelling he called the Obscure Valley but others tearmed it the Valley aboce the Clowdes the entrance whereof could not be found by any as Aliart caused the Giant Trabollant to know to his cost with his son also who was Lord of a faire Castell in a Velley néere adioyning which Aliart had newly erected garnished within with many faire Bookes where spending his time very long in studie at last he got the meane to be called Sage Thus liued the Sage Aliart in this Obscure Volley often vsing to the Castle of Dramusiande bemoning the misfortune of the Knights which he could no way remedy till the appointed time The often repayring of the Sage Aliart caused both Eutropa to doubt something and Dramusiande to stand in great feare yet could they no way hinder him when it was his pleasure to visite the captiue princes And as he sate one day very pensiue in his study he vnderstood by his Art of the triumpes at Constantinople when the Emperour would try the yong Knights that he had nourished in his Court. Against which time he framed a shield which hee sent by a Damosell to Palmerin of England to beare it with him in all aduentures that he should vndertake but by the way it was taken from her by the knight of the Sauage man whom hereafter I will disclose vnto you yet restored againe by the gentlenesse of language that the Prince Palmerin vsed with him Thus remayned the Sage Aliart expecting the time for the deliuery of the Princes who concealed their griefes and spent their time in silent opinions as both their miserie would suffer them and their litle rest inferre occasion Yet neuer fallig one iote in amitie though they had a world of woes to constraine them to it CHAP. XV. How Belcar and Vernar after they were cured of their wounds they had receiued one against the other arriued at the Castle of Dramusiande accompanied with Polendos King of Thessale where after Combate entred betweene them they were all taken prisoners VErna Prince of Almaigne Belcar Duke of Duras remained in the Citie of Brique till they felt themselues in good disposition of their health and then they departed to London to the English Court disguised and vnwilling to be knowne to sée if happily they might attaine the sight of the Prince Flerida The Princesse remaining still pensiue and therefore kept her Chamber and they fayling of theyr pretended purpoâ—e trauailed thorowe great Britaine where they valiantly reuenged the quarels of Ladies and enlarged the report of their redoubted Knighthood which neither time can weare out of memory nor death it selfe by any meanes dissolue Procéeding thus in their aduenturous trauaile Eutropa had gotten them within her circuite that she was as sure of them as had they bene in her prison but yet let them alone awhile to try the hardnes of their Fortune They hauing spent the day in trauaile and the darke night ouercharging them with her vncomfortable houres they determined to take their rest at the foote of a Trée for that they were farre from any other prouision So alighting and giuing their Horses to their Esquiers Belcar satâ— him dowe fell soundly asléepe but Vernar whose minde was on his faire Bazilia satte conferring with her Shrine hauing no stomacke to sléepe And that hee might the better accomplish his amourous deuises he withdrew himselfe to a little Riuer a pretty way from his friend Belcar and there what with the swéete Harmonie of the little Byrdes and the silent passions he vsed to himselfe the gentle prince was greatly delighted Polendos K. of Thessalie wandring that way by Fortune tooke his place of rest neere to the Prince Vernar where hee heard all the louely Ditties and swéete discourses that hee vsed in commendation of his fayre Bazilia being very loath to disquiet him or to be knowne that he was so neere But at last tooke occasion by the braue inuentions that he had heard vttred by the Prince Vernar to enter into commendation of his owne Lady faire Francelina and so they twaine in this manner passed away the weary night In the morning when he might easily espye the Prince Vernar hee could not hide his presence any longer but went to him with his salutation I know Syr Vernar that your amorous Passions of extreame griefe will scant suffer your opprssed head to enioy any gladnesse because the remembrance of your faire Bazilia hath vrged you this Night to bewray the sundry assaults of an afflicted minde Whose farre distaunce from your presence hath made you grieuously to sigh when you would gladly haue slept wherof your Friend is a witnes who is not a little forrie to vnderstand your wâ—es Vernar embracing the noble Polendos declared the great ioy he conceiued for his company yet somewhat displeased that any should be priuy to his Amorous complaints which might cause him to bee iudged rather effeminate then any way Famous While they were earnest in talking Belcar came walking vnto them who reioycing at the sight of the King Polendos embraced him vsing these pleasant spâ—eches I care not greatly if I take reuengement now for the sharp assault you gaue me at the Port of Corderia where you bare away the prize and I the repulse but Vernar will be loath that wee should fight therefore let vs all ioyne together like trusty Friends After many gratulations passed on all partes they mounted on Horsebacke and rode on recounting the Aduentures hadde happened each other in séeking the Prince Don Edoard And Polendos rehearsed vnto them howe hee brought the young Prince Palmerin to Constantinople not forgetting the Letter sent by the Lady of the Lake was only procured by the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley which made both Belcar and Vernar somewhat abashed to heare the happy successe that had chaunced In continuance of this talke they came before the Castell of Dramusiande euery one
chaunce to méete him who wold so settle your armor to your shoulders that you would curse your Lady to abide his Canuazado Neuertheles albeit he is not here yet he hath such friends here as would bee sorrie you should depart without some recompence for your trauell And vnder the Emperours correction I will be the man that shall bring you acquainted with the Knight of Fortune so that ere you depart you shall know he hath left such friends behind him as will giue liberall entertainement to those that seek him in this manner The Knight was halfe offended at the words of Tremoran which made him presently to giue this reply I thinke sir the good will you beare to the Knight maketh you so foolish hardy in that which appertaineth not vnto you yet because you dare aduenture so much in his behalfe and will welcome Knights in such a brauery arme your selfe presently because I would bee loath a cold calme should come ouer this hotte matter The Emperour though vnwilling accepted their gages and granted them licence to Combate When in short time Tremoran came into the fielde gallantly mounted wearing blacke Armour as the signe of his heauinesse for the departure of the Prince Primaleon bearing in his Shield a ramping Lion then at the sound of the Trumpets they couched their Speares set Spurres to their Horses and made a very braue Encounter that the Trunchions of their Speares flew vp into the Ayre and were faine at last to ende their Combate with their Swords In fine what with expence of Blood griefe of theyr wounds and great wearinesse in Fight catching each other in their armes they fell both to the ground the Regardants attributing the victory to Tremoran The Emperour séeing they were so fore hurt caused Tremoran to conueyed into his Pallace and the Esquyre of the other Knight conducted his Maister to his Lodging where hee vsed such diligence in his Attendaunce that hee recouered to a little stranger estate Then sent the Emperour to require of whence and what the Knight was word being returned that hee was Sonne to the K of Bohemia and named Recamon vpon which tidings he presently sent for him into his Palace where he was honourably vsed till such time he had gained his healbh And then he departed from thence toward great Brittaine accompanyed with Florendos and Platir Sonne to the Prince Primaleon who pittying the great sorrowe of theyr Mother the Princesse Gridonia aduentured among the other Knights in the search of theyr Noble Father as also to hazard the Aduenture of great Brittaine This Recamon beeing trauelling thither and being one addicted to a great vaine glorie of himselfe by the trust hee reposed in his owne manhood hearing how Floraman had attempted at Constantinople altered his minde and came thither to defend the beauty of the Lady Lucina who was Daughter to the King of Denmarke Spéeding there so ill as you haue heard he returned with the Knights to his former determination they leauing the Emperour somewhat sad for theyr departure yet theyr hautie attempt with the glad issue hee looked for perswaded him to take patiently their absence for the time CHAP. XXXI How the Knight of Fortune taking shipping at Totnes at length landed in the Realme of England and chancing into the Forrest where he was borne he met with the Sauage man that had nourished him so long in his Caue LOng trauailed the Damosell Lucenda till at the last he came to the Cape of Totnes where he tooke shipping toward England and landed at the port of Saint Mathew two miles from Sorlingue accompanyed with a Gentlewoman that came in the Passage with him at whose house he rested one night and departed on the next morning Then rode he foreward friendly talking with Siluian and reioycing that he was arriued in the place where he determined to put his Fortune in triall Trauelling on along in a Forrest he came at last to the Fountaine where he was christened where sitting downe by this water to refresh himselfe he espyed come running forth of a thicket of Trées a Hart very fiercely pursued by a Lyon who running still toward the Prince at last came and lay downe at his féete as one might iudge to craue his defence Wherewith he arose and offering to strike with his sword at the Lyon he presently yéelded himselfe at his féete likewise Their two horses moued with feare by the Lyon brake their bridles and ranne into the woods after them Siluian hied a pace leauing the Prince with two gentle beasts The knight of Fortune looking about espied comming from the place where the Hart did issue forth a Sauage man with the skin of a beast made close to his body in his one hand a bow and arrows in the other a couple with a chaine where with he ledde his Lyon When he had espyed the knight of Fortune he drew his bow and let slie an arrow at him with such force that it pierced into his sheeld but the gentle prince knowing him to be his foster father who had nourished him so long in his Caue beganne to vse reuerence vnto him to certifie him what he was The Sauage man hauing not the patience to heare him came towards him with such violence that he was constrained with his sheeld to thrust him away so that therewith he fall on the ground Then the Prince imbraced him giuing him to vnstand how long he had nourished him with his sonne Siluian who was gone to take his horses that had started away at the fight of the Lyon With these words the Sauage man did remember him and imbracing him in his armes he walked with him vnto his Caue desirous all the way to tell him how he had taken him out of the armes of his mother but because he would not so soone for sake him he held him with other talke and so spent the time till they came to the Caue where the â—auage mans wife imbraced him very louingly requesting what was become of her sonne Siluian Her husband did declare about what businesse he was gone which did pacifie her very well and so she dsired the Prince to rest that night in a little closet wherin he had slept many night when he was there and so féeding on so small pittance as they had they went to take their rest On the morrow the woman wold haue shown him the linnen cloathes â—he had about him when her husband brought him home but he he would not suffer his wife to do so because he should not esteeme him stil for his father and Siluian for his brother whose long tarriaâ—ce abroad all that night and as then 〈◊〉 greatly dipleased the Prince as also his parents who were desirous to see him At last séeing he came not the Prince tooke his leaue and departed to sée if he could méete him by the way because he doubted some harme had falne him the Sauage man and his wife greatly laâ—â—â—ting for his departure as
