many Persians he was gotten into the middest of the whole army where he found Sicanus incouraging his Souldiers and knowing him by the richnesse of his armour ran at him with such force that with a mighty blow hee beate him quite from his horse and had it not bin for the two brethren of Bruster who attended on him he had beene troden to death The blacke knight stil rushing amongst the thickest of the Persians came where Oristus was vnhorsed assailed grieuously who seeing him in that distresse laid on his blowes with such swift furie that happy was he that could get him farthest from him by which meanes Oristus recouered his horse Thus all the day the battell continued to the terrour of the Persians comfort of the Thessalians and honour of the blacke knight who behaued himselfe with such magnanimity that both the Persians and Thessalians admired his valor Like wise the quéene and Laurana who all this while beheld the battell could not otherwise iudge but the blacke Knight to be the most valiant Knight of the world Thus the day being spent the Thessalians sounded retreit which the Persians were glad of onely the black knight went away discontent for that he thought he had not yet sufficiently recompenced his kind loues fauours but secretly conueyed himselfe vnseene of any vnto the wood wherein was his Caue Where we leaue him to be entertained of the Outlawes and to be cured of his woundes by the virgin I spake of before Lord Remus and Oristus hauing retired their men into the City sought for the blacke Knight but could not finde him which made them maruell what should become of him whose behauiour had beene such as it made him knowne to all the whole Army but seeing themselues frustrated of seeing him they gaue order for such as were maimed and hauing viewed their whole troupes found but a thousand Thessalians missing and with great ioy went to the Pallace where they were ioyfully receiued by the Quéene and Laurana and relating the whole circumstance of their exploit their chiefest talke was of the worthy fortitude of the blacke knight Sicanus on the other side seeing himselfe so brused with the fall he receiued and also his Persians so weakned and such a multitude of them slaine departed towards the Campe on the plaines of Pharsalia beeing not able to lodge before the City walles by reason the ground was so wet with the blood of the Persians who lay vpon such heapes that had not the Thessalians the next day conueied their bodies into a deepe pitte the stench of them would haue annoyed the whole Cittie CHAP. XI How the King of Persia remoued his Campe from the place of Pharsalia and besieged the Citie of Thebes how Dionisius the King of Bohemia the Prince of Sparta and the King of Hungaria landed in Thessalie with a mightie army of souldiers And what afterwards befell to Parismus called the the blacke Knight and battell fought betwixt the Persians and Thessalians THe King of Persia séeing his sonne thus foyled and so sore hurt and such a number of Persians slaine and by so small a company of Thessalians his men beeng thrée to one was so inwardly vexed and inraged that hée gaue commandement to remoue all his force vnto the City which was so innumerable that within thrée or foure daies all the Citie was round begirt with souldiers The King of Persia himselfe lay vpon a hill hard by the Citie in a Tent most richly and rarely contriued and all the Tentes of his contributories round about him which made such a shew as though a whole multitude of nations had bene gathered together to destroy the whole earth which when the Thessalians beheld they coniectured that vnles God should raise some extraordinary succour to aide them it were impossible for them long to withstand this mightie force but yet some hope they had in the King of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta who were gone into their countries to prepare souldiers to aid the Quéen and Laurana and the time of their promised returne was almost â—…ome The King of Bohemia likewise hauing knowledge of the Persians being in Thessaly béeing vrged with hope to reuenge his sons death mustered vp all his forces and gathered out of them a mighty band of expert souldiers who were most desirous to deale with the Persians because of all nations they hated them most the one halfe marched vnder the conduct of Dionisius and the other fifty thousand he led himselfe and hauing all things in a readinesse within a short space they arriued on the coast of Thessalie Dionisius by his spies hauing knowledge where the Persian Campe lay conueyed his men secretly into the wood where Parismus Caue was and the King of Bohemia with his fiftie thousand marched ouer the Plaines of Pharsalia and incamped themselues neere vnto the Citie and hard by the Persians but soone the King of Persia had knowledge of the King of Bohemia The same day the Prince of Sparta had landed thrée score thousand men at Armes all vnder his owne conduct and encamped on the other side of the Persians The King of Hungaria likewise with fity thousand souldiers had pitched his Campe on the backe of the Persians so that they were inuironed round with Bohemians Hungarians and Spartans and before them the City Which much amazed the Persians but yet by reason of their multitudes they thought themselues secure Oliuia Laurana and the Thessalian Lords seeing such a multitude of Souldiers encamped so néere to the Persians thought them likewise to bee enemies and beeing much disquieted sent out a messenger to enquire the truth thereof who returning with ioy certified them that onely the blewe Tents were Persians the red Tents the Bohemians the white Tents the Spartans and the greene Tents the Hungarians forces Which newes so comforted the Quéene that shée could not tell how to containe herselfe from excéeding reioycing had not Dionisius béene wanting Laurana especially hearing that Parismus Father was come to defend her and reuenge his sonnes wrong whom all men thought to haue béene dead continually praised God and prayed for the preseruation of that worthy King and oftentimes her petitions procéeded from such kind vertue that together with the remembrance of his great kindnesse her Fathers losse and Parismus absence the Cristall teares ranne with abundance downe her Crimson chéekes like droppes of Pearle at last the Quéene called one of her Gentlemen to goe with a message of thankes vnto the Campes of her friendes but Oristus desired that hée might be the Messenger whom the Quéene well liked of who departed out of the Cittie vnto the King of Bohemia being his Lord and knéeling downe did his message from the Quéene the King knowing him and withall remembring that hée was the onely man whome Parismus most estéemed most kindely welcommed him with teares for griefe trickling downe his whitebeard and not able to speake one worde with extreame care for the death of his Sonne Oristus likewise
was so mooued to see his King so kinde that he could vse no words but sorrowfull sadnesse and hauing saluted the King of Hungaria and the King of Sparta returned vnto the Queene Dionisius had so secretly lodged his Troups in the woods that the Persians had no knowledge of his beeing there but would oftentimes disguise himselfe into the Palmers weedes and so behold the Cittie how it was incompassed with Souldiers which strooke such sorrowe to his heart to see his Countrey ready to be wasted his Subiectes in distresse his Queene and his faire Daughter ready to be surprised and taken by the Enemies and such a multitude of bloodie minded Persians vnto whome he neuer had done wrong readie to destroy all things that he could not refraine from exclaming against Fortune and his owne destines that had allotted him such mischaunce and hauing diligently viewed the Campe he espied the Tents of the HungariaÌ„ King and of the Prince of Sparta who had giuen him their faithfull promise to ayde him against the Persians and therefore he was some what comforted with their presence at last he espied Osiris comming towards the Cittie who had prepared in a readinesse twelue thousand Thessalian horsemen and had lodged them some twelue miles from the Cittie and knowing him to be a man of most rare curtesie he saide vnto him Worthy Knight might I be so bold as aske this one question wherefore such a multitude of souldiers haue begirt this cittie Osiris most curteously answered Father those with the blewe Tents are the Persians who without any iust quarrell are come to destroy this Countrey Those with the red Tents are vnder the King of Bohemia come in reuenge of his sonnes death against the Persians The gréene and white Tents are the King of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta who are come to aide the Thessalians Indéed we are but a handfull in respect of the Persians but the greatest hope we haue is in God and we are also much comforted by the aide of a black knight for so we call him for that hée is vnknowne whose valour is able to discomfort a multitude of Persians who haue already tasted of his inuincible force for first he slewe thrée of the stoutest Persians in thrée single combattes and at last he defended himselfe against a multitude of them that like cowardes came running vppon him but at last hée was ayded by Lord Remus and Oristus who seeing his person indaungered by so vnequall a companie issued out of the Cittie with their power but before they could come to him he had slaine fortie Persians at which time by the asistance of that worthy Knight there died of Persians almost fiftie thousand amongst the rest this blacke knight encountered Sicanus of Persia and at one blowe ouerthrew both horse and man that had he not bene taken vp he had then bene troden to death but this is our care that we knowe not what is become of him for hée priuily got himselfe from forth of the field Whilest Osiris was telling this newes vnto the Palmer diuers were gathered about him to heare his talke by which meanes the report of the blacke knight came to the knowledge of the King of Bohemia the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta so that all the whole multiude were desirous to sée that valiaunt Knight Dionisius hearing this newes was so comforted therewith that he went vnto his Souldiers sent a Messenger vnto the Bohemian King that hee would haue some conference with the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta to giue a suddaine onset on the Persians who were mightily inraged when they heard that the king of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta were come against them The Messenger returned answere that they were determined to giue the onset the next morning Parismus by this time had fully recouered his health therefore béeing still desirous to reuenge himselfe on Sicanus as also to be assured in what estate his beloued Laurana was thinking himselfe too slacke in performing his promised vowe armed himselfe in the blacke Armour and hasted towardes the Cittie where he was no sooner come but séeing such an alteration he was so perplexed to see such a multitude of enemies in compassing the person of his beloued that without any further aduise hée determined to assault the whole multitude and so die amongst his enemies At last calling to minde the former passed Loue betwixt him and Laurana hée thought it an vndutifull part to destroye himselfe whome shee so tenderly loued and taking to himselfe a more stayde resolution hée came into the Persians Campe and viewed the same next hée espyed the Gréene Tents and thither hee went and comming to one of the Souldiers demaunded whose Tent that was who answered him that it was the Kings of Hungaria and from thence hée went vnto the white Tents and asked of a souldier whose that was who told him that it was the Princes of Sparta at last hee espyed the Red Tents which he well knâ—…we to be his Fathers which caused an extreame feare in him least his Father should be also come against the Thessalians and comming thither hée met with one of his Fathers Knights of whoâ—…e he demaunded the cause of the comming of the Bohemian King into Thessalie The Knight presently thought that he was the Blacke knight of whom such generall commendation had béene giuen and therefore tolde him the whole cause of their comming and withall that the Hungarians and Spartans were on their side which newes so reuiued the blacke Knight that his ioy excéeded The Persians all this while viewed the behauiour of the blacke knight and likewise the knowledge of his comming was come to the hearing of the whole field which caused many thousaÌ„ds to forsake their tents to behold him which he no soner beheld â—…ut getting himselfe into the midst of the plaine which was betwixt the campes and wauing his speare aboue his crest challenged the Persians who beholding their terror come again to tormeÌ„t theÌ„ stood staring on one another at last one Brant a mightie strong knight belonging to the Bosphore of Thrace one of the contributories buckled on his Armour and mounting himselfe came out to méet the black knight who no sooner espied him but setting his spurs to his horse incountred the Persian with such fury that with the blow of his speare which hit him ful in the sight of his beuer shiuering into small péeces strooke into his brain wherwith he tumbled froÌ„ his horse dead which the Persians seeing none of theâ—… would come foorth at that time so that the black Knight departed greatly discontented that hée could make no further proofe of his valour leauing thousands praysing him some commending his person some his comelinesse some his curtesie all his powers and as he was going towards the caue he espied the troupe of souldiers that lay hidden in those woods which made him wonder greatly but wold not inquire of any because he knew
ranne at this rustick Knight who notwithstanding his outward showe encountred Guido so valiantly that had hee not beene an approued good Knight hee had measured his length on the ground which so vexed the Thracian that hee ranne the second time thinking then verily to ouerthrowe him but it fell out contrary to his expectation for hee coulde not with all hiâ—… power mooue this countrey Champion in his saddle but at the third course he was himselfe vnhorsed with such violence that both horse and man lay tumbling on the grounde Cuido hauing receiued this exceeding foyle in a great rage departed the fielde and none of the contrary party encountred this Knight but they were all foyled and ouerthrowne that at last there was none would runne against him any more which hée perceiuing lighted from his Horse and went vp the Scaffolde whereas the Bride sate and rudely offered to haue kissed her but thée courteously reprooued his boldnesse with that all began to laugh at his rude behauiour and soâ—…e beganne to thrust him backe at last hée discouered himselfe and 〈◊〉 knowing him woondred to sée him armed Thus the whole honour of the triumph redouned to Parismus as most worthie of the same whose behauiour was so highly commended that all men much applanded this his last deuise and Guido knowing him was not greatly discontented to be foyled by so worthy a Knight By this time the nightes blacke mantell began to ouerspread the whole earth that Dionisius with the rest of the Kings conducting Laurana in triumphant manner hasted to the Pallace where after supper was ended they continued a good parte of the night in Dauncing and other Courtly pastimes their entertainment being so honourable that they admired the exceeding Royaltie of Dionisius Court where they afterwardes continued many dayes spending the time of many Martiall exercises CHAP. XVII Howe Parismus rewarded the Outlawes that preserued his life Howe Pollipus was in loue with Violetta and how Violetta forsooke her Fathers house in the disguise of a page and was entertained of Parismus of the care Pollipus tooke for her absence LOng time the Out-lawes continued in great pensiuenesse for the want of theyr Captaine much maruelling what should be become of him and the other two that went with him but at the last they were eased of that care for Parismus remembring the benefite hee hadde receiued by their meanes desired Dionisius to remitte their offenâ—…s who willingly graunted his request and therefore Parismus sent for them who hauing knowledge that he was the man whom they had preserued willingly came and at his handes receyued their pardon with large and bountifull rewardes The Damosell likewise came amongst them whom Parismus caused to be worthily vsed reporting very honourably of her vertues The Emperours and Kings of Persia and Natolia being present at the comming of these Outlawes greatly praised Parismus for the honourable care hee hadde of these poore people Amongst the number of Knights there assembled the Father of the Damosell chanced to be present who very diligently beheld his Daughter but knew her not for that shee was mighty allered but at last hearing Dionisius make recitall of her tragedy and how that Osiris was hurt in her resuâ—…s by circumstance comparing the time of her departure with the same knewe her to bee his owne Daughter and in the presence of them all with wéeping eies for ioy embraced her and shee with great delight was glad of his presence Parismus euer after vsed her father most kindely and much estéemed her fâ—…r that she had taken great paines to cure his woundes During the time of Parismus aboade in the Countrey of Thessaly after that the two Emperours of Constantinople and Greece were departed with the rest of the Knights that came to the selemnization of the Wedding and likewise the King of Persia and the rest of the famous Potentates on his party had solemnely taken their leaue Pollipus excepted the chiefe Gouernours of the City of Thebes inuited their King and Quéene the King of Bohemia the two new married Princes the Prince of Sparta and the king of Hungaria and his Quéene the Lady Isabella Lord Remus Pollipus and many other Knights vnto a selemene feast which they prepared in their great Hal called the Counselhouse whose gentle courtesie was kindely accepted and at the appointed day they all went thither in great Royaltie where they were so heartilie welcommed and so honourablie entertained by the Citizens as it were a tedious toyâ—…e to rehearse Such Pageants such delightfull shewessuch Musicke and such generall triumphing and reioycing such giftes and Commendations giuen to the two yoong Princes as the like was neuer presented to any Prince by his subiects before in those Regions Amongst the rest of the Citizenst he father of Violetta the Damosel whome Parismus had kindelie receyued as before is mentioned was one of the chiefest that had ordayned this banket with whome likewise was his daughter whom assoone as Parismus espied a ruddie blushe beganne to ouerspread his chéekes being touched with the remembrance of the iniurie hée hadde done her The Damosell Violetta behaued her selfe with such modesty in this Princely assemblie that she was generally nored and wel liked of al. Insomuch that Laurana hauing precisely viewed her comelinesse began greatly to commende her vnto the Quéene her Mother who espying occasion called Violetta vnto her demaunding of her whose daughter she was who humbly reuerencing her selfe vpon her knées answered that she was the daughter of Signior Andrugio a Citizen Whilest she kneeled before the Queene Pollipus tooke such view of her perfections that hee was sodainly stroken with Cupids fiery dart of Loue and beganne vehemently to affect her beauty and person that his heart was entangled in the intricate Labyrinth of her perfections but seing her depart he thought therewithall his vital spirits had begunne to decay and with a heauie sigh he breathed out his longing desire to be acquainted with her Parismus likewise stood in a studie 〈◊〉 how he might make some amends to Violetta and therefore séeing her talke with the Quéene and Lauarana hée came vnto them and asked what Damosell that was that talked with them My Lord quoth Laurana it is a Marchants Daughter whose behauiour so well pleaseth mee that I coulde wish her to spende her time in some honourable place to her preferment Quoth he if your lease I will speake to her Father that shee might attend your selfe wherewith he came to Pollipus who stood like one with a flea in his eare and desired him to enquire which was the Father of that Damsell and that he would request him to come to speake with him Pollipus being glad of such an opportunitâ—… soone found out Violetta and greeting her with a kind kisse told her that he was sent by the Prince Parismus to intreate her Father to come and speake with him Shee told him that her Father was hard by and that she would presently let him vnderstand his pleasure
