thereof because they saw the Moore at this instant appeare in place with innumerable tokēs of incomparable valour which made many hould the conquest in suspence not knowing on whether to decline But the Pagan being arriued sayd Now Knight seing the time for déedes is come there is no reason to delaye it but in naming of the Iudge Since the one of vs must of necessitie remaine for euer breathlesse in this fielde that question was néedelesse replyed the Nyquean Prince neuerthelesse I nominate that Lady whom thou procurest to content with a head so honorable I had not thought thy pride so great sayd the King of Norwege but seing the matter is in this estate I name the same Ladie for presenting her with thy head and the Emperors she shal be assured of the great reason she had to ymploy mee in her seruice Answere would not the furious youth thinking thereby he should too long prorogue the warre so they turned their horses which swifter then two light Gallies borne with the furie of their full winde blowen sayles met in the end of their course breaking in péeces their launces whose shiuers mounted higher then the raging region of the ayre Of stupendious strengtht were the warriors and so their launces no more mooued them then hadde they incountred seuerall rocks eyther returned to themselues swelling with poison and like rauening Lyons against their aduersarie drawing foorth their glittering blades at once they gaue each other such blows that euery one thought they were the last Gret abundāce of blood yssued through Lindorianos mouth which he thought would be a hinderance vnto his battle he layde the Pagan on the toppe of the helme that he made him and his horse staggar aboue Ten paces back from him Neuer was there seen a deuouring Harpie mory swift then did the louer of Rosaluira follow the amazed King giuing him thrée blowes one after another that at euery one he made him sée more starres then the Firmament contayned The best swoord of the fielde was the youthes for it belonged to Artarax the first Souldan of Nyquea he that in one day wold wyn thrée general pitched battailes for which cause he gaue no blow but threwe armour and sometimes flesh vnto the ground The better of the fight had not he for though the fynest of his armor defēded his flesh frō woūding yet was his body so tired brused that with great paine he staied himselfe wtin wis saddle The Pagan feared to bléede away therfore set hee his spurs to his horse thrusting at the Nyquean with a point that as he ran with the strength of his courser he layd him along vpon his saddle with such fury ioyning his shield with a great knock vnto his breast that almost he left him brethlesse Scarse was he thus cast when with Marses power hee strucke him al along vpon the belly that it caused him extreme paine With more rauening fury turnes not the raging Tygre vpō his foe thē now did Lindoriano for casting his shield at his back with both hāds he discharged a blow on his aduersaries that frō the top quite asunder it was cleft cutting away a great péece of his skirt he would close with him with like desire did the Pagan with his spurs animate his horse in such maner met that all foure tumbled to the groūd yet had they not fallen whē they rose on foot eyther setting aside all feare that for such a battle was vnfit With fresh breath entred the Moore crossing aloft his sword more quicker then imagination he thrust him with a point so strongly that a little he droue him from him yet not so much but he could reach him with a counterbuffe vpō the knée that it fetcht blod tremble did the blowe make him but abandoning all feare as also of his life hee reclosed with him as his sword had no fault he laid on his left shoulder sliding frō thence it cut away al his elbow armor with his male sléeue drawing much blood Quick was the youth so wold he second it but t was to his cost for the More was skilfull letting him enter he stept aside laying vpon his shield the tormenting his arme he was glad to let it fall Oh who hadd at that instant séene the two warriors wtout shields receauing their furious blows without warding They began with cunning to procéed for the Pagan as from death shunning the cutting blade would against it shew his nymblens so well firming his leggs assaulted his enemy but his stāding did not continue for the Nyquean entring with both his driued him from it yet not so but the other might giue him so grieuous a stroake that it made him set his hāds on the earth This cōtented not the Pagan that with both hands giuing him another it was a miracle it kild him not outright for taking him on the waff where the armor is buckled it cut his skirt euen to the flesh and a little more strengthning his arme that place being the weakest he had slaine him without paiment would he goe his waies but it was not possible for the Nyquean already inflamed with rage as he past desirous to make himselfe amēds thrust at him with his point he could not misse him for lighting on his right thigh he māde him stagger foure or fiue paces backe he could not giue it with force for otherwise hee had cut it They returned as they but thē begā the fight with such admition of the behoulders that as a dreame they iudged it for foure howers continued their combate without anye rest Affectionated to the Knight of the Ladies were they themselues and therefore greater was their feare of him Alwayes the thing loued Beauties miracles is respected with most care They parted a little to breath and the Nyquean hauing time began to recompt with how many things hee discharged the duetie that his honor had bound him to ending wel that battle and thinking that he had the worst he loked towards the Theater confirming his doubt by the pittifull sorrow that the Princesses shewed and calling himselfe coward that a battle shoulde so long last him not respecting how little he had breathed furiously he resaulted him at the instant that the other left his standing to doe the like and togither through the mightines of their armes the one layde his hands and the other his knées on the ground They were so nighe that they could not but cast their armes about their bodies pressing them with such force that they came to the earth where who vp and who downe they striued a good while in a stronge and dangerous wrastle The King nothing gained thereby for he was wounded mortally in many places and so lost much bloode whereby his faintnesse was plainely perceaued the which was not in Lindoriano for though he was brused weake yet was it not for want of blood They returned vnto their swords but euidently was the maintayners