place where these knights were assembled and entring into the Campe like an ancient olde man hauing a rodde in his hand where about was wound a Serpent he strooke vpon the ground with it when presently the knights fell all to the earth in such a strange and marueilous alteration that one would haue iudged they had béene depriued of their liues After he had there finished what pleased him he weÌ„t vp to the Castle of Dramusiande sending such a darke smoke ouer all the Valley wherein might be perceiued great flashes and flames of fire that the Princes in the Castle were marueilously affrighted This moued Eutropa to such great anger because shée could not gaine the knowledge how this had hapned no worke her will on â—he knights as she had certainly purposed that shée went raging all about the Castle mooued to such disquietnesse that no body could perswade her At last this great darknes vanished away and nothing could bee séene but the Knights that lay all grouelling vpon the ground which caused Dramusiande with his noble Prisoners to goe foorth and fetch them all into his Castle When they had taken off their Helmets the King Recinde knew his children and the king Arnedes his sonnes Polendos knewe Francian his sonne and Bazilliart and Don Rosuel were visited by the valiant Belcar Dridan was carried the armes of Maiortes and Platir was borne in by his noble Father Primaleon who because he had left him wheÌ„ he was somewhat yong did hardly knowe that it was his sonne In briefe they all lamented to sée their kindred and friendes in such great misfortune and conueyed them into the Castle where they were so honorably vsed that in short time they had good hope to recouer them from this danger When they had attained some part of their former health they reioyced greatly that they had happened into the company of their dearest friends and declared in what maner they were deluded by the two Damosels which was not strange to them who perceiued the daily practises of Eutropa to be grounded on such trecherous deceits Now did Dramusiande greatly commend his good Fortune in gaining so many couragious and well approoued knights as he was fnlly resolued he should now easily conquere the Isle of the Lake which as yet hee would not make knowne to any of the Knights but vsed himselfe so pleasant in their company and frequented them daily with such delightfull exercises that generally they bare him great good will and affection For this opinion he conceiued that vsing them with gentlenesse and shewing himselfe curteous in all attempts he should winne their good wils which hée made more account off then all the riches in the world As it is alwaies séene that friendship sooner winneth the gentle minde theu the rich promises and deliuery of Coyne can purchase any faithfull perswasion which craueth a more couetous interest then the persons estéeming vertue will straine their mindes to amount vnto CHAP. XXXIX How Eutropa after she had obtained all the Knights prisoneners in her Castle began a new trechery to bring to ruine the Emperour and Citie of Constantinople by sending Letters to the Soldan of Babylon declaring how the Emperour was destitute of his chief knights how he might easily ouercome the citie And how the noble knight of the Sauage man after he was healed of the wounds he had receiued by the knight of Fortune left the Court of England and trauelled to seeke the aduentures of great Brittaine in which endeuour he arriued at the castle of the Giant Dramusiand where he vnhorsed the Prince Primaleon and his noble Father the Prince Don Edward Likewise how he preuailed against the kings Arnedes and Recinde and foiled the Gâ—ants Pandare and Alligan so that he entred combate with the Giant Dramusiande each of them fore wounding the other yet neither could enioy the victory And how the Sage Aliart came againe and made such a maruellous darkenesse that the knight of the Sauage man was carried away no body could whither GLad was Eutropa that she had gotten these Knights her prisones whom she stood in great feare of and Christendome in most néed of and yet not contenting her selfe with this extreame crueltie would practise another mischiefe to bring to destruction all the noble knights on the earth It so fortuned that by politike meanes she was aduertised of the death of Olorique Alchediane the great Soldan of Babylon and deere friend to the Emperour Palmerin who had a sonne remaind aliue not of the gentle nature of his father but a great enemy to the whole estate of Christendome This seruing for fit her diuellish purpose she gaue him by Letters to vnderstand what great and gréeuous mischances his Progenitors had receiued by the Emperours of Greece in that many Princes of his blood and linage had béene cruelly slaine before the walles of Constantinople which naturall loue and dutie did inforce him to reuenge else should he be iustly contemned and reproched of the whole world where if now he would vexe his enemy vpon so iust occasion vrge him to the small defence he had left for his succour he might be Monarch of the whole world and haue more at command then all his Predecessours had As for a conuenient time he could with for no better then was at that present when if he would lay siege to Constantinople it had no other Rampier of defence then the aged Emperour whose yeares forbad him to enter the field and whose dominions lay ready at his owne appointment As for the noble couragious knights whom all the world feared and were the onely safegard to that famous City were in such place where they had more néed of succour themselues then come to defend the aged Emperour Yea and all other realmes were so vnprouided of those that were the meane to let this determination that neither could they helpe him or promise safety to themselues so that if he would he might bring vnder his obeysance the most of all Christendome There letters were conueyed to the Soldan of Babylon who prouide for the attempt which Eutropa had willed him where to his determination we will forsake him at this time till we gaine more fit occasson to discourse of procéedings The hardy knight of the Sauage man was purposed now to sée the aduentures of great Brittaine for which cause when his wounds were perfectly healed he tooke leaue of King Fredericke and the Princesse Flerida procéeding in his trauell till fortune brought him to the Valley of Perdition where he presently espoed the Castle of Dramusiande Not long had he stood to take view of this Castle but hee perceiued to issue forth a braue company of well appointed knights among whom were Giants of a monstrous stature which gaue him occasion to suppose that hée was arriued at the place where so many famous Knights were detained Prisoners yet was ge driuen into a great doubt in that such comely Knights should kéepe company with
suspition of me I giue you to vnderstand that I am called Primaleon Sonne to the famous Emperor of Constantinople When the Tristfull Knight heard these wordes he was ouercome with such extreame sorrow and heauinesse because he had entred Combat with his Father Primaleon that he had much adoe to sustaine himselfe which the Prince séeing came to him with these words Florendos let no grieuous motions séeme to abate your courage for I had knowledge of you before we fell to the Combat as for what hath passed I franke and fréely forgiue being glad that I haue tryed your right to be of such reputation The Tristfull Knight knéeling downe and in great humility kissing his Fathers hand hée sustained him graciously in his armes and great were the salutations that passed betwéene them Pandritia being glad to sée the Prince Primaleon conducted them both into her House of Sadnesse where they were lodged in a goodly chamber and their wounds attended by the Ladies with very diligent and louing respect CHAP. LII How Primaleon and the Tristfull knight being healed of the wounds they had receiued in the combat by the courteous entertainment of the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia after they had staied there a little space and Primaleon certifying her of the happy deliuery of the Prince Don Edward they both departed from thence the Prince toward Constantinople and the Tristful knight in his iourney towards Spaine when Pandritia likewise for these ioyfull ridings left her House of Sadnesse and went to the Garden of Damosels And how after Primaleon and the Prince Vernar were arriued at Constantinople the Soldan Bellagris sent a Messenger to the Emperor who gaue him to vnderstand of the dealing of the Soldan of Babilon who had staid his army to contend with certaine Lords of his dominions that rebelled and entred into armes against him FLoredos the Tristfull Knight and his noble Father the Prince Primaleon made their abode for the space of certaine dayes in the carefull Castle of the solitary Pandritia where they were so carefully visited and their feeble estates so louingly tendered that in short time they recouered their perfect health In which time Primaleon had certified her of the prosperous successe of the Prince Don Fdward whom she verily supposed to be dead long before so that shée conceiued such great delight in this report as at the request of the Prince the left her House of Sadnesse and returned to her Mansion named the Garden of Damosels vsing more pleasant conceits then for a great while she might suffer to thinke on Primaleon hauing borne her company longer then willingly hee would and declared to her the the names of the Knights that were prisoners with Don Edward as also the manner of their happy deliuerance accompanied with the Tristful Knight he tooke his leaue of her she being loath they should depart so soone but perswaded by their earnest affayres gaue them the courtesie and so they left her They twaine thus ryding together the Tristfull Knight desired his Father that hée might leaue his company because the affection to his Lady directed his trauaile into Spaine who not denying his sonnes request because himselfe was minded to ryde alone to the ende hee might make the better proofe of his valour imbraced one another the Tristfull Knight riding towards her for whose swéete sake he liued in great affliction and anguish of minde where at this time wée will leaue him and returne to the Prince Primaleon who not encountring any aduenture by this time is come to Constantinople whereas full often he wished himselfe because he had heard of the Soldanes Army which was of such force that it caused the whole Empire to stand in great feare Primaleon being entred into the Citie kept close his Beuere because he would not be knowne to any but intended to come suddainly vpon his friends which wold make him to be the better welcome Being come to y◠Pallace hauing deliuered his Horse to his Esquire he went vp into the great Hall in the same Armour that he vsed against the Tristfull Knight which was very much defaced with the blowes he had receiued causing great astonishment to all that were present who gaue him way to come before the Emperour Then knéeling downe and desiring to haue the Empresse and the Ladies present he would discourse 〈◊〉 his Highnesse what had happened lately in England which the Emperour desirous to heare yet not knowing what or who he was all this while receiued him from the ground saying That the honour of the place from whence he came should make him a great deale the better welcome and so he conducted him to the Empresse chamber where by good hap the princesse Gridonia Polinarda and Bazilia were present when the Emperor tooke occasion to begin as thus Faire Ladies this Knight commeth from the Court of England and would not declare his message to me vntil such time as he might come to your presence before whom he desireth to shewe his Ambassage which I wish to be otherwise then I thinke for because of the tariance of my sonne Primalaon whose absence is no small cause of my heauinesse With that the Emperour sate downe by the Ladies whom Primaleon began to behold very earnestly because he perceyued them growne into great alteration especially the Emperour his Father whose countenance was much changed then when he saw him last and the Princes Gridonia had greatly offended his faire face with the continuall mourning shée vsed for the absence of her Lord so generally beholding them all and staying from speaking an indifferent long space to the great amazing of the Emperor as also the company of the courtly Ladies at last he vnclasped his Beuer began in this order I desire you my gratious father to pardon my long silence as also the great time of mine absence from your royall Court hauing no other Message to present you but the good health of your noble friends in England as also of your Sonne Primaleon who humbleth himselfe before your gratious presence The Emperor was suddenly wrapt with such an inward ioy y◠for a great time he remained as it were in a trance in like maner the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda al the Ladies who came running altogether imbraced him with such ioy as it is impossible for me to giue iudgement thereon After hée had vsed curtesie to them al the Princesse Bazilia came kissed his hand to whom he said Faire Sister feare you not your Lord Vernas will not long absēt himselfe frō you but you shal haue him here right soon I dare warrant you Then was he vnarmed when the Emperour could not satisfie himselfe till he heard the ioyfull newes lately chanced in England but when he vnderstood how Palmerin was sonne to the Prince Don Edward and his daughter Flerida he receiued great contentation in that he was nourished in the company of the princesse Polinarda who concealed her ioy from any one Dramacian