Thrace and how by the way he ariued in Libia and from thence came to Brandamors Castle AFter that the knight of Fame had wonne the chiefe honour of the triumph in the Court of the king of Thrace and had giuen away the Kings daughter to Remulus with her Fathers consent therto and the solemnization of the wedding past and performed with great royalty the king calling to minde the valour of the knight of Fame and how prodigally he gaue Phylena to another whose beauty might haue satisfied a mighty Potentates liking and withall how little he regarded his heire by which meanes afterwards hee might haue come to the highest type of dignity and to the high honour to bee King and Quéen of so mighty a nation wondred what might moue him to refuse those offers sometimes thinking it proceeded from want of wisdome then againe he supposed a Knight endued with such bountiful and rare gifts of prowesse could not chuse but likewise enioy sufficient wisdome to consider the valew of such gifts And entring into a further consideration thereof he began to coniecture that he was sprung of some great personage which might be the cause thereof and for that hee was vnknowne he thought that to be the very truth Then againe he called to remembrance what Amasenus had told him about his comming into that country that he was by these thoughts grown into such a desire to be satisfied therin that he sent for the Knight of Fame and in the presence of the Queen Amasenus Remulus Phylena and al the assembly of gallant knights that came to the triumph he said as followeth Worthy knight whom I so much affect that if it in my power lye to doe you any more honour then I haue heretofore proffered I would willingly do it for you valour deserueth euerlasting commendations I haue offered you my Daughter in marriage and withall intended to haue adopted you my Sonne and heire both which you haue refused yeelding your interest in my daughter to Remulus and therewith left the inheritage I adioyned to her marriage which were both worthy of regard for that such gifts are seldome giuen which maketh me send for you desiring to be satisfied for your comming in the one and also to knowe of whence and what you are if I can without offence to you obtaine the same The Knight of Fame made this reply Most high and mighty King I will vnfold the truth of all to satisfie your demand I confesse your Maiestie did so much honour me as my life shall bee alwaies ready at your command in quitall of the same and your Princely gifts are of such estimation as I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy to possesse them but that they might haue beene bestowed of the greatest Potentate in the world which I neither refused nor lightly esteemed but alwaies regarded as of precious and inestimable valew not drawne thereto by any want of consideration of their worthinesse but for the honourable respect I beare to loyalty For should I haue presumed to haue wed your Princely daughter I should haue done her great iniurie and thereby parted the vnited hearts of true and loial friends For pleaseth your Maiesty at the first I intended with a ioyfull heart to haue claymed my interest in that sweet Princesse loue but I was commanded the contrary by an vndoubted meane which if it so please you I will in priuate vnfold as also perceiuing the true friendship betwixt her and that noble knight Remulus past with consent of both their harts I should haue esteemed it either in my selfe or in any other an acte of great dishonour and impietie to part those firmed bands of friendship which if I had dissolued might haue turned their sweet intent into discontented miserie neither could I so rudelie presume to challenge interest in so sweet a Ladies loue without desert which is not attained by armes but by loyaltie which was the cause that I yeelded my interest vnto him that had taken possession in her gentle heart before my comming and for my birth I know not my Parents but the truth of all that is manifest to me the noble Duke Amasenus hath made you priuie vnto The King hearing his answer greatlie commended his honourable minde saying Thou worthy knight if there bee any meanes left wherein I may pleasure you doe but aske and you shall assuredly obtaine whatsoeuer it bée for which kinde and kingly proffer the knight of Fame with all humanitie gaue him thankes Whilest they were in this Communication there suddenly entred into the Hall foure Knightes in mourning Attyre carrying on theyr shoulders a Coffin couered with blacke by theyr countenances pretending the discouerie of some tragicall euent The King of Thrace seeing this sadde Spectacle greatly maruelled of whence they should bee and what heauie Newes they hadde brought And they being come to the place where the King was setting downe their Hearse spake as followeth Most High and Mightie King of Thrace Wee are Knightes belonging to the King of Lybia Who kindely gréeteth your Maiestie by vs requesting you to take no offence at our rude Message the occasion whereof is this It is not vnknowne that the King our Lorde hath but one onely Daughter named Venola Who on a day riding foorth on Hunting being by a Tempest seuered from her Traine beeing accompanied by many Knights amongst whome was Tyrides a Knight of Thrace vnto whose custodie the King committed her and was vnawares surprized by the Gyant Brandamor that dwelleth in a Castle in the Forrest of Arde and by him by violence carryed away Whome the Noble knight Tyrides pursued but the Gyant too mightie a Foe for him to cope withall slue him and so conueyed the Princesse into his Castle Whose corps wee haue according to our Kings commaund brought hether Amasenus hearing this sadde report ranne vnto the dead bodie of his Sonne breathing foorth such Lamentations that it would haue made the very Rockes to haue rent at his sorrowes Whom the king comforted by all possible meanes hee could but griefe for his Sonnes vntimely death ouer-whelmed and opprest his heart with such Passions of desperate care that hee fell into an extreame Sicknesse which his olde-Age not being able to out-weare within fewe dayes after ended his life Amasenus death who was generally beloued turned their myrth into sorrowe and theyr Ioy into sadde preparation for mournfull Funeralls for the two dead Knightes Which was afterwardes performed in most stately manner The Knight of Fame séeing his déerest Friende Amasenus dead hearing of Venolaes Imprisonment resolued in requitall of some parte of Amasenus his Friendship to reuenge Tyrides death on the Gyant besides his minde was affected with such a desire to sée the Ladie Venola that giuing no respite to delay hee presently after the right of Amasenus Funeralls was performed made his intent knowne to the King and with all Reuerence tooke his leaue of him Likewise diuers that came to the triumph and still remained
his knowledge was not to be séene that by constrained mirth hée past away the time in such Banquetting and other pastime as the King entertained him withal which were such as he much wondred at And night being come with all statelinesse that might be hée was by them conducted to his Lodging which was most sumptuously adorned with most precious and rich hangings that the place séemed a new Paradice for there wanted nothing that might either delight the eare or eye Lodgings for his Noblemen Knights and seruants were placed in such manner that they séemed by their scituation to be gardiants to their Lords person hauing then taken his leaue of the King and Quéene he betooke himselfe to his rest CHAP. II. How Parismus hauing soiourned some dayes in the Thessalian Court being frustrated of seeing the Princesse Laurana imparted his mind to Oristus one of his Knights by whose meanes afterwards he came to to a fight of her And what befell afterwards AFter Parismus was come to his Chamber hee called to him Oristus the onely man whome he trusted and asked him how hée liked the Court of Dionisius My Lord quoth hée the small continuance I haue had therein might be suficient to excuse me from sensuring thereof but to satisfie your demaund I doe estéeme and thinke of it as a most renowned and Honorable place But said Parismus what if thy Lord shal here purchase that which shal be worse theÌ„ death vnto him vnlesse hee haue remedie what wouldest thou then thinke I would my Lord said he speake my opinion if I knewe whence the originall of that euill should procéede From my selfe said Parismus for thus it is Thou I am sure hast heard of the renowned Lauarana and of the Hnoourable report that is spred of her Beautie and vertues which driueth me into manifolde thoughts because I cannot beholde that beautie therefore I impart my minde to thee as to the onely man I trust that vnlesse I can by thy meanes haue some hope of comfort I will both curse the houre of my Natiuitie and remaine hereafter in continuall griefe therefore counsell mee what I were best to doe herein My Lord saide Oristus since it pleaseth your Highnesse so much to fauour me as to chuse mee to be your ayde herein I wil most faithfully speedily do to my vttermost to accomplish your desire I pray thée then doo it said Parismus with all speeds for my restlesse passions require counsaile I haue said Oristus some acquaintance with Lord Remus who is greatly fauoured of the King continually Resident in the Court and well beloued of all by whose meanes I do not doubt but both to haue some certain knowledge of the Princes as also soone to bring you to her speech according as you haue put me in trust so I will vse all the meanes I can to purchase your content Much part of the night being past Parismus betooke himselfe to his rest and Oristus to his lodging In the morning Dionisius being early vp vsed his accustomed maner to visit his guests and coÌ„ming to Parismus Chamber he found him not there but walking in a gallery thereto adioyning and saluting him said Noble Prince if you are not weary of your late iourney I would request your company to goe â—…n hunting this day for that I haue appointed to maetâ—… a noble friend of mine at the Forrest of redde Déere for so it was called for the abundance of those beasts that the Country breedeth where you shall sée what pastims the Houndes can make Which Parismus kindly accepted Oristus he staied behinde to the ende to brng his purpose to effect and walking into the Gardein he chaunced according to his desire to méete with Lord Remus who hauing saluted him said he was glad to finde him at leisure to haue some conference with him about their acquaintance so that walking into a solitary Arbour talking of diuers matters it chaunced the Princes Laurana thinking to recreate her selfe in the Gardein for that she thought all the Nobles had bene gone with the King her Father on hunting to come accompanied with her mayden Leda vnto the solitary place where Lord Remus and Oristus were then talking espying Lord Remus who she presenly knew My Lord quoth she I had thought you had bene on huÌ„ting this day but I see your mind is busied with some other excercises Most noble Princes quoth he if I had goÌ„e on hunting I shuld haue left this honorable Lord without company so that I thought if my dutie to kéepe him from better studies with my homely talke so thée kindly saluting them told Oristus he was welcome to her fathers court and therewith departed Quoth Oristus My Lord is this the Princes Laurana of whome I haue heard such rare commendations in Bohemia it is said hée the very same and the most vertuous and courteous Lady that liueth this day who very seldome commeth abroad but continually giueth her mind to practise excellent qualities amongst other vertuous Ladies During this there talke they had walked about the Place to the end that Oristus might behold the statelynesse thereof who hauing séene all things and knowing which was Lauranas lodging was in some measure comforted by that knowledge Thus the day being spent and the King returned from hunting Parismus came to Oristus and required of him if hée had heard of Laurana and what comfort there was for him My Lord quoth he I haue beheld her and heard her heauenly voyce which is able to astonish any man with her exceeding beautie relating vnto him all the conference hée had with the Lord Remus which did greatly reioyce him to heare and so betooke himselfe to his rest where he spent the most part of the night in meditating how to come to talke or haue a sight of her Uery early the next morning taking a booke in his hand hée went into the Garden that was vnder Lauranas Chamber window where hauing walked a while hee spied her looking out that hée stood as one halfe amazed to behold her wonderfull beautie for though hée had neuer séene her before yet his fancie perswaded him it was shee which perceiuing slipping backe called Leda vnder her asking herif shee knewe the Knight that walked vnder her windowe who certified her it was the Prince of Bohemia whereat Laurana blusht so excéedingly that her heart séemed to leape within her then secretly looking out she diligently beheld him taking such general view of his comelinesse that presently her fancie began to commend his person féeling in her selte a kinde of delight to behold him but Parismus séeing her gone began to reprous himselfe of â—…olly that by his rashnesse had depriued himselfe of her sight By that time he had walked there a short space Oristus came to tell him that the King expected his comming into the grâ—…t Chamber which caused him to depart giuing a sadde looke to the window as very vnwilling to leaue the sight therof recounting to Oristus how
fortunately hee had beheld Laurana By this time they were come to the King who saluting Parismus desired his company to goe visit Osiris at their comming they found him very chéerfull which reioyced Dionisius to see and comming to him tolde him that hée with the young Prince of Bohemia was come to visit him and to be assured of the accasion of his hurt I yéeld my humble thankes said Osiris to your highnesse and to that noble Prince for the care you haue of my welfare being sorie that by my misaduenture you haue bene all disquieted But to satisfie your highnesse herein thus it was The same day that your excellency â—…ounde me so wounded I being vp somewhat earely walking at the nether ende of my Orchard espied an armed Knight haling pulling a beautiful yong maiden in most rude and discurteous maner and notwithstanding the manifold intreaties she vsed would not leaue his crueltie but vsed these spéeches vnto her Content thy selfe to be thus vsed at my hands and take it for a fauour that I vse thée not worse for the iniury thy brother hath done me will I reuenge on thée Why said she it was not my offence nor procured by my knowledge he is a knight beareth armes reuenge your selfe on him and do not attempt to dishonor me that am a maiden but rather take my life that thereby I may be rid from the shame you intend to my honor Nay proud damzel quoth he if thou thinkest the vsage I intend a shame I wil the rather doe it to vexe thée I listned so long as I could to heare their talke and marking which way they tooke I went in and with all spéed I could armed my selfe and followed after them but could not ouertake them before they were gotten in the wood where by the cry of the damzell I found him ready to accomplish his villany threatning most gréeuously to torment her if shée did not yeelde vnto him Traytor said I what moueth thée to vse this Lady thus discurteously â—…t ill beséemeth a gentleman and a knight as thou seemest to bee to vse such rygor to a distressed virgin Sir begone said he againe or I will quickly send thée against thy will and then tell thee my reason Wherewith the maydeÌ„ desired me I would pittie her estate telling me that she was daughter vnto a knight belonging to the King of Salmetia and was by this knight violently taken sorth of her fathers garden none being by to aide her and brought vnto that poore estate by the crueltie of that wicked homycide who ment to dishonor her desiring me if I were a knight and not â—…ent to be inhumane that I would release her from his tyrannie Wherwithall his mind being puft with villany he ran vpon me and Idefended my selfe we had not continued long but there issued forth of the wood two other in armor being as it séemed of the firsts acquaintance and violently running vpon me not speaking one word left me in that estate you found me but when the two last came forth the mayden fled away and whether they found her againe or no I knowe not This my soueraigne is the true occasion of my mischance Parismus all this while stood very sadly musing hauing his minde more busied on his Loue then to listen to Osiris spéech being far inthralled to the beauty of Laurana on whom hée placed all his felicitie till that Dionisius wakened him from his dumps wich this spéech My Lord said he how was it possible that these men should escape our hands we comming so néere and besetting the wood presently vpon the noyse and I maruel how the damâ—…zell could escape vnséen we hauing so néerely searched the wood throughout My Lord quoth hée either they haue some priuie Caue wherein they conuey themselues or I cannot thinke how they should so secretly depart not knowing that there was any at hand so rescue Osiris Thus hauing conferred and euery ones censure diuersly giuen Dionisius said My heart earnestly desireth to know how this is come to passe and to find that poore distressed mayden CHAP. III. How Sicanus son to the king of Persia the king and Queene of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and the Lady Isabella arriued at Dionisius Court and how Parismus in a maske accoâ—…panied by Lord Remus and diuers other knights of Thessalia courted the Princesse Laurana and how she became enamoured of him WHen Dionisius and Parismus had visited Oristus and returned to the Court they heard the sound of most swéete according Musicke which maide Dionisius woonder but it was soone certified him that there was come to his Court diuerse Ladies of great account from forth of Hungaria and Sparta in great mirth and royaltie whom the Quéene had entertained not knowing what they were because they concealed themselues and that there were diuerse knights hunting in the Forrest of red Déere and intended that night to come to the Pallace which made Dionisius both admire what these newe come guests should bée and studie how to entertaine them on such a suddaine Therefore leauing Parismus to bee accompaned with others of his nobles hée gaue order for the entertaining that company of straungers When Parismus was alone he got himselfe to his Chamber and began to think that now there was such a companie of states that concealed themselues coÌ„ming to the court hée being so infortunate as not yet hauing made knowne his loue to Laurana some of them might become his riuall and make first sute vnto her and so be first accepted and hée disappointed of his chiefest felicitie therefore hée determined that euening to vse all possible meanes hée might to make knowne his affection hauing spent most part of the afternoone in these and such like mâ—…ditations hée was certified by Oristus thâ—… straunge knights were come to the Court and tâ—…t â—…ée knewe them to be Antenor the young King of Hungaria and the young Quéene the kings sonne of Sparâ—…a named Turnus and one young knight that concealed himselfe who séemed to be the greatest personage in the company and that the Ladies that came before â—…ere the Quéene of Hungaria Ladie Isabella sister to the Prince of Sparta and with them diuerse Ladies of account which made Parismus muse what that vnknowne knight should bée and began to bée iealous of that which as yet hée had no likelihood himselfe to obtaine Being thus troubled in minde hée resolued that night by a maske to honour Dionisius his guests thereby to winne occasion if it might possible be to court his mistâ—…esse Therefore hée willed Oristus to make some of the young Nobles of the Court acquainted with his intent and so to certifie Dionisius that hée was scarce well and desired to kéepe his Chamber which when Dionisius heard hée desired Oliuia to sée that he wanted nothing for hée was the onely guest hée estéemed The Quéene comming to Parismus Chamber to visit him founde him very busie with the other knights about their maske who
