correspondent to his byrth wee will giue him our Daughter in mariage if so himselfe accept our offer The good Ladie misliked not her Husbands opinion wherefore the next morning shee went to entertaine her guest saying My Lorde your comming hither hath well contented my Lorde and Husbande and so please it you to staie héere he wil bee glad and fayne of your companie which gentle offer Netrides accepted thanking God and the Ladie for his good fortune Thus remained he with this auncient Knight Lombardo who afterwarde neuer remembred him of his miseries in the Forrest but intreated him so well as though hee had béene his owne Sonne Netrides séeing the Knights Daughter so faire and well conditioned and she regarding not onely the vertues of his minde but also his comely and well featured bodie they began amorously to affect eache other secretlie but loue inuented yâ— meane to reueale it openlie for Lombardo well noting the great discretion of this yong Gentleman and knowing him to bee discended of bloode royall resolued to cause him marry his Daughter demaunding the question of Netrides among other spéeches if so he liked to marry his Daughter My Lorde quoth he it is the sum of my desire and greater honor cannot you bestowe on me so please her to conceiue the same opinion I doo The marriage was sollâ—mnized with all expedition with yâ— presence of manie Gentles neighbours thereabout who meruailed the Knight bestowed his Daughter so in that they estéemed Netrydes but a poore Knight errant It fortuned afterward that the auncient Knight and his Ladie deceased leauing theyr Daughter great with childe to the no little content of Netrydes that after all his sorrowe he shoulde become a Father Thrée daies before this Ladie fell in trauaile shee dreamed that she was shut vppe in a very dark Chamber whereout she coulde by no meanes get and therefore called for helpe to one of her Gentlewomen Then was she aduised to take her childe in her armes and to staye there still whereuppon she behelde her infant and sawe that his face resembled the beames of the Sunne the brightnes whereof chased away the darknes so that shee might beholde the place as cleere as any other saying My Lord forgette thys heauines and you shall reioyce by this infant for this is he shall reestablish you in the place you haue lost shall seate you in that Chayre with honour for which you were exiled thence giuing you his crowne that traiterously chased you from his kingdome He comforted with these words tooke the childe in his armes and sayd Little soule I pray God thy mother speake trueth and that thou maist be able to execute it So saying hee espyed a furious man who snatched the infant foorth of his armes and notwithstandâ—ng all his intreaties supplications caryed it away with him This sorrowe for Netrydes made her giue a loude shryke when he calling his Wife demaunded the cause of her suddaine affright whereupon she rehearsed to him the whole manner of her Dreame and reioysing thereat said I hope my Lord that it will so happen to you as I haue dreamed and therefore comfort your selfe without feare of mis-fortune notwithstanding he remained in many doubtfull opinions till they vnderstoode by effects the certaintye of this dreame Nowe was come the time of the Ladies deliueraunce which was a goodly man Childe so fayre well fauoured as one should lightly beholde béeing named Frysol and shee woulde suffer none to nursse it but her owne selfe for the certaine hope shee reposed in him The Chylde growing in time to such comely stature as eache one tooke great pleasure to beholde him whereof the Mother was so gladde that albeit she had afterward two other Sonnâ—s yet shewed she no such speciall loue towards them as vnto Frysol which procured some hatred betwéene his brethren and him This yong Lord growing to fourtéene yéeres of age was in stature verie tall delighting himselfe in ryding great Horsses shooting in the long Bowe casting yâ— Barre and diuers other Gentlemanlike exercises as also to chase in the Forrest where olde Lombardo mette with his Father So that one daie after long and wearie chasing of the Hart hauing sweated very sore and meruailous drye for want of drinke finding a little spring by the foote of a Trée he laâ—e downe and dranke but afterwarde he became so yll and sicklie as hee trembled â—â—rie â—ore so that one of hys Squires could hardlie leade him againe to the Castell Netrides séeing him so excéeding ill was meruailous sorrie commaunding his Phisition to séeke some present helpe for him who plied him with such wholsome potions as his feuâ—r left him but his face and all his bodie was so painted as he had béene a Leaper which made him bee mocked of his other Brethron and scorned of all the Seruaunts except his Father and Mother which was such gréefe to him as he would haue died with fretting at them but his Father rebuked them and comforted him in this manner I did hope my Sonne by thy meanes to be restored againe to the Realme of my deceased Father but nowe howe long it will be before God knowes if this strange malladie of thine be neuer holpen Frysol amazed at his Fathers wordes desired him earnestly to report the whole circumstance which Netrides at length did rehearsing how he was Brother to the King of Hungaria the hard intreataunce he vsed towardes him and lastlie hee tolde him the Dreamâ— of his Mother Frisol studying along space on his fathers words at length aunswered My Lord you are not ignorant of the soueraigne power of the highest who by his diuine iudgement hath sent mee this disease that thus torments mee euen so when pleaseth him he will take it from me againe and giue me health and strength much more then euer I had with meanes sufficient to giue you ayde and succoure according to the matter whereon you haue diuined And albeit I féele so extreame anguish as death may not be likened to it yet doth thys hope comfort mee in such sorte that me thinkes already I am become more healthfull therfore my Lord dismay of nothing but perswade your selfe there is comfort behind These words were so pleasing to Netrides as méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes meruailing at the wonderfull courage of his Son enduring such terrible paines as he did wherefore what hee thought he could not reueale but withdrewe himselfe into his Chamber CHAP. XLI Howe Frisol persecuted with his disease and the mockery of his Bretheren determined to goe seeke strange aduentures FRisol hauing heard the originall of his birthe as also the vision that appeared to his Mother was thence forwarde more pensiue then he had béene before and perceiuing his Brethren continued their bad disposition and day by day mocked him more and more he determined to forsake his fathers house to séeke aduentures and remedie for his sicknes if any were to be found And being one
Emperour said I beseech you my Lord graunt me one request which shall be no way preiudiciall to your Maiestie Arise sir Palmerin quoth the Emperour aske what thou wilt and thou shalt haue it My Lord Tryneus and the Princesse Agriola saide Palmerin are religiously married betweene themselues let me intreate your highnesse to confirme it witâ— open solâ—mnization before the Duke of Mecaena héere present whom I meane to send into England that he may resolue the King howe himselfe was an eye witnesse of their marriage The Emperour liked so well of Palmerins motion as soone after the wedding was solemnized and he comming to Bryonella courteously taking her by the hand said My good friend Brionella I am now to be discharged of the promise I made at my last being here in witnesse whereof I haue brought your knight sir Ptolome and him I commend to your further fauour So highly am I beholding vnto you my Lord quoth shée as neuer shall I bee able to returne sufficient recompence but were we equall in ioy with the Prince Tryneus and faire Agriola then would I think no storme could wrong vs. Palmerin at these words presently left her and perswaded the Emperour so well as Ptolome and Brionella were likewise espoused togither when Palmerin conferring with the Princesse Agriola thus spake to her Now may you iudge Madame whether I deceiued ye or no and if the estate of my Lord Tryneus be any lesse then I told ye Had I not giuen faithfull credit to your spéeches answered Agriola I would not haue forsaken my Parents and friendes so rashly but I hope they will pardon me in that I haue done nothing but to their honour On the morrow with excéeding ioy and rare tryumphs were Palmerin and Polinarda married togither and thus was long and faithfull loue worthily requited Ptolome was now created Duke of Saxon and Dyardo tooke his leaue to goe sée his wife Cordonya whom he had not heard of since the time he was taken by the Pirates Chap. LXI Howe Palmerin sent Ptolome Duke of Saxon as his Ambassador to the King of France and the Duke Eustace of Mecaena to the King of England to treate of the peace betweene them CErtaine dayes before the departure of Dyardo toward Bohemia Palmerin in the presence of the Emperour and all the Princes gaue the charge of his Embassade to the Duke Ptolome which he should deliuer not onely to the most Christian King of France himself but also to his yongest sonne who now had espoused the Duchesse of Buroundie So departed Ptolome from Vienna accompanied with many Lordes and knights and at length arriued at Digeon where the Prince Lâ—wes being acquainted with the cause of his comming thus answered the Ambassadour My Lorde sometime I had acquaintance in Fraunce with the most renowned Palmerin and because hée is the onely man of the worlde to whom I owe all friendly affection I will perswade my Father to ioyne in peace with him Nowe was Ptolome in good hope that his trauaile woulde sorte to successiue ende wherefore they presently iourneyed to the King who as then was with his estates at Paris and hauing hearde Palmerins request who nowe was wedded to the Princesse Polynarda and therefore his intended warre with the Emperour would extende to the hurt of the man he loued thus answered Duke of Saxon I am sufficiently acquainted with the bountie of thy Maister and verie well I doo remember that at his béeing in Fraunce he combatted for his Ladie Polinarda yet was I ignoraunt till nowe of that hath happened But leaste hée should conceiue that I séeke to make a commotion in Christeâ—dome let him enioy his Ladie and Wife in peace although shée was sometime promised to mine eldest Sonne reseruing the conditions of our amitie that our first Nephewes and Néeces may match togither in marriage therby to continue the honour of their predecessours As for the Kings of Spaine and England who moued me to giue them assistaunce on there behalfe I can make you no certaine answere vntill my Messengers be returned home againe Gracious Lord quoth Ptolome I dare assure you in the name of my Maister that hée hath euermore estéemed your fauour among the best Christian Princes and will not refuse the marriage betwéene your Children héereafter And this coniunction of your amitie will cause that neither the Kings of Spaine or England will séeke to molest him but with your highnesse ioyne in loue and friendship With this answer Ptolome returned to Vienna where the Emperour and Palmerin welcommed him with excéeding honour and by this time had the Duke Eustace taken landing in England where deliuering the summe of his charge to the King his highnesse returned him this answere Although my Lord Ambassadour both your Maister and the Prince Tryneus did me manifest dishonor yet not to withstand peace which still ought to bâ—â— preferred before warre I graunt his request and will presently call home my Garrisons shaking hands with him in honourable concord As for the wrong doone to my Daughter I am content to excuse it beléeuing that shée was not conueyed hence but with her will thanking the Prince for the honour he hath done her séeing she would leaue her Parents and friendes so lightly I thinke my gracious Lord answered the Duke that when you consider what your Daughter hath done you will not touch her with want of witte or iudgement for in respect of the long enmitie betwéene the Emperour and you shée desired that her marriage might sort this happie ende Nor would she haue departed hence with the Prince Tryneus without a faithfull and resolued promise of marriage which is performed with as great honour as euer was done to the daughter of a King Thinke you quoth the King that had not the great friendship of Tryneus when against his Fathers will he came with Palmerin to assist me quallified the weight of mine anger against him but I woulde haue pursued the iniurie he did to me yet did I referre his seruice to the iudgements of my Lords of England who perswaded me to reuenge which you well perceiue as yet I haue not done Prince Palmerin quoth the Duke is so vertuous as rather woulde hée haue runne on a thousande deathes then your daughters honour shoulde anie way haue béene impeached but béeing assured of this fortunate issue both hée and Tryneus aduentured as they did And sorrie am not I said the King that all things are come so well to passe but séeing we are entred thus farre in spéeche tell mée I pray you how Palmerin came to the knowledge of his Parents and howe hée finished the aduentures at the Castle of the tenne Rockes and the daungerous Isle of Malfada which neuer any Knight could compasse before Then the Duke rehearsed euerie accident how amourous the great Turke was on the Princesse Agriola and each seuerall occasion as they fell out at which report the Quéene with her Ladies were present who hearing the discourse
with him into England where he founde the Countrey very much desolated with warres to his no little greefe but leaue we them and returne to Palmeâ—in CHAP. XLII Of the great courtesie the King of Fraunce vsed to Trineus and Palmerin and of their returne into Allemaigne SO dilligently were Palmerins woundes attended which he had receiued by the hand of Frysol as not long after hee recouered his health whereof the King and Prince Lewes were highly glad and much more Trineus to whoÌ„e the King desired to giue his Daughter Lucemania in marriage which to compasse hée intended a sumptuous banquet whereto hee woulde inuite these twaine yet first he would acquaint the Quéene therewith and therefore began the matter with her thus I see Madame that our Daughter Lucemania is of yéeres sufficient for a Husband and because I euermore desired her highest preferment and that I would knâ—w if the Prince Trineus to whom I could wish she were espoused were anie thing in loue that waie affected for hardlie in my iudgment shall we finde a greater Lord béeing heyre to the famous Emperour of Allemaigne for this intent I say will I ordaine a banquet whereto hee and noble Palmerin shall bee inuited and our Daughter to beare them company in yâ— best sorte you can deuise The Quéene who more desired this marriage then the King her Husbande aunswered You doubt not my Lord that I request her chéefest aduantage wherefore let it be as you haue determined and shee shall be present as you haue appointed This matter thus procéeding two daies after were Trineus and Palmerin called to this banquet and to honour them the more the King caused his Sonne Lewes with a braue companie of Knightes and Gentlemen to conduct them into the Pallace where they were royallie receiued by the King and Quéene and so led vppe into the Chamber appointed for their banquet After they had washed the King caused Trineus to sitte by him and Palmerin against him aboue whom sat faire Lucemania his Daughter béeing placed iust opposite to yâ— Prince Trineus the Quéene to furnish the Table satte downe by the King And albeit nature had bestâ—wed on yâ— Princesse most exquisite beautie yet her sumptuous accoustrâ—ments made her appeare most amiable but all coulde not mooue the hart of Trineus to forget her to whose shrine hee was dedicated The banquet ended and yâ— Tables withdrawne Trineus daunced with the fayre yong Princesse courting her with manie honest decent spéeches which made Lucemania suppose he loued her but the Prince noted it well enough albeit his affections were bound to English Agriola In this time the other Ladies were conferring of Palmerins knightlie valour when the Countie of Armignac his Sonne intreating the Duke of Orleaunce Daughter to daunce was thus staied by her spéeches to yâ— other Ladies You sée faire Ladies quoth shee that Palmerin hath misprized our beauties to reuenge our iniurie let vs all fall vppon him and shut him in some place where hee may neuer come foorth for if he escape vs the Allemaigne Ladies shall beare the honor from the French which will bee to vs perpetuall discredite These wordes she spake with such a pleasant countenaunce as mooued all the other Ladies to smile whereupon the Duchesse of Burgundie answered In sooth it is necessarie we should doo so and let vs not suffer him to gette out of our handes so easilie as he did from the Knights that came to the Combat All the companie lyked this motion well but the King said Ladies I will not consent that Palmerin shall haue anie wronge because I haue taken him into my guarde And who shall make recompence quoth another Ladie for the wrong hee hath doone vs You ought to suffer for satis-faction saide yâ— King and bee glad that you had the meane to sée the best Knight in the world for mine owne part I promise you I rest so contented Palmerin hearing the King so commende him bashfullie thus aunswered Alas my Lorde there is no such matter in me as pleaseth your Maiesty to report but what my abilitie is it remaines to doo you seruice accounting my selfe more then happy by comming to your Courte to haue knowledge of a Prince so noble and vertuous and no man liuing next my Lord the Emperour that maie commauÌ„de me more then your highnes Among other speeches yâ— King broke the matter of his Daughters marriage to Palmerin desiring him to labour in the cause to Trineus which hee promised but al in vain for after they had taken their leaue to returne towards Allemaigne though Palmerin was earnest in the matter in respecte of the beautie and nobilitie of the Princesse as for the support he might haue by matching with the Daughter of Fraunce yet Trineus thus answered I thanke you my Lord for the good you wish mee as also the honour the King affoordes mee but another beyond her whose renowne hath conquered me is Lady and Mistresse of my affections And because you are hee frâ—m whom I will not hide my most secrete thoughts know that it is Agriola Daughter to the King of England to whom though my Father be an enemie yet by your aide mine owne good endeuours I doo not doubt to compasse my loue You knowe my Lord quoth Palmerin that I wish as wel to you as mine owne hart and when occasion serues tryall shall make manifest And séeing you haue fixed your loue on faire Agriola of England imparting likewise the same so confidently to me I am perswaded you coulde neuer make a better choise therefore let nothing chaunge your opinion Thus rode they on with manie sundrie spéeches not a little gladde they were returning to the Emperour but Palmerin much more then was Trineus for the desire hee had to sée his Ladie Polinarda wherefore with the consent of the Prince he sent a Squire before to aduertise the Emperour of their comming before whom he had no sooner doone reuerence but he was presentlie knowne and demaunded in what estate his Son Trineus and Palmerin were where he had left them what accideÌ„ts had happened in Fraunce Then the Squire rehearsed the Combats and victories of his Maister against the Princes of Fraunce and the Dukes of Gaule Sauoye with their royall entertainment by the King and his Sonne howe manie portraits of Ladies Palmerin had conquered with the whole discourse of euerie action Whereof the Emperour the Empresse and all the Lords Ladies were maruailous glad yet was not theyr ioy comparable to the Princesse Polinardas hearing the Squire reueale the honourable déedes of her loue so that her conceit might be discerned by her couÌ„tenance needes she must thus demaunde of the Squire I praie thée tell me my Fréende howe fares my Lord and Brother with his noble companion Sir Palmerin The Squire wel abuised because he knewe the loue betwéene her and his Maister sette his knee to the grounde againe with this aunswere I left the Prince your Brother accompanied with