Fortune who preserued them to a greater conquest of honor caused at that very instant the noble Palmerin of England to arriue in that place who knowing Dramusiande supposed verily that he was slain wherefore he came to the other knight and taking his Helmet off and perceiuing that it was the noble Florendos he became so ouercharged with griefe that he could hardly sustaine himselfe from falling to the earth Then he commaunded Siluian to goe to the Citie and presently to bring Chirurgions with him because he thought verily they were almost past recouery and Siluian knowing that the death of these two knights might be an occasion to put his Maisters life in danger vsed such diligence that in short time hee returned with two very expert Maisters in Chirurgerie Palmerin desired them to manifest their knowledge at that present in recouering the health of those dangerous wounded Knights and his recompence should excéed in liberalitie so when the Chirurgians had searched their wounds they found them not so dangerous as their weakenesse and wearinesse wherefore they promised by the grace of God to bring them into as good estate of health as euer they were The Prince reioyced at their good answere and caused Siluian to fetch a Coach from the Citie wherein they were brought to the house of an ancient Gentleman and there Palmerin bare them company vntill they were able to trauaile againe CHAP. LXXXII How Albayzar came to the Court of the Emperour Palmerin and of the conditions he made there to begin his aduenturous intent VEry well prouided and full of renowned Knights was the Court of the Emperour Palmerin at such time as Albayzar hauing left Palmerin of England where hée slewe Bracandor arriued there when alighting from his Horse he came vy into the great Hal in very faire gréene Armour beset with golden Speares with two Esquires attending on him where finding the Emperour sitting with the prinoipall of his knights he thronged thorow them and reuerenced himselfe before the Emperour with these spéeches Most dread and puissant Emperor I haue béene constrained to visit your Court for two causes which I hold as especial the one to sée the noble mindes that are alwayes here abyding the other to try my selfe against them all on her behalfe that hath sent me hither Giuing you to vnderstād that for the loue of the fairest and most noble Lady in the world I haue béene at the Castle of the Giant Almarol where by force I haue obtained the Shield of the faire Miragarda which by force I beare onely to honour that Saint to whom I homage my heart and will enforce all knights to yeeld as vassailes So that if your Highnesse will licence me the Field I will compell all the Knights of your Court as also any other that dare auouch the contrary My Lady and Mistresse Targiana the onely Daughter to the great Turke my Lord and Soueraigne is she that shall beare the prize all for beautie And these conditions I doe require in mine attempt that the Defendant on his Shield shall bring the liuely Portayt of his Lady with her name to be verified at the foote thereof because it shall be the onely recompence the Conquerour shall gaine And there be any who will manifest themselues to be but indifferently fauoured of their Ladies they shall be sworne to giue in writing the name of their Mistresse As for him that hath the good hap to vanquish me he shall not onely be Lord of the shield of my Lady Targiana but shall haue likewise deliuered to him all the shieldes which Fortune shall allow me by my prowesse And furthermore to be granted that the knight dismounted in the Iust shall not haue the licence to fight with his Sword but as vanquished deliuer his Shield and so depart Now expect I your answere most redoubted Emperour as concerning the request of him that hath trauailed many a strange Countrey and now commeth to make triall of the valure and puissance of your knights if so be they can conceiue the courage to aduenture the combat on the behalfe of their Ladies When he hadde ended his spéeches a great tumult arose among the Knights and Ladies of the court who were very desirous to sée Albayzar in the field the Ladies to know the valour of their amorous seruants and the Knights to manifest the cause to deserue their loue euery one wishing to quallifie this presumptuous challenge The Emperour would make no answere to Albayzar till such time as he had conferred with his Councell when then he returned with this reply You haue sir knight attempted such a hauty enterprise as if wée should deny we should not onely grant our cowardise but also hinder you of many noble Exploits to the griefe of your selfe as also of such knights as haue a desire to shew themselues in the field Wherefore the fielde is licenced you at what time you please and your conditions allowed which were before specified but I desire you first to resolue me of one thing are you not allied to the Soldane Oloricque of Babilon because it séemeth you resemble him somwhat in fauour My lord answered Albayzar the curtesie you haue offered me moueth me in humility to kisse your gratious hand assuring you that I am the son of the Soldane Oloricque and am called by the name of Albayzar The Emperor arose immediatly and imbraced him saying I would gladly see you in my Court in another estate then you are at this present but loue shall now excuse your enterprise And then he commaunded a Chamber should be prouided for him but he made refusall thereof because he had sworne not to depart the field till he saw the issue of his hauty desire The Empresse and Gridonia sent vnto him desiring that he would suffer them to view the Shields of Targiana and Miragarda whereon they entred into iudgment that although Targiana was very faire yet was she nothing comparable to the Princesse Miragarda With seuerall suppose they went from hand to hand till at last they came to the Princesse Polinarda who was somewhat offended to see the princesse Miragarda so singular and faire which made her now to wish that the noble Palmerin of England would now arriue at the Court for shée perswaded her selfe that his worthinesse would aduance her to the glory of the Shields So that sometime she was minded to send for him but then by and by she altred her thought so that she ministred occasion to some disdainfull minde of that noble Sex how no stability or constancy is to be found in a woman Then was the picture of Altea brought which for a precious Iewel supplied a roome in the Empresse coffer and comparing her with the faire Miragarda she was found to differ very far in beautie Albayzar receiuing his Shields departed to the place appointed for the Turnament where the Emperour had commaunded two Tents to be erected and on a Pillar neare adioyning was placed the faire Portrayt of the
regarding your honest spéeches and the extremitie of griefe which you haue reported constraineth me to breake my promise I francke and fréely permit you the Iust Then couching their Speares they passed the first course very gallantly but at the second the Knight was sent to the earth with his héeles vpward Albayzar so greatly terrified with the stroke that he lost both his Stirrops and was constrained to hold by the mane of his Horse or else himselfe had borne him company But when he perceiued the Knight ready to charge him with his Swoord hee leaped from his Horse aduancing his Shield to beare of the hardy blowes of the Knight so that betwéene them beganne such a dangerous Combate that the regardants hardly knewe to whome to impute the most aduantage But Albayzar to whom Fortune had béene alwayes friendly suffered him to charge the Knight with such mightie blowes that by litle and litle he perceiued him to faint wherefore at last scant able to hold out any longer he retired himselfe entring into this discourse I know right wel that weapons were inuented to maintain honour as also to discharge any perillous aduenture wherefore it had beed much better for me to haue past my life without frequenting them then to abide the mischance wherein I remaine at this present Alas poore wretch I thinke to vanquish Fortune but in the ende I finde my selfe vanquished I knew well enough that he which kéepeth himselfe from falling in her snares hath little cause to doubte any peruerse or frowarde chance but fonde soole that I am to complaine in this manner being the Author of mine euill and wilfully séeke mine owne dammage Whereupon he valiantly assaulted Albayzar againe who in short time subdued him and laid him at his foote and being vnarmed was found to be Floraman the Prince of Sardignia which made the Emperour somewhat offended fearing that Albayzar would vanquish all the Knightes of his Court. Then was Floraman carried into the Pallace the Ladies greatly lamenting for him because of his inuiolate faithfull constancy but albeit Albayzar remained victor he was verie sore hurt and brought into great weakenesse and danger CHAP. LXXXV How after Albayzar was healed of his wounds he returned to the field and continuing the Ioust vanquished diuers Knightes FLoraman remained sore hurt for the space of two monthes onely through the griefe he sustained for his mishap which was a cause that the medicines presented to him were bestowed al in uaine wherefore the Emperour accompanied him diuers times because his behauiour was so vertuous and honest it made euery one desirous to beare him company But all the honourable visitations friendly good well bestowed vpon him had not power to appease his extreame griefe for that he rather desired the death then any other comfort so that no sollace was so swéete to him as the remembrance and often desiring of death When time had brought him to his former strong estate the Emperour desired him not to leaue the Court to whose will he would not shew himselfe disobedient but staied there for Palmerin of England and the renowned Florendos thinking Albayzar not able to resist against them But Albayzar in his pride thought the contrary for not contenting himselfe with his victories paste he was no sooner in disposition to beare Armour but he presented himselfe againe in the Field perswading himselfe to be Lord ouer all those that durst conceiue the courage to deale with him For such is the nature of a proud and arrogant minde that spéeding a while well to his content he thinking alway to remaine in that good Fortune but we hauing an ancient Prouerbe Desire hath no rest till it lie in the dust In this prodigall opinion he put on a singular faire Armour not regarding the mishap that might chaunce vnto him because Fortune as now had placed him on the top of her whéele whereon to wise man will repose a seat of assurance for that her variable and mutable condition doth alwaies bring her most fauoured to greatest misery The first day after his health in the morning he Iusted with Flauian Rotandor Ariagnonel Claribal of Hungaria Arâ—ruando and Tragandor who were all foiled and the shieldes of their Ladies placed among the conquered After dinner he ran with Luyman of Burgondie for his Lady Altuena Dridan the secret friend of Princesse Polinarda Dramian for his faire Florian Gracian for his faire Claritia Francian for his Bernarda Berolde for his Onisâ—alda Blandidon Pompides and Platir with diuers other against whom he preuailed to his great honour and praise and the aduancement of the faire Targiana hauing all the honour giuen to her Shield which was so honourably placed in the middest of all the other that the Grecian knights séeing the hauty valure of Albayzar quite forgot all the courage they would vse in such an honourable attempt Primaleon armed himselfe diuers times desirous to chastise the pride of the Prince Albayzar but the Emperour would not suffer him to procéede because he bare great affection to the Soldane Olorieque which he would not séeme to change to his valiant Sonne Albayzar soiournied very long in Constantinople without finding any to Iust withall wherefore heperswaded himselfe to attaine as great credit by not finding any to deale with him as he did in vanquishing those that came to the Tournament But Palmerin Florendos and the Giant Dramusiand would not haue staied so long from thence if it had not béen for diuers aduentures which constrained their determination so that their absence was the cause Albaizar was so much estéemed and in euery Princes Court nothing at this present was talked of but the expert valiantnesse of this noble Moore Albayzar Whom the history willeth vs to leaue a while because we haue forgot the Prince Florian too long CHAP. LXXXVI What happened to Don Florian of the Desart remaining in the Court of the great Turke LOng time soiourned Don Florian in the great Turkes Court highly estéemed among the hardy Knights and most honoured and beloued of the Princesse Targiana whose amorous company made him forget his martiall enterprises in so much as hee wholly shaped himselfe to please her fantasie Their loue tooke such déepe perswasioÌ„ on either part yâ— Florian burst his lance in yâ— face of Venus Targiana yéelded her chiefest Iewell vnder the obeysance and conquest of Cupid being both of such an indifferent opinion together that Loue was the only Mistresse of all their actions During the time that Florian remained in this state and Targiana busied her mind on their wonted amorous deuises report blazed the great victories of Albayzar in the Turks court which newes were accounted of so great estimation that the behauiour of the Prince Florian was almost forgotten a thing which was very vnwelcome to him Wherefore one night talking with the Princesse Targiana shee began to recount the dutie wherein the déedes of Albayzar had bound her by courtesie and how she could hardly