launces well rested they set themselues one against another Oh who might in stead of so harsh a quill and dull blunted spirit vse the sharpnes of that Romaine orators rare eloquence and if not his then that of the Quéenes of learning dwellers on the Thespian mount to declare in an Heroycke stile the famosest battle of two to two that any mortal memorie may cōprehend At length oh ye glories of beauties purest workmāship in midle of their courses they met the couragious Bembo the gallant Oristoldo of Antioch with such puisāt incounters that the farthest spectators were left blodlesse stolen frō thē by the fury of the combatants With so braue a horse as vnder him the Achayan had it was much to see him passe by his enemy wtout alteratiō making him lose both his stirrops which he so soone recouerd the few spied it strait he turned not a litle inraged with his sword in hād he made against his aduersary with such strength that he forst him to let fall the bridle out of his handes hee was not slowe in seconding another on the side vnder his left arme that it made him shake therewith and helping him with a strōg thrust strake against his brest with such force as had not his armour been forged by so cunning an Artificer it had pierst his body frō side to side It made him somwhat loose his breath yet not so but that he turned vppon him like a praying vulture giuing him his answere so highly to his praise that he thought himselfe suffitiently satisfied for discharging his blow on his helme euen to his coursers head he made him bend his shedding much blood thorow his visor he would haue giuen another but the swiftnesse of his horse made him loose it passing so farre forwarde that as he would he could not wound him Somewhat astonished did Sacridoros deare sonne recouer himselfe beginning between them so equall a fight that yf added admiration to the wondering senses of the beholders The which was without measure increased with the sight of that incomparable furie wherewith the twoo worthies met in the middle of that large place on whom the millions of many gazing eyes were so fixt that winke they durst not fearing in the meane time they would incounter Vnto the God of his Father did the amorous youth recommend himselfe which was of such effect that méeting with more horror then doe the angrye billowes of a tempestuous Sea with the furie of contrarious windes beate on the immoueable Rockes the Pagan hit Lyrianas louer in the middest of his strong shield that hee lost his bridle and his stirroppes with most part of his saddle casting him backewardes on the horses crooper in such a traunce that he knew not whether on horse-backe he were left or no the which by the force of the incounter broke his backe that falling to the ground Rosabell had no other shift but to set his hand on the saddle pummell and leape of with great ligeritie leauing the place amazed at the incounter hee had made for hitting the gyante in the middle of his great shield it clearely pierst it and striking him a little belowe his left brest as there the woundes are most perillous to hinder the passage of his breath it was of such effect that making him a little woūd it thrust him with such mightinesse that bearing him clean ouer saddle and horse backe it tumbled him headlong on the earth making all the place people tremble with the fall All the beholders in spight of the Souldans command and guard with a generall voice applauded to the heauens the mightinesse of the iealous Knight for so they called the Greeke because of his deuise Scarse fell the Gyant when though with great paine he rose drawing foorth a mighty Courtelaxe he went towards the warrelike Louer that like a politike Knight prepared to proceede in that battel But first he looked how his friend did whom he saw maintaining his fight with no lesse then the worldes strength It grieued him because he sawe him in the blacke longer winded and quicker in his strokes though therefore the gallant Oristoldo lost no ground for no lesse then one of the worldes worthies he was reputed But a while leauing them together mett the Actiue Greeke with the fierce Gyant discharging at once such seuerall strokes that the farthest remoted towers of the Citie shooke with the blowe His knees on the ground did the faire Louer of Liriana sett in such amazemēt that he knew not where he was But he had giuen the Gyant a more venturous blow for not reaching him on the head he strooke with his point close to his throate with such strēgth that renting all the thicknesse of his helme with his neck-peece it made him along wound from whence issued great abundance of blood A gelded Bull was neuer seene more fierce then with his wound the Pagan did become furious for roring against heauen with thousand iniuries reuyling his Gods he began to brandish his Courtelaxe with such mightinesse that therewith he neuer reacht the youth but he made him tremble like an Aspen leafe shaken by a Northren winde Among the many that he gaue him he rested one to his content vpon his shield that the finest of the tēper vnable to resist that strength it was cut quite asunder so tormented the youths strong arme that through the paine he thought it lost His shield fell on the ground his arme so hung downe that euery one iudged it cut Aside stept the couragious Greeke for the paine admitted nothing else Well did the valiant Oristoldo perceiue it which grieued him to the soule doubting the successe of the fight being confronted with such cruell enemies But desirous to help his friend because the Gyant perceiued the effect of his blowe followed him with a strong thrust brauely pusht him in the backe from him and spurring his good horse then which none in the world mounted a better beast he sideling incoūtred the Gyant in so good a time that he tumbled him at Rosabels feet who lost not that opportunitie for as he fell helping himselfe a little with his painfull arme he gaue him on the shoulders such a blowe that he pearst it to the bone leauing him somewhat breathlesse For the want of blood that from his wounds ranne Neither was the Achayan so slowe but with his bay he arryued vpō the Greeke faster then immagination and taking him somewhat busied with the Giant he strooke him backwards so fierce a blowe that hee sent him forwards euen where the Gyant was and so their méeting was the cause he fell not though he rested sore bruised Alreadie was Oristoldo come who with such furie laid on his Helme that the sparkes of fire which from it he strooke cinged all his yeallow feathered plumes that like a despairer he did weare He scapte not without recompence for reaching at him with eager desire to execute his blow
Nowe seeke they no slyght no warde nor no agilitie to defende and offend but onely committe the hazarde of their Lyfe or Death to the strength of their armes and with the vttermost force that Sarmacia hadd possest with Pyrrhus blade twixt both handes shee layde on the aduerse helme making her with the force of the stroake to set her handes on the grounde which shee had not done when another was redoubled with no lesse furie lighting on her shoulders which she extreamely felt More nimble farre and more vsed to toyle then was Horaliza was the Lacedemon Ladie and so loosing her shield and sworde stayed till she rose and ere she setled her selfe closed with her casting her right arme with such force twixt her legs that ketching her some-thing suddenly she raised her from the ground and with a great fall cast her on the earth But as it often happens amonge the wrastling challengers at the Olympicke games so fel it out betwéen these Ladies For by how great the fall is by so much the more it strengneth the vnder lying to recouer his lost aduantage by amendment of his foyle euen so was it heere because as shee cast her on the grounde and both fell on their sides the Macedonian Lady found opportunitie by a sudden scape to ketch warlike Sarmacia vnder There perceaued Horaliza that shee had occasion by the front through so venturous a fal and so she set her knées vppon her and because she had no dagger for it had been taken from her she cast her strong arms about her for it was all she could The Ladies were so tyred with the former toile that this present labour left theÌ„ breathlesse for after they had thus contended a long houre without sence they stretched themselues vppon the earth to Celindos great sorrow who alinghting from his horse went to his deare Sister and vnlacing her