ignorant of the Ladyes passions deliuered Ptolomes letter to chéere her but wheÌ„ the Princesse saw Vrbanillo comming with the teares in her eyes she ranne apace to méete him and casting her armes about his neck embraced him verie often saying Tell me Vrbanillo tell mee how fares my brother thy Maister Palmerin Madame quoth the Dwarfe so well as your owne heart can wish and will ere long be héere with you Then deliuered he yâ— letter froÌ„ Trineus which certified her of his short returne that hee would bring with him yâ— thing she most estéemed But the wag knowing she expected other matters and that her brothers medicine was not sufficient for her cure he gaue her his masters letter when she hastily breaking open yâ— seale found the ring which her loyal friend had sent her and after she had welcomd it with many deuout kisses she put it on hir finger with these words I charge thée kéepe this token safely in witnesse of the knights gentlenesse that sent it whome my heart hath made speciall choyse of aboue all other Then reading the letter and discréeâ—ly considering not without great eâ—fuse of teares the swéet words humble supplications entire excuses extreame passions that her friend continually suffered for her loue deliuering many bitter sighs she said Ah my true and loyall friend I beléeue wel and take in good part your cause of absence béeing assured that if possibly you could returne sooner nothing should stay you from the place where yâ— only remedie of your dolorous gréefes abideth But séeing for my loue you may not forsake my brother I pray you for your continuall safetie and spéedie conduction to your longing desires that mine eies ouerwatched with tedious expectation my hart néere tired with bootlesse wishings may by your presence be thorowly coÌ„forted Afterward Vrbanillo bréefely reported to her the noble actions of his Lord and maister the loue of Ttineus to the Princesse Agriola discribing her beautie and rare perfections whereupon Polinarda thus answered Beléeue mee Vrbaniâ—lo if the Princesse be so faire as thou saist she is her great vertues and firme loyaltie likewise comparable enuie false report shal not impeach her to be reckoned among the most happie Ladies of the world and her desires wil be as honorably effected as with vertuous thoughts she first began them The like I doubt not will happen to thy maister for fortune hath euermore so specially fauored him as now it were against reason shée should alter her countenance So departed the Dwarfe from the Princesse returning to the Emperor who by no meanes could get any other tidings of his son then what you haue heard which made him doubt the dwarfe iuggled with him The next day the Emperour sent his chéefest Lords and Barons to conduct the French ambassadors to the court which was sumptuously hanged with Tapistrie especially the great hall which was adorned with costly cloth of gold and rich purple as it had béene the Pallace of Salomon The Ambassadours entertained with maruailous royaltie hauing deliuered the summe of their embassage the Emperour answered that hée would conferre thereon with his councel in me any while they might returne to their lodgings After they were departed the hall the Emperour demanded of the princes electours and the rest of his nobilitie if these marriages of his sonne and daughter with the heire and princesse of Fraunce might not be granted as well for the vtilitie and honor of the Empire as for the generall benefit of Christendome commanding them to speake their iudgements without feare The Lords altogether answered that the mâ—tion was so good the aliance so honorable as it was no way to be misliked I will then quoth he talke with the empresse that she may vnderstand hir daughters opinion then my lords of France shal be answered So leauing them hee went to the Empresse chamber to whom he reported his agréement with his councel which pleased her likewise maruailous wel but when shâ— had a little considered on the matter she answered that but little could be said before Trineus returned home againe You reason well quoth the Emperour but in meane time I pray you â—ouÌ„d your daughters iudgement yâ— we may returne our brother of Fraunce some certain answer Which she promised to do so departing froÌ„ her lord she went to her daughters chaÌ„ber where hauing coÌ„manded her ladies aside she thus began Faire daughter it is the emperors pleasure and mine that you marrie with the eldest sonne and heire of Fraunce and your brother Trineus with his sister for hee is one of the most renowned kings in Europe his son recounted among the best knights of the world for which good fortune you may thanke the heauens that so great a prince offers his Sonne to be your husband Aduise your selfe of your answer for by your opinion must the ambassadors be dispatched hence who came to the court for nothing else but to conclude these honorable marriages Polinarda hearing yâ— words of her mother was surprized with such sodain heauines as she could not tel what to answer but fearing the Empresse should perceiue that her loue was already determined with sad countenance thus replied Madame you know what promise I made my brother the day when he departed from the Court in the presenâ—â— of you and all the nobility that I would not marry before his returne and me thinks I were greatly to be blamed and well worthy gréeuous reprehension if I shoulde so falsifie my word which I cannot do without impeach of myne honor And héerein shall I follow the laudable bertue of the Emperor my father who euermore estéemed his promise aboue al earthly possessions Beside I can assure you that my brother wil neuer marry with the princesse Lucemania for he loues one many degrées beyond her and may I speake it without offence one of the most beautifull Ladyes that euer nature framed Thus Madame my Father and you haue excuses sufficient auayleable wherewith to aunswere the king of France It may be quoth the empresse that your brother loues els where but I can tell ye that neyther hée nor you shall do any thing contrary to the Emperors commandement Polinarda séeing her mother persist in her opinyon bit in her sorrowes with many secret sighs yet knew she so wel how to dissemble her passions as the Empresse could not discerne her priuat meaning So returned she to the Emperor aduertising him of hir daughters answere wherat he was so offended as in great anger hee came himselfe to his Daughter saying Why howe now Daughter are you so bolde to disobey my commandemeÌ„t or dare you repugne against my wil al is to no end that you haue babled with your mother for will ye or no it shall bée as I haue appoynted I knowe right well dread Lord and father quoth she that I ought no way to deny your pleasure but rather wil I die a thousand deaths then consent
not be woon by such a mightie Emperor considâ—â—ing her youth and beautie and the wonderfull riches incessantly offered her Yet the highest Lord so protected her that the more liberall the Turke was in honors and perswasions the more loyall continued her loue to Trineus whose perfect image was engrauen in her heart And not fearing torments or death she boldly answered the Emperor that he trauailed in vain for she might not loue him in that she was married to an husband more noble euery way then he and none but him shée would loue while she liued yet made he no great account of her words considering what frailtie commoâ—ly is in women The day being come of this great preparatioÌ„ and al the Princes present to vnderstand their soueraigneâ— will he béeing placed in his imperiall seate said That hée intended to take to wife one of the most beautifull Ladyes in the world for that cause he sent for them to vnderstand 〈◊〉 they liked thereof Their aunswere was that they liked well thereof and would gladly honour her as wel beseemed them Then sent he for Agriola and before them all saide vnto her that it was his pleasure to accept her for 〈◊〉 wife and therefore shee should prepare her selfe on the 〈◊〉 to be married The Princesse abashed at these spéeches fell downe before him in a dead traunce where vpon by the Quéenes and Ladies present shée was conuayed into her Chamber where béeing againe reuiued she began most pitifull and dolorous lamentations so when all the companie had left her that shée was alone with Hippolita falling downe on her knées at her beds â—â—ete shée thus began O my God and benigne Father pittie thy poore distressed creature and forget the offences I haue heretofore committed for what is a sinner vnlesse thou in mercie suffer her to come before thée Wilt thou then vouchsafe O wonderfull wordeman of the whole worlde one eye of pittie vpon thy humble forsaken seruantâ— and suffer her not to fall into subiection to the vewed enemie of thy holy worde arming me so strongly in this temptation that I no way iniurie my Lord and husbande Trineus but rather graunt this desolate spirit may leaue this bodie and the worlde togither Ah my honourable Lord Trineus where art thou nowe that thou art not héere so defenâ—e the shamâ— and wrong this Tyrant offers thée What art thou dead or hast thou forgâ—tten me No no so well am I assured of thy fidelitie as no forment can diuert thée from mée Yet if I knewe directly that thou art not liuing the lesse woulde â—ée my feare to follow thée for then the greatest pleasure this Pagan could doe 〈◊〉 were to make mée happie onely by death But for the matter is vncertaine and that I liue in hope once more to see thée I will patiently endure all afflictions whatsoeuer for so swéete a reward as is thy louâ— These sorrowes of the Princesse so gréeued Hippolita as one coulde hardly iudge who was most passionate yet at length shée thus spake to Agriola I beséech you good Lady to leaue these gréeuous lamentations and regarde the high estate honour and dignitie that you shall haue in marrying with my Lord. Neuer perswade me quoth the Princesse to manifest disloyaltie for such preâ—erments if they bée not gotten iustly and by vertue they ought not to bée coueted but to be shunned as diuelish Serpents Thus spent they the whole night and in the morning came the Quéenes and Ladies newlie come to the Court to bid the sorrowfull Bride good morrow in her Chamber attyring her in wonderfull gorgious vestures after their Country maner farre beyonde the royaltie of Helena after her arriuall at Troy Betwéene foure Kings shée was brought into the greate Hall and from thence conducted to the Temple where they were espoused by the Mosti To recount here thy royall solemnitie in the temple the Maiestie and vnspeakable dignitie at the pallace the excellent Comedies rare triumphs Maskes Momeries Moriscoes and such like courtly pleasures would bée a matter too prolixious for they are not to our purpose Let it then suffice yee that after they were magnificently entreated at Dinner and Supper the daunâ—ing began and God knowes how the Turks Moores Arabes and Medes set foorth themselues in thâ—ir dâ—uises and sports before their Ladies much lyke the Satyres and â—orned Faunes giuing new inuasions on the Nimphes of Diana But all these maruayles ioyes and follies coulde not chaunge the Princesse countenaunce for shée continuing in her penâ—â—uenesse these sports were worsse to her then the tormentâ— of death aboue all fearing the losse of her chastitie which was a Iewell neuer to be recouered The Pastimes ended by the Quéenes and Ladies shée was conducted to the nuptiall 〈◊〉 so braue and â—â—ately as the Prince Aeneas when he came to Quéene Dido of Carthage and there was the vnfortunate Bride committed to her rest Soone after came the hastie Bridegroome calling for Torches that hée might be holde the Goddesse hée honoured and as hée was preparing himselfe to bed he was troubled with such feares passions and apâ—plexie as nowe he séemed more lyke a ghost then a man Perforce hée was constrained to forsake the Chamber when the extremitie of the fit somewhat asswaging and his former louepassions freshly assayling him comming to the Princesse againe heauily hée thus spake Ah Agriola Ladie and sole Mistresse of my heart I thinke thou art some Goddesse or at least excéeding all humanitie so strange is this aduenture as neuer any man I thinke heard of the like Alas cannot thy anger be appeased nor thou induced to loue him who for thy sake endures most horrible torments I pray thée bée not the cause of my death or if thou néedes wilt suffer mée first to eniâ—y the fruites so my desires Know my Lord answered Agriola that with my will yoâ— neuer shall enioy it and if perforce you séeke to dishonour me assure your selfe I am resolued rather to suffer endlesse miseries then to violate my faith to my loyall Husbande for such is my trust in God that hée will not forget such as call on him But in respect thou hast not béene cruell to mée nor hast exercised mée with any tyrannie I shall suffer thée to lye vpon the bed by mée as my Brother might doo and sometime though it be more then modestie embrace thée in mine armes but if fartheâ— thou presumest thou mayst not bée permitted but shall loose that fauour thy selfe and mee togither Madame quoth hée in graunting mée that courtesie you saue my life for I haue many Concubines to qualifie those passions and neuer will I attempt your dishonour while I liue if I but offâ—r the motion refuse mée foreuer I shall therefore account of you as my Sister and death shall not make me doo contrarie to your appoyntment The yong Princesse glad of this solemne promise gaue him a kisse or twaine and suffered him to embrace her but other kindnesse could be neuer obtaine
againe which this day shee could not compasse because hee was continually with the Souldane But when Palmerin tooke his leaue for that night the Princesse had a little leysure to thanke him for his honorable kindnes and how glad she was that the Gods had restored his speech againe Soone after she sent him a most sumptuous golden Armour desiring him for her sake to weare it in the Combate which Palmerin thankfully accepting assureâ— the messenger that hee would sufficiently reuenge his Ladies iniurie In meane time the Soldane commanded his Knight Marshall to see the field prepared in readinesse and the Scaffolds for the Ladies prouided and to haue two thousand Armed men in place for defencâ— of his owne person All which the next morning was duely executed the Soldane appointed two Kings and Amarano his two brethren Iudges of the field who going to their teâ—t and all the nobilitie to their appointed places expected nowe the issue of the fight The Ladies came to their standing among whom Alchidiana shewed like fayre Vesper among the other stars and soone after came the two Combattants so brauely and richly appointed as nothing wanted that could â—e imagined especially Palmerin before whom a King bare his Helmet and the great Admiral of Assiria his Sword and so brauely did hee mannage his Horse with such sightly behauiour and gallant countenance that each one iudged hee had learned his knowledge before he came thither into Turkie and cause Maulicus to perswade himselfe that the victorie was destenied to him In the ende that they might the sooner begin the Combat the Iudges tooke their seates commaunding silence through the field which was pestered with wonderfull resort of people and then the Heralds fulfilling their charge gaue liberty to the Champions to doo their deuoire Palmerin clasping his Helmet gaue the Spurres to his Horse and encountred Amarano with such furie as they were 〈◊〉 dismounted headlong to the grounde but Palmerin 〈◊〉 to be so â—oyled before the Soldane recouered himselfe quickly and aduaunting his shéeld gaue Amarano such a found stroke on the head with his Sword as made him stagger in great amazednes Notwithstanding his courage 〈…〉 as well declared hee had 〈…〉 â—â—rokes Which when the Polâ—â—ces two Brethren be helde they were marâ—ailously â—bashed for they imagined that through the East parts 〈◊〉 Knight might bee sounde to equall him wherefore one of them sayde I thought my brother would haue dispatched this companion at the first encounter but séeing he hath held out so long no doubt beâ— is more expert in Armes then wée at first made account of him The two Kings were somewhat mooued with these words willing him to be silent vntill such time as the end was determined Amarano hearing what his brother had spoken offended with himselfe because hee could not ouercome Palmerin began to encourage himselfe and albeit hée was sore wounded in many places on his body yet he followed his intent so nobly as taking his sword in both his handes hée stroke Palmerin so violently on the Helmet as made him set one of his knées to the ground to saue himselfe But hee perceiuing that if he had many such blowes it would returne his disaduantage intended to play double or quitte and remembring the honour of his Mistresse Polynarda he ranne with such valour on Amarano as cleaâ—ing his Shéelde in two péecâ—s cut away a great parte of his arme The Prince féeling himselfe so maimed begaâ— to faint hardly enduring to defende his enemies strokes which Palmerin perceyued and chased him about which way him listed first héere then there where best the Prince had hope of safetie but all these delayes little auayled him for Palmerin left not till he got him downe when Amarano thinking to helâ—e himselfe drewe a little packet Dagger and therewith thurst Palmerin vnder the short ribbes which wound so mooued him as renting his Helmet from his head immediatly smote it from his shoulders Paâ—merin beeing then so gladde and well disposed as though hee haâ— but no wâ—â—e entred the fielde tooke the heade of his enemis by the haire and presented it to the Princesse Alchidiana 〈◊〉 Madame I nowe thinke my selfe acquiteâ— of the promise which I made to my gracious Lord your Father for héere is that conspyring head that first accused you bethinke your selfe therefore if there be anything else to bee 〈◊〉 for you because I remaine heere readie to accomplish it The Princesse excéeding ioyfull for this worthie victory aunswered Truely my Lord you haue doone so much for mée that although my Father my selfe and all my friendes should bequeath our liues to your seruice yet could wee not recompence the very least of your noble courtesies chéefely this one surpassing all the other and beyonde our abilities to remunerate Yet let me intreate you to carrie the Traytours head to the Iudges that they may censure my innocencie in this slaunder and whether the accuser hath not receiued condigne punishment Which he did and threw the head before the Princes brethren whose gréefâ— excéeded measure for their brothers ill fortune and taking â—ppe the head with the body likewise they caused it to bee sorrowfully conueied foorth of the fielde Immediatly was Palmerins Horse brought him whereon he mounted and was conducted with great pompe by the two Kings that were the Iudges and other mightie Princes as well Caâ—â—ffes Agaz as Taborlanes to the gate of the Pallace where the Soldane to doo him the greater honour attended in person his comming the like hee neuer did before to any king or Prince how mightie soeuer hee was and therefore his Subiects maruailed not a little hereat Palmerin would haue 〈◊〉 him reuerence on his knee but he would not suffer him for taking him in his armes he thus sayd For euer geâ—tle Knight be the honour of thy victorie against our 〈◊〉 and thâ— false accuser of our Daughter for which I 〈…〉 so bound to thee that all the dignities 〈…〉 I am able to giue thée may not counteruaile 〈…〉 desâ—rts therefore I will remaine so much at thy disposition as I and mine shall be at your command So 〈◊〉 him by the 〈◊〉 he conducted him to his Chamber 〈◊〉 where himselfe hâ—lpe to vâ—arme him commaunding his Chirurgioâ—s to be so carefull of him as of his owne person Thus leauing him to haue his wounds dressed he returned to the great Hall where hee found his nobility attending his comming to whom he sayd What think you my Lords of our state if our Champion had béene foyled I had béene the most forlorne and abiect Lorde in all Assiria to haue béene forced to do iustice on myne owne Daughter But thanks to our Gods hee deliuered mée from that â—aunger therefore maruaile not if beyonde my custome I welcommed him with reuerence and honour for one that renowmeth himselfe by vertue and prowesse through the whole world ought to bée so entertained rather then such as liue in vayne pompe and glory whispering deceitfull tales into
permitted my course this way without all doubt you had lost your life But since it hath béene my good happe to preuent your ominous fortune I must aduise yée heereafter to beware of like hazard and may it please you to accompanie me to a Castle within two miles distance your entertainment shall be good and your wounds cured by a Ladie very expert in Châ—â—urgâ—rie I accept your offer gentle Sir quoth Palmerin with right good will as well to haue your friendly companie as to shéelde you from any other such like villanies who happily may séeke your harme for this noble fauour So they rode on altogether Palmerin remembring the wordes of the Fairie Ladie and could not imagine who the knight should be that had so honourably preserued his life this made him more to maruaile that hée should be his enemie whom to his remembrance hee had neuer séene in any place before To put him from these cogitations Olorico ashamed of his absence in such a néedfull time came to Palmerin with these words Certes my noble Friende I am henceforth vnworthie to beare armes séeing that in such daunger I left your companie vnhappie that I am might not former experience teach me what sodaine aduentures doo often happen to Knights errant what punishment may be sufficient for my hainous offence Leaue such spéeches to Women quoth Palmerin for if we knâ—we before what would happen afterward neuer should we fall into any inconueniences but it is sufficient that we haue so well escaped and let God haue the glorie for so happie deliuerance By this time they were come to the Castle and entring the base Court the Seruants came to take their Horses to the stable meane while the Knight himselfe went to aduertise the lady of the other knights arriual saying Faire Leonarda I pray you vouchsafe the best honour and entertainment you can deuise to two Gentlemen I haue héere brought with me for I imagine by their rich armes and courtly behauiour that either they are Princes or discended of very honorable parentage Trust me my Lord quoth she for your sake I will endeuor my selfe to welcome them as they ought And comming into the hall to salute them after many courtesies deliuered on either side the Lady séeing Palmerins armour besmeared with bloud by reason of the wound he receiued on his heaâ— saide I feare my Lord you are very sore hurt therefore the sooner it be séene to the better ease you shall finde Héereupon her selfe holpe to vnarme him and afterward brought him into a goodly Chamber where when shee had staunched his bléeding and bound vp the wound he was laide in a maruailous rich bedde prouided for him she promising within ten dayes and lesse to restore him so well as he would at pleasure trauaile without any danger For this kindnesse Palmerin returned her many thanks and because hee might the better rest without disturbance shée caused euerie one to depart the Chamber her selfe likewise courteously bidding him good night Palmerin béeing alone looked rounde about the Chamer to sée if by any armes of deuise hée might knowe the Knight that so happily deliuered him at length hard by his bed side he espied the Shéeld of Frysol with the Sunne painted therein which hee well remembred to be his deuise whom for Polynardaes loue he hated according as you haue heard in the former part of this Historie which when he beheld the teares trickling down his chéekes he thus began to himself I perceiue that the lady which saluted me on the mountaine is of excellent knowledge for though the Knight bee my chéefest enemie yet for the honorable kindnesse he hath this day shewed me I wil forget all former iniuries and loue him henceforth as hée were my brother and what I could neuer compasse by rigour and force of Armes I will nowe séeke to conquer by loue and courtesie While he continued these priuat spéeches Frysoll opened the Chamber doore and entred to bid Sir Palmerin good night who not a little glad of his comming said I pray you Sir knight by the honourable loue you beare to Chiualrie to tell me your name and if héeretofore you were neuer in the Realme of England My name quoth the Knight which hitherto I neuer hid from any man is Frysoll and two yéeres I remained in the Realme you speake of with the Duke of Gaule in his Court You remembâ—â— then a Knight saide Palmerin with whom in lesse space then twelue dayes together you had two seuerall Combats Uery true quoth Frysoll and some good reason I haue to remember it for the fight on my behalfe was so dangerous as but by the fauour of a Lady and a Squire I neuer had escaped with life Nowe hast thou in thy custodie saide Palmerin the man that did thée such wrong no more an enemie but for euer thy vowed true and trustie Friend and by the order I haue receiued there is no man this day liuing that shall withdraw me from thy friendshippe because thou better deseruest it then any Knight in the world And hath by my meanes quoth Frysoll the onely flower of Chiualrie béene deliuered from death and the resolute hatred betwéene vs vnited nowe with loue more then brotherlike in happie howre went I on hunting this day and fortune could neuer honour mée with more desired successe For confirmation of this new alliance hee ranne and called Leonarda Olorico and the rest and before them all kissed Palmerin in the Bedde to seale the perpetuall league of amitie betwéene them Then was recounted their aduentures and hatred past whereat euery one greatly maruailed séeing this sodaine change to such surpassing loue Frysoll also rehearsed how after the rape of Agriola the Duke Crenus his Lord went to the Court where hée aduised the King to pursue his Daughter or to sende him in search of her whereto he could not any way perswade the King Moreouer howe his Maiestie would haue kept him still in his seruice whereto he might not graunt for the promise he made the Ladie that came thither whome after hée had brought to her Castle hee trauailed by the Emperour of Allemaignes Court where hée certainely vnderstood that Trineus and Agriola were not as yet there arriued nor could any newes bee heard what became of them Yet during all these spéeches he concealed all his owne noble déeds of chiualrie in England Allemaigne and other places so vertuous and vebonarie was this gentle knight coueting in nothing to extoll himselfe He forgot not likewise to report how that Lady cured him of a long and gréeuous disease for which hée had so giuen himselfe to her seruice as for euer he vowed himself her knight Palmerin not a little contented with this discourse said I thinke the King of England would not sennde his Shippes after his daughter remembring her happinesse to come béeing nowe the espoused wife to Lord Trineus and the honour thereof haâ— béene alreadie séene but that the tempest of the Sea was