Ladies in beauty yet shew you your selfe excelling all other in that singular gift to ouercome him that hath conquered so many For I perswade my selfe you wil not fauor him that hath done you such wrong as disloyally to beare the Shield from your Castle but let me that am your true and faithfull seruant giue you the honour of this hautie attempt and afterward deale with this cursed carkase of mine euen as it shal stand with your gratious pleasure After this they fell to to the combate a fresh when the Emperor séeing the small defence they had for themselues supposed they could not long continue the fight and Primaleon through opinion which came by nature in griefe of mind receiued perfectly the cruell wounds of the Blacke knight as though he had felt them vpon his owne body because he supposed him to be of his linage And by the cruell behauiour they vsed to ech other the Empres Gridonia departed as not able to abide the grieuous sight of these two champions who after they had griped one an other by the closing their arms Albayzar â—s too weake to resist any longer fell to the ground whereat the Blacke knight reioyced and vnclosed his helmet to haue smiten off his head but the Emperour called to him to vse more mercy yet he makking as though he heard not lifted vp his sword when the Princesse Targiana fell before him on her knées with these spéeches Syr Knight first I desire you to strike off my head and afterward proceed in what shall please you for loth would I be to see him die that hath ventured his life in danger to do me such honourable seruice The Blacke Knight seeing the modestie of the Princesse was moued with pittie wherewith he granted Albayzar his liâ—e and then the iudges came into the field to haue the Blacke Knight honoured according as became a victorious conquerour But he would not depart out of the Field before the Portrait of the faire Miragarda was placed in the middest where against all reason the Princesse Targiana supplied the roome whom he led with him to be honoured according as her hie estate did deserue The Emperour commaunded Albayzar should be led into his Tent meane whiles the Blacke knight kissing his highnesse hand vpon his knee began in this manner Most dread and mighty Emperour I desire that this Princes may be regarded aboue all in your Court for you ought to shew more honor to her then to any other person that I know WheÌ„ the Emperour knew that the Blacke knight was his noble nephew Florendos his heart was supprised with an vnspeakable ioy and chiefely his Father the Prince Primaleon who caused Albayzar to be brought into the Palace vnderstanding that Targiana was the daughter of the great Turke lodged her with the faire Princesse Polinarda his daughter who greatly desired it at the hands of the Emperour and there was we as honorably serued as had she béene in the Court of the great Turke her Father the Prince Florendos and Albayzar had great care vsed to their dangerous wounds and the shield of the Princesse Miragarda was now held in chiefest estimation CHAP. XC How a Damosell of Thrace brought a strange aduenture to the Court of the Emperour Palmerin WHile Florendos and Albayzar remained at the cure of their wounds the Empresse and Gridonia as glad that the victory chanced to Florendos would often come and visit him reporting their iudgements on the singular forme of Miragarda which talke partly wrought as much for his health as the medicines that were applied to his wounds Likewise the Emperour and Primaleon would often visite Albayzar vsing comfortable speeches wherby he might forget the griefe he sustained because he was vanquished but Albayzar dissembled with a good countenance deuised with himselfe how he might worke iniury to Florendos which afterward he did as you shall perceiue at large in the second volume of this Historie In the meane while the Court of the Emperour was stored with the most renowned knights and Ladies of incomparable state of beautie in all the world so that there wanted no other thing there theÌ„ the two renowned Knights of England whose presence in the Court made the Emperor to thinke yâ— then no force might preuaile against him While they were in their triumphing the Empresse Gridonia Targiana and Polinarda sitting vnder the Cipresse Trées néere a very faire Fountaine a Lady of a maruellous and mighty stature presented her selfe before them whose séemly iestures and sumptuous shew in apparell made them beléeue shee was of great authoritie Her attyre was of Sattin cut and laide out with cloath of siluer a purple Robe compassing her bodie wheron was placed a number of rich and costly precious stones her long sleeues hanging downâ— were thicke beset with Birds Harts and other braue deuises of Foules and Beasts of gold that the eie could neuer be wearied beholding a thing of such inestimable value there attended on her two Knights the one hauing in his armes a very faire coffer which was closed with little Lockes of Gold and brauely garnished with Pearles and precious stones of maruellous cost and reputation When the Emperour and all were placed to regard the cause of her arriuall she receiued the Coffer of the Knight and with a little Key of Gold that hung about her necke she opened it whereout she tooke a curious and costly Cup which was so artificialle composed that beholding the outside might easily be discerned what was within which was nothing but water so hard congealed and frozen that it was impossible to moue any moity thereof After she had held it a while in her hand she deliuered the Coffer againe to the Knight whereon she set the Cup and looking wishly vpon all the company at last she began to vtter these speeches Most noble Emperour I haue been in so many Princes Courts to make triall of the strange aduenture contained in this Cuppe that not finding any to ende the same I am wearie to seeke auy further as also out of opinion of any good hap Except that now in your Highnesse Court which is most honoured and esteemed vpon the whole earth I may find such expected Fortune as of long time I haue failed in which doth encourage me somewhat considering there is not the like But first before the triall be attempted I will discourse the cause of this rare aduenture because each one of these noble gentlemen may be the better affectioned to her who holdeth his heart as chiefe Mistresse of his thoughts There was sometime ruling in Thrace a king who was name Sardamant so excellent well séene in the Art of Magique that for the qualitie of that gift he surpassed all other liuing in his time This King had a daughter of no lesse beauty then Courtly behauiour who was greatly beloued of two knights the one called Brandimar the other Artibel but they kept close their secreat loue from each other til
farre distant from the loyalty of a louer so did his holding the Cup manifest the same for while he held it there is nothing in the world can be iudged more blacke or griesly then the Cup séemed at that instant Targiana who knew him yet would not be known therof for the griefe she conceiued at this accidentâ—â— retired into her Chamber repenting that euer shee had bestowed her loue on him who was esteemed of so small fidelity The Damosell of Thrace receiuing the Cup againe of Florian said Sir Knight if Fortune spéed you no better in déedes of Armes then your actions manifest your faithfulnesse in loue I would â—ounsell you neuer hereafter to pursue aduentures Faire Lady answered Florian if you recompence your seruants according to desert it would greatly grieue me to fal into so hard destiny but your farre distance from reason maketh me to esteeme it the lesse for if I should passe on farther and suffer my selfe to be inueigled in your snares I were the lesse to bee pittied when I seeme to bewaile the languishing of my life This answer of Florian albeit it séemed acceptable to many of the knights yet the Ladies receiued it in great contempt because their naturall quality is such to yéelde according to the déedes of those who submit themselues to abide their pleasure and contrariwise their naturall inclination is to vse such recompence as their seruice they haue receiued neuer deserued The Damosel of Thrace came to the Knight of the Dragon desiring him to try the Cup according as diuers other had done before him perswading him that of a person so knightly as hée séemed there was to be expected a very good issue Palmerin séeing the matter brought to this extremity cast his eye on the Damosell and his heart on her whose obstinacy caused him to die with griefe entring into these spéeches If this aduenture be of a truth then I pray you my Lady henceforth to excuse the fearfulnesse of him who dares not presume to think what is in your mind So receiuing the Cup it contained the same quallitie as it did in the hand of the Prince Florendos because it could not exceede farther The Emperour being very glad tooke the Cup to prooue the rest of the Damosels words and in the bottome of the teares he beheld the Empresse as pleasant as euer he had séene her which made him to thinke the aduenture was ended but doubting the contrary he requested of the Damosell if the Cup shuld alway remaine in that state whereto the Damosell answered thus It must 〈◊〉 be tried if it wil turne againe to the former blacknes but I desire you that this Knight meaning the prince Florian make triall thereof no more for he hath so little desire to kéepe his loue faithfull to any Lady that the Cup in his hand will stand in great danger at which pretty triump the Ladyes conceiued good occasion of laughter Then the Emperour commanded that al the knights should take the Cup againe but their labour was in vaine for it neuer séemed to alter the colour wherefore the Empresse tooke it and beheld the Emperour so perfectly in it as if she had verily séene his face After the Empresse came Gridonia and Bazilia wherin they saw them that they chiefly estéemed but when the Princesse Polinarda took it she perceiued the noble Palmerin of England in such heauines that not able to endure his extreame grieuous countenance she deliuered the Cup from her fearing to let it fall her hand shaked so maruelously But none knew what was the cause thereof except the Emperour whose amorous youthfull time gaue him occasion to thinke that shee had séene some one in the Cup who greatly desired to doe her seruice which made him to round her in the eare saying Faire Daughter you make mee iudge that you want a seruant At which words she began so sweetely to blush that with her rare beauty it gaue her an excellent colour whereat the Knight of the Dragon became more and more afflicted The cup passed from hand to hand till it came againe to the Prince Palmeriu who beholding in it the swéet face of his faire