helme found all hir face besmeared with blood pale like ashie Death His hart trembled when so he sawe her lye and leauing her that the aire might breath on her he went to see what Knight the other shoulde bee that had the power so to vse his Sister and when he also sawe she was a Lady with a shaking cold sweate was all his bodye couered But this was not through any newe passion but for the remembrance of Rosiluera which he sawe portrayed in his inchaunted habitation and seing her greatly to resemble Alphebos daughter no feare was equall vnto his thinking they were dead The which straight vanished for beginning to stur they shewed happy newes of their liues He would not so leaue them for it might be occasion of new quarrels and so taking his Sister before him because hee would not leaue so valiant a Lady without a horse hee caried her within the Forrest to see if he could finde any place where shee might haue the rootes of her hayre cured on her head For else woundes had she none because her armour did defend it And méeting with no place they were faine to alight there bringing water from a cleare springe whose current that way ran into the Sea paying his Tribute to the Ocean he cast it on her face till she recouered her sences And seeing her selfe in that manner shee thought shee had béen by her aduersarie vanquisht The coÌ„sideration of the caused griefe through these imaginatioÌ„s I leaue to you kind Ladies to suppose the which because I haue so much to doe onely wandering but vnder the shaddowe of your fauours I doe not explicate No lesse was the valerous Sarmacias who not able there to remedie it she rose and mounted on her Coâ—…rser determined to take her next way to the Cittie because the next daye the Tryumphes there began whose aduentures doe not immerited require a newe Chapter CHAP. IX How the Tryumphes began in Constantinople the wounders that in the Iustes did happen COme is the day most beauteous Nymphes of the chast Goddesse so celebrated throughout the world when the Christians with prayses and the Pagans with superstitious ceremonies doe solemnize the Natiuitie of the glorious St. Iohn Baptist on which the famous Tryumphs were begunne with the noise of so manye millions of millitarie instruments as if the Citie were at the point of warre Nothing was heard nor seen but what apertained to Martiall discipline nor through the citie no vesture appeared but might be shewen before their Princes Euery one would so adorne themselues as well in seruants liueries as on their own persoÌ„s Round about the place where the Iustes should be made were set great bigge pillers with fine chaines of steele that the battles might better be deserued vpoÌ„ them were painted all the haughtie deeds chiualries of all the Greeke Princes with so naturall liuely coulors that they wanted nothing but speaking At this time came the Emperor from his pallace with such maiestie as he seemed a God on earth For their horses coches chariots and attendants were numberlesse In one that was drawen with foure white Vnicornes road three Ladies whose beautie darkened the shepherds brightnesse that for loue left the golden eye of heauen They were the most excelleÌ„t Princesses Claridiana Oliuia Rosiluera with the faire Artemisa Princes of EnglaÌ„d that more deuine then a humane creature séemed The respleÌ„ding miror of beautie Fortitude Archisilora Quéene of Lyra would not be séene but on horseback with Capparizons with so rich imbroderie of stones pearles that scarse her excellencies could be deserued through their reuerberating rayes By the brydle was she lead by the Emperour Alphebo Knight of the Sunne his mother that on the vpper hand accompanied her did Sacridoro lead that knowing of these feasts had sent for his déere wife Orisilua who went in company of Lindaraza Archirosa of Portugall that already with Don Siluerio was arriued Al these were attyred in murry vestures cut vpon Gréene with diuersitie of curious workes More excellencie of perfect beautie gallantnes neuer did the worlds vast territories behold The three Princesse Oliuea Roseluera and Artemisa were clad in greene robes imbrodeed ouer with whit roses sett with infenitt stones of enestimable vallour The Empresse Clarideana came al in whit laid w e goulden twist w e Iewels shining like the sunne In this Maiesticke equypage ariued they vnto the proud stupendious theater that for their sight was built round about the place were scaffolds infenit set vp And after that with their presences it was Metamorphized vnto a brighter skie then the white Christall Heauen with their appearing out of the windows the chaleÌ„gers pauillioÌ„ was set vp all of greene with like roses the Ladies woare it was of no lesse woÌ„der then any thing in the place Through the which entered the Emperiall ensigne with twelue thousand men of guard the which did set it on the Pauillions top with such sound of trumpets as if that were the generall sessions of the world the which the ships Gallyes anchorde
in the road replyed with many thousand pieces of discharged Ordinance So soone as the place was something quieted there entred at one coruer of it the couragious Troyan with 50 pages cloathed in Carnation an 100 godfathers in long roabes imbrodered on them his battel in Lacedemō all full of red S. whose curiousnesse ioyed the sight to behold Himselfe was armed in a rose colour armour grauen with many harts parted in two In the middle of his shield was figured a Ladye with a naked sworde and he shewing her his heart that she might stryke there but shee aymed higher at his head with this note If any stranger hart But myne my wound receiued His death he had deserued Next to him entred the gracious Prince of Fraunce Clarindo that his affectiō towards Artemisa would needs shew by the pompeous traine that accompanyed him for all his pages were in gréene and in stéede of Roses which his Ladye woare he had many A. with such Arte interlaced that it euery one highly contented His godfathers were in like manner apparelled with such maiestie that it seemed no lesse then Trebatios Nephewe came there who appeared in such rich Armour that nothing was in them seen but great gréene Emeraldes with wonderfull art sett in the hard paste of the tempered stéele on his shield was portraied the Image of fayth with this inscription This onely may deserue Loues recompence in th' end Though I no more contend Well did the English dame vnderstand the poesie greatly reioycing it was directed to her beautie for shee disdained not her louers affection especiall beeing so great a Prince Euery one applauded this deuise and chiefly her Parents were not a little glad knowing the intent Wherefore the gallant Portuguese could not but say I am sure sweet Lindaraza that yf you woulde yeelde the fauour this Knight would not rest sorrowfull So contented was his Mother that she could not denie him any thing she might hauing a Sonne so faire valiant The wise that was heard brake of euerye ones conuersation for the free Persian with the mightines of his Persians would néeds make more shewe thereof then of a louer For Cupid thitherto had forgotten him he entred with a Hundred pages in Red and Russet with many knots of goulden twists of like liuerie 2000 attended on him who at the ceasing of the instrumentes proclaimed Persia and Grecia With this traine hee entred the place and letting fall a certaine deuise in maner of a Clowde he seemed of a burning flame of fire till the substance that caused it was consumed then did hee appeare one of the gallantest