theÌ„ to be his subiects by their â—…lags so priuily getting into the caue he declared to the outlawes what a multitude of souldiers were come into the country Whilest he was in this discourse one of the outlawes came in and beganne to tell that there was an host of men in the wood and withall affirming that Dionisius the King was amongst them which hée prouoked by so many likelyhoods that Parismus could not choose but beleeue him being now strooken with such an inward ioy that hee shewed himselfe so pleasant and merrie that the Outlawes wondred at this sodain alteration hauing neue before in al the time of his being amongst them séen him mery Uery early the next morning the Bohemians Hungarians and Spartans by the sounâ—…e of a drumme which they heard within the citie had knowledge that all were in readines therefore they marched all at once to the Persians being halfe a mile asunder vpon a goodly plain where they were no sooner met with their armies but there began the cruellest fight that euer was séene but all their force did nothing preuaile against the Persians though they assailed them in thrée seuerall places who kept themselues so strongly together being fiue to one that the Bohemians Spartans and Hungarians had the worst By this time the Thessalians were issued out of â—…e Cittie and so furiously inuaded the Persians that thousandes of ghosts were sent to Elisâ—…um the fight continued for the space of two houres in all which time neyther partie had aduantage of other but still the Persians kept with a head that the aduerse partie could not breake their ranks Also by this time Dionisius was come néere the battell which when the Persians saw they could not tel what to thinke likewise the Thessalians wondred at the Hungariaias Spartans also fearing lest they had bin Persians at last Dionisius being in his youth a most braue gallant souâ—…dier setting spures to his horse ran furiously against a Persian knight and with his Launce strooke him through the body wherewith his forces ioyned with the Bohemians which some what discomforted the Persians when began such shiuering of Lances clattering of armour sounding of Trumpets noyse of Druâ—…es neighing of horses that all the Citie was filled with the noyse thereof Wherewith Oliuia Laurana and the rest of the Thessalian Ladies were come to the top of a tower to behold them at which very inâ—…aÌ„t they espied the blacke knâ—…t comming with all spéede towards the Campe who hearing the noyce of the battell was come to satiaâ—…e himselfe with the blood of the Persians rushing in amongest the thickest The first that hée mette hée ranne quite through the body anothers head cut off that the Persians began to throng about him by multitudes whose ininuinâ—…ble force they were not able to withstande for hée laide such blowes vpon them that he that was next him or within compasse of his sworde oyed The newes of his comming was soone knowne which so encouraged those on the Thessalians partie that euery one was resolutely determined to dye or conquer The blacke knight hauing continued an houre and more in this cruell fight hauing slaughtered many of the Persians waued his sworde aboue his head which the Thessalian horsemen perceiuing made a head after him and by his valour disranckt the Persians and was gotten into the midst of the Persian battaile and with him the King of Hungaria Oristus and the Prince of Sparta whome hée very well knewe where thousands of the Persians dyed by the vnconquerable force of these worthy knights At last they foure encountred with foure of the contriburaties two of them being the brethren of Bruster two of the valientst knights that euer were in Persia exceeding the ordinary stature of men the one named Brandor the other named Ramon The blacke knight encountred Brandor the King of Hungaria encountred Ramon and the Prince of Sparta and Oristus the other two betweene whom began such a cruell battell that the earth was all stained with the blood that issued from them In this cruell maner they continued by the space of halfe an houre wherewith the blacke knight was so inraged seeing himseffe resisted by one Persian that all his sences were turned into fury that taking his sworde in both his hands he strooke such a blow at Brandor that with the force thereof his swordebrast and the lesser ende thereoâ—… in the rebound strooke his horse that hee fell downe vnder him and Brandor fell downe from his horse as one dead which the blacke knight eâ—…ing snatched his sword from him and mounted Brandors horse and girding his spurs into his sides ran at Ramon with such furie that had hee not auoyded his blow he had spilt him in péeces and so he left him The prince of Sparta the king of Hungaria and Oristus still keeping together Thrise afterwardes did the blacke knight rescue Dionisius from the Persians and thrise did hee mount his father hauing his horse slaine vnder him such noble acts and valiant exploits did hee there performe that my dulled penne is not able to expresse the same that the Persians lay slaughtered vpon heapes and the earth was died into red with their bloud When it grew towards night Osiris came in with his twenty thousand horses which fresh supply made such a slaughter amongst the Persians that they were constrained to vse all their skill how to defend and not to offend which gaue such encouragement to the Thessalian party that they seemed no more discomforted then at the beginning The blacke Kinght all this while ranged vp and downe amongst the Persians being driuen hither and thither with the throng of the Souldiers at last he came vnto the place where the Persian king was who ranne at the blacke knight with his Speare and burst the same but the blacke knight would not strike at him but bowed his body in reuerence of him which made him wonder also he mette with Sicanus with whom he could not meete before and beeing glad he had gotten a sight of him he determined now either to end his life or die himselfe in pursuit thereof therefore brandishing his Sword he stroke at Sicanus with such fury that he made the fire start out of his eyes Sicanus likewise gaue such a violent thrust at the blacke knight that lighting neere the buckle of his Armour it pearced into his side wherewith the blacke Knight being closed with Sicanus caught hold of his Beuer with his left hand and with the pummell of his Sword stroke him so violently that the buckles brast and his Beuer and Helmet fell from his head and the blow hauing passage by the weakenesse of his Armour brused his face that he fell from his horse and had not Brander and Ramon beene by with other of the Contributaâ—…ies he had the second time dyed by the blacke Knights handes which so inraged the blacke Knight that like a madde man hee furiously â—…lung vp and downe slaughtering infinite numbers
I thought these thrée dayes sithence I saw you to be longer then thrée yeares by which spéeches she perceiued that another had ouerheard their appointment and by that meanes deceiued her which made her growe so much in loathing of her present suter that euer after shee shunned his companie and â—…ent her mind wholly to meditate how to knowe him that had trapt her loue vowing neuer to loue any but him and resoluing neuer to enioy any quiet vntill she had knowledge what hee was Parismus was no sooner come forth of the Marchants doores reioycing at his last pleasant banquet but presently hee hasted to his Caue where he found the Out-lawes sadly respecting his returne of whom being kindly welcomed he betooke himselfe to his rest and the contented meditations of the Marchants daughter had not the remembrance of Lauranas Uertues somewhat restrained his affection hée had fallen to a loose and dissolute conceit But calling to minde her perfections and his vnconstant Acte he tormented himselfe with griefe that hee had doone her that wrong but yet it troubled his minde the lesse because hee knewe it was not reuealed to any but to himselfe onely and likewise somewhat it vrged his minde of ingratitude if he should altogether forsake Violetta froÌ„ whom he had taken the best Iewell she had in which diuersitie of thoughts he spent that mornings repose The king of Persia calling his contributaries altogether by the aduise of all concluded to send into Persia for more Forces as also to request diuers of his alliance to aide him in reuenge of such iniurious wrongs as he alledged he his sonne Sicanus had sustained at Adonius hands This message being so secetly dispatches that the The ssalians had no knowledge thereof by which meanes they coÌ„tinued in great security and ioy for the great victorie they with the aide of the blacke knight had made against the Persians yea so secure would they haue beene had not the remembrance of Parismus death somewhat calmed their exceeding ioy that the Persians might many times haue surprised them but the blacke Knight was still such a lette vnto them that their enemies could attempt nothing but he would discouer it by which meanes the Thessalians had knowledge thereof Many daies continued the Persians before the walles of Thebes neuer giuing any assault nor once comming foorth of their Trenches which caused the Thessalians to count them halfe vanquished During which time Parismus knowne by the name of the blacke knight did fight many braue combats with the Persians by which meanes the Court of Dionisius was filled with the resounding ecchoes of excéeding praises made in commendation of his prowes and vnconquered chiualry but most of all they wondred at his strangenesse to bee knowne and the rather for that none could learne where hee made his abode knowing that it could not bee farre from the Citie The Persian messenger made such expedition in performing his message that in short space there were gathered together of sundrie nations another mighty Army first came the king of Natolia being nearely allied to the Persian with a great army of Natolians the King of Libia with thirty thousand Libians and the King of Licia with forty thousand men at armes and of Phrigia twenty thousand and to repaire the decayed campe of the King of Persia came fifty thousand This last Armie soone landed in Thessaly and pitched their Tents on the plaine of Pharsalia of whose approach both the Persians and Thessalians had knowledge to the comfort of the one and to the discomfort and terror of the other by meanes whereof the Thessalians being before in mirth beganne to waxe carefull of their estate and therefore sent twenty thousand horsemen well armed out of the Citie to this ende that at al times they might succour them with a fresh supplie for that they knewe they should néede all the helpe they could possible make who béeing abroade soone tooke order that the Persians in their Roades could scarcely finde any cattell or other viâ—…tualls These newe Forces béeing all ioyned together with the Persians besette the Citie anewe with double Trenches and Fortifications round about so that there could none passe in or out which caused Dionisius and the Bohemian King hauing made suruey of their store to consider that there was not prouision enough within the Citie for such a number of Souldiers for one moneth making account that it was the onely course either vallantly to driue backe the enemie or ignominiously to abide their mercy and therfore determined the next day to issue out vppon them which they in pollicie did not with hope to vanquish such an Armie but to lette the Persians knowe that they were not discouraged with their huge multitudes which purpose of theyrs was thus furthered by the blacke Knight who early on the next morning hadde buckled on his Armour and was come before the Tentes of the Persians and espying such a huge and mightie multitude of newe come Souldiours that alreadie hadde vnited their Forces with the Persians and by enquyrie hée soone learned who they were and therefore resolued to vse his woonted manner of challenge which when the Persian King beheld hée made relation thereof vnto the King of Natolia and also what valiant actes the Blacke knight had doone entering so farre in commendation of him that the King of Lycia standing by being of a haughtie and proude disposition beganne to disdaine to heare him so highly commended thinking himselfe able to conquere and ouercome any for hée was estéemed to be one of the beâ—… Knightes in the Worlde which made him replie vnto the king of Persia in this sort that hée would soone prooue that there was no Knight in Thessaly able to combatte the King of Licia therefore aâ—…ming himselfe hée went forth to meete the blacke knight who no sooner 〈◊〉 him but hee set spurres to his horse and ran at him with such force that he ouerthrew both horse and man to the ground the King of Licia séeing himselfe thus foyled soone got vp and drewe his sworde but the blacke knight disdaining to cope any further with him whom hee had already conquered turned his horse and rode from him which so vexed the King of Licia being enraged to see his owne shame and with anguish of the bruisâ—… hee receiued in the fall that he would haue murthered himselfe but that his knights hindered him CHAP. XIII How Parismus met with Pollipus of Phrygia and knowing the deuise in is Armour refused to combate with him and how a peace with certaine conditions was concluded betwixt the kings of Persia and Thessalie PArismus beeing readie for the next encounter there was in the Tente of Phrigia two knights estéemed the onely men in the world for valour one whereof had before time serued the Persian king in his warres against Bohemia whose name was Pollipus the other named Zoylus whose match or equall in armes he had neuer met withall beeing withall so vnmercifull and
tyrannous that by his trechery in fight he had subdued many thousand knights in his trauels This Pollipus was desirous to trie his force against the Blacke knight and soone mounted himselfe being a most gallant proportioned and comely knight The blacke knight being still ready for any incounter met Polipus with such force that both their staues were shiuered in peeces the blacke knight not once moouing in Saddle but Pollipus with the focre of his blâ—…w lost one of his stirrops The blacke knight not once moouing in his saddle but Polippus with the force of the blow lost one of his stirrops the blacke Knight hauing drawne his sword ready to combat Pollipus espied vpon his Armour the deuise of three Falcons and suddainly put vp his sword againe which when Pollipus perceiuing he maruelled thereâ—…t and asked him the combate the black knight said pardon me worthy sir for I am bound not to combat any that weareth that Armor and without any more words departed Polippus wondring thereat at last remembred that when he was with the Persian king besieging Bohomia he made a couenant with Parismus neuer to combat any that had the deuise of the branch of roses vpon his armour which was Parismus armor Parismus likewise promised him the like therfore he thought that the blacke knight was either Parismus himselfe or some knight whom Parismus had bound by the like oath The occasion of which vow passed betwixt Parismus and Pollipus was growne through the excéeding loue and kindnes that had passed betwixt them from their youth being brought vp together in the vniuersity Wherefore Pollippus studying what he might be and reioycing that hee had so worthy a knight to his friend rode backe to the Persians tent who stood gazing to sée euent of this Combat but maruelled that they parted so friendly Pollipus beeing returned told the Kings of Persia and Natolia that hee refused the combat the reason was as hee thought the blacke Knight knewe him otherwise hee knewe not what might be the cause Adonius the King of Bohemia Oliuia Laurana and the rest all this while wondred at the blacke Knights behauiour but most of all to sée him part so friendly with the Phrigian Knight Whilest they were in this admiration they beheld the most valiant Zoylus ready to encounter the blacke knight the Persians now thinking to see the blacke Knights downefall for that Zoylus had vowed neuer to depart vntill hee had destroied him with whom the blacke Knight mette with such aduantage that maugre the force of Zoylus he ouerthrew him to the ground and himselfe had lost both his stirrups Zoylus soone recouered his Horse and with furious rage they both mette with their swords drawne when beganne a most terrible and cruell battell that all that behelde the same were amazed at the valour of both the knights in which cruel manner they contined for two houres space both being grieuously hurt but neuer weary nor willing to leaue off at last the blacke Knight séemed weary and only warded the furious strokes that Zoilus gaue him Zoylus thinking indeede that hee had fained laide on such blowes with such swiftnesse and force that all the whole company of the beholders déemed the black knight almost vanquished Zoylus still pursued him with forcible blowes and the blacke Knight still warded so long they continued in this manner that the Phrygian beganne to waxe wearie and also to suspect the blacke Knights pollicie therefore staying his hande he said Knight I giue thee leaue to aske pardon for thy life or else be sure thou art but dead The blacke Knight casting his eies towards the Tower where his beloued Laurana stoode beholding the combatte and wauing his sworde most couragiously about his heade answered No dastard Phrygian quoth hee I scorne thy proffer with which words he so freshly assaulted the Phrygian that in short space he draue him to deuise how to saue his life for hee had mangled and cut his body in many places that his Steede was all coloured with the bloud that ranne from his woundes which caused the Phrygian to thrust at the blacke Knight with such force and furie that hee wounded him most grieuously on the left side which wound and withall the remembrance the blacke Knight had who beheld the combatte caused him with both his handes to strike such a deadly blowe at the Phrygian that lighting full on his Beauer the force and vigour thereof both vnbuckled the same and his Sword cut off his right eare and wounded him so sore in the face that he fell on his Horse necks senselesse the blacke Knight strooke another blow at him with such a maine force that had not the Phrygians Horse started with the glimmering sight of his sword comming he had there parted his head from his shoulders and the Horse ranne loose about the fields at last the Phrygian beganne to recouer himselfe and looking about him hee espied Parismus with his sword put vp and himselfe without a weapon that what with shame and furie he was almost madde These Combattants were no sooner parted but the Thessalian horsemen by a priuie Watch-word from out the Citie rushed suddenly vpon the Persians at vnawares who expected no such matter and had their mindes otherwise busied so that before they could be in Armes to defende themselues the Thessalians had made a great slaughter amongst them which the black Knight perceiuing though he were gréeuously wounded made such hauock among the Persians that al men déemed him rather to be a Diuell then a mortall creature with whom Pollipus met but would not once offer to offend him Dionisius the Bohemian King the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta Lord Remus Osiris and Oristus likewise issued out vpon the Persian forces in seuerall Troupes which so amazed the Natolians Phrigians and the other Nations of the Army that they maruelled whence the Thessalians could haue such aide but their comming amongst them on such a suddaine made so cruell and mighty a slaughter that by that time the day was ended they had slaine of the Persians fifty thousand which caused them euer after to be more circumspect and wary All the Souldiers beeing retired into their places the blacke Knight likewise withdrewe himselfe towards the Wood Pollipus hauing al this day very diligeÌ„tly followed him being almost come to the Woods side set spurres to his horse and ouertooke the blacke Knight who espying him stayed his comming knowing him to be the knight with whom he had combatted that day by the thrée Faulcons on his Armor most kindly saluted him and demanded what might be the cause of his comming vnto him Who replyed thus Most worthy Knight quoth hee my humble suit vnto you is that you would vouchsafe me so much fauour as to let me vnderstand the cause you refused the Combat with me this day Gentle Knight quoth Parismus you must needs pardon me for that vntill I know whether you are the worthy Pollipus of Phrygia
whom I iudge you to be by those Armes Indeed quoth hee I am the same Pollipus and the chiefest cause of my comming vnto you is my earnest desire to bee acquainted with you though vnworthy for that I know you could not come to the knowledge of mee but by the vertuous Parismus who is now dead in whose defence if you beare armes I will with you doe my endeudur to reuenge his death against mine owne Countrey for I am thereunto bound Worthy knight quoth he if you will vouchsafe to take such simple entertainement as my poore lodging doth afford I will make knowne vnto you my whole desire which Pollipus willingly accepted and being come to the Caue Pollipus maruelled to sée so worthy a knight in such an obscure place but being come in he was soone vnarmed and then Parismus knew him to be his friend and taking him by the hand led him aside and then made himselfe known vnto him whereat Pollipus wondred and so with excéeding ioy most louingly embraced him and after supper was ended which was prouided by the Outlawes cleanly drest by the Damsel Parismus declared vnto him the whole circumstance of this tragedy wherwith Pollipus was so inwardly vexed to heare of Sicanus falshood that he vowed for euer to remaine his professed enemy they continued in the caue al the night the one recounting vnto the other their forepassed friendship at last it was coÌ„cluded betwixt them that Pollipus should still continue there and therfore prouided him other Armour that thereby he might not be knowne It was some three wéekes space before Parismus could recouer his wounds during which time the Thessalians had receiued much dammage by their enemies growing into feare of Famine for that their victuals beganne to waxe scant their courage being likewise somewhat abated for that they saw not the black knight in all that time come into the field as his wonted manner was therefore they concluded by a generall consent to Parley with the king of Persia and appointed Lord Remus to be the messenger who comming to the Persian king told him that Dionisius king of Thessalie did desire to parley with his Highnes whom he knew not that he had any way offended Whose message the Persian King kindely accepted and vpon his Kingly promise protested to continue a truce for that day appotniting the place of meeting to be on the Greene before the west gate of the City whither he came with the Kings that were with him and Sicanus his Sonne whither also Dionisius and the King of Bohemia with all the rest of the Potentates on the Thessalian party likewise came Many things béeing alleaged on both sides the one in accusation of Sicanus the other in defence of his innocency at last by consent of all a peace was concluded for twenty daies and on the twentieth day it was concluded that this Controuersie should be decided by battel and the conditions were these That if Dionisius could not bring thrée knights to combate with thrée of the Persians that then he should acknowledge himselfe subiect to the Persian king and also should deliuer vnto Sicanus his faire daughter Laurana to be at his disposition and Sicanus to enioy the Crowne after his death and if the Thessalians should conquere the Persian knights then immediately the Persian should remooue his Forces and Sicanus should acknowledge the truth of the Fact vpon which conditions the peace was concluded and firmely ratified by the generall Oathes of both the kings of Persia and Thessalia During which time of peace Parismus Pollipus would vsually come abroad both armed in white Armour with Plumes of white feathers and white Steedes gallantly attired be held the Persians and Thessalians continually euery day combatting for triall of their manhood but stil the Phrygian Zoylus and the two Persians Brandor and Ramon bore away the victory that the Thessalians would no more encounter with them which draue Dionisius into such a deep study what Knights to prouide against the appointed day of combat altogether dispairing of the Blacke Knight for that he has not beene séene a long time amongst them and also for that Oristus Osiris were so gréeuously hurt that it was impossible for them to recouer their health by the time appointed Parismus hearing of this conclusion told Pollipus that if he would accompany him to be one of Lauranaes Champions he would be for euer â—…ound to requite that curtesie which gentle request Pollipus kindly accepted The third that Parismus had appointed was one of the Out-lawes that perserued his life whose valour exceeded most of the Kinghts in Thessalie though he endured some secret disgraces Laurana maruelled that during the time of those warres being so famous as they could not choose but bee spread through most part of the world she could heare no newes of Parismus iudging him now for a certaine truth to be dead for otherwise she thought it could not be for she knewe if the least report of those wars were but come to his hearing he would returne to aide her from Sicanus whom she so much abhorred that it was a griefe to her to heare him named withall remembring in what peril both her Father her Countrey and her selfe were brought by his tyranny and that this misery exceeding all the rest was now fallen vpon her that shee must finde Champions to defend her or else she must be thrall to him which was â—…ore gréeuous vnto her then ten thousand deaths the remembrance of which extremities caused her to brust forth into these exclamations Most vnhappy and accursed wretch that I am how can I exclaime sufficiently against my hard destinies that haue brought me in danger of him whom I mortally hate whose very name is odious in my hearing who by his treachery hath robbed me of my hearts delight and continually workes my endlesse torment had my vnlucky starres allotted me to some vntimely death or otherwise wrought my misery then could I haue endured this martirdome with patience and quietly haue suffered the extreamest calamitie but my euill destiny farre exeedeth all misery and hath shut mee from all hope of comfort in this my affliction by the death of my vertuous Lord and deare friend Parismus whose ghost is busied with diuine contemplations and not tormented as I am with temporall vexations I would willingly follow him to Elizium there to retaine the fruition of his heauenly company but my destinies likewise haue allotted mee a cowards heart not daring to execute my will vpon my selfe my forward minde likewise disswadeth mee by many impossible perswasions that in this extreamity I know not whose aide to implore my Parismus is dead my Fathers Knights mangled for my sake and all things so contrary to good successe that vnlesse I bee deliuered from this tyrant Sicanus by some admirable and strange meanes I must of necessity fall into his loathsome power whose serpentine breath doth infect my heart with deadly feare With these and such