no Ladie may comparâ— her felicitie with mine Ah my sonne by thée are my sorrowes chaunged into ioy my dispaire into content and from death it selfe am I brought againe to life for if my husbands hard hap made me dâ—spise life now may you be assured how much I desire it Then declared shée how to saue the Prince Florendos life whose faithfull loue brought him to such extremitie by sicknesse she aduentured her honor for his safetie and entering the paradise of loue bestowed that iewel on him which she most of all estéemed And so maist thou quoth shée report to the Emperour yet in this manner that not by carâ—all impudicitie I so consented for God is my witnesse that notwithstanding the perill wherein I sawe him no perswasion could cause me yéeld him that especiall remedie before he had first solemnly vowed marriage to mée which against all right was broken by the Emperours commaundement Madame quoth Palmerin Florendos is of such valour and his honorable actions so well receiued among men that albeit he had made you no such promise yet reason may excuse you in this matter But if by promised faith and to saue the life of so gentle a Knight who happilie by your refusall might haue miscaried you honoured the Temple of Loue with so swéete an offering among people of good minde it ought rather to bée tearmed a vertue then anie bad affection or vnlawfull lust And therfore Madame comfort your selfe for shortly I hope to assure your peace with the Emperour and séeing I haue you for my mother and the Prince Florendos for my Father I féele my selfe frée from any gréefe or vexation assuring you that I will driue it to no further delay but this morning will I confer with his Maiestie The Quéene béeing fearefull that her long stay should cause anie bad opinion hauing kissed her sonne gaue him the good morrowe and so went to her Chamber where shée found Cardyna her Gentlewoman to wâ—om she shewed the Crucifixe her sonne had giuen her saying Tell me I pray thée Cardina doost thou remember that heeretofore thou hast séene this Crucifixe and in what place Beléeue me Madame quoth shée I thinke I haue seene it before nowe but in what place I am not certaine Why forgetfull creature knowest thou not that this is the Crucifixe which was tied about my sonnes necke when thy selfe did carrie him to the mountaine In gooâ— faith the Knight is hée who fought the Combate for my Lorde Florendos Nowe sée the great mercie and bountie of our God who preserued his life then and from infinite daungers hath defended him hitherto Notwithstanding bee thou secret and on perill of thy life reueale it to none vntill the Emperour my Father be acquainted therewith Cardyna was so ioyfull héereof as shée must néedes goe presently to sée Palmerin and finding the Chirugions with him visiting his woundes shée fetched a gorgious Mantle of purple Ueluet broydered round about with Pearles Diamonds and Rubies as wel might beséeme the greatest Monarch to weare As Cardina holpe him to put on this Mantle she noted the marke on his face which she remembred since thâ— time of his birth and in this maner goes Palmerin chéerefully to the Emperour whom he founde conferring with his Lords and Barons but his presence caused them breake off talke imagining him the comeliest person that euer they sawe The good olde Emperour Remicius reioycing to sée him in so good and able plight demaunded of him howe he fared Right well quoth he I thank God and your highnesse readie to aduenture on any occasion shal like you to commaund me and now am I come to aduertise your Maiestie of such matters as will not a little glad ye in the hearing so please your grace to vouchsafe me priuate audience Hereupon the Emperour commaunded euery one to depart the Hall and they béeing nowe alone Palmerin thus began Dreaâ— Lord and mighty Emperour till this time haue I frequented the Courts of manie Kings and Potentates without desire of requesting anie thing vntill this present when faine would I request one boone of your Maiestie the grant whereof shall returne you both profit and honor My noble Fréend Palmerin aunswered the Emperour what euer thou pleasest demaund and on my worde it shall bée graunted Palmerin with humble obeysaunce kissing the Emperours hand sayd In sooth my Lorde all that I haue to request is onely to desire your highnesse that all offences committed by the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter may not onely be forgotten but also forgiuen For thy sake Palmerin quoth the Emperour I forgiue all their offences whatsoeuer May it then please your Maiestie quoth he to remember howe when Florendos came to doo you seruice during your warres agaynst Gamezio because you denied to giuâ— him your Daughter hée was so sicke as euerie howre his death was expected It then so fortuned my Lord the Princesse your Daughter acquainted with the cause of his sicknesse to giue him some comfort as also to defend so good a Prince from death by gracious spéeches shée gaue him such hope of her loue and such for trueth as before they parted a solemne promise of marriage was concluded betwéene them I know not the conditions of their agréements but it séemed the Articles consisted on no difficult accorde for each receyued of other the swéete desires of loue in so much as that night was I begotten And for a trueth my Lord I am the Sonne to the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter who as I vnderstand by the Empresse perswasion against all right you compelled to marrie with the Prince Tarisius Florendos notwithstanding my Mothers wrong was verye great hath continued so loyall as hée would neuer accept anie other for his Wife nor as yet will but onely her Nowe my Lord that this matter may not séeme a fantasticall inuention I can resolue you of the place of my byâ—â—h which was in the Tower where my Mother remained prisoner by your commaundement vnder the charge of a Ladie named Tolomestra who to defende your daughters honor caused me to be carried to a place not far hence which is called the Mâ—unt of Oliues from whence my surname is likewise deriued in that place was I â—ound by a Countrey pesant vnder a Palme Trée who in signe thereof named me Palmerin d'Oliua My sorrowfull Mother hoping one day to sée me againe diligently noted diuerse markeâ— I haue and hung about my necke a golden Crucifixe which this day I gaue her againe and by this marke 〈…〉 like a Crosse shée well remembers me to be her Sonne In this respect my Lord that your Daughters offence was occasioned by true and faithfull loue and hauing likewise promised to forgiue all causes of displeasure graunt my father nowe at length to enioy his lawfull Wife that I béeing their Sonne may not bée estéemed as illegitimate the dâ—â—ing whereof will renowme your name for euer and loue
tryed in so manie affliâ—tions shall be crowned with his long and desired reward The Emperour amazed at this strange discourse could not imagine what answer to make wherefore hauing â—itten a prettie while silent lifting his eyes to heauen hée thus began O mightie King of Kings onely good and full of mercie I render thy name euerlasting thankes for thy gracious regarde to the distressed Empire of Greece for though in our last warres thou tookest away my Sonne Caniano thou hast at this instant sent me another who well hath learned to defend this state from the proude inuading Gouernour of Turkie Ah my Sonne Palmerin right well doo I beléeue what thou hast said And albeit thou hadst not shewen such probable arguments yet doost thou so perfectlie resemble my Sonne Caniano as easily may be coniectured whence thou art discended Whatsouer thou demaundest my Sonne is already graunted And with these wordâ— the teares trickled downe his milke-white Bearde such was his inward earnest conceyt of ioy and imbracing Palmerin in his armes he called his Lords who maruelled not a little at this euent and thus spake the Emperour Sée héere my Fréendes your liege Lorde and Soueraignâ— the Sonne of my Daughter Griana and the Prince Florendos how may you applaud the bountie of Heauen prouiding for you such a noble Prince The Lords all wondering at these spéeches came and entertained him with manie signâ—â— of honour so that it is not registred in any auncient memâ—rie that euer King or prince had such suddaine and gracious 〈◊〉 By this time these newes were spredde through the whole Pallace and the Empresse â—earing thereof sent one of her Squires for Palmerin when the Emperour taking him by the hand brought him to her Chamber saying Sée héere Madame your Sonne who by your meanes hath long time béene banished our Court héereafter looke hée bée better vsed The Empresse surprised with incredible ioy louingly embracing him said Welcome my Sonne forget my heynous oâ—â—ence when I would not suffer thy Mother to enioy the Prince Florendos which fault Heauen hath reuenged with the death of my thrée Nephewes whereof I nowe make no reckoning séeing God hath sent vs such a gracious comfort The Emperor on the other side welcommed the Quéene his Daughter which as yet hée had not doone since her comming from Hungaria Lay by quoth hée fayre Daughter these blacke garments the witnes of your inward mourning and decke your selfe presently in reioycing habits for now before all my Lords of Greece will I haue you espoused to the Prince Florendos So departed the Emperour and the Princes leauing the Quéene â—itâ— her Ladies who disrobed her of her mourning garments his Maiestie commaunding Palmerin to go séeke the Prince of Macedon his Father accompanied with all the noble men of the Court. In the meane while he caused all the ornaments of black to bée taken downe and the Pallace to bée hanged with sumptuous cloth of Golde and gaue in charge to the Empresse that the Quéene the Princesse Armida and all the Ladies should adorne themselues as to receiue the verie greatest Prince in the worlde Likewise he saide to all his Knights Reioyce my good Fréends with mée for God tooke away my Children and hath double restored them for those that bée dead hée hath raysed vs more Palmerin hauing with him all the Emperours Knights went to the lodging of the Prince Florendos and by the way the Cittizens of Constantinople Nobles Marchants and Artezans welcommed him verie honourablie making bonfires and Garlandes of tryumph in euerie stréete crying Welcome to this noble Cittie our newe Lord and Maister and such chéerefull delights did they solemnize the time withall as though it had béene the feast of Christmasse Palmerin his train being come to the Princes lodging found two squires at the Gate sent thither by the Emperour the one holding 〈◊〉 Horse verie richly câ—parassoned and the other costly garments of cloath of Golde which hâ— caused t◠〈◊〉 brought vp after him into the Chamber where falling on his knée before the Prince he said Nowe come I my Lord to kisse your hande not as I haue done héeretofore but as becommeth a Sonne to his Father for I am your Sonne begotten on the Quéenâ— Griana whom the Emperour will nâ—we bestow on you in marriage Florendos was so rauished with these spéeches as hee was readie to swoune betwéene Palmerins armes but at length â—â—tching a great sigh saide O celestiall Soueraigne what am I whom thou shouldest so respect and lifâ— to such surpassing happinesse Ah poore Florendos not long since the mâ—st wretched among men what man may nowâ— compare with thy fortune hauing such a knight to thy Son and fayre Quéene Griana to thy Wife Go wée my sonne quoth hée embracing Palmerin for it is no reason to stay when such happie newe a hath sent for vs. And credit mée the verie first time I did behold thée my heart was solicited with greater ioy then I am able nowe to expresse which euer since made me coniecture that there was morâ— betwéene vs then fréendly alliaunce Then was hée cloathed in the rich garments sent by the Emperour and his Cozin Frenato in like maner so comming on horsebacke the Duke of Pera rode on his right hande and his Sonnâ— Palmerin on the left with many Princes Lords Knights and Gentlemen ryding both before and behind them In this manner came they to the Pallace where the Emperour himselfe staied their comming at the Gate and after they were alighted the Prince making humble reuerence to his Maiestie thus spake Mightie and redoubted Lord I knowe not how to render sufficient thanks in that your highnes is pleased to honor me with your daughter which is the thing I alwaies desired Notwithstanding I hope to â—â—ew such deserts héereafter as neither shée shall be miscontented nor your maiestie repent your gentle gift Noâ—le Lord quoth the Emperour well haue you deserued her and mine Empire with her in respect of your worthy sonnâ— Palmerin whome all Europe Asia and Affrica honours Wherefore in the presence of all my Lords I will giue her 〈◊〉 you deferring the day of solemnitie vntill the states of Macedon come therefore Sonne Palmerin go for your Mother Presently hee departed the Dukes of Pera and Mecaena with him and soone they returned bringing with 〈◊〉 the Empresse the Quéene and his Sister the yong Princesse Armida whom hee had schooled with such graâ—â—â—s spéeches as she had nowe forgotten her displeasure towardes the Prince Florendos for the death of the King 〈◊〉 Father There openly in the Hall by the Archbishop of Constantinople the Prince Florendos and Griana were â—â—â—iâ—nced together to their no little contentment as also to the good lyking of all the Princes and Lords of Greece who spent the rest of the day in ioyfull disports and tryâ—â—phâ— Chap. XXXIII How Frysoll declared to the Empresse that he was sonne to her Nephew Netrides ALl this pleasure of the Princes
for Florendos could not finde him the bruite and rumor was qualified and the Emperour went againe to his Chamber till the morning when the Empresse hearing yâ— her daughter was in prison tooke it verie heauilie and knéeling be-before the Emperour desired him that she might fetch her foorth but he was so angrie as her wordes coulde doo nothing with him yet he graunted that shee shoulde goe see her and tooke her the Key when she entering the Tower founde her sitting on the ground so blubred with teares as was lamentable to beholde but when she behelde her Mother she arose and dooing her reuerence coulde not speake her teares so ouercame her The Empresse that loued her déerelie séeing her in this gréeuous estate had much a doo to dissemble what she thought how beit after a fewe light wordes passed betwéene them she said I am â—orie daughter that you haue so lightlie throwne your affection vpon a Straunger and that you forget your duetie in following your Fathers counsell and mine who well knâ—we the loue Tarisius beares you and no otherwise Daughter then to take you to his wife But you carried awaie with yâ— loosenes which ill agrées with your credite and calling haue rather thought best to grant Florendos enterance by your Garden at such a suspected howre as while you liue your honour will be hardlie thought on for two of Tarisius his Knights who thought to take the Traytour are slaine and my Nephew himselfe daungerouslie escaped Griana hearing him called Traitour whom shee so highlie looued and that shee herselfe was accused by that which ought to excuse her answered Madame and my gracious Mother as yet I am ignoraunt of the cause that hath mooued the Emperour in such choller against me and be it for this you speake of in soothe I am offered verie great iniurie for I knowe not whether Florendos or anie other haue entred my Garden well I am assured hee came not where I was These are straunge newes to me Madame I â—old rather haue thought him on his waie towards Macedon in respect of the solemne leaue he tooke in the Courtâ— For my part I would that the Traytour which was the cause hereof had long since béene buried in the bottome of the Sea then he should so abuse the honor of Florendoâ— with a matter of such villanie wherein I cannot iudge him faultie but were it he Madame I am at a point let him die yâ— death as he hath well deserued for my duetie to you my Parents hath taught me better nurture and loue canne be no priuiledge to me to offende Then good Mother twit not mee with impeache of honour in so innocent a cause for defence whereof were the death present before mine eyes I haue sorrowed as much as I would and am more readie to embrace then liue in suspecte so shall my Father and you bee eased of prouiding me a Husband As for the prison wherein I am I will not denie his fauoure when it shall please him to deliuer me but I coulde take it farre more contentedlie to spende the remainder of my following daies thus solitarie then to liue abroade misdéemed on by anie Faire Daughter said the Empresse doo not discomfort your selfe in this sort the Emperour had some reason in regarde of the loue he beares you and the outragious tumult which happened to doo as he hath doone but I hope in the end all will sort to the best and that you your selfe shall remaine contented Manie other spéeches passed betwéene them till at length the Empresse left her and departed for she thought long till she was with the Emperour to let him know the talke betwéene her and Griana which shee didde without omitting anie thing notwithstanding hee was more seuere to his Daughter euerie daie after Then sent hee for the Ambassadours and thus he began with them My Lordes at this time I am aduised that you shall returne to your King my Brother for in respect of the accidents which you haue séene to happen I will craue pardon for this tyme referring matters ouer till some other time when thinges shall fall in better disposition The Ambassadours vnderstanding the Emperours pleasure the next daie tooke their leaue towarde the King their Maister to whom they declared the whole in generall whereat hee conceiued such dyspleasure as he presentlie sent for his Sonne Tarisius who had not as yet recouered his health But he was so enamered on yâ— yong Princesse as he would not obey his Fathers commaund but so soone as he was indifferentlie amended he intreated the Emperour to pardon his Daughter accusing his owne men who vndiscreetlie had raised this false rumour of her and Florendos By this meanes the Empresse and her Ladies obtained libertie dailie to accompanie Griana but all the night time he caused her to bee locked vp as closelie as before committing her to the charge of an aged Gentlewoman named Tolomestra whom hee commaunded on paine of death not to bee a minute of an houre forth of her companie CHAP. VIII Howe Florendos arriuing on the frontiers of Macedon made manie sorrowfull complaints for not bringing Griana away according to his enterprise NO sooner had Florendos Frenato ouertane their companie but they rid on in such hast fearing to be followed as at length they got the Frontiers of Macedon And because Florendos imagined himselfe without life not hearing anie tydinges from his Mistresse Griana he concluded to rest at the first Towne he came too there to expect the returne of the Esquire he sent to Constantinople who returned towards his Maister sooner then he looked for by reason of the little aboad he made in the Emperours Court for he staied not when he hearde that Griana was imprisoned and that Tarisius was not slaine as his Maister was perswaded These newes did wonderfullie afflict the Prince as well for the harde vsage of his swéete Fréende as that he had fayled in killing him by whose death he well hoped to recouer his losse all the whole daie would he receiue no sustenance but locked himselfe close in his Chamber and tombled on his bedde as a man halfe desperate But Frenato who would not be long absent from him fearing least his furie woulde cause him worke some violence on himselfe made such meanes yâ— hee got into the Chamber at what time the Prince was thus lamenting Alas swéete Madame was I borne in such an vnhappie houre that without desert you must indure imprisonment for me What satis-faction maie your Florendos liue to make in requitall of this iniurie When didde you euer merit to be so hardlie intreated for him Beléeue me coulde you bee discharged so soone as I coulde wyshe it bolts locks nor walles coulde holde you a thought whyle yet wyshing is no action euerie thing is contrarie to me al helpes refuse me and death likewise denies me but by my sworde and therewith he started vp in spight of whatsoeuer I will deliuer you Frenato