Knights of the vniuerse he was not so bigge as his Father but of equall forces armour were of colour like to his Pages with many Roses of gold about them in the middle of his shield was portrayed a starry Heauen and in middest of it himselfe looking at it with this poesie at his féete None can neuer perish Though most he should desier From whence his hope retire He past the place with gallant disposition brandishing his launce in a thousand peeces and comming to the theater where the Ladies were he said Deuine Ladies these Knights and my selfe must in your be halfe mantaine these Iustes which being a thing so difficult none dares enter the listes vnlesse he be assured of your fauorable licence With a maiestik grace replyed Oliuea Were it Sir Knight but only to inioy the sight of your haughty chiualries you haue it as you please being requested there to by all these Ladies but I feare it wil be to loose much and aduenture nothing Who hath your fauour Princesse Oliuia said the beautious Archisilora may with assurāce vndertake a more harder enterprise then what his proper valour doeth assure Nay thē said the gallant Rosiluera letts not delaie in giuing it leaste if any disgrace befall them they attribute it to that we shewed Great reason haue you in it said the English Artemisa and so braue knight maye you begin to shew what euery one already knoweth of your high persons courage Lower then his saddle pummel bended the Persian a signe that the Instrumentes might sound which Ecchoed foorth such mellodie that euery one was amazed Mounted on a mighty courser the Troian was the first that entered the listes There wanted none to make him game desirous to winne some of the rewards proposed which were manie and of great value against him came the mighty Alpyno reputed one of the valiantest in the kingdome but he mett with Priames kinsman who swifter thē imagination ioyned with him by the incounter the Troian lost his stirropes and Alpyno his saddle whereat the people shouted highly esteeming the Troian Next came foorth those two valiant Princesse Rodamont and Rodafeo with whom he was in no little peril but at last they measured their lengths on the earth And as the rest that Iusted were not of name he made such hauocke of them that in short time he ouerthrew aboue an hundreth Towards one a clock it was when the two strong brothers of Spaine presented them selues within the place wherin was hard a great rumour because the Spaniards were reputed of high valour the which entring the lists first incountred with the Troian that both lost their stirrops At the seconde carrier which was with more furie breaking their launces in many peeces they met with horses shieldes and Helmes so furiously that the Spanyards horse tumbled on the ground with his Maister and the Troian by the force of the blowe lost both his stirrops and was so shaken that not fynding on what to staye his legges he also came to the grounde Great was the noise that in the place was made and greater the ioy that the Ladies conceiued seeing how well their Knightes performed it Whereupon the Quéene of Lyra tooke occasion thus It is well seene faire Ladies how your fauours worke seeing how well the challengers thereby maintaines their credits It was giuen so willingly replyed Rosaluira that I maruell not at it This talke was broken off by the cōming forth of the haughtie Frenchman vpon a mighty Gennet who with such furie met with the other Spanyard that he threw him from his saddle him selfe loosing his stirrops his raynes holding by the horse necke for feare of falling If this incounter gladded the Princesse you neede not doubt since she loued him For the louer alwayes wishes the thing loued as much good as to it selfe To him intred Lireamandro and Bariandell Euery one iudged they would winne the tent pryzes for Lireamandro incountring with the frenchman so strongly they made their incounters that the aduenturer lost his saddle and the challenger paste forwards so amazedly that he knew not where he was he had scarce returned when Bariandell presented himselfe before him and with Mars his puisance they met the Frenchman lost his saddle falling vppon the horse backe euer that hinder saddle how not by his valour did he recouer
Knights abashed returned the waye they came leauing the place merrye for the Ladies alowd did saie Wel befall so amorous Knights for it is Iust that such as they do loose their right to make the Ladies sport In this manner iested they when through one side of the place appeared a Knight of haughtie disposicion for besides the riches of his armour his gallant behauiour and braue constitution all the beholders admyred his armes were tauny of coulour with many greene Emeraldes that they seemed there to groe all the Ioynts were of a siluer colour and euery one Iudged him of valour on his sheeld in a tauny field was figured the picture of a Ladie whose beauty drew all eies vnto her Before her stood a Knight that gaue her his hart with this motto The Ladie being so faire Why do I compt it smart When that my pensiue heart Will killing greefe outdare It is not credible how the comming of the amorous venturer pleased who giuing his horse the spurres made him swiftly passe euen to the Ladies Theater where curuetting made him bend his head betweene his legges and himselfe bowed his own lower then his saddle pumell in such braue manner that no hart could more desire Some courtesie did the Ladies shew him resting verie fearfull that he woulde winne the prizes With fresh horse issued from the pauillion the couragious Persian and departing one against the other in the midst of their carrier they met with more power then euer Mars was maister of The aduēturers armor was of a Magicke temper therefore was the blow he receiued nothing seene but that which he gaue the Maintainer was such that piercing his shield armes with a little wounde he thrust him so hard that he cast him behinde the saddle plucking the Launce to him with the furie thereof the horse eleuated himselfe which was the cause though on feet that he went to the ground Great was the rumour in the place with the sight of the aduenturers braue blowe raging like a furious Lyon the iniuried French man entred the listes assured to reuenge his friend which issued otherwise then he thought for the Tawnie Knight in power exceeded him And so ending their course within their Speares length so mightie was the incounter that the French Prince and his horse with his Helme broken tumbled to the earth The aduenturer in the beginning seeing his stumbled forwards like to fall verie nimbly leapt from him and being quieted with like ligeritie remounted on his backe Oh God said the Empresse Claridiana what valour is this of yonder knight beleue me not if the prizes are not like to be his I thinke no lesse replyed the gallant Meridian that hard by her satt for in the managing of his courser I haue not seene a more brauer Knight From this talke were they driuen by the comming foorth of Troylus Nephew whose incounter was not of the worst for ouer along the saddle it layde the head of the valorous Lindoriano Prince of Nyquea which was he the Iusted who hauing heard of the Tryumphs ordained in Grecia came thither being departed from Rosabell Princes of Great Britanie and with that deuice of Rosiluira to whom in Tinacria he had yeilded his soule he there arriued winning eternall honor by ending that which seemed most hardest for that the valiant Troian although his leggs were lockt was forced to the grounde with the greatest