Pollipus Brandor and the Outlaw Ramon betweene whom began a most firce terrible and cruell battell that in short space the Armours â—…lue in peeces and the blood ran down aboundantly on either party in which most cruell fight they continued by the space of two houres neither party seeming to yeeld At last Parismus being inraged at the valour of his enemy and knowing that it was now no time of daliance because hee saw the Out-law beginne to faint assailed the valiant Zoylus so fiercely that hee could scarcely withstand his furie and soone had died by the vnconquering arme of Parismus but that the Out-law had receiued such a wound by the hand of Ramon that he fell down dead vnder his horse which somewhat refreshed Zoylus for that Ramon taking the aduantage also assailed Parismus which draue him to his vttermost shifts At last hee espied a péece of Armour broken from Ramons arme in which place he gaue him such a wound that he let his Horse raynes fall and his Sâ—…eede being at liberty beganne to wander disorderly about the lists Zoylus in the meane time being well refreshed with the aide of Ramon strooke such a forcible blow at Parismus that it pierced his armour on his left arme and lighted so full on his Thigh that hée was grieuously wounded which blow turned Parismus senses into that extreame fury that with all his force striking with both his hands at Zoylus hée â—…mote him on the head with such furie that he fell down from his horse at which blow all the field showted and Parismus swords burst During which time the two other two Champions continued the Combat most brauely with much commendation but greatly to the disaduantage of Brandor who was a mighty strong and bigge boned Knight and strooke his blowes with such force that had not Pollipus nimbly auoided them he could not haue endured his fight At last Pollipus hauing espied his aduantage thrust at Brandor with such might that the sword lighting full on a broken place of his armour ranne quite thorow his body and he fell downe starke dead by which time Ramon had recouered his senses and séeing Parismus to haue vanquished Zoylus assayled him weaponlesse as he was and wounded him in two or three places but soone Parismus gotte within him clasped him in his armes with maine force threw him forth of his saddle in the fall burst his shoulder whereof he died wherwith the whole assembly gaue such another shout that the earth séemed to shake with the voyces presently the whole States on the Thessalian partie conducted the Combattans with all Solemnitie vnto a most riche Pauillion erected onely for the same purpose where they were no sooner arriued but Dionisius most louingly embraced them in his armes and with infinite courtesies thanked them for their paines deâ—…ring them to vnarme themselues that his Physitions might search their woundes which they refused to doe vntill the conditions couenants of the combat were performed by the King of Persia who hearing their iust request could not in that honourable assemblie so much dishonour himselfe as to breake his worde presently gaue order that all his Forces should be dismist And also calling Sicanus vnto him commaunded him vppon the dutie and reuerence hée bare vnto him to confesse the certainty indéede whether hée or any by his procurement had slaine Parismus My Lord and Father quoth he by the reuerence I owe your Maiestie and the rest of the Kings in this assemblie I am constrained to refraine from vttering what I would but vnder your honourable corrections I denounce him for a villaine and a Traytor that accuseth me for Parismus murther In the like reuerence to this most honourable assemblie quoth Parismus I returne that Uillaine and Traytor to thy selfe Sicanus for that thou liest for thou hyredst thrée of thy Tartarians with promises of great preferment who the same day that Parismus was missing murthered him most treacherously in the Wood hereby my selfe found his bodie and héere I stand to prooue against thée that like a Uillanie and a Traytor thou didst this déede In whose behalfe I dare thee to the Combat and forasmuch as thou thinkest Parismus had no feiends for â—…o to maintaine his iust quarell I charge thée as thou art a knight and honourest Armes not to refuse this Combat which challenge Sicanus in a great rage excepted presently went to arme himself thinking that he might easily be ouercome for that he was alreadie grieuouslie wounded Did what Dionisius and the King of Bohemia could Parismus stil demaunded the Combat whose constancie and resolution they maruailed at and the whole assembly were so desirous of his conquest that with applaudes and commendations they extolled his honourable resolution Laurana seeing her Champion readie to vndertake a fresh battell came to him and with hartie thankes for his honourable paines taking in her behalfe desired him to desist from the combat for that it might much endaunger his person Parismus lighting from his horse reuerently kissed her hans the very touch whereof reuiued his spirits with ioye and tolde her that if it were her pleasure Parismus wrongs should go vnreuenged he would soone desist otherwise being vowed her poore Knight he would either at that instant make Sicanus confesse his treason or spend his latest breath in pursuite of that quarrell and therefore hee most humbly craued her pardon Laurana with a curious eye marked him whilest that hée talked with her and though he were much altered and changed his voice as cuningly as might be yet she déemed it like the voyce of her deare Parismus which shée was the rather induced vnto for that she sawe a Ring on his finger that she had before giuen to Parismus which draue her into such an agonie betweene hope and dispaire that had not her father and many others bene by shee had there resolued her selfe of that doubt wherewith and with the sight of the blood that issued out of his woundes shee endured such an inward affliction and torment of minde that her sences were ouermaistred with a pittifull regard of his estate But presently came Sicanus mounted on his Courser so Parismus humbly taking his leaue of Lauarana mounted his stéede and comming toward Sicanus beganne to vnbuckle his white armour which was so artificially made that it was but a case to his armour vnderneath which was no sooner off but hee was presently knowne to be the blacke knight that had fought so valiantly in the behalfe of Thessaly and had slaine in seuerall Combats an incredible number of Persians which so daunted the hearts of the Persians that they alotted him the conquest before euer that he beganne the Combat The blacke Knight at the first encounter burst two of the Combattants ribbes and in short time with forcible blowes beate him from his Horse and allighted to haue parted his head from his shoulders but the King of Persia seeing his sonne in that perell ranne to the place and desired the blacke knight to
spare his life which hee obtained and vnlacing his Helmet to giue him breath found that it was not Sicanus but another Knight that hee had hyred in his stéede for that himselfe durst not meete so valiant a knight hand to hand which Parismus séeing in great rage would haue slaine him but hee was disswaded by Pollipus This cowardly Iest was so odious that euer after Sicanus was accounted the most recreant knight liuing but being of a shamelesse disposition he nothing regarded the same CHAP. XV. How Parismus and Pollipus were conducted to the Court in tryumphant manner and how Parismus discouered himselfe And of the ioy Lauerana made for his returne And how Oristus was the occasion of his owne death THe blacke Knight hauing ended this combat to his vnspeakeable commendatio was with Pollipus in moste braue and tryumphant manner conducted vnto the Pallace with the noyse of Drummes Trumpettes and ringing of Belles by the Kinges of Thessalie and Bohemia and by the Persian kings who so well liked the blacke knights behauiour that they resolued to stay some dayes there as well to be acquainted with this valiant knight as also to do him al the honour they could thought by his valour they had lost the victorie The stréetes where they passed whereby the Citizens strowed with flowers the windowes doores and house tops were filled with abundance of people that they séemed like stages they came to behold these conquerours Some presented them with garlands of Bayes in token of victorie some with roses some with gifts some with commendation euery one with excéecting prayses of their valour that it were a tedious toyle to rehearse the manifolde honours that were done them as they passed along the stréetes and as they passed by the Marchants house where Parismus had lately escaped the danger of the dogs hée espyed Violetta standing in her fathers doore attended by thrée or foure maides very neatly apparelled who presented Parismus with a most rich embroydered scarffe so artificially wrought that it excelled all the most curious workes in Thessaly wherein wee had most exquisitely drawne out of the whole manner of Parismus aduenture with her in her fathers house which gift hee most kindely accepted being by that time hée had vowed the same come to the Pallace where they were welcommed by the Quéene and her Daughter Laurana with soundes of Musicke and excéeding ioy after the Quéene had vsed some spéeches Lauarana most heartily thanked him that he vouchsafed to be her Champion but her countenance be wrayed her inward care and her sadde behauiour her mournfull thoughts her minde being drawne to the extreamest limits of respite and giuen ouer it selfe to the most bitter pangs of sorrowfull meditation that Parismus maruailed to see her constant resolution that could be altered by no meanes of ioy nor once forgette him that had bene so long missing Dionisius likewise welcommed thither the King of Persia and the rest of the kings in his companie whose royall entertainment was mâ—…uailously liked and commended of all The Champions according as the custome was were seated at a table ordained for the same purpose with great state and Dionisius and the King of Bohemia came vnto them as the manner was with them to disarme them for their more honourable entertainement But Parismus seeing his Father comming to doe an office of dutie to him rose from his seate and knéeling downe requested a voone at his hands the King of Bohemia séeing him kneele willed him to aske what hee would My Lord said he my sute is that you would forgiue Parismus enemies the King of Bohemia little thinking that would haue beene his request wondred what reason he had to aske pardon for his sonnes enemies and said vnto him Sir knight I would gladly know why you aske pardon for them that haue murdered my sonne My Lord answered he because Parismus is liuing wherewith he pulled off his Helmet and the King his father knew him and caught him in his armes with such excéeding ioy that the teares ran downe his white beard in aboundance Dionisius and Oliuia likewise espying him embracing him with a thousand hearty welcomes and the whole Court was filled with excéeding ioy for his returne The king of Persia and all the rest of his partâ—… likewise came vnto him and desired him to remit all discontent that had passed betwixt them for that now they did repent them for the iniury thâ—…y had done to him the like honour was done to the Phrigian Pollipus al admiring the wonderfull vertues of Parismus and recounting the famous acts he had done seemed to be rauished in minde with ioy that it was he that had so honourably defended himselfe against all knights that did combat with him Presently they were all seated at a most royall feast Where Parismus before the King of Persia and all the Kings present rehearsed the whole truth of Sicanus conspiracie against him and how he was perserued and how that he had liued euer since in the caue amongst the Outlawes and how he came by the blacke armor which discourse did so much disgrace Sicanus and extoll his owne commendations that euery one reioyced at his good fortune and contemned Sicanus falshoode Parismus hauing ended his discourse maruelled that hee could not see Laurana to welcome him but shee being nothing delighted with any newes but of his returne and nothing at all thinking he had béen her companion all that while absented her selfe from their company for that her fancies were otherwise busied and had withdrawne her selfe to her chamber only accompanied with Leda her maide Dionisius séeing that Laurana was not there willed one of his gentlemen in the hearing of Parismus to signifie vnto her that her champion staied for her welcome Parismus hearing his spéeches desired him the fauour that hee might goe and visit her himself wherwith Dionisius was well contented and he Pollipus with him being vnarmed went to Lauranaes lodging which they found fast shut but Parismus longing to behold her perfections whereby his life was maintained knockt at the doore and Leda came opened the same who seeing him was so surprised with ioy that shee ran in againe without speaking a word and told her Mistresse that Parismus was at the doore at which word Laurana started saying I pray thee doe not torment mee with these newes of ioy for I know they cannot bee true for â—…ull often thou hast kindly deceiued my expectation Deere Mistris said she beleeue me it is most true and againe ran to the dore telling Patismus that her Mistris would be very glad to see him Parismus entred the Chamber and with such seruency delighted himselfe to behold her presence that his wits were rauished with a heauen of ioy and Laurana hauing espied him was so surprized with vertuous amazement to behold his person that the teares fell from her eies and her heart lept in her breast Who being met most louingly kist each
would vouchsafe mee that kindenesse I would both shewe my selfe dutifull and diligent and also rest continually bound vnto you for the same And thus farre I presume though my wordes may séeme ridiculous that if euer you méeto Violetta she will yeelde vnto your iust sute for I know Violetta well and haue bene better acquainted with her thoughts then I was worthy of though shee now hath forsaken her Fathers house and hath absented her selfe I know not for what occasion Pollipus hearing the Pages wordes smiled to thinke how farre it was from his power and yet how kinde he was to put him in such comfort Gramercies qd hee for thy good will and if euer I méete Violetta I shall be willing to yéeld thée recompence for thy kindnesse Then qd she set your hart at rest and trouble not your selfe with those cares but liue in hope of some better successe for my minde perswadeth mee that you shall find Violetta safely returned at your arriuall in Thessaly and if you find it not so then neuer hereafter credit my words for I haue already hadde triall of the euent of my presaging thoughts that I haue oftentimes found things fall out euen according as I haue before déemed Pollipus hearing the boyes speeches at the first tooke them as spoken of course but being drawne into a déeper consideration of all his former qualities beganne to make a doubt whether he should repose any credite in them or no that his heart euen with those speeches yet in his fancie bearing no shewe of likelyhood was somewhat reuiued and therefore determined to make tryall of the boyes diuination such vertue had Violettas speeches that they wrought an expected euent of perswasion in the heart of the Loue-sicke Pollipus who was easily drawne to yeelde conceit of any comfort because hee thought Violetta might be still in Thessalie and so the Pages wordes prooued true The rest of that night they past in slumbring Sleepe The next morning Pollipus came to Parismus Chamber with a far more cheerefull countenance then hee was woont which caused them maruell at his sudden alteration and afterwards they spent some few dayes in great pleasure and in the meane time made prouision for theyr departure towardes Thessalie committing the gouernment of the Castle vnto two of Andramarts Seruants taking their oath to yéelde the same to Parismus againe vpon his demaunds leauing all the rest likewise so highly contented as that they account his arriuall the best good fortune that euer befell them The rest that had bene Prisoners there departed euery one that way that liked them best Parismus finding the wind lye conuenient for their passage hoysed saile himselfe being in Barzillus ship with Pollipus and Laurana hauing in his companie thrée other ships laden with excéeding riches and treasure such as Andramarts Pyrates had taken at sea and made towardes the desolate Iland according to the promise past to Antiochus where within fewe dayes the winde and weather fauouring them they safely arriued where they were most honourable and louingly welcommed by the king and Quéene especially by the kings two sonnes and daughter who admired the wonderfull beautie of Laurana accounting the trauailes those knights indured worthily spent to redéeme such and so vertuous a Lady CHAP. XXII How Freneta was exceedingly in loue with Pollipus who remembring his loue to Violletta shunned her companie and how Freneta after his departure desperately ended her life PArismus Pollipus and Laurana soiourned many daies in the Desolate Iland in great ioy and myrth till their heartes began to desire the sight of their natiue countries wherefore they appointed their time of departure within one moneth which greeued Freneta to heare off for that she was farre in loue with Pollipus vnto whome shee vsed many kinde kindnesses thereby to giue him knowledge of her affections but so farre was his heart from thinking of any other loue then Violetta that hée neuer noteâ—… the extraordinarie kindnesse she vsed to him which on the other side caused Freneta to encrease the heate of her affections more and more But in the end séeing him so little to regarde her nor scarce at all to entertaine her courtesie with good lookes shée determined though it might be some blemish to her modestie to manifest her affection to him which shée presently effected for finding him walking alone attended onely by Adonius shée came into the Gallerie where hée was kindely saluting him as though shée would passe by But Pollipus finding himselfe idle thought to entertaine the time a while in some conference with her and as kindely saluting her said Faire Lady may I bée so bolde as to stay your iourney or if your bustnesse be not great vouchsafe me your companie that am alone Sir replied she my businesse is not ouer great therefore I am the willingler to stay especially to beare you companie vnto whom I am much bound and a greater fauour then my companie would I graunt so that it stood with my honour to fulfill therefore this liberall proffer I make vnto you whome I knowe will request nothing but that which is vertuous that if in any conuenient sort I may doe the thing which may pleasure you it shall bee your fault if you haue not the same I thanke you hartily quoth Pollipus and if I should be vngratefull vnto you for this your kindenesse I should doo much amisse And for such desert in me as you speake of I knowe none at all but it is your aboundant Courtesie that vouchsafeth me such fauour which I knowe not how to requite neither can I be so bolde as to bring my selfe further into your debt vntill I haue by my indeuours laboured to shew my selfe thankefull for that which you haue alreadie graunted Manie other spéeches past betwixt them which if Pollipus had diligently marked he might easile haue séene the loue Frenetta bare him but he hauing his deuotions vowed to another saint perceiued it not which none else but himself would easily haue discerned Which stil increased her burning affection that at last fearing to misse the fit meanes was offered by so sweete oportunitie taking him by the hand withdrawing to a window that lookt into a pleasant garden with a blushing countenance she vttered these spéeches Sir knight contrarie to the maner of modest maideÌ„s I am compelled to hazard the reuealing of the which may turn to my disshonor vnles it please your vertuous wisdom to giue a fauorable censure of my good meaning which I am constrained to do as procured thereto by the short abode you determine to make in my fathers Court as also for that I sée your mind caÌ„not conceiue thereof without I my selfe make demonstration of the same Wherefore most noble knight relying vpoÌ„ your vnderstaÌ„ding that loue hath seized my heart with a desire to be loued of you againe which maketh me manifest the thing that modestie wils me to conceale Therfore I desire you to vse that charitable opinion of me as