Polinarda tooke occasion to speake in this maner to himselfe My gratious Lady I very well perceiue by your countenance that you haue not forgotten him who was only borne to do you seruice yet doth the miserie of his time constraine him to liue without hope desiring nothing else but to accomplish your pleasure Then he deliuered the Cup to his Brother Florian who beheld in the bottome of the teares the Princes Araalte of Nauarre and the faire Targiana as also many other Ladies who were as greatly offended with him as were these twain whom he had deceiued wherefore the Damosell taking the Cup from him said Doe you now Sir Knight behold the issue of your vnfaithfull Loue whereto he presently shaped this answere It séemeth that your sex canno hartily fauour the Knights that oweth them most affection which maketh many not force of their constancy to you but yet thus much I dare assure you that Ladies both haue and shall be a great deale better secured of me then of diuers that haue tried the aduenture of this Cup and to whom it hath showne more fauour then to me The damosell making him no answere turned to the Emperour saying I desire your highnesse that nâ—w the proofe may be made of those that are most and chiefest beloued wherein credit me you will receiue great pleasure Agréed quoth the Emperour and I intend my selfe to mak triall first for so shal I perceiue that being but slenderly fauoured of the Empresse I haue lost the power to end the aduenture So holding the Cup it remained in the same order still without any change or apparance of heate wherefore the Damosell said My Lord you must confesse your selfe that your time is past and therefore deliuer the Cup to the Empresse who hath so truly and faithfully loued you In the Empresse hand it continued to still wherfore Primaleon and the King Polendos who being faithfully beloued of their Ladies made the cup still to containe the chiefe brightnes After these two Princes Don Rosuell aduanced himselfe to make triall at his Loue which was so little that the heate the Cup contained vrged him to deliuer it to the Prince Platir who found it not altogether so hot as when Don Rosuell had it It passed the hands of them all some with good hap some with ill till it came againe to the Prince Florian but he passed it as lightly as the other because his heart was exempted frée from any Louers griefe From him Albayzar tooke it whom Loue fauored so much that he held it a great while Then came the turne of the Knight of the Dragon whose hap proued worse then all the rest for the Cup was so enflamed round about him that it séethed euen as water doth vpon the fire which caused great feare to all that
behâ—ld it but more griefe to him that hee had the patience to abide it For now he verily thought to consumate his daies and that the vexation of his life should end by this supportable meane which made him that he would not let go the Cup but kept it so constantly that euery one thought there was no remedy but death Trust me said the Damosell the vnfained loue of so true a knight deserueth not to be rewarded with so sharp a recoÌ„pence and with these words she offered to take the Cup from him but he gaue backe answering her thus Faire Ladie I desire you to suffer me abide the doome which my mishap hath alway ordeined for me and wherein I may end the troubles that are incident to a mourning and continual dispairing life The Emperor not able to abide so great crueltie executed in his presence arose caught the cup from him which was immediatly quenched as though it had neuer bin so violent whereat he receiued no small cause of amazemen Then the prince Florendos albeit he was weake yet desirous to be partner in constancy with the Knight of the Dragon receiued the Cuppe from the hand of the Emperour when presently the rigour that the Princes Miragarda vsed towards him caused him to suffer the selfe same torment as did the noble Prince Palmerin For the flame which arose out of the cup had so inuironed the body of the prince that he was séene sighing and lamenting in the midst thereof which mooued all the Ladies to shed aboundance of teares and to vse many extreame words against the cruelty of Miragarda which Florendos though he were in the midst of the flame could hardly suffer to hear her blamed for whose sake he was ready to make a sacrifice of himselfe The Emperor séeing many meanes applied to quench the flame yet none of them all had the power to preuaile put himselfe in the midst thereof and tooke the Cup from Florendos thinking that then it would presently bequenched but all their labor was to no effect for the flame continued about him as it did before The Empresse Gridonia with al the ladâ—es and knights fell into such rufull complaints that it was maruailous to heare the noyse that was made at which grieuous spectacle Polendos the king of Thessalie came to the Damosell of Thrace with these words I desire you faire Lady séeing you haue found the thing you sought for that you would vouchsafe the courtesie to succour the dangerous case of the Prince Florendos I am so agrieued quoth the damosel at this great tumult which is made wherein they wil not vouchsafe to heare me that I know not what to say but doe you giue order to appease this murmuring I wil work the meane to deliuer the Prince from danger By the Emperours commaundement the disturbance was quieted when the Damosell presented her selfe before the Emperor saying I aduertise you most dread and gratious Emperor that the adueÌ„ture of the Cup is already past and finished but the flame which doth compasse the prince Florendos can no way be extinguished but only by the vertue that consisteth in the teares which by the hand of the Knight who hath ended the Enchantment of the Cup must be sprinckled on the flame wherein he is enclosed and then I dare assure you the prince shall be brought into his former estate For the fire being ingendred by such a cruell woman as he loueth cannot be any way quenched but onely by the teares of such a pitiful Lady as was this constant and faithfull Brandisia Then she deliuered the Cup to the Knight of the Dragon who put his fingers therin and sprinckled a few of the teares vpon Florendos when presently the fire vanished away leauing Florendos whom all men thought verily to be dead aliue and in good estate to the great content of the Emperour and all the company CHAP. XCIII Of another aduenture that happened in the Court of the Emperour Palmerin and of that which after followed FLorendos being thus happily deliuered to the great ioy of the Courtty company wished that she who intreated his faithful Loue with so great cruelty had béene in place when she might haue séene the triall of his inuiolate faith The Emperor being desirous to know the Knight whose spotlesse loyaltie had ended this Enchantment but misdoubting that it was yâ— noble Palmerin of England desired very earnestly that he would make himselfe knowne vnto him when Palmerin putting his hand to his Helmet to discouer himselfe he was hindered by the aduenture which hereafter followeth On a sudden there entred the Hal a Lady accompanied with three mighty and ougly Giants whose Armour was of on colour and fashion their Helmets being carried after them by thrée men so that their swart and euill fauoured faces caused the Ladies to tremble as also many of the Knightes to change their colour These proud and stately Giants thronged through the middest of the Knightes aduancing themselues before the Emperour without shewing any courtesie or reuerence where they stayed for that the Damosell had in charge to declare who séeing so great Nobilitie about the Emperour was somewhat offended yet notwithstanding she seased her fury and began in this order I perceiue right noble Emperour that the renowne which is blazed all the world our of your Princely Court is too little respecting the honourable company I see at this present which vrgeth me to enter into due land therof as it hath rightly iustly deserueth so that I am of the opinion you might subdue gouern the whole world if you would distribute your force which as I iudge is no way able to be matched But yet fortune who in all your affaires hath hitherto prospered you may now vngently as enuious at your long quiet peaceable felicity turne her backe towards you so suddenly in her fury ouerturne your good Fortune that the glory you haue gained in the prime of your yeeres may now be defaced when your aged estate forbiddeth you to follow the trauaile of Armes and your long happinesse vnwilling to enter the warres wherewith I come to summon you from the Soldane of Persia principal Captaine of the Law of Mahomet as also from the great Turk and yâ— noble Gouernours of the CouÌ„trey belonging to the Soldane of Babilon named Albayzar who in strange aduentures hath put himselfe to make triall of his valour vpon hope of long expected good Fortune From all these before named I am to let you vnderstand that when time was there were certaine Heathen Princes here slaine before the walls of Constantinople whose death hath vrged them to great impatience and to séeke reuenge for the great wrong you haue offered them But the Gods the protectors and defendor of your welfare fauouring you beyond their expectation haue heretofore hindred the determination of these Princes for when they were prepared to the ruine of your kingdomes and vtterly to race out your fame
desiring him that he would suffer them to assist him as defending the challenge of the other two giants Dramusiande séeing them so well prouided would not refuse their knightly offer whereat Gracian Berolde Pompides and Floraman were somewhat offended because ther was none of them al but would gladly haue taken part with the Giant Dramusiande The Giants named Arbusar Albaroco and Berocant refused the offer which was made them answering that if there were no Giants for them to deale withal they disdained to take armes against men of no more might Elorian hearing them speake so arrogantly in a chafe tooke Arbusar by the arme saying Thou counterfeit Monster sâ—me not to excuse thy selfe so fondly from entring the Combate for in recompence of thy deserts I will present the Emperor with thy head from thy shoulders And to giue thée the better occasion to fight thou shall vnderstand that I am the Knight who brought the princesse Targiana into this Countrey and for this Knight thou séest with me I knowe his hardinesse will suâ—â—er him to deale with Albaroco now refuse the combat iâ— you dare The Giants hearing him to confesse that he had brought the Princesse Targiana from her countrey became so full of choler that they desired the place might be assigned where they presently determined to hazard the fight The Emperor commanded the place should be showen them whereabout he caused such good regard to be placed as in such dangerous affaires he was woont to doe but it was somewhat displeasant to him that â—orian should venture on such ougly follows iudging the other knight to be Palmerin of England he was in great feare least now he should chance to lose them both At such time the knights were entring the Field the Damosel of Thrace taking Florian aside secretly vsed these words vnto him Sir knight if Fortune bend her selfe against you that in this dangerous attempt your strength doe faile you commend your selfe to the clemency of some lady and doubt you not but to escape the hazard luckily God forbid said Florian that I should trust in them who haue not the power to helpe themselues much lesse can they any way send me succour or that I should prostrate my selfe to deâ—ice their fauour whose greatest libertie is continuall thraldome to an aduenturous minde With these words they all mounted on horsebacke and rode into the field the Emperour with all the Ladies and Knights hied themselues to the windowes to sée this hautie exployt and Albayzar likewise desirous to sée it came to one of the windowes desiring that the victory might fall to the Giants as he had good hope beholding their valiant and noble courage CHAP. XCIIII What happened in the fight against the Giants AFter that the Iudges were placed to discerne the fight the Trumpets sounded and they encountred one an other very couragiously euery one dealing so roughly with his enemy that this was supposed the most dangerous Combate that euer was séene The Emperor was still affectionate to behold the marueilous courage of the Knights of the Dragon as for Dramusiande and Florian they behaued themselues with such deliuer behauiour that Primaleon Florendos and all the Knights gaue great praise to the hautie valour of them all The Empresse Gridonia departed from the