clamours that euer yet the beholders made The challengers left their pauillion though sore against their wills But the haughtie louer went to them saying I intreate you Heroyick Knights to returne vnto your standing for I shall esteeme it a high and vndeserued fauor to be receaued as your companion friend Braue knight the valiantest in armes that we haue tryed sayd the courteous Prince of Persia since it hath pleased the gyddie blind commaundresse of chaunce to shew her mutabilities on vs wee will not otherwise but that you enioy the merits of your valour which considered well all this and farre much more you deserue Wee did maintaine the beautie gallantnes of the Gréeke Dames now hauing vanquisht vs you may alter the condicions of the Iustes In a matter that euerye one ought to acknowledge answered the gallant Lindoriano there resteth nothing more then to prosecute it And since it must bee done with the Ladies consent and leaue there is no more but to craue it Thereuppon he went vnto the heauenly windowes where they were and lyfting vp his Beuer shewing the admiration of hys face he sayd doing his humble duetie Soueraigne and deuine Ladies although my pretended demaund is more then audacious yet trusting more to the Nobilitie and bountie of your courtesie then any valour of mine vnlesse procéeding from you I beséech that since these Knights haue laboured in your seruices you will bee pleased vnder the same title to suffer me to proceede forward All the Ladies kept silence astonished at the Knights request But the great Emperour Trebatio that was not far of said It is both honorable and iust what this knight intreateth and therefore shall it be graunted him We haue seen how little our fauours haue pruailed replyed the frée Rosiluera and therefore we would not haue him loose with thē what hee hath without them won but since your Maiestie will haue it so there is none here that will gaine say it Pleased rested euery one with the Ladies answere but specially the Nyquean that on her all the while did gaze thinking that he saw his Mistres whome she did highly resemble as lowe as his knée he bowed his head in signe of thankfulnes for the exceding fauor returning vnto the listes where it was pitie to see how he vsed the Knights for he gaue no incounter which was not eyther of Death or of a mortall woūd Already would Apollo end his course beginning it with our Antipodes when through the place there entred a Knight in purple armour with many red Roses of fine orient rubies which admirably shewed no lesse did he himselfe In his shield was portrayed the picture of libertie placed vppon a world and a Knight that gaue her his hand saying None this way may arriue Except his hart be free Of loues sweete tyrannie Fewe Ladies there but desired the Knights ouerthrow for thinking there was no pleasure and content where loue raigned with this desire they stayed for euery one iudged the Iustes would be admirable so thought the Emperour Alphebo for the disposition of the Knight was no lesse then of the newe maintayner Euery one called him so knowing what he had required of the Ladies Who iudging his aduersarie of great valour with his owne hand choosed a bigg launce Seing him doe so the Princesse Oliuia sayd I beleeue that according to the will wherwith our Knight chooseth his launce he meaneth no good towardes the aduenturer who with all the strength that he posseste made against his enemie incountring with such furious blows that the farthest
lesse then with your honour or life I cannot satisfie the duetie that I owe vnto my Ladie Nay be it presently sayd Eleno insolent Knight for if my fortune had not been so aduerse fewe daies since I had a Ladie in my companie that Apollos light had darkened for whose sake against the mightie God of warre I would haue maintayned what thou hast vttered being so great an vntroth But here is Don Eleno that being hers is suffitient to chastise thy follie And without further spéech with such grace he turned his horse that a Thousand soules if so many she had she would haue giuen him And turning hers in a trice she tooke of her helme glorifyng her armour with fine tresses of Gould chaines wherein Apollo would giue his deitie to be fettered in In that manner she stayde for him hauing in like sort before vanquished him so Like to a furious thunder-bolt came the fierie Tireo till approching the rayes of that new discouered Sunne with such brightnes they penetrated his Beuer that it was a wonder they did not altogether blind him He stayde his Courser and without a worde stoode still thinking a vision what hee sawe vnable to beléeue so great a good coulde redounde from so strange and vehement torments To him stept the ioyfull Lady putting of his helme ioyning her mouth to the princes said I neuer imagined soueraign Prince the Don Eleno 〈◊〉 armes against his Rosamond for though the Prince of Dacia be displeased with the Princesse of Callidonia he ought not so soone shew it whereto he replyed I am indebted to Rosamond for her ayde else no doubt but the Princesse had incurred some peril dearest Ladie of my soule but I am so highly bound to Rosamond that it made me breake with all on paine of defending her rare beautie although thereby the Callidonian Lady might rest grieued But if the Prince of Dacia haue offended heere stands Don Eleno to render his amendes She answered for the loue that Rosamond beares him the Callidonian Princesse will not suffer him to take anye wronge And letting him goe they entred to passe the heate vnder the braunching trées in the thicket with the greatest ioy in the worlde discoursing what to either had happened Greatly shee rested content that her Lord had spoken to the Emperour other Princes but that which most ioyed her was the newes of the Tynacrian whom she greatly desired to know through the fame that in Callidonia she heard of him In conuersation past they till the hower of three that they tooke the next way to the Cittie for they heard that three dayes after the Iustes would begin ioying to see what multitudes thither resorted hoping for the day that they might approue before that sinode of Maiestie the valour of their armes In this and in other pleasing chat but most of loue for they were his slaues continued the louers and the ioyfullest that euer Cupid knew when the same way they had taken they saw towards them come two Knights of the best constitution in as rich armour as either of them had seen accompanyed with onely two Pages They quickly met and as among such their chiefest ornament is courtesie the biggest of them sayde Braue Knights can you tell vs any thing of the triumphs in Constantinople We sir Knight replyed the Dacian haue not been there but haue heard they are begun with greate solemnitie and it was yesterday told me the Emperour had commaunded them to cease for eight dayes and this is all we know whilst he replied he attentiuely gazed on his companion that spake to him that he espied his sword and looking well on it he knew it hauing many yeares before bene his and seeing it in a strangers hands he straight remembred he had lost it in Rome that night that he deliuered the Princesses from the Gyants as is in the former part recited so expecting no answer again said And you Knight who gaue you that sword which cost me no little blood in winning it and therefore must you either giue it me or prepare to defend for I will not part without it though it cost me my life Scarse had he said so when the esquiers knew him for the two Knights were the one Lisarte King