hée was most honourably entertained and had his wounds carefully searcht by the Phisitians who found none of them daungerous Amasenus séeing the knight of Fame had won the chiefest honour of the triumph for that day came to the King and reported to him how long he had bene with him and the manner of his first arriuall in that countrie séeking to increase the kings affection towardes him by entring into many excéeding commendations of his valor vertue and courtesie that the king did him all the honour that might be for that night intending after the triumph ended to expresse his loue toward him by all meanes he could deuise Earlie the next morning béeing the last day of the triumph the king was sommoned to the fielde by the shrill sound of the knight of Fames trumpet who was gallantly mounted attended by an infinit number of people that came to glut their eyes with beholding him there was now no talke but of the Knight of Fame his fame had fedde the eares of all in so much that such a number of peo ple thronged to sée the last daies triumph that the place could not con taine their multitude The knight of Thrace maruelled what hée should be and for that he was vnknowne the straunge knights somewhat reioyced that the prize should be carried from Thrace Amongst the rest Kemulus noting his excéeding courtesie and prying more narrowly theÌ„ any of the rest into his behauiour reioyced in his mind that so honourable valiant and curteous a knight should possesse his deare Phylena and aboue all the knights of the Court he was most readie to entertain the knight of Fame with all courtesie and wisht that none but he might beare away the chiefest honour of the triumph The king hauing againe in most sumptuous and royall sort seated his daughter vpon the scaffold attended the first encounter that should be giuen to the knight of Fame which was performed by Purrus a knight of Cicill with great brauerie but the second course hée measured his length on the earth as others had done before him Next him came a knight of Libia who had like fortune to Purrus Guido being not satisfied with desire of victorie but in putting the cause of his last ouerthrow to his horse not himselfe changed his armour and came into the â—…istes againe inteÌ„ding to reuenge his spoyle but before he came Drio of Cicill had broken two staues with the knight of Fame and before he could take the third course Guido instigated by rage ranne against the knight of Fame and intercepted him Drio disdaining thereat strooke Guido such a forcible blowe on the head with the trunthion of a staffe that he made him stagger Wherewith Guido drewe his sword and assayled Drio with great furie betwéene whom began a most braue combat vntill the knight of Fame stept betwixt them and parted them vttering these spéeches Knight quoth he what meaneth this outrage why contend you betwixt your selues and leaue me with whom you should principally deale vnassayed thinke you I am not of sufficiencie to deale with you both but that you must thus dishonourably séeke with priuate quarrèlls to disturbe our triall But notwitstanding his spéeches they began to assayle each other againe who so inraged him that drawing his sword he first strooke at Guido and then at Drio offering to combat with them both that the issue of this combate seemed to be most intricate Sometimes the knight of Fame assayled Guido and he resisting when Drio lent his blowes to both and the knight of Fame intending to reuenge him on Drio was againe assayled by Guido The king perceiuing what danger this tripartie fight might bréed commanded the Champions to be parted which being done the Iudges gaue order that the Knight of Fame should continue his course with Drio This coÌ„clusion being made the knight of Fame sheathing his sword went to the races end so fully incest with rage that his eyes smarted with vexatioÌ„ Drio likewise was so fully puft with fury that he vowed at that course to ende the triall of the combat that both of them taking scope inough to méete with the greater swiftnesse set spurs to their stéeds sides and with excéeding violence and shiuering their Lances into a thousand spelles which sung in the ayre before the steeds met Drio winding his raines intending to ouerthrow his enemie vnawares the stéed vnacquainted to such custome bare his head aloft and the knight of Fames steede kéeping on his continued course with great strength ouerturned both horse and man that Drio laie almost brused to death with the waight of his horse Guido attending the next triall had readily couched his staffe but the knight of Fame being extreamely inraged not well knowing or caring what he did hauing secret intelligence before giuen him that it was Guido the knight that he had already vanished set spurs to his horse and ran at hsm with his sword point that had he not auoyed him he had pierced the same quite through his body who turning himselfe with his sword drawne assailed the knight of Fame betwéene whome continued a most braue combat a long space vntill Guido by his vnresistable blowe was greeuously wounded who intending to reuenge himselfe strooke a most violent blow which lighting crosse his helmet brake his sword which the knight of Fame seeing cast downe his owne disdaining to haue any oddes of weapon and ioyning himselfe close to Guido with long striuing and maine force in the end flung him down from his horse wherwith the people gaue such a shout that the earth séemed to shake with the Eccho of their voices by which time the nights blacke mantle began to ouerspread the whole earth and there appeared no more Combattants against the knight of Fame but to his vnspeakeable honor he remained victor Then presently hee was in tryumphant manner according to their custome with the noyse of Trumpets conducted to the kings Pallace where the king and all the vanquished knights receiued him with great honour Amongst the rest was the king of Aragon a most gallant and braue knight at armes who greatly desired to be acquainted with his braue Champion vsing him with the rest of the knights with all courtesie and kindnesse After many solemne welcomes were past on euery side and hée vnarmed the king speaking to him vttered these spéeches Most noble Knight whose prowesse hath deserued euerlasting commendations according to my former decree and the promised reward to the conquerour I yéeld to your hands my daughter the onely heire of my kingdome Then taking Phylena by the hand he deliuered her to him The knight of Fame with great reuerence kissing her hand vttered these spéeches Most saccred Princesse how can I sufficiently reioyce that am this day extolled to the highest type of heauenly felicitie by béeing vnworthily preferred to haue your custody Yet I beséech you vouchsafe me thouhg a stranger that bountie as to estéem of me as one that is altogether vowed
the liquor and finding the same pleasant being perswaded that it was conueied by some diuine operation to procure content he dranke it quite off and presently went to his bedde which when Flauia saw with a ioyfull heart she went to Venola and declared vnto her what she had done and afterwards leauing Venola to her selfe she came to an old acquaintance of hers who at her request wrote a letter to Parismus in the name of the Knight of Fame which the next morning shee deliuered to him the contents whereof were these Most noble Prince of Bohemia my full intent was for the vndeserued kindnesse I haue found in you to haue attended you toward Bohemia but a contrary occasion hath withdrawne me therefore I desire your honour both to pardon mee and make no enquirie after me for I will assoone as I haue ènded my businesse repaire to shew my duty to you in the Bohemian Court so in all reuerence I commit your worthinesse to all good fortunes A poore Knight vnknowne Parismus reading the Letter maruelled what occasion had withdrawne him but being therewith contented and trusting accordingly to see him in Bohemia he made no other speech of him but taking his leaue of the King and Queene hauing in his campany Pollipus and Violetta with some 40. Knights of Lybia he departed towards Bohemia Tellamor all this while remained in the Forrest of Arde in company of his deare M. Clarina so cunningly handling his businesse that none could perceiue but that he was very sicke indeed in which time Clarina was his Physitian carefully tending him and vsing a most extraordinary diligence whose company was more pleasant to him then any thing else that therewith and other sweet fauours he receiued from her kindenes he forgot his sicknes and prosecuted his loue which in time of his sicknesse had that good issue that Clarina was no lesse tyed in the bandes oâ—… Loue then hee was And vpon a time when Clarina was in her chamber vnaccompanied by any he amongst other kindnesses vttered these speeches My swéete M. quoth hee how much is your poore seruant beholding vnto you that haue so tenderly regarded me and taken such infinite paines about me which maketh me so much bound vnto you that my life is and shall beforeuer dedicated to deserue this kindnesse besides the affection which I beare to your diuine excellencies maketh mee presume to prosecute my sute vnto you thereby to bring my selfe further into your debt desiring you to yeelde pitty to my distresse and ease to my restlesse passions procured by your beautie which if you withhold soone will care consume my wearie life neither can my heart attaine to any quiet or content without your loue which I more esteeme then either life or other thing that Ienioy therefore sweet M. deferre my sute no longer but now extend your fauour to my distresse and grant me loue for my loue whereon my chiefest felicity dependeth Good seruant quoth Clariana were I assured of thy constancie soone shouldst thou know my mind but some crosse or misfortue will soone alter they affection and so thou wilt leaue me in distresse then what miserie may I incurre by granting to thy sute Sweet M. quoth Tellamor if euer Knight were true then will your poore seruant prooue trustie if euer heart harboured constancie then be you assured that constant loue possesseth my heart for so intire are my deuotions to remaine immooueable that no misfortune calamitie c. shall cause me falsifie my faith but rather let all plagues and vnfortunate miseries light vpon my head Clarina hearing his spéeches made this reply Well deare seruant since I see thy faithfullnesse and how diligent thou hast beene to winne my fauour I yeelde both my loue and my selfe into thy possession which heereafter account as thine own to dispose of and bee thou assured notwithstanding my strangenesse my loue hath euery way equalled thy affections and with so free a heart I giue my life and loue into thy hands as willingly as thou desirest to haue the same Tellamor hauing receiued this assurance of her loialty to reuiue his sences withall entertained that comfort and her sweet presence with great delight leauing off his sute and spending the time in impracings Many daies continued these true louers in great pleasure being growne to that familiaritie that often times such kind fauours past betwixt them that Clarina ouercome vp his intreaties yéelded vp her fortres of virginity vnto him oftentimes frequenting each others companie in that kinde sort 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 pleasure with great delight vntill the newes of Parismus returne came to their knowledge and Tellamor bound thereto by oath 〈◊〉 needes depart which strooke an extreame saddenesse to both their hearts But especially Clarina tooke the same so heauily that no perswasion could adde comâ—…ort to her heart The remembrance of whose departure ouercâ—…e her with such passions of griefe that being in her Chamber alone shee vttered many mournefull plaints and withall such aboundance of teares that a heart of the hardest Adamant would haue resolued at her lamentations to ease which griefe she deuiâ—…ed how to enioy his company if it were possible to the last houre of his departure and by the counsell of one of her Daâ—…zels named Ancilla shee wrought such meanes that she enioyed his company that night Tellamor beeing a Knight of honourable conditions laboured all that hee could to leaue her contented and performe his faithfull promise to Parismus then before his departure taking his leaue oâ—… Madera and Panuamus who so well liked his company that they were vnwilling to leaue the same After which he went to bedde thinking to take his â—…rewell of Clarina beâ—…imes in the morning when none but themselues should bee priuie thereto but shee poore Lady being 〈◊〉 fettered in the snares of loue hauing contriued euery thing for her security when hee was in his dead sleepe approached to his bed side with a cleare burning Taper in her hand where shee stood a great while beeing vnwilling to interrupt his quiet sleepe reuoluing many thoughts in her troubled head At last shee could not choose but touch his manly hand which hung ouer the beddes side wherewith shee awaked him who being scarcelie out of his droâ—…e sleepe espying his beloued standing by his beddes side could not of a sudden conceit her beeing there but at length hauing reuiued his senses by rubbing his eies hee tooke her by the hand and wanne her consent to come into the bedde where hee entertained her with many sweete embracings and pleasant conference who tooke no small delight in his company after much time which they thought too short spent in kindsse Clarina demanded when he would returne for quoth shee my selfe is nothing without your presence neither shall I attaine the least quiet in your absence therefore I beseech you haue regard of my honour Which I haue yéelded into your handes and when you are amongst your Friends in Bohemia be not vnmindefull
from this place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I thinke if I woulde come to their knowledge it is my best course to returne thither againe Was I not ouer-foolish to refuse the marriage of Phylena the kings daughter of Thrace vpon the vaine confidence of a Dreame Uppon whose certaintie I can no way builde Which might bee procured by some Sorcerie of Remulus to make me refuse that high Honour onely to the intent hée might install himselfe therein and cause mee to doate on the Beautie of a Ladie that is no where to be found For the whole Worlde containes not such an Essence of perfect beautie as that which I behelde then What shall I doo or Which way shall I shape my best course shall I giue ouer her search since Dreames are so vncertaine I but this was more then a Dreame it was a Uisien For I beheld the goddesse Venus Who enioyned me this Taske holding that swéete Ladie in her hand Whose forme so perfectly is printed in my remembrance that I cannot forget the same Which assuredly is liuing and to be found And therefore I will neuer desist vntill I haue found her although I should spend the whole race of my life in that Quest Which if it were ordained for my endlesse torment then how should I auoyde the same Neither care I what paine to endure if I may after all my Trauells finde her In this sort he spent much time vntill he fell in a deepe study leaning his backe to a Tree hee fell fast a sleepe Whilest he was in this sweete sleepe by happy fortune Angelica the faire that day hadd forsaken the Golden Tower which was not farre from the place where the knight of Fame lay to meete the king her Father who with the Queene was comming from the City of Ephesus where he kept his Court to soiourne certaine daies for his disport in the Golden Tower that yeelded all kind of delights Angelica passing along this pleasant valley gallantly attended by an vnwonted traine of Ladies and guard of knights espied the knight of Fame supposing that he had beene dead to ease which doubt shee willed one of her knights to see what hee was The knight comming to him awaked him who suddenly starting vp beganne to lay hand on his sword but casting his eye aside hee behelde Angelicaes gallant Traine and amongst the rest her selfe whose countenance hee presently knewe to bee the very same Lady hee had scene in the Uisiâ—…n whose beauty and sudden presence strooke such an amazement to his sences that he stoode like one in a traunce Angelica séeing that he was aliue and not dead as shee supposed past on her intended Iourney not regarding him He séeing her departed thus said to the Knight Courteous Syr I pray let me craue that gallant Ladies name Syr replyed hée her name is Angelica Daughter to the most mighty King of Natolia Who passing this way to méete the King and Quéene Who are comming towards the Golden Tower and séeing you lying vnder this Trée sent me to sée whether you were aliue or dead Which saide he departed The Knight of Fame reioycing that he had séene his long expected Mistresse was presently rapte into a heauenly conceit of Ioy that hee thought himselfe as it were transformed into pleasure such comfort reuiued his drouping heart from sadde dumpes with her delectable sight euen then beginning to studie how to come to her spéech to purchase occasion to giue her knowledge of his best dutie finding out so many lettes and impossibilites betwéene him and his intent that hée beganne to dispaire thereof at last resolued vppon nothing but determining to doo something he mounted his Steed and followed that way Angelica went purposing to take a more precious view of her perfections being hopelesse of any other comfort He had soone ouertaken her Traine not yet resolued by reason of his strangenesse what to doo or what meanes to vse to speake to her being incompassed by such a number of Knightes At last hee thus thought with himselfe I that haue refused the good will of Kings Daughters onely to finde this beautifull Ladie and in her Search haue indured so many mischances Shall I now when I sée her be afraid to speake to herâ—… Or may I not hereafter be disappoynted of such Fâ—…rtunate occasion as is now offered mée What though shee be Guarded by these Knights being alone it can no way breed offence to them that I speake to her With this resolution hee passed by the hindermost of her company without speaking to them who greatly maruelled what he shuld beâ—… and comming right against Angelica who he easily knew from the râ—…st by his former little view of her forme in the Uision he kindly drue â—…eere her And with a submissiue signe of Reuerence first giuen hée said â—…s followeth Most sacred Ladie pardon my boldnesse Which I beséech you do not account â—…denesse I haue trauelled many a mile to attaine the height of his felicitie to beholde your diuine perfections which maketh mee conrrary to that dutifull reuerence my heart hath vowed to intrude my selfe thus rudely into your presence being voide of other meanes to demonstrate my depth of deuotion therefore I humbly once againe desire your pardon that hath offended against my will desiring you withall to enter into this opinion of my meaning that notwithstanding what perswasion my rudenesse may bréed in your heauenly heart it is both loyall honourable and vertuous and no way intending to presume aboue my desert yet my life shall be alwaies imploied to deserue as well as the best Angelica hearing his spéeches sadly noting his countenance and being of a most singular wâ—…t admired his courage that notwithstanding all her guard he durst so boldly presume into her presence which caused her the better to regard both his speeches and proporâ—…ion made this reply Sir Knight it may be you are deceiued for you haue not found that which you haue so long sought which maketh mee account your speech flatteries and your boldenesse folly entring into no other conceit of your meaning for be it either good or bad I care not for the one cannot arme me nor the other pleasure me but for your good will I take that kindely though in my fancie you professe more then you will performe Diuine Lady quoth he vouchafe but to imploy me and then shall you make triall of my forwardnesse which shall be no lesse then I haue promised for my speech nor bold approach into your presence hath not proceeded from want of respect of your worthynesse but from a strickt command long since enioyned me to become your dutifull seruant therefore I humbly beseech you iudge fauourably of my meaning for I will rather heereafter consume my heart with silent care then by my speech purchase your displeasure if you command the contrarie Hee had not scarce ended those words but shee let fall her gloue which he seeing presently alighted and tooke it vp with reuerence kissing the same