séeing him rise in such a furie came and tooke him by the arme demaunding what he would haue Death quoth he if I could for it gréeues mee to liue anie longer You speake verie wiselie quoth hée in mockage is all this for the imprisonment of Griana is it not better she should be there then in the custodie of Tarisius her captiuitie you know cannot long endure but were she married she could neuer be recouered Therefore let good hope perswade you and now send an other Messenger with spéede to Constantinople to know what accidents haue happened since and to practise the meane to speake with Cardina who will certifie you from Griana what is or may be doone in these affayres This counsell liked well Florendos whereuppon he presentlie dispatched a Gentleman of trust who with all dilligence did execute the commaund of his Maister for in good time he arriued at Constantinople when Griana had libertie to speake with her Gentlewomen which when he hearde he was not a little glad whereupon he searched earnestlie till he hadde founde Cardina to whom he deliuered his Maisters minde as also in what sad and heauie plight he left him desiring her with all spéede to certifie the Princesse thereof and what seruice she would commaunde him to his Maister Cardina knowing how glad the Princesse would bee to heare these tidings from Florendos went to séeke her Sister Lerina to whom she imparted what you haue heard and she well aduised of the time and place discoursed the same to the Princesse vnséene and not suspected of old Tolomestra How ioyfull she was of this message I cannot vtter nor you conceiue but shee was resolued neuer to haue any Husbande but Florendos and therefore to comfort him she deuised to write to him that he might hope as wel as she did but wel she knewe not how to accomplish her intent by reason shée wanted pen inke and paper and she was forbidden to haue anie Notwithstanding she so well peâ—swaded her woman Tolomestra as feigning to wryte to the Emperour her Father she recouered the meane to execute her desire TheÌ„ withdrawing her selfe apart first she wrote a Letter to the Emperour and afterwards one to Florendos wherein she desired him not to be offended albeit things fell out not to his lyking for with the fauour of Fortune the end would be as pleasant to him as the beginning had béene vnhappie to them bothe withal that as he desired to prolong her life he shoulde doo nothing to the preiudice of his owne person These two Letters thus written sealed she called Tolomestra and gaue her that she had written to the Emperor desiring her to carrie it presentlie to his Maiestie by whose departing she had opportunitie to conferre with Lerina in bréefe she desired her to goe séeke the Esquire that he might returne to his Maister with the Letter she sent him which she did effectuallie and the gentle Esquire made no little hast to his Maister Who receiuing the Letter from hys Mistresse Griana was not content alone to read it but kist and rekist it a huÌ„dred times saying Ah swéete Letter writ ten with the hand of the only Princesse this day liuing for her sake will I kéepe thée as the best token a true Knight can receiue from his Mistresse CHAP. IX Howe the Emperour promised Tarisius that hee shoulde marrie Griana whether she woulde or no and howe she was deliuered of a fayre Sonne without the knowledge of anie but olde Tolomestra who had her in guarde WHen the Emperour had receiued the Letter which Tolomestra presented him from his Daughter albeit he found nothing therin might prouoke him to anger sauing that she earnestlie desired him to pittie her estate béeing innocent of anie thing was laide to her charge yet he shewed him selfe more discontented then before sending Tolomestra backe with this aunswere Say to Griana that séeing she was so aduenturous to incur my displeasure shee shall well knowe that I will not spare to punish her offence and let her assure her selfe that I wyll neuer looke on her while I liue if she match not with Tarisius to whom I haue giuen her All this Tolomestra told to Griana which rather then to obey shee desired to die wherefore when anie came to visite her she woulde shewe her selfe more pleasant in their companie then shee hadde doone in respecte of vnexpected heauines that secretlye touched her féeling herselfe so farre conceiued with Childe as she knewe no meanes to saue it and her honour if it should happen to be perceiued One onelie helpe shee had in this extreamitie that béeing so weake and sicklie the Phisitions could not discerne her disease but reputed her likely to die which she with all her hart desired yet doo what iniurie to her selfe she could she had better health then she desired to haue In the ende féeling her selfe so grosse and vnweldie she durst not leaue her bed but kept it dailie till her time drewe verie néere at hand when the Emperour by yâ— earnest importunitie of the Empresse happened to come and sée her bringing with him the Prince Tarisius who béeing thus entred the Towre they founde her in such gréeuous and daungerous estate as for all the anger the Emperour had against her it mooued the teares to stande in his eyes which he shaddowed so well as he coulde framing his spéeches to her in this sort Well Daughter it likes you to coÌ„trarie me in that which concernes your honour and profit and without anie feare as is thy duetie thou hast boldlie refused the Husband which I haue appointed thée but by mine honour I will cause thée know that thou hast displeased me for wilt thou or not before I leaue thée I wil giue thée to him whome I haue promised Then taking her by the hande and causing Tarisius to come néere he saide My Sonne in regarde of my word which I will kéepe inuiolalablie I giue thée heere Griana from henceforth account of her as thy Wife and holde thée héere is the Key of the Tower kéepe her in thine owne custodie and héereafter thinke of her as thou findest occasion Well sawe Griana that perforce she must obey her Fathers will wherefore with great wisedome couering her secrete thoughts with extreame teares deliuered this aunswere Alas my good Lord and Father I neuer thought yâ— your highnesse would vse such crueltie towards me as to enforce me take a Husband contrarie to my liking not my good Lorde but yâ— Tarisius hath much better deserued but that which toucheth me most in opinion is that our néere alliaunce in kindred is sufficient to continue the loue betwéene the King his father and you without anie such néedelesse séeking of newe vniting And moreouer good Father his education in your Court with my Brother Caniano and me since our verie yongest yéeres to this present hath béene of such equall and familiar condition as it séemes to mee impossible to reuerence him with that intire
Palmerin 〈…〉 of Valerica sayd By God Lady I thinke in all the 〈…〉 not a more cruell and disâ—oyall 〈◊〉 then you are perswade your selfe that if I take the paine to carry you againe to your fathers Castle I shall 〈…〉 there in such sorte as all your life time repentance will hardly â—xcuse you And to speake the truth Varnan dooth much more then you deserue if you well remember your selfe and for you are so stubborne I shall giue you the desart offering to drawe his Sworde that such ingratefull and trecherous women woorthily merit Vaâ—erica afrâ—yde when shée saw him in such choler and doubting hée would discouer her incontinent loue past threwe her selfe at his féete desiring him to appease his anger shée would obey what ere he commaunded For ê™ she séeing my fortune hath brought me into his company who for his vnfeigned loue to me hath so long suffered woonderfull calamities well might I be â—stéemed of brutish nature if I did not acknowledge it therefore I will be his wife and giue him my faith héere in your presence Palmerin well pleased with this aunswere â—ooke her vp by the hand and taking Varnan by the other espâ—used them there togither by solemne promises and afterwarde laide him downe to rest himselfe a while Then Varnan taking Valerica in his armes with swéete kisses and amorous speeches expelled all former 〈◊〉 estéeming himselfe the happiest Knight in the whole worlde hauing now at length obtayned the fauour of his Mistresse giuing her to vnderstande howe acceptable the gift of pittie was comming from so â—are a creature to her languishing beloued Palmerin séeing them so well agréede would nowe depart and leaue them to their fortune but by earnest importunitie of these louers he stayed there longer then hee entended Now was the loue betwéen these twaine far greater then theyr hatred had béeene so that after they had stayed thrée or foure dayes in the Caue with such entertainment as the Dwarfe could 〈…〉 of Valerica continuing long time togither in comfort of their loue and ending their liues in loyaltie thereof Chap. LVIII How Palmerin after he departed from Varnan and Valerica met with two Ladies in chase one of theÌ„ giuing him a Faulcon And what happened to him against the duke of Gaule his twelue Knights out of whose hands he deliuered Hermes WHen Palmerin sawe Varnan and Valerica so well contented after many offers of their seruice and kinde a diewes deliuered on al sides he left them in their Uault and set forwarde on his iourney lodging yâ— night in an auncient knightes castle where he vnderstood how the brethren of the slaine Knight besieged Valericas father in his Castle Wherefore he turned an other course and leauing the broad way that guided to London he met two ladies accompanied with thrée squires who had cast off a faulcon and a Martin to â—lie the sight whereof so highly contented him as he would néeâ—es tarry to sée the end thereof which made one of the Ladies thus speake to him I sâ—e sir knight you haue no hast on your iournie because you staie to behold our pastime therfore if you will go with vs to a water héereby you shall there sée a braue â—light indéede such worthy gamâ— is there so pleÌ„tifull my faulcon so good as she will neuer faile Palmerin who aboue all pastimes loued Hauking rode with the Ladies to the Marshes by their Castle where they hadds such excellent sporte at Heron Duck and Mallard as the day beguiling them Palmerin was forced to stay with them that night When they were come to the castle Palmemerin manned the Ladies Faulcon so wâ—ll as though all his life time hee hadde béene a Faulconer The Lady séeing him so braue a Geâ—tleman so courteous afâ—able 〈◊〉 in behauiour and that he tendered her Hauke so gently was immediately supprised with his loue so that she desired to knowe of whence hée was whâ—me she could so gladlye affoorde to chuse for her beloued and hauing long earnestlye beheld him shée sayd Sir Knight that I may entertaine you as your estate beseemeth I pray you tell me your nanie whither you trauaile Lady quoth Palmerin I am a straunger who by fortune on the Sea was brought to this Countrey and because the King had warre against the Emperour of Allemaigne I remained a while héere as a souldiour attending a prosperous winde to conuay me home againe into my natiue Countrey The Ladye hearing this and iudging him one of the famous Knightes that came to the Courte loued him more earnestly then shée did before prouiding such surpassing delightes for him as shee wished that night hadde béene a yeere in length The Tables withdrawne and many pleasaunt spéeches past betwéenâ— Palmerin and the Ladies Daughter shée conducted him to his Chamber wishing if her honour might so auouche it that Palmerin neuer might haue any other bedfellowe But leauing him to his good rest shée departed to her chamber where little sléepe suffised her that night In the morning Palmerin called for his Horse to beegon the Lady very sorowfull to forgo his companye but séeing shée had no meane to holde him she sayde Séeing your departure Syr may not bée denied I would present you with the Faulcon which yesterday did so speciallye content you which if you please to accept for my sake I shall not forget the honour you haue doone me chéefely that you vouchsafed to stay héere this night béeing as welcome hither as the King himselfe Séeing it is your pleasure Madame sayd Palmerin to bestâ—we your Faulcon on mée I accept it as the onelye thing you could giue me and by the faith of a Knight I promise you that I will kéepe it for your sake and neuer parte therewith if by force or villainie it bée not taken from mée Thâ— Ladye so ioyfull héereof as might be deuised caused the Faulcon to be brought to him Héere must you note that this is the selfe-same Ladye which sent the Faulcon to Varnan and loued him so déerely as after she vnderstoode hee had forsooke the Countrey shée gaue her selfe altogither to this recreation Her Father perceiuing how shée was affected suffered her to take her pleasure sending her euermore the best Haukes that could be gotten But it came so to passe that two Faulcons so fréendlie giuen and in the like sortâ— taken prooued very vnfortunate to both the Knightes causing them to curâ—â—e the houre that euer they accepted thâ— Ladyes liberalitie came néere her Castle or sawe her Haukes as you haue already heard by solitary Varnan and héereafter shall perceiue in Palmerins fortune hée being departed from the Ladye rode two dayes togither without any aduenture till at length hee came to the Tent where the Duke of Gaules Knightes guarded the passage which scant pleased Palmerin because he imagined if hée fought with them he should be deceiued in his intent and not sé◠Trineus so soone as hée would whom he left at the Court expecting his comming wherefore
Frisol had recouered his health Chap. LX. Howe Palmerin Hermes and Colmelio returned to London and the good entertainment the king of England made them AFter that Frisol was returned from the Combate Palmerin after many embracings of Colmelio went with him to the fountaine where hee left Hermes all thrée togither making no little ioy Colmelio for his happie finding of Palmerin and he for the loue of his supposed brother and Hermes for the comfort hée shoulde bring the King his Maister béeing able nowe to acquaint his highnesse with Palmerins name which hée was loath any in the English Court shoulde knowe wherefore he sayde Nowe can you not my Lord hereafter bide your name though you haue béene daintie of it all this while It is true Syr quoth Palmerin albeit I little thought to be discouered so soone but séeing it is so come to passe my hope is in yâ— highest who wil defend me in all mine attempts now tell me Colmelio what newes in Greece Truly my Lord quoth he the discourse will be long and tedious therefore if you pleasâ— to mâ—unt on horsebacke it will serue well to shorten the thought of our iourny So as they rode towards London Colmelio began to discourse in how many places he had â—â—â—ght him in Greece and how at length he heard of him at Macedon by report of his coÌ„quest of the serpent at the mountaine Artiâ—aeria which was the meane that broâ—gâ—â— the King of Macedon to his former health Afterward how he left Greece trauailing into Allemaigne and froÌ„ thence into England at what time the Emperors power was discomfited and hearing great fame of Frisol his late Maister he spent some time in his seruice not doubting but by his meanes to find the man he looked for Palmerin was somewhat mooued hearing Colmelio so commend Frisol wherefore he demaunded of him if he knewe any thing of that Knights linage No my Lord quoth he but I can assure ye that he is one of the most gentle Knights in the world and he concealeth his parentage very secretly which makes me iudge he is disceÌ„ded of royal birth After Colmelio had ended his discourse he repeated to him some parte of his fortunes in the end perswading him that hée would remunerate his paines in séeking him and in time manifest the loue he bare him By this time they were come to the Citie of London Hermes riding before to the pallace where he aduertised the king how Palmerin was returned to yâ— Citie which newes so highly contented the king as oftentimes he imbraced Hermes for bringing the man he long desired to sée but Trineus and Ptolome excéeded him in ioy and mounted presently on horsebacke to go méete theyr fréend when so many embracings courteâ—â—es and kinde gratulations had passed betwéene them as is vsuall at the méeting of long absent louers Ah my Lord and fréend quoth Trineus how long hath Fortune kept you from me why did you depart not vouchsafing a farewel What earnest occasion might cause such an vnking departure trust me I perswaded my selfe in respecte of the long continuaunce of our amitie that death could not procure such a seuere enterprise My Lord quoth Palmerin it séemeth you haue some cause to complain of mée but wheÌ„ you vnderstand how matters haue happened you will not condemne me altogither For at the time of my departure I thought verely to return the next day following but such importunate affaires continually fell out as I could not return till this very instant Ptolome said as much as Trineus did notwithstanding this fortunate meeting forbad all further accusations and they became as good friendes as euer they were So rode they to the Pallace where the king attending theyr comming perceiued at length they were entred the Hall when Palmerin falling on his knée kissed his highnesse hand who very honourably embracing him saide Where hath my noble friend béene so long What crooked fortune hath caused your so long absence you departed from vs in blacke Armour I pray you tell vs where did you conquere these sumptuous Armes by the loue you beare to chiualrie and to mee satisfie me in my demaund Palmerin séeing the king coniured him so straightly reported the truth of all his aduentures howe he had that armour of the Ladie whose daughter hee deliuered and left his owne there broken in péeces The king embracing him againe saide I cannot be perswaded but all especiall aduentures high good fortunes and chéefest honours in the world are onely reserued for you and among all the rest most maruailous is this of the Castle in the enchaunted Lake which many knights haue heretofore attempted but returned with the losse of their horses Armour and with great dishonour Thrise welcome are you for these happy tydings as also for your gentle courtesâ—e to Erisol who is a knight of most honourable reputation But in regarde of your wearisome trauailes it is verie requisite that you nowe go rest your selfe therefore lette some body helpe to disarme you and betake your selfe on Gods name to your Chamber Palmerin reputed the kings councell most expedient and therefore did as hee commaunded him so hauing reposed himselfe a while hee came to sée howe the Quéene and her daughter fared who would not suffer him to departe before hee hadde likewise acquainted her with all his fortunes especially the whole circumstaunce of his traâ—â—ile at the Caâ—â—le of the Lake But night being come and euerie one betaking themselues to rest Palmerin demaunded of the Prince how hee â—â—llâ—wed his desires and what hee had concluded as concerning his loue Ah dâ—â—re fréende sayd Trineus why aske you mée that question doo you not thinke that hauing so lost you I likewise was disappointed of any meane to helpe mee know then that at this instant I am in the middest of all my misfortunes for so badly hath it happened that I am now further from Agriola then euer I was and I shall tell you how Not many dayes since as I was familiarlye deâ—ising with my Ladye the Duke of Gaules daughter chaunced to hearâ— such amorous spéeches as passed betwéene the Princesse and mée wherby she gathered that Agriola made some estimation of me whereupon shée laboured to cause my Mistresse in shorte time mislike what I hadde so long trauailed to perswade her with as thus That it ill beséemed a Princesse of her account of so gracious discent and Daughter to such a mightie King to conferre with straungers or vouchsafe a listening to any thing they sayde for they were none such as she reputed them but after they hadde brought a Ladyes honour in daunger they then were satisfied as they vsed it for a custome among theyr companions And so well could shée féede the Princesse humour with these suborning and spightfull detractions which séemed to her as swéete and freendlye perswasions that in stéede of the little loue I latelye conquered I finde nothing but frownes and disdaine that she will scant affoord mée a