of Tarsis and the other his sonne Florisarte Prince of Argentaria and the pages those that afore haue bene named to be the Princesse Roselea of Rome and Arbolinda Infant of Scotland The Louer was so much astonished as the Ladies to see him for the other said I do not denie but it may be yours Knight but the partie that me it gaue would with reason greatly be offended if I should so easily let it goe not shewing first that the parting from it is by force and not for that it was so willingly giuen me which animates me rather to dye then loose it Why then replied the Dacian defend thy selfe for by no meanes must I leaue it The Louer answered not but tourned his horse with such gallantnesse that Rosamond did greatly admire him The like did the valiant Dacian with the lightnesse of his horse he incountred the Argentarian so mightily that without any maner of motion he made him loose his stirrops getting hould by his horse maine for feare of falling while Eleno past like the wind And with like celerity he returned vpon his enemy with his sword in hand finding him in like preparation In Greece was neuer seene a more fiercer battle nor with more affection admired for the blow that Florisarte receaues on his helme doth Aâ—bolinda take it on her soule and that which Don Eleno on his sheeld doth Rosamond ouerthrowen him and with the furie of his Tyrio he ranne to the Tharsian and as he past with a flourish he gaue him a blow that on his horse necke he threw him He returned vpon him because he could not strike him with his sword he incountred him with his horse brestes so mightily that both him and his horse he tumbled to the grounde and leaping after him with more ligeritie then a nimble Hare ere he could prepare himselfe he closed with him and as his strength was greater he raised him aloft but holding him so strongly for feare of falling with him he was fayne to sett him downe and with a thrust made him staggering giue backe three paces and ere he could open his eyes was againe vpon him There had he wounded him if his sonne had not come and sydewayes gaue him so mightie a blowe that maugre all his strength he went foure paces backe Follow him would the haughtie Prince of Argentarie when the Ladye set her selfe before him with more wrath then a troden Serpent and with both handes laide on the youthes shield which like to a piece of Wood shee cleft cleane in two and myraculously he scaped his hande which remained with such paine that he could not stirre it Both the one and the other Father and Sonne incurred mightie
daunger hauing such strong enemies The gallant of Argentaria returned her his aunswere with such strength that he made her see more starres then in the heauens were But who bewayled the blowes in their soules with sighes and pearled teares were the two wofull Ladies seeing their louers in such daunger For Artimio alreadie bewailed Florisartes death alreadie calles the Heauens vniust alreadie complaines on Loue calling him a tyrant that liued by honouring Cupid a pittifull God If this way there is such excesse of griefe what shall the beautifull Princesse of Rome do seeing her Don Eleno with Lisarte For though he had the better her loue disliked it making her beleue what easily she credited But her sorrow helped not nor her louing with such intiernes auailed to asswage her passions They could not deuise no meanes to make the battle cease for as they were flesht in it they thought it impossible that any thing lesse then the death of some should part them for at this time it semed that with more fiercenes it increased The Tharsians dexteritie was it that defended him agaynst the angry Dacian yet was it not so much but being reached euery time he set both hands and knees on the earth he passed not much better for his aduersarie neuer gaue him blow but brused and tormented his body so that if he gaue he receaued In no lesse danger was Rosamond for onely her armour was it that in this battle saued her life Euen whē the Sunne would set widdowing the earth of his light there arriued the valiant Mauritanian Brufaldoro that following the search of the Tynacrian and not finding he came thither iudging that for feare he had hiddē himselfe And seing the crueltie of that fight hee could not but say Oh Iupiter what Knightly valour is this The fierce Pagan was gentle and affable of condition and so pittied the faire Pages that wéeping stood speaking thus Can you tell me pretie Pages the cause of this battaile which should not be little considering the fiercenesse thereof It is so small sir Knight replyed Artimio that it is gret pitie it should be continued to the end for so slight a thing the cause being only that this Knight pointing to Florisarte weareth asword which he in the Russet challengeth for his saying he would not part without it vnlesse it cost him his life No longer stayed the mightie youth but drawing foorth his sword put himselfe betwene them that were on foote saying Heare me sir Knights that seing ye haue no other reason then what these Squiers haue told me it were to be reasōlesse to leaue the world Orphant for so small a cause of your valour and for a sword The vndertaken battailes all discréet Knights should be grounde vpon some suffitiēt reason for that is it which assureth the victorye making hym more famous that prosecutes it with Iustice and not with passion to procure to maintain their fame vntill death well did the Dacian know him iudging him of great vallor seing he sustained himselfe to his honour against his Cosen Pollephebo and so replied It is not so small Sir Knight as you thinke it for that knights sword is mine and I requested it with much courtesie which was enough for him to giue it me he not only denyed it but allso threatned me till death if I more demaunded it which you see is sufficient for a-thousand battles and I knew that in no cause you would haue left it That were answered the beautious Arbolinda with many teares had not you giuen it willingly vnconstrained and with it leaue to be giuen to any hauing no action to require it and if like a Knight you gaue it you should no more haue rememberd it The Dacian thought he should know that voice to be of the Princesse of Scotland and so with some a maze answered how know you good page that I did giue this sword I was brougt vp in Rome replied the disguised Artimio sure enough to be vnknowen where I saw that in recompence of an inprisonmēt by the gentlest Gaoler in the world you gaue it All this while the most beautious Roselea did nothing but weepe currents of sault teares vnable to speake on word yet thus replied Don Eleno So many requires a peace valiant Sir that he should not deserue to inioy any that would deny it and so for this time I remit the battle so pleaseth these Knightes They will saie the woefull distressed Roman were it but to be more pittifull then you that forgetfull of your owne honour and what you are bound to do wander vp and downe challanging battles of whom you know not and without any reason More a mazed then at first with these things remained the Datian for by their voices he thought he knew them both and thinking long till he spake with them said to Rosamond in her language that it behooueth him to leaue that battle She that was borne to loue him woulde not therein discontent him And so stepping apart left the battle leauing the Princes so brused that they could scarce stand The king of Mauritania seeing the matter ended demaunded for the Knight of the Branch of whome Don Eleno gaue him the newes he knew not knowing