window greatly pittying the danger on either part but the Princesse Polinarda staied to sée the end accompanied with Targiana who was as much gréeued to sée the boldnes of Florian as she was pleased in beholding the courage of the giants by whose helpe she thought to haue reuenged the great inconstancy shee found in the prince Florian. And then he gaue the damosel of Thrace to vnderstand that it was not for want of strength he preuaild no better in the triall of the cup for albeit the giant Arbusar desended himself well he could not resist against Florian who saluted him with many mighty and cruel strokes driuing him into such wearinesse that he could hardly indure to stand on his féete At last faintnesse and wearinesse constrained them to retire when Berocant séeing his fellows so dangerously wounded began to rage with himselfe in this manner O gods is it possible that the force of Berocant Arbusar and Albaroco so highly estéemd throughout the whole world should be brought into subiection by one only giant and two knights why grant you not vs our accustomed strength but in our greatest néed leaue vs destitute of all succour How happy might I estéeme my selfe if I might vanquish him who sometime conquered Dramusiand and deliuered the number of knights he kept as Prisoners If you will not suffer me to haue aduantage ouer him then would I that here were with him foure of the best knights on the earth so losing my life on them I might the better broke this my hard fortune The Knight of the Dragon had no other recourse for his amorous thoughts but only to the beautiful face of his Lady Mistâ—es whose vngentle words at his departure from CoÌ„stantinople armd him with greater patience to abide the death if his froward hap should now prouide it for him As for the prince he had no body to apply his thoughts vnto but only coÌ„mitted himselfe to the gouernment of Fortune whom he only kept for his Lady and Mistresse Euery one vsing some pretty fancy to himselfe during the time they remained breathing assalted one another again very valiantly when the knight of the Dragon hauing brought Albaroco to his foote to honor his mistresse with his conquest he opened his helmet and before her part his head from his shoulders as glad of the victory as before he stood in doubt how to obtaine it Then he aduanced himself to assist Dramusiand against Berocant at whom he fiercely let fly a stâ—oke but their often trauersing the ground caused the blow vnfortunately to fall on Dramusiande giuing him a greater wound on the shoulder then any he had receiued at the hands of Berocant wherfore Dramusiand turned to him with these words Trust me sir knight I estéeme the succour you giue me to be oppression and no friendship wherefore I pray you suffer me to end this cause my selfe and if perhaps you sée me vanquished then put your valour in triall to kill him who shall remaine victorious ouer me for the death I rather chuse then the shame which may fall to me by this vngentle manner of ayde The knight of the Dragon hauing thus against his will iniuried his friend Dramusiande retired greatly displeased with himselfe and Aâ—busar was reduced into such weakenesse that Florian quickly gaue him his paiment so sore wounded himselfe that the Iudges would haue had him carried out of the field but he would not consent thereto before he had séene the issue of the fight which was so displeasant to Albayzar and Targiana because the giants were so cruelly vsed that they went from thence as not able to suffer such a gréeuous sight The Emperor Primaleon
him along on the ground whereat Florendos and Albayzar was somewhat afraid to sée him brought into to such daunger wherefore quickly they opened his Helmet but when they had beheld him a while they knewe him to be Syr Albanis of Frise the Prince of Denmarcke the sight of whom made Floraman very pensiue for that he bare him maruellous good will Florendos and Albayzar conducted these two Combattants into the house of a knight whose abode was neare to the mountaine and as they walked together they demanded of Albanis of Frise vpon what occasion he enterprised to gard the passage Worthy Gentlemen answered Albanis I will not defer to tell you the sum of your desire aduertising you that Fortune guided me one day into the Valley where the Princesse Arnalte maketh her present abode I was so rauished in beholding her beautie that I remained her vowed seruant in good will wherevpon she put to me three conditions how I should approoue against all wandering Knights and maintaine it by my prowesse that she was the fairest Princesse in the world assuring you that I came into this place rather for the desire I had to doe seruice to the princesse of Nauarre then for any feare I had of her six Knights But now my desteny is so farre vnfortunate that I am fallen into the hands of Sir Floraman which hath made me loose the hope that till this houre I entertained They which make profession of Armes saide Florendos ought not to be abashed when any misfortune befalles them and I assure you that Arnalte is a Princesse which merriteth very much yet not so much as many others haue deserued who are farre aduantaged aboue her therefore I wish you Sir Albanis to thanke God who caused you to fall into the hands of your friendes perswading yourselfe that we would be loath to sée you any way iniured Continuing this talke they arriued at the house of the Knight who receiued them very gladly for that he was accustomed to lodge all wandering Knightes and such diligent attendance was vsed that in short time the woundes of Albanis were méetly healed and certaine daies he was accompanied by the Prince Florendos who was attached with vnmeasuraable griefe for the desire he had to finde the Castle of Almarol Yet he dissembled his griefe as much as he could possible and forced himselfe to mirth to gratifie his friendes as it is a wise mans part to forget his sad and melancholike affections to content those persons with whom he is ioyned in friendship CHAP. III. How the Damosell of the Princesse of Thrace arriued at the Court of the Emperour Palmerin And of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger THis Historie maketh mention how the Emperour was in the Empresse chamber accōpanied with the worthiest lords of his Empire when as the Damosell of Thrace chanced to enter the Court which séemed to her much changed because she saw not the Knights which were accustomed to bée about the Emperor at whose féete she failed not to humble her selfe incontinent but hée caused her to be taken vp presently and to be entertained with very gracious behauiour then hée desired to vnderstand how all things happened to his Nephew Palmerin of England in the aduenture he vndertooke for Leonarda the Princesse of Thrace the naming of whom caused the Princesse Polinarda to giue a most swéet and delicate blush in her face in whose presence the Damosell of Thrace began to vse her language after this manner If I should rehearse to your Maiestie the most Knightly prowesse of your noble Nephew I should find my selfe ouerthrowne in a great perplexity for that I know his worthy déedes are reserued to bee deliuered by one of more prompt and discréete memorie then my selfe Neuerthelesse to discharge the great bond of Friendship wherein his Princely courtesie hath so straitly bound mee I will report what I haue séene during the time he was in my companie which when hee tooke occasion to leaue he went to the place where the Princesse Leonarda was Enchaunted and where hee witnessed such Knightly valour as will render to his Name perpetuall honour hauing finished an aduenture so straunge and admirable The whole discourse whereof the Damosell deliuered in circumstance to the Emperour giuing him to vnderstand the hard causes of distresse eftsoones offered to the knight of the Tiger But when she came to report the manner of his passing the Lake wherewith the Isle was compassed about the daunger of the Boate and the fashion how it was drawn with the Cord the Ladyes that were present remained so mightily ouercome with griefe as the swéet and delicate colour wherewith their diuine Faces were most plentifully endued began very sadly to alter thinking on the great perills which the Noble Palmerin of England had passed putting his life to such extreame points of hazard for the deliuerie of the Princesse Leonarda I haue heard reported said the Emperour many strange Aduentures and haue knowne some worthily atchieued in my time but I neuer heard in all my life of any so perillous as this for I know well that the imagination of the King Sardamant was very farre different to any other Kings But well I perceyue that the Prowesse of Palmerin excelleth very farre the valour of all other Knights for I assure you that as yet I neuer saw the Knight that might be equalled with him without great impeachment or that could finde the meane to discharge so great daungers After that the Damsell had sufficiently set to sale the praise of the thrise noble Palmerin in the eares of so many gratious personages she changed her talke after this manner To him that hath thus woorthily deserued I did bestowe my vttermost endeuor to bring him within the compasse of affection to the princesse Leonarda whose good minde was altogether placed on the entertainement into her Princely Fauour the Knight of such a hautie disposition But as it séemeth to me he is either altogether blinded in his owne conceite or else his heart of affectionately placed on some other person for I assure you he made no account of the Crowne of Thrace bnt did flatly refuse it as also to espouse the Princesse Leonarda who was brought into his presence by the principall noble Gentlemen of the Court according as it was ordained by the Testament of King Sardamant her Grandfather By reason whereof the Lords requested the Quéene Carmelia that shee would send to your highnesse their Princesse to remaine in the company of the Princesse Polinarda your Neece and the Daughter of the prince Primaleon as also of other noble ladies wherwith your renowned Court is plentifully enriched whose gratious conuersation may not onely entertaine the heart of Leonarda with the precious dignitie of vnspotted vertue but also by imitating their honourable examples she may the more highly be estéemed in the acceptable fauour of such noble personages as preferre the renowne of Ladies with the felicitie of their owne
hauing opinion that the Knight which had enterprised to guard the passage was one well seene in hautie exercises he returned the Esquier this answere My friend say vnto the Knight thy Maister from me that I freely giue him leaue to proceede in his honest request and I am partly sorte that my aged yéeres will not suffer me to be one in the number of those who I am sure will hazard their honour to get libertie of thy Maister for the Princesse Leonardaes passage and in her company I promise thée will I abide till either they haue woonne it valiantly or lost it vnfortunately Then came he againe to the Princesse Leonarda the Esquire being departed with this answer to his Maister and to her he began with these spéeches Madame do you thinke it reasonable that any one should denie me the way within mine owne dominions and especially at such time as I am in your company Certainely the Knight that hath enterprised thus to hinder vs ought to be one of no small courage except he doth imbolden himselfe by meanes of your beauty and hoping to moue you towards him 〈…〉 doth offer his person to endure a doubtfull 〈◊〉 â—â—â—antly had the Emperour concluded his intent when Reccamon who in his Court was estéemed for a good and hardy Knight gaue the spurres to his Courser against the strange Knight but his fortune was so farre contrary as he was presently dismounted from his horse hauing nothing at all moued the knight that kept the passage whereupon Frisoll coutched his Lance against the strange Knight who caused him to beaâ— Reccamon company Then galloped he his horse to fetch 〈◊〉 Lance for that he had broken his other vppon Frisoll 〈◊〉 Grecian being somewhat offended aduanced himselfe against the Knight who méeting him in the middest of the way gaue him such a forcible stroke as he was constrained to fall to the earth by means wherof Berolde put foorth himselfe whom the Knight caused to spéede as Gracian had done The Emperour hereat was greatly abashed beholding the shame which his Knight receiued whereupon Dramian went to trie his fortune which in sooth was to aduerse to him as his horse he fell downe both together which he perceiuing said that his enemie ought not refuse to ioust with him once more the strange