the ship and mariners ready and getting all aboord the wind seruing for their auaile they set saile and before day they got farre enough from London Chap. LXII How the king of England and the Queene were aduertised how their daughter Agriola was conuayed away and of their sorrow for her departure THe Duke of Gaules daughter who continually was bedfellow to the Princesse absenting her selfe very long from bed fearing to disquiet her Ladie being sicke as she supposed but comming at length to sée hâ—w shee fared finding the bedde emptie and Agriola gone shee presently made a great out-crie whereat the other Ladies came and altogither amazed at this sudden aduenture went to the Quéenes Chamber where they reported how the Princesse was gone but howe or when they knew not The Quéene at these tydings suddenly arose and comming to her daughters Chamber found it too true which made her fal into such pitiful acclamations farre surpassing those of Maguelona when she lost her friend Peter of Prouince in the wood In these lamentings shee returned to the king whose heauines excéeded iudgment for the losse of his daughter and then came diuerse lords gentlemen who declared that the strange Knights were likewise departed Which raised such a â—umour through all the Citie that they had stolen away the Princesse The King vnderstanding the general sorow for his daughters absence said In sooth my friends if these Knights haue done such seruice for mée they haue sufficiently recompenced themselues in doing me the greatest dishonour they could deuise yet wil I not condemne them so much as my daughter for that I am perswaded shée procured this mischaunce But nowe I well perceiue what credit a maÌ„ may repose in his enemy for Palmerin euermore serued the Emperour of Allemaigne then hâ—rdly could he be true to mee Yet is it in vain for me to blame him or his companions if they tookâ— the aduauntage of their owne intents But now there 〈◊〉 no remedy my daughter is in the company of most chosen knights if she haue done well or ill hereafter her deserts will answer her misdemeanour Thus the king would not suffer any pursute after them though the Quéen and her Ladies earnestly intreated him he answering that no such mone should be made for a child so vngrateful 〈◊〉 disobedient but hauing committed an action so â—ile â—â—â—rme she should no more account of her as 〈◊〉 childe And well may wee quoth hee so refuse her in that she wouâ—â— leaue her parents and depart with straungers 〈◊〉 might we haue accounted our selues if we had lost her in her infancie The Quéene séeing her â—ord so impatient appeased his displeasure so well as she could because shee would not mooue him too much Within few dayes after the Duke of Gaule arriued at the Court who most of all gréeued at thâ—se vnhappy tidings wherefore he perswaded the king to proclaime open warre against the Emperour of Allemaigne assuring him that the knight which most commonly accompanied Palmerin was Trineus the Emperors sonne When the king heard the Dukes spéeches forgetting his anger he reioyced estéeming himselfe happy and his daughter wise in matching her selfe with such a husband and if she had made her choyse among al the Princes of the world shee could not haue sorted out one comparable in honor In bréefe aunswered the duke that for a daughter so lost he would not séeke the death of his louers and subiects but being one of Fortunes changes he could not withstand it and thus the king wisely and patiently entâ—red hiâ— gréeâ—e Chap. LXIII How Vrbanillo and the Prince Trineus Esquire arriued at the Emperours Court and what great ioy their comming procured IN this place â—ur history taketh this occasion howe the King of Fraunce daily expecting newes from Palmerin as concerning his intent of marriage betwéene his daughter and the Prince Trineus but séeing he heard no tidings at all he determined to send his ambassadâ—rs to the Emperor electing for chéefâ— in this embassage the Count of Aâ—mignac to whom hee gaue ful power authority to conclude the marriage betweene Trineus his daughter Lucemania as also of the princesse Polinarda with his son and heyre The king dispatching al things for his ambassage sent many â—arons and knightâ— of name to accompany the Count to countenance the matter with more royaltie magnificence and in this maner they came to Gaunt where the Emperour being aduertised of theyr arriuall 〈◊〉 no grâ—at account thereof such was his gréefe for his sonneâ— absence Palmerins of whom he could not heare any tidings as also for the foyle his Armie sustained in England But while the messenger from the ambassadours of Fraunce stayed with the Emperour Vrbanillo and the princes Squire entred the hall whose presence highly contented the Emperour as embracing them very louingly he demaunded for Palmerin and his sonne Trineus when they deliuering their letters and the Emperour perswaded therby of their spéedie return was greatly contented saying to the Ambassadours messenger My fréend séeing I haue heard such long looked for tidings of my sonne you may returne to the 〈◊〉 your maister desiring him to come when hee thinks conuenient he shall be heartily welcome to me with this answer the messenger departed TheÌ„ the emperor taking Vrbanillo by yâ— hand said Tel me now I pray thée how fares thy maister where is he is my sonne with him My gracious lord quoth the dwarâ—e where your noble son abideth there is my maister both of â—â—â—ght good disposition and highly honored And hereof I can assure your maiesty yâ— you haue a son who by good reason 〈◊〉 to be numbred among the best knights liuing for such honourable experience hath hee made of his worthines that perpetuall memorie will recorde his déeds of chiualry what els remaineth you shal know at their comming which will be so soone as they can possibly I euer perswaded my selfe said the Emperour that in the company oâ— so good a knight as Palmerin my son could not but purchase credit and honour the refore séeing they haue such prosperity of health I care the lesse for their stay but welcome are they whensoeuer they come By this time Polinarda heard of the Dwarfes arriual which greatly pleasing her she sayd to Brionella I pray thée swéete fréend go spéedily and séeke the Dwarfe that we may knowe what is become of our Lords and my brother Trineus Brionella who longed to heare of hir loue Sir Ptolome whom wel she knew to be one of the companie with all spéed accomplished the Princesse commandement and found the ioyfull messenger with the Emperour who tooke great delight in the Dwarfes reports but his maiestie perceiuing with what chéerefull countenance she came to bring Vrbanillo to her Lady the princesse bad him go with her hoping by his meanes his Daughters extreame sadnesse would be comforted Brionella béeing forth of the Emperours presence embraced him many times to know his tydings when the Dwarfe not
to reueale what I was enforced to bewraye before by signes And this is not a thing altogether strange for I haue heretofore read in Histories that a Knight called Aegle Samien dumbe from his byrth when one of his companions would vsurpe the honour of a victorie which iustly appertained to him was so enraged and incensed with displeasure as that very passion with the helpe of the Gods restored his spéech And thus hath it happened to mée for which I honour theyr names with immortall thanks not so much for my speaking as that I may nowe declare my earnest affâ—â—â—ion to do you seruice and fayre Alchidiana your Daughter to whome I am so greatly indebted for the manifolde honours shée hath dooâ—â— mée without dâ—sert as I shall neuer be able to recompence Ah my noble friend quoth the Soldane this liberall offer for the defence of 〈◊〉 Daughters honour contents mée in such sort as both shée and I 〈◊〉 to requite your paines Amarano 〈◊〉 at the braue disposition of Palmerin but specially at the great honour Maulicus did him knew not well what to thinke and did not feare and reproch ouer-rule him I thinke hé◠would haue deferred the Combat till another yéere Notwithstanding to couer his new opinion he be thought him of a pretie subtâ—ltie and saide I beséech your Maiestiâ— to tell mée of whence this dumbe Knight is to whome ouâ— Gods by miracles haue restored such brauing language Iâ— is necessarie that I know what hee is and whence he is discended because the fight béeing enterprises for two such Princesses as sometime was fayre Ardemia and your Daughter present if hée be not the Sonne of a King as â— am hée may not be permitted the Field with me Amarano answered the Soldane I know not what hee is for 〈◊〉 this time hée hath continued dumbe in our Court to him therefore you shall frame your demaund for this opinion I holde of him as hee will answere you nothing but truth but if you go about so craâ—tily to excuse your selfe each one may iudge that in you which but ill beséemes 〈◊〉 of a noble man that is to bee double in your speech And which is more hee béeing a Knight as good as your selfe you may not refuse him because you demaunded the Combat against any Knight in my Court and in your challenge made no exception Perswade your selfe quoth the Prince that if hée be not the sonne of a King hee shall not enter the Fielde against mée therefore if hee bée none such hée hath not to meddle with Armes in this cause and so the fight on his behalfe is finished If thou make such doubt said the Soldane aske him the question thy selfe I hope hee is able to resolue thée in these subtill cauils and sophisticall questions During this contention there entred the Hall a fayre yong Damosell bearing betwéene her handes a goodly Helmet the richest and most beautifull that euer was seene and falling on her knées before the Soldane with such gracious salutations as stood with her dutie shée demaunded which was Amarano of Nigrea who had accused his Daughter and which was likewise the dumbe knight who enterprised her defence Maulicus without any other inquisition shewed them both to her whereupon the Damosell arose and comming to the Prince thus began Amarano of Nigrea the Quéene of Tharsus my Lady and mistresse beeing certaine that this day thou wouldest be in this place sent mée hither to aduertise thée that the dumbe knight is of higher linage then thou art aâ—d such a one he is as the greatest Lorde or Prince may not compare with him in bountie And if thou wilt knowe the certaintie of his discent more then any other as yet dooth shee aduiseth thée for thy profit to desist from the Combat whereto thou hast challenged him in defence of thy false accusation against Alchidiana And further shée doth admonish thée that if thou doost not as shee commandeth the knight late dumbe surpassing all other in knightly chiualrie shall ouercome thée and thou shalt not bee able to stande against him Damosell quoth the Prince you may answere your mistresse that ouerlate shee sent me her counsell and I am not accustomed to giue credit to such sorcerers besides I will not loose mine honour at the simple wordes of a Woman I knowe not And it doth not a little content mee that this knight is such an one as hee should be wherefore being so sure of his bounty I am the more desirous to Combatte with him to make experience of his renowne yet this I still maintaine that what I haue spoken is true and thereon wee will presently enter the Feeld so please the Soldane to giue consent Maulicus séeing the day was too farre spent adiornde if till the day following wherefore the Prince withdrew himselfe to his lodging reposing great confidence in his owne strength and after his departure the Soldane taking Palmerin by the hand sayde I knowe not my Lorde how I may acknowledge the honour you do my Daughter whom I estéeme as mine owne selfe but if the Gods affoord me life I will deuise some rich recompence as I hope shall returne your owne content Then the Damosell sent from the Quéene of Tharsus approching to Palmerin presented him the Helmet saying Noble and vertuous knight the Quéene saluteth you with this taken of her good will in remembraunce of your speciall loyaltie whereby you deliuered the Prince Maurice for which she so much remaineth yours as you shall command her any seruice hence forward albeit she could haue wished him longer torment that proued so vnfaithfull to her She likewise desireth you to weare this Helmet in fight with Amarano for it will greatly auayle you and more then anyother for such is her hope that after you know this present seruice you will not deny her one request which one day shée intendeth to craue of you Palmerin taking the Helmet answered Fayre Uirgin most humbly thanke the Quéene on my behalfe and tell her that wheresoeuer I am she shall finde mée ready to fulfill any thing shee will commaunde The Damosell departed and made such spéede as in short time she came to the Queene her Mistres whom she acquainted with her whole message whereof she was very ioyfull especially of Palmerins great courtesie whom she beganne to affâ—ct very greatly Chap. XII How Palmerin entred the Combat with the Prince Armaâ—ano of Nigrea whom he slew and the great honors the Soldane and his Daughter did him THe Princesse Alchidiana hearing the words which the Quéene of Tharsus canoâ—ell reported before the Soldane her Father beeing likewise glad that Palmerin was of so noble parentage and so â—enowned in the region farre thence distant began to loue him more extreamely then euer she did before and resolued with her selfe that seeing for her sake hee vndertâ—ke the Combate hee bare her more secret affection then hee durst bewray and in this opinion shee practised howe to coâ—ferre with him
them Namely that the King was murdered finding Griana committing adulteris with Florendos At which words the Emperour was so enraged that like a man depriued of reason he violently pulled himselfe by the heard saying Ah wreâ—ched and infortunate olde man haue the heauens suffered 〈◊〉 thus long life that after the death of thy sonnes Caniano and yong Cariteos thou must sée thy daughter conuicted of treason adulterie and murder If I haue had some comfort by my Sonnes lying now in the Hearse of honour for maintenance of the Christian faith doubtlesse this iniurie is so great and enorme as no ioy or comfort can now abide in mée Ah my louely Daughter Griana whom I had good hope would bee the onely support of mine age and for that cause sent to haue thy companie commest thou now with such shame and monstrous report Florendos if héeretofore against the Turke Gamezio thou didst me seruice with great wrong hast thou now reuenged thy selfe taking from mee that good which thou canst neuer restore againe But let it suffice that knowing the truth of thy disordered dealing such shall bee thy punishment as shall remaine for perpetuall memorie The Empresse likewise forsaking her Chamber came and knéeled before the Emperour desiring him to put Florendos to the first councell and be to be dispatched with dilligence At which words the choler of olde Remicius augmented hee answering Madame for Gods sake getâ—e you gone for you are the onely cause of my dishonour and then you beganne it when you would not suffer the Prince Florendos of Macedon to match with our daughter but gaue her to your Nephew perforce and contrarie to her owne liking The Prince séeing him so offended intreated her to depart perswading her that the accusers of Griana were her cheefest enemies and that might easily be gathered by their proude and maleuolent detractions which happily would proue false rather then truth For if they might heerein spéede of their purpose and theyr accusation passe for currant the princesse Armida should be disinherited and themselues be the onely heyres of the Kingdome This was their principall drift not any deuotion to reuenge their Uncles death as they in outward shew declared and hereupon all opinions were set aside vntill the next day when the prisoners arriued Chap. XXVII How Florendos and Griana were brought to Constantinople and there were appointed by the Emperours Councell to purge themselues of their accusation by the combate of two knights against their accusers Promptaleon and Oudin THe Duke being arriued at Constantiople immediately caused the Queene Griana and Armida her daughter to be conducted to the Pallace by manie noble Lords and Gentleman When Griana saw shée must néedes go before her father she began again her wonted pittifull complaints notwithstanding shee was so comforted by the Lordes of Greece by theyr solemne promise to defende her right as shee encouraged her selfe and comming before her Father fell on her knées and thus beganne My gracious Lord and father inconstant fortune euermore hath beene and still will continue a most cruell enemie of them of highest calling and no further néede I speake for proofe of my words then the History of your last warres against the Turks and the present slaunder of mine enemies against mée I cannot likewise forget that twentie yéeres and more are nowe expired since to my great gréefe I was seperated from you but with much more excéeding heauines am I now returned if by my misaduenture you receiue any impeach or I deserue to loose the name of your Daughter Therefore my Lord forgetting the name and office of a Father let naturall regarde be exempted from me and exercise on mée tyrannous â—orments with the greatest rigour that may be deâ—ised Yet all too little in respect of my deserts not for any offence in this matter as God is my witnesse but for the suspition of the common and vulgare people more credulous of the faults of Princes and noble Ladies then of their discréete and sober vertues Neuerthelesse receiuing death for a matter neuer committed and with patience despight of mine enemies it will redound to my immortall honour Upon these spéeches the Princesse Armida making great reuerence to the Emperor and with the teares trickling downe her chéekes saide Dread Lord my chéefest desires euermore haue béene to sée your maiestie but so it falleth out nowe that in stéede of ioy and pleasure it is with gréefe teares and tribulation Yet gracious Lord for the first request that euer I made to your highnesse I beséech you to credit me that my mother hath committed no treason or any dishonour to the deceased King my Father neither euer permitted any man entrance into her Chamber but hee whom now the question cencerneth and at that time I with these other Ladies were present and are credible witnesses of the whole action Such efficacie wrought her words in the Emperours minde as he beganne to defie the accusation perswading himselfe that it was nothing but falshood and louingly taking the yong Princesse vp by the hand addressed his spéeches in this manner to the Quéene Well hast thou sayde that Fortune hath béene too contrarie towards thee for when my whole hope remained in thée and that the Crowne of mine Empire should haue béene placed on thy head thou hast fallen into such wounding reproch as both thou and I shall be for euer dishonoured My Lorde quoth Griana vnder correction and sauing the reuerence of your imperiall Maiestie neuer imagine the case any thing to your defame if you credite not mine enemies or common report from whence is engendred all vntruth This speake I not to excâ—se my death which I know to be the refuge for the desolate and ende of al afflictions but to declare mine owne innocencie and that mine honour shall at length be founde vnspotted But now consider good Father with what violence you enforce mee to match with the King Tarisius my heart being still against it and the néerenesse of linage betwéene vs forbidding it Nor were you ignorant of my loue to the Prince Florendos the most gentle Knight of Greece and whose only trauaile hither was to make mee his Wife all this will I not denie nor can my heart permit to passe in silence Notwithstanding by your commaundement I was constrayned to forsake my best beloued and take the man I was not borne to fancie After I sawe it must néedes be so acknowledging him my Lord and Husband and my selfe his Wife and Subiect neither in word or déede nor so much as very thought did I dispose my selfe to any disobedience but liued in most loyall and hâ—nourable dutie Uerie truest is that he founde Florendos talking with mee but I protest before Heauen that it was with such chaste and modest regarde as the Sister might conferre with her Brother And so little time our talke endured as I had not the meane to answere the Prince for the King comming in and prâ—uoked with