he was shipt to Sea after he departed from him No longer stayed the Moore but in all hast possible with his wife tooke the way that the Dacian directed him and no sooner was he departed but Rosamonds louer mounting on his Tirio went to the Pages saying your spéeches gentle pages haue so confounded one that I wold giue ouer a Thousand battles so I might intreat you to tell me whether you know me or if my name in Rome bee knowen Wherto Artimio answered you haue no reason prince of Dacia to conceale your name and yet wee wish wee had not knowne you were it but because wee would not haue had a Prince so great an as you renowned haue erred against such excellent Ladies as the Princesses Roselia and Arbolinda for the former is with reason wronged with the discourtesie and ingratitude or rather crueltie wherwith you departed from Court she hauing shewed you so manye fauors which were suffitient for one that had a clearer iudgment then you to make him leade all his life with content but I feare you were onely borne to mocke poore Ladyes Then consider the blot of your fame and reputatiōs staine and the greatnesse that in Rome you are loued and moreouer the toyle and labourous trauayle that I and my companyon haue suffered in our tedious voyage to séeke you all which well pondered may bee some cause that leauing the present state of all thinges you returne where by minutes you are expected by them that fill the ayre with sighes And that you maye see it signed receaue this her better whose tenor I knowe not whose obdurate harte it woulde not mollefie but Don Elenos Prince of Dacia who tooke it not to be moued to Loue for therein he had not where
wrong cōmitted it is well she may haue such a defender The haughtie dame hereby suspected somewhat and so gloryfiing her beautie with a heauenly tincture she replyed Little can a Ladies graunted fauour auaile for the valour of the Prince of the Greece most excellent Lady and rather there are some so happilesse in cōmanding that they put in doubt what the gallants with their fortitude haue assured Among these I accompt my selfe and in so much that I know not when I could call my selfe happie And this is the cause I dare not require any to goe forth in my name but beeing dryuen to that necessitye beeing able to doe it my selfe I neede not intreate it of any And because shee would not be more importuned shee turned to him in the blacke that more furious then a hungry Beare ran vpp and downe It was no small vertue in the Prince to indure with patience this bitter answere a Thousand cries would hee haue giuen publishing the iniustice done to hys faith vsing it with such cruelty he departed from thence for his sighes gaue him not leaue not so much as to take leaue of the sweete enemie of his tormented soule Who with attētion gazed on the amorous Knight that at this time with his owne hand had chosen a strong launce for at a corner of the place there entred two Knights no lesse to be wondred at then the former at the same instant entred two other no lesse gallant then the first These last were armed in Murrey armour with barrs of azure and gold on their shieldes he that seemed bigger of body had a Sunne in middle of a cleare heauen with these wordes Not any though neuer fauored And in his proofes hauing done But ioyeth in the Sunne His companion that a better disposition shewed had another Sunne ecclipsed with this Motto about it It changeth effect in me For gazing on his fier It augments griefe and desire These two Knights posies greatly delighted euerye one for if yee bee remembred they bee none other but Lysarte the mighty King of Tarsis and his sonne Florisarte Prince of Argentaria that came accōpanied with the two disguised Princesses they past the place with more grace then Achilles had done The like did the twoo first for both were armed in most rich armour hee on the right hand that was Don Argante of Fenicia had a siluer armor full of Lillies on his shield a Pyne tree and hee himselfe leauing against it with this posie In sollitude delights He that on loue doth dote But most he that 's remote That Knight is not like to want battailes that to ympeach the Ladies worthes shewes himselfe so free for as euery one liueth by being alienated they will presently put it to triall Now am I very glad sayd the beauteous Lindaraza that so free a Knight maye meete with him in the blacke that is so constant in his alienation No lesse dyd his companion shew himselfe vn-yoaked being the gallant Torisiano who was all in Carnation armour quartered with golde and azure a brauer temper was not seene in the place In the middle of his shield was set a knight languishing in loue accompanied with all his troubles with these words How sweet is that same sight That gazeth on his woes It doth his hart delight Though it with griefe vndoes Hauing approched they entred the Listes None of the behoulders durst take their eyes from them thinking in the meane time they should loose them so furiously they past forward The first that in Greece met with ill fortune was he of Phenicia that quicker then an Eagle spurerd against him in black he got little for the sorrowfull louer incountred him with the vtmost of his strength which only merited comparison with the Greeke Princes lightly fetching him frō his saddle threw him to the ground he receaued no small encounter for Don Argante was one of the strongest in the world he made him loose his raynes and forwardes passe more slowly then he would Great was the noyse that rose in the place as also among the Ladies that celebrated the fall with accustomed disdaine which well maye bee called death And that 's but little considering howe t is taken I almost speake by experience I maruell not at the Knights disgraces deare Ladies sayd the old King of Bohemia entring with your disfauour Your highnes speaketh with great reason answered the Princesse Oliuia to supplye which want I intreated the Quéene of Lyra that to shewe howe she loues me she would haue bestowed one fauor vpō a gallant that from it he might haue drawen valour to assure our busines that so goeth to wracke hee replyed There is no reason any thing should be denyed to so iust a demaund the which if my age did not disturbe I would haue béen he that should haue craued it A Thousand should your highnes haue obtayned replyed Archisilora But there wants not them that without any may returne the Grecian honor to their owners Their that was broken off by the peoples rumor for the mourning Knight with more strength thē Hector had did ouerthrow the braue Torisiano which displeased the Ladies Many suppositions past there who the blacke knight shoulde bee for some Ladies were affected to him And so with some pittie the Empresse Claridiana sayde to them that were with her Greatly doe I commisserate this Knight to sée with what crueltie his loue his repayd And if his fauors were equall to his strength none might more bragge of valour then hee Those that on a sudden begyn to loue answered the beauteous Rosiluera that in the secret of her soule had portrayed the knight with such coulors that none but death could wipe away any little occasion ministers vnto thē cause of Loue but le ts sée what shall become of the Knights of the Sunnes that séeme of a valiant disposition his Carrier had the braue King Lisarte taken incountring with the blacke knight so fiercely that he thought he had béen broken in pieces either past by the other without any moouing Of the valiantest was the Tarsian but he there met with Bembo then whom the Pagan nation neuer knewe more hawghtier and couragious knight who taking another launce incountred hym so mightily that hee brought him to the ground himselfe had almost accompanied him for loosing brydle and stirrops was fayne to stay himselfe by his horse neck Like to a fiery Dragon his amorous sonne ran with him thrée launces vnable to mooue eyther of them from the saddle to both theyr extreme griefes that like to bloodie Lyons they with their owne handes choosed their launces with the excessiuenesse of their forces incountred so puissantly that the beleued Argentariā came to the ground with his horse slaine betweene his leggs he leapt from him for feare of some disgrace The Achayan with the strong shocke staggering backwards lost his saddle falling on his féete but with so small féeling that though the couragious youth stept to him