â—…ffered it her againe Knight quoth she take it for your labour wherewith she turned away from him for that she espâ—…ed her Father comming which caused him being glad of that fauour to withdrawe himselfe One of Angelicas knights named Camillus to whose principall custodie the King had committed his daughter aboue all the rest noted the Knight of Fames behauiour and disdaining that a stranger should carrie away the gloue which he esteemed a fauor sar â—…ond his â—…esert himselfe hauing been her seruant a long time yet could neuer attaine any such kindnes withall supposing hee was some Knight Anglica knew presently hasted after him trusting too much to his owne valour and bluntly bade him render backe the Princesse gloue Sir quoth he againe the Princesse gaue it me and for her sake I will keepe the same Wherewith Collimus without any more words retired backe to encounter him and he did the like and remembring it was the best deede of Chiualrie he could performe in his Ladies presence thought with himselfe that if he sate not fast he would quaile his courage presentlie they met each other the one with brauery the other with force for Collimus measured his length on the ground By this time the King and Quéene had met Angelica and all gréetings ouerpast their Traines met which almost filled that pleasant valley in company of Maximus was Camillus Sonne to the king of Slauonia attended by a number of gallant Knights who hearing of the exceeding beautie of Angelica was lately come into the countrie as a suter to whom Maximus said beholding the braue course betwéen the two Knights What Knight is yonder that hath â—…uerthrowne his aduersarie with such agility A comely Knight he is quoth Camillus but it séemes he is a stranger With that another Knight of Angelicas attendants vpon the former quarrel incountred the knight of Fame who tasted of his valour as his predecessour Collimus had done after him another which when Maximus beheld hee called a Gentleman to him willing him to request the strange Knight to come and speake with him which fell out well for the Knight of Fames quiet for had not the King béene present the Knights of Angelicaes guard had taken such a secret indignation against him that they by violence would haue sought his death The messenger Maximus sent told the Knight of Fame that the King did request to speake with him Sir quoth he I am readie at his command to whom Maximus said as followeth Sir Knight you are it seemeth to me a stranger in this place but notwithstanding somewhat bolde with my knights both whose quarrell against you and your cause of arriuall I desire to know Most renowned king quoth he I am a stranger in this place or in any else in my trauels méeting with this gallant troupe to any of whom I I haue as yet giuen no cause of offence which should make them trouble me Sir quoth Maximus they haue reapt shame for their discontent but I pray let vs without offence know your name and of whence you are neither feare to disarme your selfe for vpon my promise you shall haue no wrong offred you which said the Knight of Fame pulled off his helmet making this answer By name most noble King I am called the knight of Fame my birth to my selfe vnknowne by no ill intent drawne into this Countrie but onely to finde out my Parents which are likewise vnknowne my selfe subiect to miserie by the want of knowledge of my selfe Marcellus sonne to Maximus a knight of exceeding courteous and honourable parts hearing his speeches humbling himselfe vpon his knee before his father said I humbly craue your Maiesties fauour to entertaine this knight honourably for that I haue some knowledgâ—… of him which I will declare to your Highnesse heereafter Maximus hearing his Sonnes spéeches said Rise vp Marcellus for thy sake and for his owne too he shall be welcome whom doe thou vse according as shall seeme good and be agreeable to his honourable deserts The knight of Fame hearing his speeches most humbly thanked him and Marcellus presently embraced him shewing many tokens of hearty good will Angelica all this while noted euery circumstance of this knights ariuall as first how shee found him a sleepe and next of his speeches to her then how valiently he had ouerthrowne three knights then her brothers speeches and lastly his gallant youth and comly â—…person which altogether wrought such a kind of admiration in her that shee beganne with a curious eie to marke all his actions and to affect his company more then she had done any mans oftentimes casting a looke vpon him she perceiued his eie was still vpon her which made a ruddie blush beautifie her cheekes In which time the King intreated him to stay somtime with him if his important businesse did not withdraw him which offer he willingly and kindly accepted which fell out according to his owne hearts content CHAP. XVI How the Knight of Fame was entertained at the Golden Tower and what speeches past betweene Anna and Angelica AFter these speeches past the King Camillus the Queene Angelica and all the â—…est departed towards the Golden Tower and by the way Marcellus beganne to declare in hearing of them all what he had heard of the Knight of Fame of his valiant exploits in Thrace and afterwards how in the Forrest of Arde he slew the Gyant Brandamor which he vttered in such ample manner and with such commendation that it made them all admire his noble gifts especially Angelica aboue all the rest noted euery circumstance thereof with such regard that she séemed to take great delight therein The Knight of Fame hearing thereof entertainning his mistresse perfections with such pleasure and admiring her beauty with such surfeting delight that he rode like one in a trance hauing all his sences bent vpon her By this time they were commen to the Golden Tower where was exceeding preparation made for the King who speaking to Camillus and the Knight of Fame tolde they were most heartily welcome thither likewise the Queene welcommed them with great kindenesse especially Marcellus care for the Knight of Fames entertainement was very great who caused him to bee lodged in a most stately lodging where euery thing was readily prepared for him in the best manner Euery one being departed to their seuerall lodgings the Knight of Fame meditating on his good fortune and the kinde entertainement he found in that strange place waying on the one side how late he was pluuged in care and how suddenly he was possest with pleasure how from miserie hee was aduanced to the highest degree of his felicity how hee was lately in dispaire of finding his deuoted and how prosperously he had now mette with her and had in some part manifested his affection how the occasion of his quarell for his Ladies Gloue was the cause of his kinde entertainement how fortunately in that strange plate his deedes were extolde and how kindly Marcellus
the King and Quéene Marcellus and diuers others departed out of the tower Marcellus all that day kept diligent company with Angelica vntill the king being earnest in pursuite of the game strayed from them the Quéene likewise was absent and most of Angelicas gardiants sauing some sixe béeing indeede such as Marcellus had before made priuie to his intent who had firmely protested to kéepe his counsaile which opportunitie Marcellus tooke and presently conueyed Angelica towards Saint Austins Chappell being without the Parke when they thought themselues farre inough from the King they were vnawares set vpon by a company of strange knights who offered by force to carrie away Angelica Marcellus being somewhat astonisht thereat drew his sword and being before well prouided withstood them Angelicas gardyants did the like that on a suddaine there began a cruell combat betwixt them vntill Marcellus was gréeuously wounded one of his company slain and the rest in as great danger as might be but being a knight of excéeding courage he defended himselfe most valiantly So long continued the fight that in the meane time some of the kings company hauing the charge of Angelica mist her which hée soone declared to the king who commaunded his knights to poste euery way by seuerall troupes himselfe and the Quéene well guarded tooke the readiest way out of the Parke which was the same way Marcellus and Angelica had taken and hasting came to the place where they were in the hottest of their skyrmish The straunge knights espying the King presently fledde away with all possible spéede whom many of the Natolians pursued so farre vntill they might descrie a band of Souldiers wherewith they returned with all expedition possible and certified the King thereof who presently hasted to the Golden Tower with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica in his companie and by reason of the straungers hée saw in fight with Marcellus hée hadde not the least suspition of Angelicaes entended flight and maruailing what that Armie should meane hée sent out spyes to viewe of what force they were who hauing done in all poynts accordingly they went and certified him that they were tenne thousand Souldiers but they could not discerne vnder whose conduct Maximus fearing the worst presently sent letters to the Nobles of his Land with all expedition to muster vp theyr forces and to conuey them to the Golden Tower and also caused most diligent watch and warde to be kept Marcellus being most grieuously Wounded was like wise with all cure tended by the Kings Physitions to whom Angelica repaired and beeing with him alone she said as followeth What misery awayteth my hard Desteny that am thus disastredly deteyned from my wished content My euill presaging minde did foretell this misfortune which hath thus frustrated our desire and which is more miserable brought you to this dangerous estate but most of all withhold me from the fight of my beloued and causeth him both to augment his cares and suspect our loyaltie What will he thinke when he seeth no performance of that which was promised but still stayeth for our comming and yet be frustrated For the knowledge of our mischance can by no meanes come to his hearing Would to God that I had ended my accursed life by the hands of those enemyes rather then to haue suruiued to endure this extreame care No hard fortune can be compared to that I endure no care comparable to my griefe First to sée you thus grieuously Wounded Next to be disappointed of our desire and lastly to frustrate the Knight of Fame of his expectation What shall wée now doe How shall wee recure this mishap Or what meanes is there left that may adde the least comfort to our hearts in this extremitie In stéed of the content I expected by enioying his presence I am returned to my woonted bondage and sée my Friends almost murdred and enuironed with foes Peace peace qd Marcellus good Angelica ceasse these complaints and in this extremitie imitate the olde Phrase Make a vertue of necessity and with patience giue attendance for better successe For now in these perplexities there is small hope of present amendment For that Worthy knight no doubt is of such Wisedome and prudent gouernment that hee will iudge the best of our estate and carefully prouide for his owne safetie With that Angelica burst foorth into abundante of teares saying Aye mée poore Wretch I shall neuer then sée him againe With that shee departed wringing her handes and making great lamentation so that Marcellus séeing her sorrowe was ready to worke his owne decay by his vexation Nowe those Bandes of Souldiers belonging to Camillus who presently after his departure from the Castle of the Golden Tower enduring manie restlesse Passions for the want of Angelicaes presence with whome hee was full greatly in Loue with all spéed mustered vp those forces and brought them by shipping towards the Tower with intent to besiege the same and suddenly to surprise Maximus vnawares and so to get the possession of Angelica and comming towards the Golden Tower with a few in his company whilest the rest marched after him he met Marcellus and Angelica and knowing them thought without any more trouble to take her away but was disappointed as is declared The knight of Fame being with olde Iabine spent much part of the day in conference with him maruelling that hee heard not from Marcellus but when it was darke night his minde was rackt with excéeding care and vexation and being without any hope of his comming hee was as much grieued how to satisfie Iabine whom hee thought would now suspect him of falsehood and might suppose hee came not from Marcellus Therefore he said as followeth Father I maruell that I haue not heard from Marcellus according to his promise which maketh mee thinke that some crosse mischance hath hindred him that may breed in you some misconceit of mee that haue in his name come vnto you which if you doe you shall much iniurie me for it was he that sent me hither as I could assure you by diuers probable reasons Sir knight quoth he I pray bee not troubled with any thought for you are welcome to me though Marcellus had not sent you which I make no doubt of but so well doe I loue him as that whatsoeuer commeth in his name shall by the strickt obseruance I beare to that name command me any seruice Afterwards they went to their repast with such sparing diet as the Priest vsed and after Supper to bedde where the Knight of Fame could take no rest at all but yet lay very quietly because he was loath to trouble his Host with which restraint of liberty of speech and other passions that opprest his sences he endured that tedious night in great torment which seemed longer then many nights would haue done if he might haue had liberty to vtter his lamentations which boiled in his breast like the violence of a mighty flame pend within a small compasse Early the
very soone they arriued Now it hapned that Parismus at that very instant was in the court who espying Violetta accompanied by two knights the one of them being greeuously woūded and as it were by his countenaunde manner of forced comming seeming captiue to the other and not knowing of any misaduenture that had befallen her wondred thereat and comming to her not wel knowing in what sort to salute those Knights being ignorant of the cause of their cōming he demāded where she had bin My Lord quoth she this knight meaning the knight of Fame hath preserued me from the dishonor of this most discourteous knight intended against me as I will declare vnto you presently With that Parismus most kindly embraced the knight of Fame departing altogither into the presence where was the king Queene Pollipus Laurana many others Pollipus seeing Violetta amōgst those strange knights maruelled thereat but she comming before the king vpō her knees desired instice against the woūded knight the king told her that shee should haue iustice Violetta then said as followeth Most mightie king I beseech you regard my complaint reuenge the monstrous wrong don me by this most wicked and abhominable homicide who hath offered monstrous outrage for this afternoone attended by my damozell I went forth of the court into the groue adioyning to the garden to recreate my selfe in the cooly shade where I had not long stayed but this discurteous Uillaine surprised me and caught hold of my damzel who made great exclamation fearing my harme whome he bound both hand and foote threatning if she made any noyse to murther her Which done he tooke me by violence and halling and pulling me most rudely and discourteously would haue conueyed me I know not whither vntill this valiant Knight by good fortune hearing my complaints redeemed me from his tyrannie The King hearing her speeches commanded the knight to discouer himsefe but he being exceedingly ashamed and loath to be knowne refused the same but at last by some of the Bohemian Knighs was vnarmed when presently Violetta knew him wherewith she gaue an exceeding start as if she had beene affrighted at his sight Parismus and Pollipus likewise knewe him certifying the King that it was Archas that had before offered the like villanie to Violletta which the King well remembred Then he said Cruell tyrant what excuse canst thou inuent to shelter this villanie what canst thou alleage in thy defence but that thou oughtest to suffer the most reproachful death that can be inuented but this censure will I giue of thee not to fauour thee but to deale iustlie with that Knight whose Prisoner thou arte and therefore as hee by right hath conquered thee so wee will that hee shall be thy iudge The Knight of Fame had all this while diligently viewed Lauranaes bewtie her countenance and euery part of her behauiour that he tooke great delight in viewing her but hearing the kings speech he vnarmed his head whom Parismus soone knew and most louingly embraced likewise Pollipus Violetta knowing him saluted him with many courtesies when presently Parismus declared vnto his father that it was the famous knight that was called the Lnight of Fame The King hearing that it was he of whome he had heard so many honourable reports rose from his kingly seat and embraced him most louingly and euery one in generall seemed to be most exceedingly delighted with his presence Laurana beholding his countenance felt an exceeding throbbing suddainly possesse her heart withall such a violent blushing flasht in her face that she wondred whence such sudden motions should proceed and was constrained to turne aside least any should perceiue her changing countenance and withdraue himselfe to a Window This alteration being wrought in her by a naturall instinct which shee was altogether ignorant of The Knight of Fame not vnmindfull to satisfie Violettaes wrong by some reuenge against Archas most humbly thankt the King for honouring him so much by giuing him authority to giue his Doome but qd he I most humbly intreat your Highnes to pardon mee and desire your Wisedome to whome hee hath bene offensiue to vse him as you please For it were great presumption for mee in this straunge place to censure of him in your Maiesties presence Then the King called Archas commaunding him to declare what mooued him to commit that outrage to Violetta but hée assuring himselfe of no lesse then death would make no answere Wherevpon the King commanding him to bee had to Prison appoynted that the next day he should loose his head Which was accordingly performed Who might peraduenture haue bene pardoned but that his owne conscience accused him more then those whome hee had offended and so according to his owne follie which had brought him to commit all those Wicked acts euen so hee was his owne Iudge For that his guiltie conscience would not suffer him to aske pardon After this iudgement giuen euery mans minde was in quiet hauing sufficiently scanned the circumstance of Violettaes misfortune The Knight of Fame was Royallie entertained and honourablie feasted by the King of Bohemia but especially Parismus and Laurana vsed him with excéeding kindenesse being for that night driuen to part from him without any conference But Laurana was so excéedingly troubled with his remēbrance that she could scarce take any rest at all that Night for thinking on him not knowing what should mooue her to such vnwoonted alteration that in the morning when Parismus and shée were in some conference about the Knight of Fame she saide My Lord I know not what should mooue me to thinke any such thought but I am perswaded that his arriuall will bring vs either some vnexpected ioy or sudden sorrow For since I first sawe him my heart hath neuer bene quiet neyther can I though I striue to the contrarie once put his remembrance out of my minde Which hath so fully possest my fancie that I could take no rest this night Myselfe qd Parismus haue felt the selfe-same Passion not onely nowe but also at my first méeting with him in the Forrest of Arde Which maketh mee partly of the selfe same opinion with you and also desirous to knowe of whence he is In this and such like communication they continued some time till Parismus left her and went to the Knight of Fame who was already in companie of Pollipus Whome Parismus most kindely vsed and afterwardes being at a most Royall Feast which was prepared onely for his more honourable Welcome After dinner being requested by Parismus who was desirous to know of whence he was there being the King and Quéene Parismus Laurana Pollipus and Violetta and diuers others he beganne to declare the whole discourse of his trauells to them in this sort If I should declare my Name and Byrth qd hee I know not how to beginne For that I my selfe am ignorant thereof but so much as I can remember I will hide no part from you I was brought vp in a