stéede hée was contented and committing all to the Emperors pleasure was carried backe againe to prison in such pensiuenesse as he was iudged not able to liue til the combat day The Quéene likewise was kept in sure guarde despayring howe she shoulde finde a Knight that would aduenture on her behalfe in fight because the strength and prowesse of the Challenger was so renowmed Leauing thus these two louers in doubts and feares let vs returne where we left before to noble Palmerin that hee may bring them some better comfort Chap. XXVIII How Palmerin hauing staid with his Ladie fiue dayes in so great pleasure as his heart could desire fearing to be discouered to the Emperour tooke his leaue of her promising to begin the search of Trineus and Ptolome POlynarda hauing her Fréend in her custodie would not presume so farre vpon her selfe or the faithfulnesse of her Ladies as shée would suffer him to stay there in the day time and doubting likewise least his comming in the night should be espyed committed the whole matter in such trust to Bryonella as they performed their ioyes without any impeachment During these delights and amourous contentments which these timorous Louers passed togither the Princesse among other talke rehearsed to her Fréend how the King of Fraunce sent his Ambassadours to the Emperour to treate on the marriage betwéene her and his eldest Sonne as also her Brother Trineus with his Daughter Lucemania And howe importunate the Empresse had béene with her discouering what honour and felicitie it should bée to her to bée Quéene of so great a Kingdome as Fraunce is And trust mée my Lord quoth shée I know my Parents are so affected to this alliaunce as if my Brother Trineus were come I know no meane whereby to excuse my selfe Alas Madame quoth Palmerin herein you may consider if the Emperour by violent force constraine you héereto what continuall gréefe it will bée to your Seruaunt Palmerin What torment What tyrannous paines of strange conceit may equall themselues with the verie least of my passions nor can I any way bee able to endure them The doubtfull feares of this misfortune strooke to his heart with such an impression as hee fell in a swoune betwéene his Ladies armes shée embracing him with such ardent affection as the soule of the poore tormented Louer séeling with what equall desire his Ladie requited him receiued fresh strēgth into his languishing bodie and béeing come to his former estate the Princesse said Alas my Lord at the time I supposed to be in assuraunce with you and to thinke on no imaginations but new pleasures and delights forgetting the regarde you haue long continued in expectation of the wished fortunate houre will yée bée nowe the cause of my death Thinke you that if loue bée so violent on your behalfe it excéedeth not a thousand times more in mée Beléeue me you men make your vaunts of the great passions feares and doubts you haue to offende your Ladyes whom to serue loyally you haue especially chosen but in no wise may these oppressions be compared to ours Where is hée among ye who hath experimented howe great the paine of dishonor is and can couer his extreame loue with dissimulation What a death is it to constraine violence agaynst it selfe to containe the piercing eye and subdue an heart so affectionate as bringeth death to the rest of the bodie if shee shewe not some part of her desire by lookes the faithfull and secrete messengers to him she hath chosen loueth and wisheth The torment of the will like wise when one dare not come in presence nor behold her fauoured to languish and yet may séeke no meane of helpe all these insupportable miscries we poore Ladies must endure béeing giuen by nature or forced for a custome Wherefore my Lorde present not me with your passions considering each thing as it ought they may not be compared to the least of mine for loue who hath ouermaistred me reigueth with such resolute authoritie as I must sooner die then offer you anie wrong séeing that as my Lord and Husband I haue elected you and bestowed those fauours on you which are most desired to wit willing obedience and that then which nothing is more precious Hauing then made you soueraigne of my selfe the Prince of Fraunce cannot enioy an other mans right And if my Father vsing his authoritie shall enforce mée although it be gréeuous to mée I will tell him what hath happened and no menaces whatsoeuer shall alter mine opinion Palmerin séeing his Ladie so firme and loyall was not a little ioyfull thus answering Doubtlesse my deare and most gracious Mistresse hitherto I durst presume on my selfe that by my manifolde loyall seruices I shoulde one day deliuer recompence for some part of the honours you haue done mée but nowe I perceiue that abounding in your graces you depriue me of all meanes to acknowledge your bountie which commonly men desire to shew by their obedience nor shall I be able to deserue the inestimable value contained in the simplest worde of your last most honorable promise Nowe the Princesse discerning by the Window that Aurora Phoebus his faire Porter began to let foorth the morning light and prouide way for his Maisters iourney withdrew her selfe to her Chamber and quicklie layde her downe by Brionella who the better to hide her Ladies affayres dissembled that she had a feuer Quotidian by which meaue shée compassed to kéepe her Chamber and entertained Palmerin as her selfe desired All this while Vrbanillo brought newes from the Prince Olorico who was so desirous to sée the Princesse againe as hée vowed not to depart the Cittie before hée accomplished what hée intended Palmerin who loued him as his Brother was in great doubt howe hée shoulde safelye bring it to passe till Bryonella whose deuises were euer readyest sayde My Lord the man béeing no way able to hurt you of the lesse importance néede you make the matter will yée sée howe we will a little iuggle with the Emperour Let it be sayd that the Prince is Cozin to Vrbanillo and the cause of his comming into his Countrey was to séeke you then because he vnderstandes how my Ladie loues the Dwarffe 〈◊〉 Maiestie without anie doubt will suffer the two Cozins to take their leaue of her will not this deuise then shadow his séeing the Princesse Without question quoth Palmerin I shoulde neuer haue inuented such a subtiltie be it then as you haue determined but with great politie that the Emperour misdoubt nothing for if he discouer vs we are shamed for euer Referre it to me sayd Brionella if I discribe not their kindred cunningly neuer beléeue that a Woman can inuent a lie without studie Brinella conferring with the Dwarffe layde downe the platforme in such order as the next day the Prince came before the Emperour when Vrbanillo on his knée desired leaue that hée might depart with his Cozin there present to séeke his Maister in whose search he woulde
hee would conferre with you and haue your wounds attended by his owne Chirurgions So turning again to the Pallace they entred the Hall where the Emperour méeting them said Right welcome are ye my noble Fréendes who hauâ— so happilie defended my Daughters honor for whose sake I shall make ye such recompence as shal be hencefoorth an encouragement to all Knights to aduenture the Combat on the behalfe of anie distressed Ladye Imediatlye in theyr presence by sounde of Trompet hée caused to bee declared that the Prince Florendos and the Quéene Griana were innocent of the trayterous accusation and therefore in open Fielde bad they should bee deliuered commaunding likewise his most expert Chirurgions to giue diligent attendaunce on the wounded Knights causing them to be lodged in the most statelie Chambers of his Pallace Afterwarde hée suffered the bodies of the vanquished to bee buried giuing expresse charge on paine of death that none of the knights of Hungaria should depart from Constantinople without his leaue because hée woulde while they stayed there prouide for the gouernment of the kingdom as appertaining to his yong Daughter the Princesse Armida The Empresse was so ioyfull for the deliueraunce of Griana as shee had soone forgotte her Nephewes misfortune the Quéenes Ladies likewise were not a little glad but aboue all the yong Princesse Armida her comfort could not be expressed that her Mother was so graciouslie defended and now the Duke of Pera who hadde the Prince Florendos in custodie fetching him foorth of prison said My Lord thanke God and the Knights that fought the Combat for you for by theyr meanes the Emperour declareth you absolued and set at libertie The Prince lifting his eyes to Heauen thus began Ah my God how happie is the man that trusteth in thy mercie doubtlesse he that beléeueth in thy promises shall neuer perish Noble Duke in all mine afflictions I haue euermore founde your speciall fauour but if God prolong my life I will not be vnmindfull of your gentlenesse In sooth my Lord quoth the Duke for so good a Prince any honest minde would gladlie endeuour himselfe and if I haue pleasured you in anie thing I did no more then my dutye which christian amitie requireth of each other So taking him by the hand hée brought him before the Emperour when falling on his knées the Prince thus spake If héeretofore dread Lord both I and my people gaue our selues to â—rauaile and aduentured desperate hazard in your defence at this time I count my selfe sufficientlie recompenced séeing your displeasure qualified and the hard opinion you conceiued against me chaunged into princely and honorable iustice Syr Florendos aunswered the Emperour when I remember the wrong you did my Daughter leauing such a scandalous report of her at the first time you came to this Cittie I thinke you woorthie of the sharpest death But placing mercie before rigorous iustice I am desirous to let you knowe that it liketh me better to be loued then feared forgetting quite the offence against our person the murder of our Sonne without any regard to the murmur of the people whose ignoraunce cannot consider of Princes mercie Nor will I stayne mine aged yéeres with mine owne proper bloud or the death of a Prince so noble whereby I shoulde leaue to my following posteritie as a Trophe of my life an endlesse memorie of tirannous crueltie but rather shall my chéefest aduersaries stop their mouthes with remembrance of my clemencie and princelie bountie as your owne conscience shall well witnesse with me You therefore my Lorde the Duke of Pera see that the Prince Florendos be lodged in the best place in our Cittie and kéepe him companie vntill his traine shall come from Macedon With great humilitie the Prince kissed the Emperours hande acknowledging his manifolde and princelie courtesies desiring the Duke likewise before his departure that hee might speake with the two Knightes Frysoll and Palmerin Béeing brought to their Chambers the embracings and gracious courtesies hée vsed to them I am not able to vtter and verie loth was hee to parte from them but that hée woulde no way preiudise theyr health wherefore giuing them the good night he was conducted to his lodging leauing Palmerin verie sadde and pensiue remembring what the Quéene of Tharsus had saide to him howe hée should deliuer his Father from death before he could know him which was likewise confirmed by the apparition of the Ladie to him vnder the name of his best and déerest Fréendes O that the Heauens did so fauour me quoth he that I were the Sonne of the Prince Florendos and Quéene Griana then woulde I imagine my selfe the happiest man in the world Yet can I not forget that the Fayries tolde mée on the Mountaine Artifaeria that one daie I shoulde bée Lord of all Greece but God is my witnesse that I couet not such honor and preferment were it not for the loue of my Ladie to the ende her Father might not dislike of our contract And hence will I not depart before I vnderstand the truth héereof and to what ende this aduenture will happen Frysoll on the other side he deuised how to make himselfe knowne to the Emperour and Empresse because he had good hope when himselfe might bée knowne that his Father Netrides shoulde enioy the Kingdome of Hungaria The Prince Florendos likewise coulde take no rest for his great desire to recouer the Quéene Griana Such were the passions of these thrée Princes eache one liuing in hope of good successe which happens according to their expectations as you shall reade héereafter Chap. XXXII How the Queene Griana with the yong Princesse Armida went to visit Palmerin and Frysoll and howe the Queene knew Palmerin to be her sonne to the no litle ioy of the Emperour and the Prince Florendos TWo daies after the deliueraunce of the Prince Florendos the yong Princesse Armida deuising with the Quéene her Mother said Me thinks gracious Madame we are to be reprooued of ingratitude in that we haue not as yet visited the poore wounded knights considering how greatly we are beholding to them I beséech you let vs this morning go sée how they fare Alas Daughter aunswered the Quéene hast thou the heart to bring me among such persons when I am saide to bee the cause of thy fathers death Then the Princesse breaking foorth in teares replied Beléeue me Madame if you remember your selfe well you are in as little faulte as Iam and so hath an honorable victorie declared but had you béene anye way culpable therein yet nowe you ought to comfort your selfe hauing had such a famous proofe of innocencie In signe whereof and to declare your thankfulnesse to those gentle Knights it will bée counted a speciall point of courtesie to visite them that ventured for you Go we then said the Quéene séeing you thinke it so necessarie and are so desirous So accompanied with manie Ladies clothed all in mourning blacke they went first to Frysoll greatlie thanking
Palmerin hearing either fearing to offend them or induced by modest bashfulnes he went to his Sister the Princesse Armida whose thoughts hée sounded by such subtilties and dissimulations as he found the effect of her desires which was to enioy Sir Frysoll to her Husband He not a little contented héerewith confirmed her choyse to be commendable sealing the assurance thereof with an honourable report of his knightly déedes of Armes Then the Emperour called for the Duke of Mecaena and the Counte of Reâ—foâ—t as also his principall Secretarie whom hee commaunded to write to the Emperour of Allemaigne touching the marriage of the Princesse Polinarda and his sonne Paâ—merin shadowing the secret agréement betwâ—ene themselues and committed tâ—e rest to the discreâ—ion of the Ambassadours The Letters sealed with his great Signet was deliuered to them that had the charge of this message who could not so spéedily departe from Constantinople because the winde and weather was not nauigable Now had Palmerin promised Frysoll that he would speake to the Princesse his sister and solemnely resolue vpon their marriage wherefore méeting with this earnest Lâ—uer hee thus laboured to please him Trust me Cozin I haue so surely imprinted your especiall generositie in my Sisters minde as the carracters can neuer be defaced but remaine more perfect by your spéedie marriage Frysoll reuiued with these newes as all pretenders of loue may well imagine offered to kisse his hande which Palmerin would not suffer whereupon hée thus procéeded Ah my Lorde howe am I more and more indebted to you right wise was hee which saide that affabilitie and liberalitie are continuall companions with noblenesse and magnanimitie And though by al my seruices I cannot deserue the honour you do mee in accepting me for your Brother yet am I so faithfully vowed yours as the honours of my Father nor loue of the Princesse your Sister can seperate mee from your companie vntill you haue founde your long desired Friende Trineus And for this cause my Lord I earnestly intreate you to hasten Apolonio towards my Father for I will sende him to 〈◊〉 place where he shall be assured to finde him Palmerin accorded thereto immediatly and so labored with the Emperour that the Letters were deliuered and the oathes taken of all the Hungarians they were sent home into theyr Countrey with a Lieutenant appointed to gouerne them vntill the comming of Netrides to whom Frysoll wrote the truth of all his fortunes with earnest request of his spéedie presence And to enduce him to the greater haste hée feigned that many Princes laboured for the Crowne of Hungaria and were in likelihood to obtaine it all which was but to enioy the faire princesse Armida The same day Florendos sent to the King his Father at Macedon that hée should send the cheefest states of his Realme against the day that Palmerin should be sworne the Prince of Greece Chap. XXXIIII How Câ—tdyna the Gentlewoman attending on the Queene accompanied with her Brother and diuers other Squires brought Gerrard his wiâ—e and daughter to the Court and what entertainment Palmerin made them CArdyna with those that were commaâ—ded to kéepe her company in short time came to Gerrards house whom shee found sitting at dinner with his familie The good man was at first amazed séeing such courtly personages enter his house a matter estéemed rare among yâ— persons dwelling on the mountaine but séeing they came in decent and modest sort not proffering any discourtesie he entertained them very friendly when Cardyna taking him by the hande said Good Father are you the man that is called Gerrard I am the same quoth he gentle mistresse You are then the man aunswered Cardyna that I séeke and therefore I pray thée tell me what thou didst with a Childe that twentie yéeres and more since thou foundest in swadling clothes vnder a Palm Trée on this Mountaine for certaine I am that thou didst take him home with thée to thy house Ah mistresse quoth the good old man you haue killed my heart in remembring me of him whom I loued déerer then any of mine owne The infant of whom you speake I founde not farre hence vnder a Palme Trée for which cause at his Baptisme I named him Palmerin From that time forwarde I nourished him as hée had béene mine owne Sonne till hée rame to tall stature and as he grew in yéeres so did hee in vertuous and noble qualities which made him not a little beloued in these parts for when hee attended my Cattell he tooke pleasure to course the Wolfe Hart Beare Bore and Lion and oftentimes would kill them when him listed which none of mine owne Children durst at any time aduenture Ah swéete Mistresse when I remember his many seruices the dutifull reuerence and loue hee bare mée I am readie to die with conceite of gréefe that it was my ill hap so soone to loose him Yet came not this misfortune alone for mine eldest Sonne who loued him as he had béene his owne Brother immediately went after him and yet could I neuer heare any tidings of them Notwithstanding Mistresse if you know of whence hée was I can shewe you all the clothes wherein I founde him I shall be contented to sée them quoth Cardyna but what will ye giue the partie that can tell ye whee he is Cerrard at these wordes fell on his knée before her and with the teares trickling downe his graie beard saide By my troth mistresse if it shall like you to doo me so great pleasure of all my substance I will giue yée the one halfe or all my heard of Beastes which ye saw féeding on the Mountain as ye came beside my continuall seruice while I liue Gramercies Father sayd Cardyna but call for your Wife and Daughter and then shall I tell ye newes that well content you As for him whose friendly Parentes you were so long time hée is nowe at Constantinople and is the Sonne of Madam Griana daughter to the Emperour who commaundeth you thrée to come to the Court that she may content ye for nourishing so well the noble young Prince The olde man excéeding ioyfull without ordering his affaires or appointing his Seruaunts their course of labour saide to his Wife and Dyofena his Daughter Make ye readie presently in your best garments and let vs goe sée that noble Gentleman for all the Golde in the world cannot make me staie nowe I haue heard so happie tidings The good woman and her daughter trickt vp themselues in their countrey fines and taking the rich swadling clothes sette forward to Constantinople so merely as sometime did the foster Father of Paris Alexander his Wife and their Daughter Pegasis when they brought the Cradle and acoustrements of the infant royall to the Cittie of Troy after he was knowne by his Father King Priam and Quéene Hecuba his Mother Palmerin being aduertised by one of the Ladies of Honour attending on the Empresse that Cardyna had brought Gerrard to prouoke greater contentation he would
néedes goe méete him and so went downe into the Court accompanied with many yoong knights lately come to the Emperours seruice Gerrard séeing this goodly troupe among them all knewe Palmerin perfectly wherefore alighting from his Horsse and without giuing him in charge to any Page or Lackiâ— â—an and fel downe at his féete but Palmerin staying him in his 〈◊〉 said Father Gerrard and 〈◊〉 deare friends the Gâ—d of Heauen 〈…〉 praysed in that by bringing me to the knowledge of my Parentes I haue the meane to satisfie your paine and trauaile for me sauing my life in my yongest yeares and nourishing me to the state of discretion Ah my Lord quoth Gerrard I thinke in all the world is no man so happie as my selfe hauing defended from perill so noble a person therefore néedelesse is it to make offer of money for your nurriture in that I prize your golde and siluer lesse then drosse such is my content to sée you so well Palmerin likewise whose match might not be founde in courtesie and nobilitie of heart louingly welcommed Marcella and her daughter Dyofena walking along with them vp into the Pallace where in this sort hée presented them to the Emperour Sée héere my good Lord they that from mine infancie with excéeding kindnesse and loue nourished mée let mée therefore intreate your Maiestie so to conceiue of them as their paines and charges may be sufficiently requited The Emperour taking great pleasure to beholde them saide they should continue in the Court with him commaunding them to bee brought to his daughters Chamber who entertained them verie graciously but when they came to vnfold Palmerins little pack of cloathes hardly can you imagine the inwarde ioyes of the Mother For Tolomestra well knew the Scarlet mantle which her selfe had all embroydered with curious knots of Gold and all the other prettie trinkets saying Doubtlesse Madame it cannot bée but that Palmerin is your Sonne for well I knowe hée was wrapped in these cloathes when Cardyna carried him hence to the Mountaine Then did Gerrard discourse before all the Ladies in what manner hée founde yong Palmerin among the Trées not forgetting to report euery thing from that day till his departure without his knowledge Many swéete smiles did the Quéene intermedle with her forced teares hearing the 〈◊〉 daungers her Sonne had endured and for the great loue shée bare to Marcella she made her one of the Ladies of her Chamber and gaue Dyofena a worthie dowrie to her marriage As for Gerrad himselfe the Emperor made him one of his chéefest Barons and dubbed his Sonnes Knights who proued afterward of hardie courage as héereafter in the Historie you may perceiue This done the Emperour brought Florendos and Palmerin into his Treasurie saying My friends take beare away all is yours dispose thereof as you please furnish your selues with all néedefull thinges against the day of my Daughters marriage Giue bountifully to the poore Knights that they may likewise prepare themselues in readinesse all which will redound to your perpetuall honour In sooth my Lord answered Florendos it is against all equitie and reason that during your life I should presume so farre well worthie were I of the sharpest reprehension to vsurpe that which by right appertaines to him who gaue me life and honour When the Emperour sawe hée coulde not perswade them hée sent a sumpter Horsse loaden with Golde to the Prince Olorico and Erysoll beside diuers other Iewels of inestimable value that they might the better furnish their estate against the solemnitie of the Macedonian Prince On which day these two Knights determined a Tryumyhe at Armes for the loue of their friende and companion Palmerin who the same day should bee sworne Prince and sole heire to the Empire Upon this occasion and by his highnesse commaundement the Heraldes were sent abroad to publish the Tourney which should endure tenne dayes togither with the excellencie of the prize to them that should beare the honour of the Ioust each day These disports so prouoked the Lords of Greece as neither King Duke Countie Barron or Knight that was able to mannage Horsse and Armes but repaired to Constantinople in such troupes as though a new world had bene to be conquered Chap. XXXV Howe the Knight that Florendos sent to Macedon rehearsed to the King Primaleon the effect of his charge and how Palmerin entertained his fathers Princes and Knights FLoreÌ„dos hauing sent one of his knights to Macedon in verie short time yâ— Messenger arriued at a Castle of pleasure where as then the King remayned for his delight with the Princesse Arismena his Daughter to expell such contagious thoughts as daily troubled them for the absence of the Prince of whome they coulde vnderstande no tydings The knight beeing come into the Kinges Chamber where his Maiestie sattâ— deuising with his Daughter and setting his knée to the grounde in this maner beganne his message Right high and mightie King I bring you the very straungest tidings yet repleate with ioy and speciall comfort whereof your Maiestie neuer heard the like My Lorde the Prince Florendos your Sonne with humble dutie saluteth your excellencie and the faire Princesse Arismena his Sister certefying you that the aduenturous knight Sir Palmerin euen hee by whose meanes your health was recouered is his owne Sonne begotten on the princesse Griana Daughter to my Lord the Emperour to whom hee is nowe betrâ—thed by the consent of all the Princes of the Empire and Sir Palmerin your Sonne shall be Emperour after the decease of his noble Grandfather The good king Primaleon olde and decrepite was so surprised with these newes as he imagined he heard some fantastical illuding voice rather then matter of trueth and certaintie with which inwarde oppressing conceite his weake estate not able to support it selfe béeing ouercome with ioy doubt and suspition as hardly could Arismena his Daughter kéepe life in him so often hee swouned with hearing this reporte yet at length taking the Knight by the hande he sayde My good Fréend God I trust will blesse thée with honour and prosperitie for bringing mee the tidings I haue long desired Nowe may I well say that neuer anie Princes age was more beautified with happinesse then mine is hauing my Sonne allyed in such an house and another Sonne excelling all the Knights in the worlde But if the Heauens vouchsafe me so much grace and fauour that I may once sée him before I ende this life it will be such sufficient content to mée as then I force not though I liue no longer Then calling for one of his Secretaries to reade the Letters his sonne had sent him and hauing heard the contents there of commaunded present dispatch of Messengers to aduertise the Lords and nobilitie of his Realme who likewise were so gladde of these newes as each one prepared himselfe agaynst the day appoynted The King hauing written Letters to his Sonne as also to Palmerin whom hée entreated to come and sée him gaue them