knight hearing his words gaue a signe to Dramian that he should giue ouer and run no more but he would not be warned by his friendly motion when putting himselfe vpon the second triall he was againe throwne to the earth verie sore and dangerously wounded This moued the Emperour to be much agreeued doubting lest the issue of this enterprise would returne to the dishonour oâ— the Knights of his Court then Don Rosuell séeking to reuenge the iniurie his companions had receiued gaue himselfe forth brauely to méete the strange Knight but his entertainment was such as his fellowes had receiueed before him When the hardy Prince Platir saw the ill hap of the Princes he ranne couragiously against the strange Knight and after they had broken their Lances they met together verie forcibly with their bodies and their horses fought together likewise so cruelly as in the ende Platir and his horse was compelled to fall downe to the ground but the strange Knight sate still very gallan◠〈…〉 was not any thing hurt by the rough encounter The Emperour was ouercome with extreame griefe 〈◊〉 his knights beaten downe so fast by the valour of one Knight so that he knew not well what to say and the Prince Primaleon was as greatly moued as the Emperour his Father because he suspected that the knight vnknowne was the noble and valiant prince Palmerin of England whose prowesse was worthely estéemed in all Princes Courts in Christendome but he neuer remembred or iudged this strange Knight to be the redoubted prince Florian of the Forâ—est because 〈◊〉 were giuen abroade that he remained in the king of 〈◊〉 Court In briefe the famous behauiour of this vnknowne knight made them stand in their dumps so that they knâ—w not well what to thinke neuerthelesse the Knights continued on the Ioust to wit Estrellant Bellizart Francian who were one after another placed among the vanquished so there remained no more knights to Ioust but on a sudden euen as Francian was cast foorth of his saddle Pompides and Blandidon happened to arriue there which the Emperour seeing and knowing them to be such as merited his fauour he afforded them a gratious welcome desiring them that they would do their endeuour to make frée the passage to the end that the Princesse Leonarda might enter into Constantinople We are contented mightie Emperour answered Pompides to make a proofe of our good fortune before you as well to witnesse the regard we haue of your excellency as to trie if we may attaine to purchase that which so many good knightes haue sailed in No sooner had Pompides thus vttred his minde but he gaue the spurs to his horse against the strange Knight who in sooth compelled both him and Blandidon to speed as the other knights had done before Then when he saw that all the Knights of the Emperours Court were vanquished he listed vp his Helmet and came vnto the Emperour before whom he fell on his knées to kisse his Maiesties hand but when the Emperour perceiued that the knight who had so hardly kept the passage was his Nephew the Prince Florian of the Forrest he was then as ioyfull of his happy victory as before hée was agrieued to sée his knights so vanquished yea themselues did thinke it no dishonor to them to be ouercome by the noble Prince Florian who hauing kissed the hands of the Emperour and Primaleon offered to doe the like to the Princesse Leonarda but shée séeing a Prince of such young yeares to be accompanied with such singular prowesse could not so much account theâ—eof as in her eye she did imagine it worthy her great good will which suddainly at this instant she gaue in secrete to the hardy Prince Florian for that his vertuous deseruings in her conceit did well beséeme her fauourable acceptation And for the Prince Florian whereas vntill this present his heart could neuer faithfully make any certaine estimation of loue but euen for the present humour as you haue heard before now the singular courtesie of the Princesse Leonarda as also the sufficency of her equiualent beautie caused such a hot skirmish betweene loue and liberty as he must needes yéeld himselfe subiect to affection being conquered and brought vnder by his extreame charges so that nothing agréed so well with his labouring thoughtes as when he supposed the Princesse to commaund him seruice and he in good will applied his dutifull attendance The Emperour Palmerin séeing such libertie of the passage graunted by him who had now more minde to gaze on the faire Princesse then to remember the happines of his obtained victory came in this maner to the Princesse of Thrace Madame the
me Thou hast reason said Floraman to vse thy selfe thus for that one ought not to be knowne in these affaires especially hauing receiued his shame in the presence of one of these Ladies So taking his leaue of the other Knights he rid away presently they being very desirous to haue knowne what and who he was CHAP. XXXVII Of that which hapned to certaine other knights who would proue the aduenture of these foure Ladies IN the mean while the French Court kept at the Cittie of Parris many knights tooke pleasure to come thither the most part whereof were the affectionate seruants of these foure Ladyes and there they would practise Iousts combats and other honest pastimes such as amorous persons are wont to take delight in But I assure you the French men themselues were not so forward in affectioÌ„ for that they were dayly in the presence of these Ladies neuerthelesse the strange knights whom loue conducted thither to see them felt those secret and sundry assaults which he enforceth them to endure who yéeld themselues obedient to his lawes These foure Ladies were not a little prowde to see themselues so estéemed but the knights gaue themselues most on Torsiaes side because she was not in the Company of the other who vsed with their beautie very gratious entertainement towards their knights that they might vse them with the greater regard But Torsia who iudged her selfe more worthy then the other she was very squemish and disdainefull not making account of the trauailes which the Knightes endured for her sake thereby to make her beautie the more honoured and extolled for her selfe made so great estimation thereof as she iudged that those knights who aduentured on her behalfe were greatly honoured by making proofe of their valor in defence of her beautie and this was the cause she was lesse serued of the French knights then of other But the strange knights they gaue themselues altogether to her seruice desiring to trie fortune and knowing there was no victorie more noble then that which was most doubtfull in the obtaining While the knights of the French Court delighted themselues to behold these newcome louers Albayzar who came to the castle of Almaroll where he robbed Dramusiande of the Princesse Miragardaes sheeld passed by Paris desiring to soiorne there for the space of two dayes at the end whereof he departed thence for he would not enter the Combate with such as would praise these Ladies aboue the Princesse of Targiana Yet he returned againe to the Court and would sée these foure Ladies before she went he not estéeming the knights two Daughters Florenda and Graciana whose courtesie did well deserue that the knight should enterprise something to their honour for they were as beautifull as these other foure Ladies among whom Albayzar gaue the praise to Torsia so that her beautie best contented him which was the cause that in all places where he came he praysed her aboue the other thrée Albeit séeing the French knight were so affected to these ladies as they made no occount of his swéete friend Targiana he trauailed thence to Constantinople where he enterprised to maintaine against the knights of the Emperours Court that tge Princesse Targiana excelled in beautie all the Ladyep and Damosels in the world At the same time Palmerin of England and the prince Florendos passed by the French Court and staying there they had so great desire to approoue themselues against Albayzar Dramusiande likewise passed by soone after being very willing to sée these foure Ladies i but the intent he had against Albayzar would not suffer him to goe hither And I assure you had it not beene for the enterprise of Albayzar this aduenture in France had bene as worthy of commendation as the noble prowesse shewen at the Castle of Dramusiande in England and that of Miragarda in Spaine While many Knight trauailed to sée the Prince Albayzar Pompides and Blandidon who iudged themselues to be Brethren came to the Court of France where they thought so well of the beautie of these Ladies as setting all other remembrance of loue aside they tâ—ied the Combate wherein their liues were brought to great danger These two knights renowned among them that stayed in the French Court were both of them so inueigled with the beautie of Torsia as they discoursed to each other their intents beganne to mallice one another cruelly whereby they shewed the small iudgement of them who called Loue by the 〈…〉 seeing that so many misfortunes tooke their originall by him Pompides conquered with the onely regard of Torsia séeing that Blandidon would not giue him place by entreatance concluded to trie the Combate with him agréeing thus betwéene themselues that hee that was the conquerer should remaine there to defend the Ladies beautie Blandidon who was as desirous as he could to purchase the acceptable fauour of Torsia agréed to enter the Combate vnder the same condition which Pompides opposed and that these two Knights might the sooner execute their willes they came and humbled themselues before the Quéene in whose presence Pompides spake in this manner to Torsia Madame this knight and I who are brethren and so conquered by the grace and beautie wherewith you are accompanied as notwithstanding both nature and friendship we intend to make proofe at armes which of vs twaine shall be iudged worthy to be receiued in your seruice desiring you humbly not to be offended at what we haue enterprised and that you would vouchsafe to entertaine him for your seruant whom fortune shall fauour in atchieuing the victory Great and sudden admiration was among them all hearing the braue attempts of these two Knights but especially the other thrée Ladies who séeing Torsia so highly preferred beganne to be dismayed and changed their colour which Torsia dissembling although shee had no knowledge of their secret enuie was iocond and pleasant to her selfe as could be then casting her eyes on the Quéene to whom she made signe as though she would answer she spake to Pompides and Blandidon in this manner It may be séene by you Gentlemen that the merits of these thrée Ladies hath not as yet gained any knowledge of your valour séeing you enterprise to hazard your selues together for one selfe-thing wherefore I admonish you that it is méete you should defend the cause one after another for otherwise you goe contrary to our determinations and then he that can be so happy to vanquish the knights that come on the behalfe of these other Ladies shall be iudged worthy of that honourable reward méete for such a famous and noble conquerour These two Knightes were indifferently satisfied with the answere of Torsiâ— wherevpon many knights that desired to sée her went and presented themselues in the field The first of them was Rupert Rosselin a knight of good estimation who maintained the quarrell of Telancia Brician of Rochfort who loued Mansia and the Countie Brialte the affectionate seruant to Latrania Pomdides and Blandidon came no sooner