eloquence that Moroco the King collected an Armie of a hundred thousand Moores and sent them by shipping into Natolia vnder the conduct of his eldest sonne Sancodelordoro a most valiant stout and couragious Prince which forces soone landed in Natolia pitched their Tents before the Citie of Ephesus Parismenos séeing these new come forces maruailed of whence they should be but soone learned the truth thereof Maximus likewise had knowledge brought him of the king of Libias approach and of Sancodelordoro his landing whom he welcommed with excéeding reioycings and entertained with great courtesies feastings and banquettings CHAP. XXIX How Parismus arriued in Natolia with a band of souldiers and of his ioy for Parismenos safetie How Maximus appointed Parismenos to be burnt And the lamentation Angelica made with Marcellus THe King of Libia thirsting after the Knight of Fames life whom he now knewe to be sonne to Parismus vsed all the perswasions he could to instigate Maximus to reuenge who of his owne disposition was readie inogh to such tyranny concluding within thrée dayes after to put the same in execution without remorse And all the Natolians remained in great tranquilitie by reason of the ayde was brought them and the multitude of their Armie which was like the sands in number Parismus was now come into Natolia with his Armie which was thréescore thousand Bohemians and Thessalians whose approach excéedingly reioyced Parismenos and Pollipus And hauing pitcht his Tents neare vnto the rest of his horsemen hee was met and welcommed by Pollipus to whom he said with a heauie countenance O Pollipus all the labour we haue taken is in vaine to saue Parismenos onely we may reuenge his death What iniustice and crueltie is this the heauens impose vpon his head that euer since his birth hath bene euerlastingly miserable would God he had remained still in Bohemia and neuer haue sought Angelicas loue and that my selfe with these souldiers had guarded him that we might eitheir haue died with him or else haue preserued him from that infamous death he is like to suffer My Lord quoth Pollipus Parismenos is in safetie How can that he quot he when the reports in euery mans mouth that hée must dye a most shamefull death and they haue him in prison Parismenos then humbled himselfe vpon his knee whom Parismus soone knewe most louingly embraced him who certified him of all that had happened and that the King of Natolia did thinke hée was still in prison This newes excéedingly reioyced Parismus heart and that whereas before by reason of his sadnesse the whole campe had laid aside mirth now hearing of his safetie they reassumed new comfort Now the day was come nigh which Parismenos should be burnt to which intent Maximus caused a stake to bee pitched in the chiefest place of the Citie and that the whole multitude of the Citizens were before the time of execution gathered togither to sée the same that the house â—…oppes windowes stréetes turrets and euery place were pâ—…stred with their abundance Angelica hearing thereof beganne to exclaime and crie out most bitterly making such lamentations that the heauens and euery deitie séemed to pittie her When the time of execution was come Marcellus the king of Libia Santodelordoro te Quéene and many thousand Knights of Natolia Libia and Barbary were assembled and seated to see the same And the Iudges gone to the dungeon to bring foorth the prisoner The Iaylors wife before missing her husband had broken vp the dungeon doore where shee found him dead and Parismenos fledde but fearing the kings fury durst not bewray the same but apparrelled herhusband in Parismenos garments and told the Iudges that hée was dead who taking it to be the right body caused certaine slaues to take vp the same and in mourning wise brouht it to the place of execution Angelica now séeing the time was come and hauing word brought her that Parismenos was already gone with the Iudges fare her golden haire cast off al her ornaments from her head and raged so extreamely that her daâ—…zels could not holde her but getting a knife in her hand she desperatelie vowed that whatsoeuer offered but to touch her she would with the same end her life With that she ranne downe her chamber into the Court from thence into the Citie and so to the place of execution when the King was giuing his iudgement according to the lawes Her Ladies seeing her desperatenesse durst not stay her but ran after her when she came to the place she first ran to the fire intending that if shée found him there she would die with him but suddenly espying the Hearse and the Iudges standing by the same she ranne thereto with her Golden haire hanging downe her shoulders her eyes swolne with griese her Ornaments all betorne and tortured her hands all besmeared with blood which she had cut with holding fast the knife and her face with the same blood all besmeared when with her bloody hands she wiped away the teares that hindred her sight by their aboundant passage Maximus and the Quéene knowing her ranne to her with excéeding haste the King of Libia and Santodoloro were amazed hereat and the Citizens in an vproare the Iudges also offering to lay hands on her but shée starting backe bent her kniues pointe to her brest protesting to gore it in her heart blood if they offered to touch her Maximus likewise and the Quéene by this time were come vnto her whome shée would not suffer to come neare her but vowed to bee her owne death with which they were all amazed the Ladies they flood wéeping and wringing their hands At last one of the Iudges thus spake Good Angelica be quiet this Knight is alreadie dead in prison With that Angelica with her hand casting aside the haire which couered some part of her face holding the fatall knife desperately and with an amazed countenance fixing her eyes vpon her Father said Mercilesse and most cruell King what Tyrannie is this you haue showen to be the vniust executiouer of that most vertuous Knight who neuer deserued such rygor but onely came into this Countrey for my sake whose death shall be the vttermost date of my wretched life Heauens graunt this wrongfull sheadding of innocent blood may not goe vnreuenged All plagues of Heauen and Earth light vpon their cursed heads that did this cruell deede Héere lyes true loyaltie and constant vertue slaine Héere lyes valour and knightly honour massacred Héere lyes the knight whose splendor did beautifie the glories of all the knights in the world Héere lyes innocent pity falsly accused by the distoyall king of Libia whom were hee liuing would with his countenance abate thy courage In him shinde all prowesse and by his death what hauâ—… you gainde but ignominious infamie perpetuall shame and dishonour As she was continuing the length of her spéeâ—… the peoples voyces sounded foorth the Eccho of another dismall crie for Marcellus hauing knowledge of the execution beeing in
Oristus making spéede soone arriued at the Cittie of Thebes where the King then kept his Court and being admitted his presence deliuered his message Which when Dionisius vnderstood he told Oristus that he would very wilingly gratulate the Princes kindnes desiring him to certifie his Lord that he shuld be most hartily welcome wherewith Oristus departed Dionisius willing his Noble men to be in readines the next day for hée purposed to méete the Prince himselfe In the meane time hée commaunded all preparation that might bée deuised to be made for his more honorable entertainement Early the next morning Dionisius attended by his noble men rode forth to méete the Prince some thrée miles from the Citie whome he most louingly imbraced and welcommed with excéeding courtesie Parismus maruelling at this vnexpected kindnesse in him said Most high and magnificent King I being altogether vnworthy of this your excéeding fauour most humbly intreate your pardon to my presumption desiring you to impute my rashnesse to my youth which hath attempted this boldnesse without any hope in the least degrée how to deserue such kindnesse Dionisius taking him by the hand desired him to leaue off those spéeches for that hée estéemed his Court and Countrey insufficent to entertaine him according as hée desired telling him that hée was the most welcome guest to his Court that might be wherewith they ioyfully departed towardes the Cittie but as they roade they heard a most gréeuous grone in the Thicket of a Woode hard by Whereupon Dionisius commaunded his Knightes to beset the Wood on euery side himselfe Parismus and diuers Noble men entered the Thicket where they found an Armed Knight most grieuously wounded At which pittifull spectacle Dionisius alighted from his Horse viewed his face and knew him to be his trustie Knight Osiris whome hée most dearely loued Wherefore hée commaunded him to bee conueyed to the Court that his owne Phisitians might looke to him and binde vp his wounds In the meane time the King Parismus and diuers Knightes made diligent searche in the wood but coulde finde no creature there and thereby no certaintie how Osiris should be thus wounded That departing discontented the King was certified that there was great hope of his recouery who speaking to Parismus said Most noble Prince I hope this mischaunce hath not disquieted you for I would be sorie you should conceiue any occasion of sadnesse thereat but I trust by that time Osiris be recouered wée shall easily come to the knowledge hereof My Lord replied Parismus I haue no cause to be gréeued for my part but to see your Maiestie hereby disquieted Indéed said Dionisius it some what gréeueth me because Osiris is one that I loue being well worthy thereof for his vertues do farre excéed many mens of whose faith and fidelitie I haue had sufficient triall that a more loyall Knight cannot be found By this time they were come to the Pallace gate where was the Quéene with all her traine of Ladies to welcome Parismus which was a most pleasing sight to beholde that the Prince with the suddaine viewe of theyr beautie was driuen into a déepe studie from which hée was reuiued by the Quéene who most gratiously welcommed him saying In all kindnesse I bid your honour welcome into Thessaly where we will indeuour to requite your friendship in comming to vs. Most vertuous Quéene quoth hée for this your honourable fauour both my selfe and all that is mine shall be continually bound to do you dutifull seruice The glory of the Pallace made Parismus maruaile this honourable entertainment the sumptuous banquets the rare Musick and gallant showes too tedious to rehearse made him thinke that Fame had altogether darkened the glory of that place that all his sences were replenisht with varietie of delight At such time as Dionisius and the Prince entered the Court Laurana hearing of the Princes comming standing at her Chamber windowe viewed them well and knew or at least thought that to be Parismus that came with her father noting well his gallant comely proportion said to one of her maides named Leda Is not yonder Knight that accompaineth my father the Prince of Bohemia Yes quoth Leda I thinke so for a more gallant Knight did I neuer beholde Wherewith the crimzin colour in Lauranaes cheeke began to reuiue which Leda perceiuing said it would become our Couâ—… wel to haue his presence continually for it cannot chuse but a Knight of so faire prrportion must needs be endued with as excellent gifts Why quoth Laurana this Court cannot long containe such guests wherewithall she went to dinner féeling a kinde of alteration in al her parts which séemed strange to her for euen then loue began to kindle in her tender heart which yet shee did not well vnderstand but afterwards grewe to a burning heate as shall be declared She vsed sildome to come abroâ—…d but sometimes priuately for recreation for such was her chaste resolue that she delighted in nothing but vertuous meditations To relate the conference the King and Parismus had were tedious and imperitinent to the Historie But the Prince maruailed he could not sée Laurana so famous for her beautie being hereby drawne into many déepe cogitations by which thoughts and remembrance of the long iourny hée had passed onely to behold her person and now could not be assures hâ—…e had seene the beautie hée expected was drawne into such a sad studie that in a manner he neither heard what was spoken nor cegarded where he was At last reuiuing his sences that were dulled with passion hée suddenly sighed and smiling said fearing his heauinesse had bene noted your Maiestie may peraduenture note my sadnesse the remembrance of your Knights iniury maketh me study how he should be so gréeuously wounded and no man found that should act the same which words hée onely spake to excuse himselfe Surely answered the King some man by secret treachery hath wrought him that harme which at more conuenient time we shall finde the truth thereof which I would effect with all spéed but that I hope to be ascertained by himselfe whom my Physitions say is in good estate of amendment With these and many other spéeches Dinner being fully ended Dionisius Parismus and the Quéene walked into a most pleasant Garden where after a while he was entertained with a most costly and rare banquet prouided in an Arbour or banqueting House adioyning to a Groue fraught with many pleasant Birds whose swéete harmonie much augmented the pleasure of the place all things being most artificially contriued for delight which when Parismus beheld hee then began to thinke with himselfe how shall I sée the Princesse Laurana for whose sight I haue vndertaken this trauell whose delightfull presence shall refresh my tired sences and expell those inward cares wherewith I am thus perplexed But when he sawe none but the King and Quéene hée was much troubled in his minde to thinke what might be the cause that thée whose fame had long since come to
espying her begane to be somewhat abashed saying Most noble Quéene I desire your pardon hauing taken me thus on a sudden I did certifie his hignesse that I was not well to the intent to bring our maske vnlooked for Noble Prince replied the Queene I am glad that you are in the good estate of health and thus readie to honour vs with your vertuous exercises promising you to keep your intent secret to my selfe And if you want any furtherance that I can pleasure you withall it shall be readie at your commaund wherewith she departed to Laurana telling her that she intended to make the new come states a banquet and therefore willed her to giue order to haue the same performed which newes reioyced Laurana to heare for that she hoped there to see the Prince of Bohemia to whom she â—…are an inward loue and desire of acquaintance so that hasting all things to a readinesse and adorning her selfe in most comely ornaments shée expected the wished time of their comming When supper was endde the Quéene coÌ„maunded a gentleman to inuite Dionisius the king of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and all the rest vnto a banquet in an excéeding stately Gallery where they were by the Quéene most royally entertained all in generall admiring the excéeding beautie and comely statelinesse of the Princesse Laurana that almost they fed theÌ„selues as much with her surpassing beautie as with the dainties that were there prepared Laurana on the other side maruailed that amongst all those knights she could not behold the prince of Bohemia which drawn her into maÌ„ifold thoughts only resting in hope to be afterwards assured of the truth By that time the banket was ended and all readie to depart they were staied by the sound of most swéete musicke which vnexpected noise made Dionisius wonder but to driue him froÌ„ those thoughts the maskers eÌ„tred in this sort first entred two torch-bearers apparelled in white satten beset with spingles of gold after whome followed two Eunuches apparelled all in gréene playing on two instruments then came Parismus ateired all in Carnation saften most richly beset with precious stones that the glistring restection thereof with the light of the Candle did dazle the eyes of the beholders next followed two other torch bearers Eunuches apparelled as the former and playing on seuerall instruments when came two knights apparrelled in tawny most richly adorned next them followed two other torch bearers and Cunuches apparelled as the first after whome followed two other Knights apparelled in tawnie as the other and last come two torch bearers two Eunuches apparilled and playina on seurall instruments after whom followed Lord Remus apparelled in Carnation like Parismus but not in such gorgeous maner al togither marching thrice about the Gallery whiles their musick sounded all the assembly wel liked this maske especially Dionisius wondred of whence they were for that hée wes altogither ignorant nothing suspecting that they were of his owne Court saying to the Prince of Sparta there is a yong Prince in my Court that is now ficke otherwise I should think he had bene chiefe amongst them the eyes of the whole company were busied with beholding their comely persons and their eares delighted with the swéet sound of their musicke Laurana aduisedly beheld those knights thinking verily that Parismus was one in the company for shée knew not of the message he had sent the king her father While she was in the midst of this meditation Parismus came with great reuerence to take her by the hand to dance which shée courteously accepted Lord Remus tooke the Princesse of Spartaes sister Lord Oristus and other Lady of Sparta and likewise the rest The first measure being ended Parismus reuerently saluted Laurana with these spéeches Most vertuous Princesse pardoÌ„ me for presuming to trouble your sacred eares with my spéeches for the vertue of your beautie hath ouermastered my affections and my poore life is diuoted to your seruice desiring you to accept me for your poore seruant though altogether vnworthy And though the smal tryall you haue of my truth may discourage you to credit me yet notwithstanding my vnworthinesse I desire you to imploy me any way thereby to try how willing I will be to merit your fauour Sir quoth Laurana I thanke you for your kindnes neither can I blame your spéeches if your meaning be good But as I am vnworthy to entertaine such a seruant so would I not willingly trust him I know not but heareafter when your disguise is banished as I shall sée good I will entertaine you Noble Lady said Parismus I haue taken this habit only thereby to be so happy as to make manifest my affectioÌ„ to deserue your fauour that if you wil vouchsafe to conceiue a right of my good meaning you would say he that profereth his seruice would refuse to do it to any but to your most worthy selfe Sir qd she as I knowe you not so I am ignoraÌ„t of your meaning and therefore count mée not vnmannerly to make no more estimation of your profered curtesie Parismus being ready to speake the second measure sounded which being ended Lord Remus began to parlie with Lady Isabella sister to the Prince of Sparta Courteous Lady I being vnknowne profer my humble seruice vnto your selfe vnto whose perfections I am so wholly bound that vnlesse it pleaseth you to accept of my loyaltie I shall consume my wearisome dayes in sorrowe Sir quoth Isabella your vndeserued kindnesse I knowe not how to requit and I would be sorie thaâ—… by mâ—… occasion you should be grieued and I promise you as occasion serueth hereafter I will entertaine you All this while Parismus was talking with Laurana vsing these speeches Most worthy Princesse because I am disguised you may count my woordes to proceede rather of course then of true affection but assure you neuer did any with truer zeale vtter his fainting wordes nor more abborre vnfaithfulnesse then my selfe doth being also vnknowne to you you may thinke my boldnesse to proceede of hope not to be knowne but to acquaint you with my name it is Parismus who haue forsaken my Countrey and friends onely to serue your vertuous selfe and doe you seruice But since my comming into your fathers Court I could neuer be so happy vntill this happy houre as to enioy your presence which is the only comfort whereon my happinesse dependeth therefore vertuous Princesse weigh my intent in the ballance of equitie and let mee by your comfortable speech be reuiued My noble Lord replied Laurana I hartily thanke you for taking so much paines for my sake being vnworthy thereof and also vnable to be sufficiently thankful vnto you for the same and for that you say your happinesse resâ—…eth in my power if I can any way worke yourcontent to the vttermost of my endeuour I will do it Parismus was so rauished with the heauenly voyce of Laurana that hee could haue wisht no other happinesse then to enioy her presence and
protestations procéeding from his vnfained affection that Laurana being wounded with his intreaties could not chuse but accept of his loue vttering these speeches My Lord for that I am perswaded of the constancy of your loue and for that you vouchsafe to profer such kindnesse to me that haue not deserued the same I will manifest that which rather I should conceale for that you may suppose my yéelding so soone might proceed of light bred affection but my Lord I assure you that at such time as I sawe you comming first into this Court my heart was then suprised procured as I thinke by the Destinies that euer since I haue vowed to rest yours assured to commaund so that you way pretend my wrong and therefore committing all that is mine to giue into your handes I here giue you affurance of truth and true constant loue Thus they spent the night in kinde salutations and curteous imbracings to the vnspeakeable ioy and comfort of them both Leda all this while walking about the gardens and carefully looking about her espied a light in Oliuiaes Chamber whereof shee gaue those two Louers intelligence Parismus thought that newes vnwelcome whereby being compelled to depart which was done with much heauinesse Parismus desired to know when shee would vouchsafe him her presence againe which shee told him should be at his appointment for that she now was his to dispose of so with many a sweet embracing they parted Laurana going into her chamber said in that she had so soone lost his companie and could not tell what misfortune might befall him and glad in heart to recount and think of his passed promise Parismus quickly got ouer the wal and was soone safely come to his chamber where he recounted to Oristus his happy successe in loue asking his counsell how hee might procure Dionisius good liking to effect the mariage betwixt them which first he thought to motion himselfe then he thought that Dionisius would not like thereof without the consent of his father first had and also might blame Laurana of vndutifulnesse if he knew it were with her priuity Againe he thought it best to send Oristus into Bohemia to giue his father knowledge thereof and to entreat him to send Embassadors to that effect Contrarily he thought that in the meane time some other of greater birth then himselfe might demand her in marriage of the King and so haue the first grant though he were sufficiently assured that Laurana should neuer yeelde her consent Being in this perplexity he could not resolue vpon any thing but walking in the garden to ease his heart with some recreation he met the King with him were the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus sonne to the King of Persia though vnknown The King for the more honourable entertainment of his guests made one most royall banquet for all in general the Quéen a gallant traine of beautifull Ladies were there likewise which was not a custome amongst the rest it fell so out that Parismus was seated right opposite to the Princesse Laurana which agreed to his hearts desire wherby he had meanes to satisfie himselfe with beholding that inestimable Iewell which as farre excelled all the rest of the Ladies as the Sunne doth the Moone or white his contrary who with such comely modesty behaued her self that her looke did rightly resemble a countenance ful of mild vertuous pitty able to rauish a multitude being also not a little glad that she had occasion to bestowe a kind looke on her Parismus Sicanus more narrowly marked Lauranaes behauiour then any other because his comming was onely to request her in marriage of her father and though both the young Princes were very circumspect yet Sicanus curious eye found or at lest suspected that there was some loue betwixt them which they full little thought of hauing their hearts busied with more pleasant meditations and euer after that Sicanus inwardly malised Parismus in his heart Dinner being ended the Knights spent some part of the afternoone in dauncing when being ended euery man betooke himselfe to what exercise liked him best Dionisius and Lord Remus accompanied the Princesse Laurana and the Lady Isabella to their lodgings which made Sicanus to fret inwardly to thinke that Parismus his onely enemy as he thought had gotten such possession in Lauranaes loue which might debarre him of his wished hope Parismus séeing Lord Remus talking to Isabella saluted Laurana with these speeches My deare Lady although I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy that kindnesse you haue already granted me yet I humbly request one farther fauour at your hands which is that you would vouchsafe to meet me tomorrow night in that happy place where I receiued the first assurance of your comfortable kindnesse for my passions are so extreame that my life would perish were it not onely maintained by enioying your loue where I would impart a secret to you that now I haue no time to vtter My Lord said Laurana you need not vse such intreaties to her that is not vnwilling neither hath she power to deny your request The Queen comming into the place where they were caused Parismus with a heauy sigh to depart and Lord Remus with him betwixt whom there began a firme league of friendship Now Lord Remus beare great affection to the Lady Isabella and had oftentimes solicited his suit vnto her which she in a manner yeelded vnto which made Parismus the rather chuse him for his companion by kéeping him company to haue the oftner accesse vnto Laurana The King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus were walked into the Garden where they were encountred by the king vnto whom the king of Hungaria began to declare how that the Prince of Sparta and himselfe had a matter to treate with his Maiestie if hee would vouchsafe them audience from the mighty King of Persia who hauing a great desire to be allyed to him and hauing hard manifold reports of the vertuous Laurana had sent them to intreat a marriage betwixt her and Sicanus his sonne and heire of Persia who was there present with them though vntill this time vnwilling to make himselfe known Dionisius most kindly embraced him telling him that he thought himselfe much honoured with his company and that since it pleased his father to treat of alliance betwixt them he would giue his consent willingly so that he would first get his daughters good will whom he would not willingly match contrary to her liking promising to vse his commandement vnto her for performance thereof For which Sicanus thanked him Thus hauing spent the day in this and such like talke supper was ready which being ended they betooke themselues to their lodgings CHAP. V. How Dionisius sent for Laurana and declared to her the cause of Sicanus comming which she sought occasion to make knowne to Parismus and how she gaue him assurance of her loue EArely in the morning Dionisius sent a messenger to will Laurana to come to him