Dolphins Friendes to Humane kinde with sportiue leapes began to solemnize the fight In the aire appeared the mighty God of battailes in the same forme that he became Venus Champion to approoue her fayrest The windowes of the wonderous Tower were opened at the which appeared all the inclosed Ladies whose presence beautified the deepe and made the loftie heauens farre more faire All the Ladies sea Goddesses with Marses coÌ„sent ordained Iudge of the fight the most beauteous Lyriana that fayrer them the causer of the Grecian discordes appeared all in white Euery one aboue beneath made her a solemne coursie Mars descending lowe with his Celestiall throne inuited her into his seate The gallant dame would not admit it but rather set her brests chiefe purities of chiefest purenes to leane ouer the windowes at what time the inraged Pagan turned his eyes and saw her whose Image in his soule was stampt He was amazed with the new sight Euery thinge slipt out of his memorie and with the greatest forgetfulnesse of the world he cast himselfe vpon the pummell of his sword and loosing the raygnes of all his imaginations he so occupyed himselfe in the good he viewed that he thought there was no more to be hoped ioying to haue founde where she was inchaunted that so had inchaunted his desires There was neuer séene a more quicker distraction then that Wherein Bembo was onely gazing on the excellencie of his Lady Well did Claridiano note the Mores amaze but thinking he did it in little estéeming him he leant into his shippe and therefore was the battle more fiercer and stepping to him shaking him by the arme sayd It should séeme Knight you haue forgot the proud words you gaue me seing how carelesly you stande looking on Ladies As one wakened out of a swéet dreame returned the Pagan vnto himselfe replying I was not so forgetfull of thy discourtesie but I haue it well in remembrance glad that none is here to disturbe me from reuenging it That was no time of ceremonious courtesies for ere hee ended his replie our new baptized Knight had assaulted the Pagan with more puissance then he that beheld him Vppon his rich helme hee gaue him such a blowe that it made him set one hande vpon the grounde This was the greatest blowe the Pagan did receaue since he put on armour Before he rose he had giuen him another on his Beuer that squadrons of sparkles flew about his head Abashed was the Moore at such mighty stroakes vnable to imagine whom so strong a Knight might hee but altogether beeing recouered to the toppe of the Gréekes shéelde he let flie a pitty lesse blow which made him giue backe with twoo or thrée vnseemely stepps To helpe him downewardes did he enter with one and another thrust with the vtmost strength of his arme either of them had stuck him but his sure armour rebounded theÌ„ backe notwithstanding they put him to great paine The Pagan followed with vehemence thinking to ouerthrowe him but Archisiloras Louer that perceaued it houlding his owne swoord hard turning away let him goe by him and as he past on the toppe of his plumed helme did Claridiano discharge the furie of his strength that he made his mouth a conduit of his luke-warme blood Ere he recouered himselfe he gaue him on that side a furious thrust it was well for the Pagan to giue backe at the strength thereof yet it happened betwixt a ioynt cutting his flesh leauing him sore wounded The warmest blood within the Pagan fréezed to see it on his aduersaries blade his shield he cast at his backe and with both handes at Claridianos hee let flye it yeildes him no defence for from the one to the other end it was diuided and it was a miracle he did not the like by his arme with the swords point he descended cutting a great peece of his skirt also falling on his Cushes which being pierst it wounded him a little on the thigh They that were borne to bee feared feared not each other but setting their left féete forwards and swoords in both hands began to change their practise to that vsed among the Cyclopes in Vulcans Aetnean worke-house the seas resounded with the furious noise of their battaile The heauens racking clouds were driuen with amazement from their standings posting one through the other at the sight thereof So did they that gazed thereon sometimes ducking their heades vnder the water because they would not see the remorcelesse blowes of so pittilesse a combate Three howres haue they sought yet no aduantage could be decerned they were so tired that with one selfe will they wtdrew apart to breath It was worse for the Moore because the Barke being narrow he had no roome to walk and so the wound in his side being great began exceedingly to grieue him In a thousand imaginations was he in calling himselfe coward that in presence of his Ladie one sole Knight should put him in that state In faith with reason said the Pagan may the world blame me since so little courage I doe shew where from whence I ought to drawe it out of weakenes what iustice canne I haue to craue redresse and remedie for my paine putting the first battaile in my Goddesse presence on such a danger how may I be trusted with any rendring so ill an accompt of this next to this a thowsand blasphemies breathed the Moore against his Gods whose furie with such deuotion he had procured but séeing it is come to this continued he I will reuerence yee as your carelesnesse deserues But Claridiano insenced with yre vttered many things against himselfe being by one Knight so bayted Iniustly said the furious Greeke may I be called the sonne of such a Father for he had by this ended twoo such Combates but I that am his Sonne haue hazarded the losse of one that is presented to me I cannot be he that is the Louer of Arâ—…silor for he that tributaried his hart to her in the woods of Greece had before this obtained a glorious victorie His furie so encreased that he tooke his swoord twixt both his handes and made towardes the Pagan that more couragious than a Lyon stayed for him Together they met and with such blowes regreeted each other that Mars in his supreame throane did tremble One knée to the ground did the Greeke set but the Pagan his right hand he arose as swift as a towring Faulcon and crossing his swoord with the Greekes entring on a sudden with his left foote with more celeritie then the quicke minde he let slie at his legs It was a wonder he did not vnlace them but it so tormented with payne the one of them that hee could not sturre it and Lirgandeo sayth the smart thereof lasted all the while the fight indured Well did the More sée the good blowe hee hadd made and therefore would he close with him and the Gréeke could not refuse it being taken with some aduantage he was almost ouerthrowne