noble blood and therefore caused them to be verie honourablie intreated So sâ—yling on at length they came neare the great Cittie of Albania when Oâ—imaell commaunded two or thrée Foystes to goe vnderstand in what estate the Citie was who were aduertised by certaine Frenchmen that the people were vnprouided of anie fortifications so that winning the Port the whole Cittie might easily bée conquered These tydings caused them forciblie to enter the Hauen where setting all the Shippes on fire they went on shore and murthering the Warders of the Gates â—ooke the Cittie at the first assault when Palmerin and his noble Fréends to their great sorrow declared howe well they could skill of such affayres The Citie was ouercome and the chiefest Citizens therein taken prisoners the Turkes following their fortune marched further and came to the Cittie of Durace where the faire Princesse Laurana abode of whom Palmerin sometime was amorous when he imagined by her excellent beautie that it was shée who so often solicited him in his dreames Palmerin béeing there come on land presently knewe the Countrey wherefore hée sayd to his companions I nowe perceiue déere Fréends that fortune forceth vs from ill to worse this speake I in respect of this Cittie agaynst which wée must be compelled to fight and not manie yéeres since with the price of my blood I laboured to defende it But because the Dukes Daughter is so good a Ladie as in my heart I reuerence and honor I beséech you euery one imploy your selfe to preserue her and her Ladies and demaund them of the Admirall for our part of the spoyle While Palmerin thus conferred with his Fréendes Olimaell vnderstoode by certaine prisoners that the Cittie was verie slenderly defended therefore no great maistrie to winne it quickly Yet at their first assault they were so valiantlie repulsed as Olimaell and his men began to despaire of victorie wherefore hee made open protestation that hée who first could enter the Cittie should haue anie boone of him hée woulde request Palmerin ioyfull of this promise caused sixe scaling Ladders to be sette agaynst the wall whereon hée and his Fréends ascended and on the wall cryed the Citie is ours wherewith the people within were so dismaied hauing endured a long and furious skirmish as they all fledde out at the further Gate The Turkes then burned the Gates on the Sea side and entering the Citie put olde and yong to the Swoord But Palmerin and his companions feigning to pursue them that fled ranne strait to the Pallace at the entraunce whereof they found many Moores who had taken the Duke wherefore they went to finde the Princesse Laurana who sate in her Chamber well néere deade for gréefe because shâ—e heard that her Father was slaine Her hée committed to the custodie of the King of Sparta Frysoll Olorico and Eustace desiring them to comfort the Princesse in that neither shée or her Ladies should fall into the Tyrants power and so comming to Olimaell on his knée he began in this manner You knowe my Lord the promise you made to day by vertue whereof becaâ—se I first got ouer the wall into the Cittie for my share I request the Dukes Daughter and for my Fréendes that followed mée her Ladyes and Gentlewomen for other spoyle of the riches and treasure we desire not Olimaell graunted his demaunde charging his people on paine of their liues not any way to offende the Ladies In this manner was the Princesse saued whereupon the Duke of Pontus presently went to her and taking her by the hand acquainted her with this ioyfull newes whereto shée thus replied Can it bée possible that Palmerin who héeretofore ventured his life in my fathers defence against the Count Passaco of Mecaena should now become so familiar among Turkes and Moores Hath hée so forgot his honour to God that himselfe is not onely a vassaile to the enemies of his faith but dooth likewise séeke their destruction that serue Christ Iesus Be silent good Madame aunswered the Duke for if his name be knowne we all perish what hath béene doone is for the safetie of your life and our owne likewise which hée hath obtained of the Generall of the Armie With these words she was somewhat pacified and the old cinders of loue which nowe began to spreade abroade caused her to returne this answere In sooth my Lord séeing I am become Palmerins prisoner I thinke my honour in better assuraunce and my Fathers death is the lesse gréeâ—ous to mée in that this matter may sort to better effecte then I can conceiue By this time was Palmerin come to her who intreated her to kéepe all things secretly for hée woulde endure a thousand deathes before shee should be any way dishonoured In time quoth he wée may be deliuered from these Hell-houndes as for you and your Ladyes the Admirall hath openly commaunded that you be reuerently vsed A thousand thanks my Lord quoth the Princesse and séeing matters are so come to passe yet do I reioyce that I fell into your power The Citie of Durace left in the same state as Albania was the Turkes went all aboorde taking no prisoners thence but Laurana and her Ladies whome Olimaell intended to giue to the great Turke So passing along the Coast of Thessalie they spoyled many Citties on the Sea side tooke the King and many noble men so that nowe they were stored with a number of Christian prisoners Now Oâ—imaell feared that the Christian Princes hearing what spoyle he made in their Dominions woulde râ—yse a mightie power agaynst him wherefore hée gaue charge to his Pilots to order their course towards the Cittie of Tubant where as then the great Turke kept his Court. The King of Thessalie thrée dayes before his taking sent his Queene who was great with Childe to one of his Castelâ— a good daye iourney from the Sea but when shée heard her Husbandes misfortune the gréefe shée conceyued caused her presently to fall in trauell when shée was deliuered of a goodly Daughter named Francelina At this time the thrée Magical Sisters who appeared to Palmerin on the Mountaine Artifaeria and one of them afterwarde in his going to Buda made theyr aboode in an Isle thereby named Carderia When they by their hidden Philosophie heard how the King was taken and should be kept in perpetuall prison without the helpe of his Daughter which was newly borne they concluded to frame such an enchauntment as maâ—ger the Turke and his power as hée that would not deigne to kisse his shooe should be deliuered from imprisonment Héereupon the yongest of these thrée Sisters went to the Castell where the wofull Quéene remained where shée was verie honourablie entertained because the Quéene desired to know if the King her Husband was dead or aliue and if any hope might be expected of his deliuerance The Damosell Enchauntresse aduertised the Quéene that in departing with her Daughter Francelina the King her Husband should enioy his libertie and in time to come she
honoured with so high a present which I will kéepe so charie as mine owne person but that the name of Muzabelino may for euer be imprinted in my heart giue mée some one of your name or kindred who â—uermore may bée néerest to my person My Lord quoth Muzabelino to you will I giue one of my Sonnes begotten by me on a Christian Ladie agréeing with you in faith and oâ—inion whereof I am not sorie yet feare I that the King should knowe so much least his religion might cause his death Déere fréend said Palmerin for Gods sake giue him me presently and him will I loue as hee were my brother Your request quoth he can I not yet satisfie till wée goe to my Castle where he is kept which because I will no longer deferre to morrow will I perswaâ—e the King to iourney to his great Cittie of Grisca there to take view of his Armie when I shal compasse the meane to giue him you vpon this conclusion they departed to their cambeâ—s Chap. LII How Muzabelino gaue Palmerin his Sonne Bellechino entertaining the King and all his companie royally at his Castle and how the two Armies of the King Abimar and the Soldane of Persia encountred with the successe therof MVzabelino perceiuing by his art that the Soldane of Persia with his power was néere at hand thinking to ruinate the great Cittie of Grisca aduertised the King thereof willing him with all spéede to muster his Armie and preuent the soldanes determination The King not misliking his aduise set forward presently to Grisca and by the way at the earnest intreatie of Muzabelino the King with all his courtly companie lay at his Castle where many rare deuises were showen them by enchauntment which I passe ouer as matter altogether impertinent There did the Magitian giue Palmerin his Sonne Bellechino one of his Daughters likewise to the Quéene and another to the Princesse Zephira Afterward they iourneyed to the Cittie of Grisca where all his armie was ranged in readines béeing numbred an hundred thousand fighting men the auantguarde he committed to the two Princes Palmerin and Trineus consisting of twentie thousand horsemen his two battailes of 30000. Archers on horsebacke the two Princes Tomano and Drumino had in charge and the rereward was gouerned by the two Kinges of Seuata and Garara The Soldanes power béeing ordained in battailewise within few dayes after the fight beganne which continued with such danger on either side as the victorie hung very long in suspence In the ende after a mightie massacre made of the Persians among whom was Donadel Prince of Siconia slaine with many other great Califes and Lords the Soldane himselfe was taken prisoner by Palmerin sent bound with â—etters of Gold to the Princesse Zephira The Messenger comming to the Princesse Chamber declared how Palmerin had sent her that prisoner to entreate him as her selfe liked best In sooth my Lord quoth the Princesse to the Soldane you are right welcome for his sake that sent you héere shall your entertainement be as fittes your calling and miâ—like not your mishap in that the knight who sent you is wont to conquere where himselfe pleaseth The Soldane angrie at his hard fortune yet séeing hée was prisoner to a Lady so beautifull was immediately so surprised with loue as hee was not able to answere the Princesse one word But she perceiuing he was very sore wounded caused him to bée conducted to a goodly Chamber commaunding her Chirurgions to attend him dilligently On the morrow shee came to sée how hee â—ared when Loueouer mastering all his senses made him forgette his hatred to the King Abimar resoluing to become his friend by marriage of the Princesse and vnable longer to suppresse his waighting passions which more troubled him then his dangerous wounds hee thus beganne Fairest among the daughters of men tell me I desire you if you bée the Childe of the King Abimar or els of whence you are to the ende I may one day acknowledge this fauour which your milde nature affoordes your prisoner Heereunto the Princesse answered howe shée was Daughter to the King Onodius of Nabor coupling therewith all her passed fortunes concluding in the ende that in all actions agréeing with honour shée remained his humble Seruant Fortune quoth he neuer constant but in vnconstancie once yesterday was I the greatest Prince in the worlde and now none in my Kingdome so miserable as my selfe béeing brought in subiection to my inferiour and snared in loue with my vassailes Daughter Wisely sayd the Poet That badlie doo loue and Maiestie agree togither for though the height of mine estate forbids my desire yet loue and mine owne lyking are two such seuere enemies as I must not nowe stand to dispute the cause Happie is the Knight in whose power remaines a Ladie so excellent but much more happie is the Ladie that can commaunde so great a person by whom such honours are this day affoorded you fayre Princesse as wel may you vaunt to bée the greatest in Persia. If by a Knight surpassing in prowesse I was conquered in battaile by one in beautie and curtesie incomparable am I againe ouermaistred so that I am enforced to present you my heart and all the signories I possesse to vse at your pleasure vowing for your sake perpetuall peace with Abimar mine enemie The Princesse abashed at this vnexpected offer a swâ—ete blush colourer her daintie chéekes and fearing to be imputed too indiscréete shaped her answere to the last poynt of the Soldanes spéeches as thus In sooth my Lord well could I like that peace were concluded betwéene the King and you though not by any meane in mée but by the omnipotent power of the Goddes who letting you know the weaknesse of your owne strength would not haue any warre betwéene you and the King Abimar And if it like you so much to abase your selfe as to like the simple Daughter of a King who while hée liued was your highnesse Subiect well may I with modestie giue consentâ— for if my Father all his life time obeyed you as his Lorde vnséemely were disobedience in his Daughter By the holâ—e Alcaron of Mahomet aunswered the Soldane your benigne humilitie hath more conquered me then the proudest enemie in the worlâ—e coulde doo doo you therefore appoynt the Articles of our peace and I as vnpartiall will agree thereto Thus began the peace and the promise of mariage betwéene the Soldane and the Princes Zephira which béeing thorowlie agréed vppon the King Abimar Palmerin Tryneus and all the states subscribing thereto the Camps on either side were discharged and the Soldane with his great Seneshall openly in the Citie of Grisca protested peace in this manner That the Soldane shoulde espouse Zephira and Tomano the Princesse Belâ—ina the Soldanes Daughter Beside hee renounced all pretended rights to the Realmes of Grisca and Romata nor would he demaund anie tribute of them afterward or enter his confines with anie violence but assist the King continually against
〈…〉 and they may come to kisse your 〈…〉 Florendos and the Ladies were 〈…〉 Long liue your Maiestie in health and happinesse here may you beholde the man for whom my Lorde Palmerin your Sonne hath endured such paine and trauaile The 〈◊〉 perceiuing by his spéeches that hée was Trineus the Prince of Allemaigne thus aunswered I hope my Lorde that you will beare with mine age and weakenesse which hinders me from entertaining you as fain I would but I beséech you to aryse for it ill beséemes so great a Prince to humble himselfe in such sort Florendos and Griana in this time welcommed their Sonne Arismena the King of Sparta Armida her Frysoll and the olde Emperour and Empresse graciously entertained Agriola and Laurana each absent Fréend so embraced and welcommed as all the day was spent onelie in those ceremonies The next morning Palmerin dispatched his Dwarffe Vrbanillo to the Emperour of Allemaigne that he and Polynarda might vnderstand these long expected newes and afterward comming to Sir Frysoll he sayd to him Brother our Mother hath eâ—riched vs with a Sister since our departure and my Sister Armida me with two Nephewes I pray you let vs go sée them Héereupon the Nurses brought the yong Princes the â—ldest of them being named Dytrius and the yongest Belear the yong Princesse Daughter to Florendos and Griana was called Denisa so faire and comely were the infants as if Nature had studied to make them most exquisite Beléeue me Sir Frysoll quoth Palmerin if my sister continu◠〈◊〉 she begins the Realme of Hungaria shall hardly want 〈◊〉 what two at a blow hir Ladie it is a â—â—gne of good 〈◊〉 And when you are entred the estate of wedlocke answered Frysoll if your linage increase according to the greatnesse of desire Madam Polynarda shall be as well sped 〈◊〉 her neighbors Thus iested the Princes togither attending â—ewes of 〈◊〉 courrier that went with Vrbanillo to the Emperor of Allemaigne 〈◊〉 at that time was at Vienna Chap. LIX How the Duke of Mensa and the Countie of Redona conducted the prince Olorico into Assiria where hee was espoused to the princesse Alchidiana FOr the space of a Moneth and morâ— Palmerin Trineus and Agriola soiourned at Constantinople till all thingâ— were prepared for them to 〈◊〉 towardes Allemaigne during which time Palmerin shewed such signes of loue to the Prince Olorico as he wold seldome be 〈…〉 that more and more his amourous passions encreased hée sayde Déere 〈…〉 Nor doo I this swéete Prince as enuious of your companie or that I stand in feare of the Soldane but onelie to kéepe my promise which was that I would ayde you to my â—ttermost to accomplish the marriage 〈…〉 for whom I see your 〈…〉 troubled My Lorde aunswered Olorico if euer perfect loue might be discerned in a Princes heart doubtlesse it is most amplie 〈◊〉 in yours Where you can finde in anie Historie seâ—blable affection or that a Christian would so fauour his enemie that is contrarie to him in law and 〈…〉 that so great â— Prince would 〈…〉 to accept as his companion in Armes the poore Sonne of the King of Arabia practising for his good not the suretie alone of the Christians but the alliance of the greatest Lord in Asia 〈…〉 Lorde since of your accustomed good 〈…〉 this offer of simple iudgement should I shewe my selfe to refuse it I accept your gracious kindnesse and assure your selfe of his readie seruice whom 〈…〉 to the Prince of Greece 〈…〉 the Soldane of Babylon in 〈…〉 The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the great Soldane of Babylon 〈…〉 〈…〉 against all your enemies Contrariwise if you will follow your former opinion wee must defende our selues so well as we may And for I can no more with 〈◊〉 forsake my Couâ—trey Parents and friendes to returne againe to your seruice I sende you the Prince Olorico a Knight both valiant and hardie as anie in all Turkie without exception of your Court the great Turks or the Soldane of Persia and he to serue you in my 〈◊〉 Desiring your highnes by that affection which you did beare me whâ—Ì„ the Prince 〈…〉 that you accept him as your Sonne and giue him in marriage your Daughter Alchidiana as the man that hath best deserued her if euer Prince might merit â— Ladies loue by bountie and choyse chiualrie So shall you performe an action of 〈◊〉 honour and 〈◊〉 me continually to acknowledge this kindnesse Your Palmerin d'Oliua Another Letter he wrote to the Princesse Alchidiana the tenure whereof was thus The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the Princesse of Assiria TO you Madam Alchidiana daughter to the great Soldane of Babilon Palmerin d'Oliua your knight sendeth health condigne to your magnificence Madame sending to your Father the Duke of Mensa and the Count 〈…〉 to the Crowne of Arabia You know faire Madame that neuer had he come to your Fathers Court had not the perillous battaile against the proude Brother of Amarano prouoked him nor would be haue aduentured the dangers of the Sea but in hope at length to purchase your gracious loue For these considerations good Madame entertaine him into your sober thoughts who hath no more feared to spend his bloud for your sake and thrust his life into infinite dangers then I haue doone to sette my hande and penne to this paper I know that your grace beautie and great 〈◊〉 commandeth the chéefest Prince on the earth for your Husband and to shéelde my selfe from blame I know that I promised you my seruice When I should returne from Constantinople but how hath it fallen out your Palmerin is knowne by them that haue like authoritie ouer him as your loue hath of the Prince Olorico I am a Christian a stranger Sonne to the simple king of Macedon and the Daughter to the Emperour of Greece beside of verie little or no desert at all Hee is of your Lawe your Neighbour sonne to the rich king of Arabia and a Prince of as high vertue as euer was in my companie witnesse whereof he made on the Phrigians and in an hundred places since in my presence Wherefore Madame if noblenesse of hart and loyall loue deserue so great an alliance I know no Prince this day liuing more worthie then he Assuring you withall that more gladly would I die thâ— death then sollicite the cause of him whome I would not imagine vnworthie my person Your Knight Palmerin d'Oliua When he had sealed these Letters hee gene them to to the 〈◊〉 who accompanied with fiftie Grecian 〈…〉 where their shippes was 〈◊〉 after them followed the King Maulerinos hundred Knights the number being supplied with other instead of them that were slaine and after them went the Knights that came with Ptolome then came the Prince Olorico and Palmerin deuising by the way on manie matters My Lord quoth Palmerin I imagine you nowe remember our taking by the Admirall Olimaell and feare that the like mishappe may againe befall you I therfore as your