Cittie and that they prepared themselues to take landing and the Emperour caused himselfe to be carryed vp into a high Tower of his Pallace because hée would sée how Fortune disposed of his happinesse King Edward was no sooner arriued where the Enemie was but he placed his Armie on the Sea-shoare to hinder the Enemie from comming on Land but therein he was deceyued for the multitude of the Galleys and Ships were such as it was impossible for him to doe as he would Albayzar who was accompanied with the most renowmed knights of his Armie and two the most ougly and fearefull Giants that euer were seene made offer to take Landing first of all but they of the Emperors Court stepped before them and entertayned them in such sorte as diuers both of Turkes and Christians were very dangerously wounded Albayzar was so offended because he could not haue libertie to get foorth of his Galley as hee commaunded the Gyants to step into the Water to whose commaundement they preâ—ently obeyed and with theyr Maâ—es of Iron they began so to breake thorowe the preâ—sse and they which before hindred Albayzar from comming on shoare began to giue place as it were for his landing Which when Dramusiande perceiued hee stept into the water vp to the nauill and couering himselfe with his shield hee encountered the Giant that aduanced himselfe foremost and king Edward leaped into the Sea to hinder the other Giant from dealing with Dramusiande but while these foure were thus encountring together the other knights of the Emperours Court seeing their Captaine on foote began to follow after so that Albayzar was constrained to come neere the Giants because they thought he would want his ayde Palmerin of England being busie on the other side seeing the Horses round about the field without their masters doubted least some misfortune had fallen to his friends whereupon he gaue his horse the spurs and galloped to the place where he saw the greatest bickering and séeing King Edward his father standing in the sea dealing with such an ougly and monsterous Giant he presently came to him and stepping before him entred into these speeches I desire you my gracious Lord and father to giue ouer this enemy and giue succour to your friend Dramusiande for if any misfortune should happen to you your losse would be gréeued through all Christendome King Edward esteeming light the words of his Sonne would not leaue the Giant so greatly hee desired to remaine victor but the necessity wherein hee perceiued diuers of his friends caused him to step backe and giue place to the Noble Palmerin of England Albayzar behaued himself in such braue manner as diuers were glad to shunne his presence which when Florendos beheld hee aduanced himselfe to him and such knightly prowesse was shewen on eyther side as between them began a cruell and dangerous combate Dramusiande preuailed so well against his enemy the Giant as hee tumbled downe dead before him but himselfe was sore wounded as King Edward commaunded him to be carried into the Citie And Palmerin of England slew the other Giant likewise which his father left him fighting withall but himselfe was so dealt withall as in fiue dayes after he could weare no Armour Albayzar no sooner perceiuing the Giants slaine but he presently retired into his galley and so did diuers of the Turkes beside but when Edward saw the Turkes betake themselues to their Galleys againe hee mounted on horsebacke giuing a signe to his company to withdraw themselues desiring the Soldane Beâ—lagris the King Arnedes the King Recinde and the Prince Belcar who were dealing with another Vessell that sought to take landing to follow him but they gaue him to vnderstand how Florendos Platir Blandidon and the Giant Almaroll were carried into the Citie so sore hurt as they were not able to sustaine themselues The King Recinde Palmerin and Belcar were likewise grieuously wounded which made king Edward desire them to goe into the Citie and in the meane while Primaleon entred the field accompanied with seauen hundred knights desiring earnestly that King Edward and his traine would withdraw themselues that they might come with a fresh assault on the enemy But King Edward would not suffer it should be so therefore they altogether went into the Cittie being very much grieued that the principall knights of their Armie so sore wounded CHAP. LVI Of the griefe and sorrowe made in Constantinople for the dangerous estate wherein the Giant Dramussande was brought And how the Turks placed their Campe before Citie of Constantinople WHen the Emperors Captaines were thus come into the citie with their traines they passed the night in vsiting them that were so sore wounded at whose ill lucke Primaleon greatly grieued for he iudged the want of their helpe to be such as he was out of hope to defend the enemy from entring on land the next day And most of all for that Palmerin of England Florendos the King Recinde Belcar Berold Don Rosuel and Bellizart were in such case as they could not endure to beare Armes againe so soone Vpon this he concluded to let the enemies take landing and to suffer them to bâ—ild their Tents and prouide for the field in the meaâ—e while the wounded persons would be in better disposition and the succour they looked for would be likewise arriued wherewith they had good hope to bid the enemy a braue battaile in the meane time they daily gaue Albayzar and his company sundry assaults King Edward going to visite the wounded persons found the Prince Palmerin talking with the faire Polinarda whose company made him forget the griefe of his hurts for in her alone consisted the onely medicine to restore his health in like manner he found Florandos and Miragarda Platir and Sidelia Polendos and Francelian Berolde and Onistalda of Normandie Gracian and Claritia Don Rosuell and Dramatiana Bellizant and Denâ—sa Francian and Bernarda Guerin and Clariana and diuers others of the Knights with them to whom they bare most affection But Dramusiande was not in like case as these fortunate Louers were for his wounds were so yangerous as he could not enioy the swéete company of his best beloued Arlencea towards whom he remained maruellous affectionate so that I assure you the Emperour and all of his Court were so sorie for his misfortune as if the Citie it selfe had béene brought into extreame danger King Edward whose minde was not on such pleasure as he made any account of rest or quietnesse kept his friend Dramusiande company hauing his wife and Quéene Flerida with him onely to comfort the heauie and pensiue estate of Arlencea whose sad case may be easily iudged by young married louers Florendos and Miragarda visited the Giant Almaroll whose danger almost was in the same estate with Dramusiande yet he was able to walke behaue himselfe more pleasant in company then the other whose case was pittied and lamented of all in generall Soone after arriued there the Sage Aliart by
kinseman the Prince Florendos Palmerin of England did the like to the faire Florenda and Florian of the Forrest to the Princesse Graciaâ—a in briefe the Princesse and Knights led all the Lades Palfraâ—es till they came to the Pallace The Emperour was caried in his Chayre by foure Knights communing with the Princesse Miragarda all the way desiring her to fauour his Nephew Florendos and to thinke of him as one that had well deserued at her hands CHAP. XLIX Of the Conference which the Emperour had with the Princes And how the Marriages that he appointed were now accomplished in effect WHen the Princes that were thus arriued Constantinople had rested themselues for certaine dayes the Emperour desirous to content euery one before he died who had bestowed their seruice in honouring him reuealed his intent to the Emperor Vernar king Edward Arnedes Recinde and Primaleon how he would gladly sée his Nephewes married and the other Princes that had béene nourished in his court whom he would see all matched according as their affections serued them The Princes liked maruaellously the Emperours intent whereupon he caused the Sunday following a great feast to be ordained in the Quéene Fleridaes Chamber which place was the most conuenient in all the Pallace for their courtly disports and there the Ladies were euery one regarded in their degrées being more pleasant in the Ladyes of their sauoured seruants then all the costly iunckets prouided for the banquet Palmerin was so earnest in affection towards his Lady as he iudged her to surpasse all the other in beautie Florendos held the same opinion to the faire Miragarda and Florian made such estimation of the Princesse of Thrace as he feared not to Combate against any whatsoeuer that her beautie might carrie the credite aboue all the rest and the Prince Platir was not behinde him in conceite towards his swéete Ladie Sidelia daughter to the King Tarnaes The Empresse Bazilia Gridonia Flâ—rida Francellina because of their high estates were chéefe next the Empresse 〈…〉 the Quéene Flerida bare the price of beautie amongst them all because she was in the most swéete and delicate time of her yeares After the Tables were wishdraâ—e and all the 〈◊〉 departed the place the Emperour being weake and sickely 〈◊〉 King Edward to expresse before all the company what he had giuen him in charge King Edward willing to obey the Emperors commandement arose from the Table theâ—â— taking off his Hat and kissing the Emperours hand he saluted all there present and began thus Most gratious Empres as each of vs for his benefit honor hath receiued such Ladies in marriage as the Emperour from his owne Court hath pleased to bestow on vs some that are allied to his Excellency and others to the Princes and lords of his Empire wherby the renowme of Christendom is worthyly maintained and all causes expressing good nature continued in their florishing estate It may therefore séeme good to you at this present that I publickely open his gracious and Princely determination whereby may be knowne if your Highnesse with these Quéenes and Princesses in your company shall thinke well of that which by the aduice of his honourable councell he seeketh to put in practise It is so that his Maiesty hath set it downe for a decree that these young Princes and knights shal ioyne in mariage in â—ecompence of all their noble trauels with those to whom they are most affectionate And as for theÌ„ that are as yet vnprouided of Ladies his Maiesty will allow them continuance in his Court whereby no 〈◊〉 shall grew on any side but euery one shall be contented to their owne desires Here pausing a while he attended what the Empresse with the other Quéenes and Ladyes would say as also â—o bethinke himselfe on the names of the persons whom the Emperour had appointed to many but the young Princes and knights were somewhat abashed doubting whether they might giue credite to the kings words for their was not any of them but iudged his labors sufficiently rewarded if he might enioy his sweet Saint and Mistresse The Ladies that were in presence began to blush change their amiable countenance whereby they bewrayed the secret sudden ioy of their hearts which they receiued by the spéeches King Edward had vttered Polinarda very often cast her eyes on the Prince Palmerin being in as great feare as the offender that awaiteth the senteÌ„ce of the Iudge for she doubted least her Grandfather would bestow on her some other and not let her enioy him whom her heart desired And Palmerin was afflicted in the same manner such and so great was the vehemency of his sundry passions which betwéene hope feare he was constrained to suffer but while his thoughts were in this infinite deale of trouble his Father King Edward following his former intent began againe in this manner You shall vnderstand Sir Florendos that my gratious Lord the Emperour with the consent of the King Recinde enioyneth you to espowse the Princesse Miragarda who in my iudgement will not bée any thing offended to bee so matched and so shall you Syr Florendos thinke your selfe fully satisfied for all the trauailes you haue endured for her sake All the prince there present looked on Florendos when they might well perceiue that the words of king Edward had giuen him more ioy then if the richest Realme in the world were in his own possession but the princesse Miragarda kept her countenance so demurely as one could hardly iudge whether the loue of Florendos were acceptable to him or no. And for thée my sonne Palmerin said king Edward the emperour the prince Primaleon being very willing thou shouldest knowe the loue they beare thee doe giue thée to wife the Princesse Polinarda not doubting but thou shalt imagine all thy passed trauailes to be fully recompenced in so sweet a reward The Princesse Polinarda no sooner heard these wordes but the delicate Rosiall colour that dyed her daintie countenance witnessed the loue and good will she bare to the Prince Palmerin of England who likewise now abandoned all his former feare seeing he should enioy the felicitie hee had so long wished for Which when his Father King Edward perceiued he made as though he did not espie and procéeded on with his former determination giuing the Prince Gracian Sonne to the king of France to vnderstand that the Emperour did bestowe on him his Niece Claricias the Daughter to the King Polendos And you Syr Berolde for your vertuous behauiour must enioy the Iewel of your heart the faire Onistalda Daughter to the Duke Drapos of Normandie and Niece to the renowned King Frisoll whereof your Father I am sure will be very well contented And you sir Francian shall match with Bernada Daughter to the valiant Prince Belcar And you noble Prince Platir in that your déedes are worthy of perpetuall memorie you shall possesse the faire Sidelia Daughter to the King Tarnaes of Lacedemoniâ— who will