of so straunge and variable fortunes said I thought my Daughter had learned more modestie then leauing her Fathers Court to followe a Knight vnknowne to her in straunge Countries but séeing the ende hath fallen out so well hencefoorth I shall remaine in better contentment séeing a Prince of so great renowne hath now espoused her While this conference endured the Duke earnestly beheld the Princesse Sabinda Daughter to the Prince of Sansuega and Néece to the Quéene and of such excellent grace and beautie he estéemed her as forgetting the death of his Father who deceased since his departure from Allemaigne hée became so amourous of her that he demaunded of the Quéene if shée were her Daughter Shée is not my Daughter quoth the Quéene but the Daughter of my Brother the Princes of Sansuega Right glad was the Duke thereof and resolued to request her of the King in marriage who knowing the honourable place he held among the Prince of Greece and what account Palmerin made of him consented thereto so that within fewe dayes after they were espoused togither Herevpon to accompany the Princesse and to confirm the peace the King sent the Duke of Gaule and another great Lorde with them into Allemaigne the Quéen likewise sent twelue English Ladies to attend on her Daughter Thus returned the Duke of Mecaena to Vienna where 〈◊〉 was worthily welcommed by the Emperour Palmerin and Tryneus especially the yong Duchesse and the Ambassadours of England by whom the peace was faithfully ratified and confirmed Chap. LXII How Palmerin and Polinarda departed from Vienna toward Constantinople where after the decease of the aged Emperour Remicius Palmerin was crowned Emperour of Greece and what ioy was made at the byrth of Polinarda her first sonne AFâ—â—er the Ambassadours of England were returned home Palmerin pereciuing the Empire of Allemaigne was in quiet tooke his leaue of the Emperor minding to conduct his Polinarda to Constantinople not without manie sorrowfull lamentations of the mother to forgo her daughter and faire Agriola her new acquainted sister yet the Emperour pacified them well inough by shewing what benefit this contract would be to Christendome and so procéeded to his daughter in this maner Thou goest Polinarda to the séate of a great Empire but more pleaseth mée the péerelesse name of Palmerin d'Oliua thy husbands then the regiment of such a mightie Monarche Farewell faire Daughter continue in faithfull loue and obedience remembring the reuerende honour a Wife oweth to her Husband Polinarda hearing with what earnest affection her Father spake was so ouercome with modest duetie of a Childe to her Father as shée was not able to aunswere one word which Palmerin beholding kissed the Emperours hande embraced Tryneus and tooke a courteous farewell of all the Ladies commaunding the Pages presently to bring away the Princesse 〈◊〉 saying to her Madame the longer you staie héere the greater will be your conceit of sorrow by absence the griefe will be forgotten let vs then merely iourney to the Cittie of Constantinople where they that neuer sawe you wil reioyce more at your comming then all the Allemaignes can sorrow for your departure With like comfortable spéeches Palmerin frequented his Ladie by the way till at length they entred the Realme of Hungaria where Frysoll with his chéefest Lords attended their comming to whom Palmerin in iesting said Brother I haue aduentured to bring your Sister Polinarda into your Kingdome take héede if you laie claime to her now as sometime yée did for I am readie to defende her against whosoeuer dare I perceiue my Lorde quoth Frysoll that you will haue my follie generally knowne I pray 〈◊〉 let no such youthfull pranckes be nowe remembred for as you are the chéefest in chiualrie so haue the destenie giuen you a Ladie whome no one in the whole world may paragon Well may it be said that God and Nature fore-pointed this match nothing inferiour to louelie Paris and faire Helena or puissaunt Hector and wise Andromacha Frysoll accompanied them so farre as Alba where courteously parting from each other Frysoll returned to his Kingdome and Palmerin soone after came to Constantinople where no litle ioy was made for his safe arriual especially for the Princesse Polinarda who was a right welcome Ladie into Greece the olde Emperour prouiding such deuises and tryumphes as the Chronicles to this daye recorde the memorie thereof About tenne or twelue Monethes after Polynarda was deliuered of a goodly Sonne who was named Primaleon whereat the good olde Emperour so inwardly reioyced as his spirit onely comforted in the good fortune of his Sonnes and fearing afterwarde to sée anie sinister chaunce fall to them departed this fraile and transitorie life whose death was signified thrée dayes before by the enchaunted Bird. His Funerall was performed as beséemed so great an estate and faine woulde Palmerin haue had his Father the King Florendos crowned Emperour earnestly labouring the Princes in the cause But he desiring them to holde him excused returned them this answere Great offence were it to God my Friendes that the honour due to him who gaue me libertie defended my renowne and saued my life shoulde bee taken from him and giuen mée for if vertue authoritie and good fortune are the properties whereby to make choyse of an Emperour Palmerin is verie many degrées before me As for his generositie it is so well knowne to you that it were but lost labour to make report thereof For his authoritie the â—arbarous nations among whome hée hath liued and conqueringly controlled deliuer sufficient testimonie And for his high good fortune in all his enterprises where is the man that may bee equalled with him or what hath hée at anie time attempted but he hath finished the same with wonderfull honour I could name Kings and Princes that raign onely by his meanes To speake of the victories he hath obtained either in battell or single Combate your eyes haue beheld and the whole worlde apparantly witnesseth This dare I boldly say and some of you doo know it better then I that his onely name will be more feared in Greece then all your fore-passed Emperours haue bene by their greatest puissance So well did the people like what the King Florendos had sayd as immediately was the Prince Palmerin proclaimed Emperour of Constantinople and the same day he was crowned according to the accustomed rites and ceremonies Not long afterward did the King Florendos stay with his Sonne but returned with his Quéene to Macedon where hée goueâ—ned in loue and iustice among his Subiects daily sending Messengers to Constantinople as well to vnderstand the health of the Emperour and Empresse as also of yong Prymaleon who daily increased in strength and beautie Chap. LXIII How the Prince Olorico and Alchidiana thinking to trauaile to Constantinople to see the Emperour Palmerin and the Empresse Polinarda strayed on the Sea And what sorrowful mone she made and how she was found by Palmerin IN one of the Chapters before you
haue I so offended the Ladie that the sight of mee should endaunger her life tell me my Fréende quoth hée to the Pilot doâ—st thou know of whence she is No my Lord aunswered the Pilot but I vnderstand she is a noble Princesse who comming to sée the Emperour hath lost her people and goods in the Sea Me thinks I haue séene her heertofore saide Palmerin but I cannot remember the place where Then beholding her more aduisedly he said I 〈◊〉 of this the Princesse Alchidiana that cannot bee my Ambassadours tolde me that shee was married to the Prince Olorico By this time was she a litle recouered and séeing how he helde her in his armes thus spake Ah Syr Palmerin why doo you hinder the departure of miserable Alchidiana thinkeâ— oâ— shee can ende her life in better time and place then in this Countrey and betwéene his armes whome she loued as her life yet neuer receiued courtesie by him till this instant Ah my Lorde héere maist thou behold the foolish and indiscréete Alchidiana who for thée hath lost her Husband Olorico that loued her deerelye Knightes Ladies and inestimable treasure hath shee likewise lost all which she maketh no account off but of her beloued whom she shall neuer recouer But may it be Madame quoth the Emperour that you are indéed the Princesse Alchidiana Daughter to the Soldane of Babilon the flower of all the Ladies in Turkie The same am I â—saide shee who loued thee so vnmeasurably as the loyaltie of mariage â—eare of daungers of the Sea nor thy â—oo rigorous refusall both in my presence and by thy Messengers coulde not 〈◊〉 me from this shame onelie to see thy Court and the beautie of Polynarda And that at lengâ—h I might 〈◊〉 my desire I brought my Husbande with mee who I feare the cruell waters haue swalowed and as braue Ladies as 〈◊〉 were séene with riches that well might decorateâ—â—â— Empire By Heauen Madame quoth Palmerin if the Prince haue lost his life in this aduenture neuer will my heart be merrie againe Nowe sée I the vnspeakable loue you beare me which I haue in some part requiâ—ed toward your Olorico yet dismay not swéete Ladie nor feare his death before further tryall for by mine honour I sweare no sooner shall I come to Constantinople but I will cause his search presently to be followed not doubting but hée may be found againe And nowe faire Princesse tell what vertue or desert you sawe in mée that might value the least paine you haue endured committing your gracious personne to so manie doubtfull hazards of feares affrightes perturbations heatâ— and colde which your choyse nature could hardly brooke in trauell vnworthie were I the name of a man if nowe I shoulde not pittie you And I sweare to you by the liuing God that if your mishap sort to an euill ende neuer will I weare my Diademe longer Alas Madame if heeretofore I haue deluded you consider it was a Louers deceit that had bequeathed his heart to such a Ladie as loues you as if you were her Sister But haue you quoth shée among your amorous delights acquainted her with my vnséemely boldnesse what may she theen conceiue of me but as of a Girlâ— giuen to loose and lauish appetiâ—e The loue of wedlockâ— faire Princesse said Palmerin cannot make me disclose her preiudice that honoured me so much let it suffise you that for the fauour I obtained when you found me in lyke place she remaineth to recompence you with all possible kindnesse Let vs then depart hence toward Constantinople that you may be vsed as beseemeth your high calling Héere despised that I am quoth the Princesse had I entred into conceit of your former illusions neuer had I fallen into so great daunger but as for matters past either of your rygour or disdaine your present affabilitie compelles mée to forget set on then when you please and I will beare ye companie The Pilot the Marchants Wife and her Daughters on their knées desired the Emperour to excuse them in that they had not reuerenced his Maiestie as they ought Worldly honour I expect not sayde the Emperour come with mée that I may recompence your paines taken for â—his worthie Princesse So rode they on and as they issued forth of the Forrest their staied the Knights and Hunters attending the Emperours comming they all maruailing at the great courtesie hee vsed to the Ladie then his Maiâ—stie calling the Duke Eustace to him sayd Thou must presently with thy Companions goe Arme ye and trauaile to finde the Prince Olorico whom the tempestuous seas hath separated from his Ladie Who brought these heauie tydings to your highnesse sayd the Duke This Ladie who is his Wife quoth hée hauing myraculouslie escaped shipwracke by the meanes of this Mariner When they were come to the Pallace the Duke of Saxon came to holde the Emperours Horse while he alighted Ptolome sayde Palmerin know you no better your Mistresse Alchidiana you must now remember her passed fauours when shée redeemed you from base seruitude And that shall not I forget my Lorde quoth the Duke while I haue a day to liue but I cannot thinke that this Ladie is sheâ— It is euen shée without further question sayd the Emperour doo you and the Duke of Mecaena helpe her from her Horse and conduct her by into the Pallace while I in meane time goe to aduertise the Empresse Madame quoth Ptolome yet can I not be thorowlie resolued In sooth Ptolome said shée I am Alchidiana who to accomplish what thou and thy companions coulde not am come hither in this pouertie discouering my want of knowledge by an vnrecouerable losse except you my Lords take the greater pittie on me Thinke you Madame quoth Ptolome that my Lord Olorico is lost neuer feare it I beséech ye but thinke you shall finde as great fauour in this Court as if you were with the Soldane your Father Palmerin comming to the Empresse said Madame as I was hunting this day I found in our Forrest the Princesse Alchidiana of whom I haue so often tolde yeée shée béeing wife to the Prince Olorico that named himselfe my Dwarffes Brother when I was with you last at Gaunt I desire ye to intreate her as her calling deserueth because I am not a little beholding to her So taking her by the hand they came and met the Princesse and Palmerin taking her courteouslie in his armes deliuered her to the Empresse saying Faire Princesse you shall remaine with my Ladie till our knights haue found your Lord anâ— Husband God will requite your kindnesse to a distressed Ladie said Alchidiana although I feare for my offences his fortune will be much the woorse Madame quoth the Empresse so noble and debonaire is your Lord and Husband as no danger can any way preiudice his life but thinke him as safe as if he were héere present with you which doubtlesse will be right soone and in good time therefore let mee intreate you to bée of
sending for them to the Pallace where Promptaleon and Oudin staied their comming the Emperour himselfe thus began Now Promptaleon héere maist thou behold two yong Knights who speake the contrarie of that thou hast reported wilt thou yet maintaine that my daughter hath committed treason and hath béene disloyall to her Husband thy deceased Unckle I will my Lorde quoth he and sweare by my Baptisme for that cause she shal die the death and if anie dare vndertake the contrarye I am readie to prooue it by force of Armes I thinke it conuenient said Palmerin my Good Lord that no Combat should be graunted without the presence of the accused Immediatelie Florendos and Griana were sent for and being come before the Emperour Palmerin said to the Prince How saye you my Lorde doo you permit in maintenance of your right that I giue these false accusers such discipline as their wicked and treacherous dealings deserue I doo quoth the Prince and Heauen prosper thée in thine enterprise What saye you Madame quoth Frysoll to the Quéene doo you affoorde the like to me Shee aunswered as Florendos before had doone whereuppon Palmerin thus spake to the accusers We two Knights will maintaine that you both are Traitours and that by couetous and gréedie desire of rule and to enioy the Kingdome you woulde against all right disinherit the yong Princesse Armida for which cause you haue shamefullie accused the Quéene her Mother to haue committed murder and more then that charge her with disloyall lubricitie For if the Prince Florendos talked with her when the King founde him in her Chamber it was in no other sort then honor allowed and according to â—he dutie of honest loue wherein all Princes are bounde to their Ladies Beside if your King was slaine by the Prince if was in defence of his owne life and in repelling the iniurious spéeches he gaue him to approoue what I say wée present our gadges to the Emperour so please him to receiue them The like did the too Brethren desiring his highnesse to appoint the Combat presentlie in the wide and necessarie place before the Pallace For quoth they wée will teache these vaine-glorious Strangers the price of such iniurious spéeches spoken to those that know how to correct them I thinke quoth Palmerin thou shalt néede to teache thy selfe but if thou hast learned anie newe dexteritie practise it well thou art best for I can tell thée the time will require it The good Emperour Remicius commaunded silence and taking the gadges of these foure Knights bad them goe arme themselues saying hée woulde sée the ende thereof before he tooke any sustenaunce The Duke of Mensa and the Counte of Redona auncient Princes of Greece were appointed to bee Iudges of the Fielde who commaunded two hundred knights to Arme themselues for assurance of their owne persons Chap. XXXI Of the noble Combat in the Cittie of Constantinople by Palmerin and Frysoll against the two Nephewes of the deceased King of Hungaria whome they vanquished by which meane the Prince Florendos and Queene Griana were deliuered PRomptaleon and Oudin being departed the Hall Palmerin and Frisoll taking their leaue of Florendos and the Quéene whom the Emperour caused to be shut vppe in their prisons againe went to their lodgings to Arme themselues The Duke of Mecaena an honorable prince discended of yâ— most ancient race in al Greece with many other great Lords went after them and when they were Armed the Duke would néedes beare Palmerins Launce and the graund Squire attending on the Emperor caried Frysols In this maner came they to the place appointed for the Combat where the two Brethren were alreadie staying for them the eldest thus beginning in mockage Beléeue mée Knights for men that shewed themselues so hardie in a Hall mée thinks you haue béene very long Arming your selues I thinke you came on your footcloth Mules to the Fields entraunce for feare of felling to hurt your selues but soone shall ye be taught better horsemanshippe I warrant ye If there were in thée so much wisdome and exercise of Armes aunswered Frysoll as are high words and brauing behauiour it would bée a little better discerned then it is notwithstanding ere wee haue doone I thinke they that came first into the Fielde will tarrie last héere vnlesse some bodie for pittie carrie them out before Héerewith the Trompets sounded and the Heraldes commaunded the Champions to doo their deuoire which was the cause that these hotte words were chaunged into déedes and running fiercelie against eache other they encountred with such puissaunce as Palmerin cast Oudin foorth of his saddle with a verie great wound on his left side and Promptaleon was receiued by Frysoll so roughlie as he fell backwarde on the crupper of his Horse because hée was lothe his Brother should fall without companie The two Brethren enraged to bée thus foyled at the first came with their swords drawn to kill their aduersaries Horsses so that they were constrained quicklie to alight when they assayled each other with meruailous furie for either side expected victorie the one in hope of a kingdome the other to saue their Freends liues Strange was it so beholde this violent fight yet the two Brethren seemed vnable long to holde out for theyr Armor was so cut and mangled and themselues so driuen foorth of breath as hardly they coulde sustaine themselues so that Promptaleon desired Frysoll to rest a while who mooued with anger thus aunswered Nay Traytor now shall I teach thée how to defende thy selfe and not one minute will I graunt thee to trauerse with mée but will send thy soule to the Father of thy villaine vnlesse with spéede thou denie thy slaunder With these words he laid so many sounde strokes on him as at length hee fell downe deade at his féete which when Oudin perceiued hee threwe his Sworde at Palmerin and caught him fast about the middle thinking that way to get him downe but Palmerin striking away his féet caused him fal on his backe and without attending for his reuolt noblye stroke his head from his shoulders So comming to Frysol he asked if he were wounded No my Lord quoth he I thanke God the greatest wound I haue cannot with-holde me to doo you further seruice if so be you haue anie néede Then putting vp their Swords they demaunded of the Iudges if any thing else remained to be doone for deliueraunce of the prisoners Nothing worthy Lords answered the Iudges and them will the Emperour nowe deliuer with all possible spéede The good Remicius heartilie thanking God for his victorie sente a Knight to the Champions with request to come and lodge in his Pallace as also that they should presently come speake with his Maiestie yet could not the Messenger make such haste but they were come foorth of the Fielde the Duke of Mecaena and the Prince Olorico bearing them companie When the Knight had ouertaken them hée saide Returne woorthie Knightes to my Lord the Emperour for