sée no body but might perceiue the earth troden all to be smeared with blood and the mosse torne vp and remooued from his naturall place and looking attentiuely he sawe the lumpe of mosse leaues where vnder Parismus lay couered which was the onely preseruation of his life for the mosse lying close about him kept the ayre froÌ„ foorth his woundes otherwise he had perished The knight remoouing the leaues found the body of the goodliest man that euer he beheld most gréeuously wounded and gasping foorth his latest breath of life which mollified the knights hart that he vsed al the meanes he could to recouer him but laboring in vaine to bring him to his senses yet hée might perceiue the breath to steal forth by litle litle out of his mouth that he was perswaded he was not past helpe therefore taking Parismus in his armes he conueied him vnto the place of his abode which was within those woods now you must vnderstaÌ„d that this knight was one of the company of those outlawes that kept in that wood being driuen to liue in such obscure sort for feare of punishment for diuers outrages they had committed and taking felicitie in that kinde of life continued a great fraternitie amongst them being the very same that had wounded Osiris one of Dionisius knights as is before rehearsed amoÌ„gst whome we wil leaue Parismus to declare what hapned to Dionisius who greatly maruelled that when the day was ended Parismus was not returned which made him the rest Sicanus excepted diuerâ—…y coniecture most thinking that he was gone astray being vnacquainted might be gone to the palace not knowing which way to return to the place where he left theÌ„ Sicanus likewise séemed as carefull as the rest At last by the nights approach they all departed towards the Cittie where when they were arriued Dionisius enquiring very earnestly for Parismus returne could heare no newes thereof That hauing no other thought to be pacified withal he was perswaded that he might be gone so farre in search of his hawke that hée could not attaine to the Cittie that night and therefore might lodge by the way and so come home the next morning Thus with this hopefull perswasion being perswaded for the time they betooke theÌ„selues to their rest Sicanus being gladded with the newes of Perismus want called those thrée actors of his most desperate and wicked confederacie vnto him and inquired what they had done who certified him of all their villanous exployt being no way suspected of any such fact to whome hée yéelded many dishonourable thankes for so impious a déede Thus all continued in good hope vntill the next Morning which being come and most of the day spent there was no succesfull newes of Parismus returne but all his men were come and no man but himselfe alone mussing that Dionisius being therewith wonderfully greeued and vexed in his minde speedily caused a hundred knights to make all diligent search and inquirie that might be to heare of him who were all most willing bearing an inward loue to the yong Prince aboue al the knights that euer arriued in Thessaly The Bohemian knights likewise made such lamentation for their Lord that it was snooe blazed to the hearing of all the Court and Cittie that Parismus was not returned from hawking which at last came to the hearing of Laurana who at the fist newes thereof was so tormented in her thoughts that shee could not containe her selfe from bewraying her loue by extreame complaints as also by the manifolde questiones and enquiries shée made with whome hée went how long they mist him and where when and how they lost his company shewing an extraordinarie care of his welfare that being driuen into a thousand sundrie doubts of his welfare as also to thinke what should become of him she could inioy no quiet nor content but her greatest coÌ„fort was that shée still hoped she should heare some newes of his returne by such knights as were gone in search of him amoÌ„gst whom were his owne knights whose care she thought would be greater then any others for his preseruation Oristus likewise tooke his want in such heauinesse that hée séemed to be out of his wits by extreame sorrow Sicanus hauing now accomplished the thing hée purposed vsed oftentimes to visit Laurana and earnestly prosecuted his former sute wherewith Laurana was so much grieued to remember any other loue then Parismus or to thinke that any other should offer Parismus that wrong that she shewed her selfe so vertuously disdainfull to the Persians sute and séemed so little to regard his words and protestations that hée began to dispaire of obtaining her good will yet he was still comforted in this that he had her parents consent which might be a mean to procure her liking besides he thought the greatnesse of his birth might be a great helpe to his furtherance Dionisius Oliuia and the rest were diuersly gréeued to thinke of Parismus losse whome they all déemed to be fallen into some disaduenture otherwise they could not imagine what might be the occasion of his stay so that the whole court in generall was driuen into such sadnesse that it séemed not like the same it was wont to be especially the King and Quéene tooke it so heauily that their ioy was wholly turned to sorrowe and their pleasant countenances into sad lookes but yet all continued in hope to heare some newes of him by the returne of such as were gone in search of him who most of them returned within some thrée or foure dayes Oristus being yet behinde at last returned hauing by diligent enquiry found the stéed wheron Parismus rode who was taken vp some twentie miles distant from the place where these villaines had left him this augmented their griefe when they saw all that were in search of him returned with no good newes and Oristus the last of their hope in stéed of ioyfull tidings bringing further cause of sorrowe in that they were fully assured by finding the Horse whereon he rode and he by no meanes to be heard of that hée was fallen into the hands of such as had murthered him or by some misaduenture might be deuoured by some wilde beast that had seized on him vnawares that in generall al made such sorrow for the losse of so vertuous a Princes that it was to be wondred at that a man in so short a time of acquaintance could behaue himselfe so vertuously as to be so well beloued of all Laurana exempting her selfe from all quiet and banishing from her mind all mirth and ioy withall hearing the newes Oristus had brought fell into such an extreame passion of griefe for that a good space she continued as one wholly depriued of life and notwithstanding Leda and the rest of her maydes vsed all the skill they had yet could by no meanes bring her againe that with wringing their hands tearing their haire and with gréeuous acclamation they made such an outcrie that the
bruite thereof came to the hearing of the King and Quéene and all the rest by which occasion a new sorrow began farre aboue compare by that time the King and Quéene were come into her Chamber the Princesse began somewhat to come to her selfe when heauily lifting vp her eyes with a gréeuous sigh looking vpon her father and mother with such a pittifull countenance that they could not refraine from teares still looking earnestly about her to sée if Parismus were yet returned at last being fully recouered Dionisius asking her what might be the cause of this her suddaine sicknesse and if it laye in his power to comfort her she might be fully assured he would not deny her any thing Laurana knéelingdowne thinking to haue spoken somewhat was so ouercome with the remembrance of her deare friends want and extreame sorrowe so fully possest her hart that her spéech was turned into teares which abundantly fell from her eyes which draue the King and Quéene into such sorrow that their hearts could not indure to sée her heauinesse and therefore left her with the maides When all were departed and she alone with Leda she began to lament in this manner Unhappie wretch that I am to what a miserable staie am I brought that haue lost my greatest comfort the onely maintainer of my blisse without whose comfortable presence I neither can nor will enioy my vnfortunate life Noble and most vertuous Prince what is becoÌ„e of you what misaduenture hath befallen you what tyrant coulde be so barbarous as to do you iniurie what creature so inhumaine as to wish your harme or what minde so malicious as not to wish your good Woe is me for the losse of my Parismus heauinesse is my delight care and sorrowe shall be welcome to me till my Parismus returne O no my heart giues me hée will neuer returne hée is surely dead by some vntimely accident or hée would not thus long haue bene absent from me My deare Parismus would I were with you wheresoeuer you are then would my heart be at quiet then should I be happie then should I be rid from feare from griefe care sorrow and paine for in you onely is my comfort ioy pleasure quiet and delight In these and such like plaints shée would haue continued still but that Leda comforted her with all the perswasions that shée could deuise telling her that shée ought not to gréeue so much for that hée might safely returne againe and that hée might absent himselfe for sundrie and speciall causes not yet knowne to her vsing many other deuices to drawe her from that extremitie of sorrowe in whiâ—… estate she continually remained but yet somewhat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with hope of his returne being thereto perswaded by the spéeches of Leda who vsed the same onely to asswage her mistresse sorrowe though her selfe had no hope at all euer to sée him againe Parismus being all this while amongst the Out-lawes who kept themselues in a Caue that they had secretly and artificiall made vnder the side of a hill in the middest of the â—…ood where they coulde hardly bée founde by any and therefore there they thought themselues very secure which were the same that had wounded the Knight Osiris and had with them Dina the virgin in whose rescue Osiris was hurt yet by Osiris meanes shée was preserued from the outrage that was intended to her for whose Outlawes were without a cabtaine and therefore thought themselues equalles which happened wel for the virgin for one of them that came forth with the noise of Osiris and the others fight tooke such liking of her that hée reprooued the others cruelty telling him that it were a villainous act to defloure a virgin that had not offended him by whose perswasions he resisted from further crueltie and carried the maiden to their caue where shée was appointed to dresse such prouision as they brought in which she willingly did to defend her selfe from further iniurie Parismus comely proportion made him so wel liked of all of them who séemed to them to bée a man of good account by his apparell and in time they thought might do them many pleasures therefore they commaunded this virgin to vse all her skill and indeuoures to recouer him and heale his woundes who within two daies by her diligent indeuour had brought him to his sences that hée began to speake to them which reioyced them to heare who being thus well recouered wondred into what place hée was brought because it was darke and in a caue hauing in his presence a company of rude and â—…hag haired fellowes and onely one woman could not fully perswaide himselfe but that he was metamorphosed but being of a manly courage he boldly demaunded of them how hée came to that place and what they were that had thus preserued his life At last he that had broght him thither told him that walking into the wood being directed by a noyse that he heard hée found him couered with mosse and leaues almost past all hope of life and pitying his distresse hée had brought him vnto that place being all the habitation they had for that they were such as wanted wealth and were driuen to take that course of life to maintaine theÌ„selues withall and that hée was by the diligent paines of that virgine brought vnto the good estate hée was in and that their purpose was to elect him for their Captaine for that they thought very well of him Parismus thanked him telling them withall that hee was a Trauailer and had lost his way in those woods and meeting with some of their company as hee thought was by them leâ—… in the case they found him without any cause of offence that he had done theÌ„ Thus ceasing to commune any further with them he began to meditate how fortunately God had ordained him to be preserued by them that had destroied many to liue in hope to be reuenged on Sicanus that had so dishonourably pretended his ruine that seeing himselfe in good estate of recouery he vsed all kinde meanes hee could to purchase the good opinion of all those Outl-awes whom he durst not trust because their mindes were addicted to villany but most of all he maruelled why so beautifull a Damosell should frequent their company On a time when Parismus saw all the Out-lawes gone out of the Caue and hee left alone with Dina he enquired of her of whence shee was and why shee liued there hauing also marked her behauiour towards them he did wonder at her vertues whereby she refelled the wicked behauiour of those rude people Shee told him that shee was daughter vnto a Knight of the Prouince of Salmatia whom one of those Outlaws had violently taken forth of her fathers Orchard in reuenge of a wrong he said her brother had done him withall she told him the whole manner of her comming thither Whereby Parismus vnderstood that she was the very same in whose rescue Osiris was hurt By this time the Outlawes were come
of Persians destroying all that he mette that his horse and armour was all to bee stained with the Persians bloud and would haue continued longer to the terrour of the Persians but that the day was ended whereof the Persians were glad and sounded retrait hauing lost so many of their men that all the earth was couered with dead bodies The Persians hauing recouered their tents in heauinesse began to curse the blacke knight who had made such slaughter that all the army was almost discomforted with the remembrance of him Dionisius because it was night conueied his souldiers vnto the wood againe The Bohemians Hungarians and Spartaâ—…es being gone to their tents the Thessalians to the City and Osiris backe to the place from whence he came where I leaue them to speake of the Quéene and Laurana who all this while had viewed the whole campe being amazed to see the slaughter that was made amongst the Persians but especially by the blacke knight they also maruelled what force that should be that came from the wood but most of al they wondred that the blacke knight concealed himselfe which made Laurana so desirous to know that shee sent out a Page to marke his going from the Campe to tell him that shee entreated him to lodge within the City that the Queene and she might yeelde him some part of amends for his kindnesse for comming to aide them The Page diligently attending his businesse espied the blacke knight hasting from the field and calling vnto him told him that the Princes Laurana had sent vnto him to request him to lodge within the City that they might shew some thankefulnesse vnto him for the paines he had taken to defend them The blacke knight willed him to â—…ender all dutifull thankes vnto his Mistris whose request he would most willingly fulfill but that he was bound to the contrarie by a solemne vowe but within a short time he would most diligently atteÌ„d her pleasure for that he had dedicated his life to be spent in her defence which he would not desist to hazard whilest she had an enemy liuing wherewith rewarding the Page very bounâ—…ifully he departed and by the way he beganne to consider that if he should not manifest himselfe all men would thinke that Sicanus had been wrongfully accused and his own honour called in question therefore yet againe he once more resolued not to manifest himselfe vntill such time as Sicanus had confest the fact that was laid to his charge and with this resolution went to the Caue Laurana expected the returne of her Page with such an earnest desire that she could not be quiet vntill he was come who deliuered his message according as Parismus had willed him which draue her into a thousand sun dry imaginations one while she thought it was some strange Knight that sought her loue by his valour and an other while she thought it was Parismus but that cogitation was soon extinguished by a thousand doubts that with extremity of passion shee burst forth into these laments What distresse and terror is this that I endure by want of my deere Parismus who I cannot suppose to be liuing because he is thus long aâ—…sent who I know would not be out of my Company if hee might enioy the same but my Destinies by his want doe intend to worke my ouerthrow yet neuerthelesse were I but assured he were liuing then should my heart be at quiet for I know he would preserue his life for my sake or were I but assured that hee were dead then would I soone resolue to follow him that my fainting Ghost might enioy his companie and knew he but how deerely I loued him then I am sure that he would soone returne but he hath heretofore mette with some false Creâ—…ed and therefore he only absenteth himselfe to make triall of my Truth were I but sure that this were the effectual cause of his absence then would I rest in quiet but my lucklesse Stars bode me no such good Fortune And to my griefe I feare me he poore soule is destroyed by the trechery of that wicked homicide Sicanus who is not contented with his tragedie but also séeketh my destruction Well with what patience I may I will liue in hope once againe to see my Lord for I doe not doubt but the Palâ—…ers newes were true or else how should he come to possesse that Iewel which my deare Parismus sent me In these and such like complaints shee spent all that night refusing to be comforted that the pure Christall teares ranne from her eyes aboundantly that it would haue forced a stony heart to relent at her dolefull lamentation CHAP. XII How Donisius discouered himselfe to the Queene and of the ioy was made in the City how Parismus determining to see Laurana in his palmers disguise lighted vpon a prettie aduenture at the first dangerous but in the ende pleasant and what battels hee afterwards fought with the Persians DIonisius very earely the next day after the battell fought against the Persians came marching with his troupes of whom very few were missing towards the Citie from whence hee found the Persians remoued further by halfe a mile for they hauing viewed their forces found them so much weakened by the last daies infinite slaughter that they thought themselues scarce able to resist an other assault and therefore began to intrench themselues by which meanes those of the Thessalian party had free accesse to the City and by the appointment of Dionisius al the souldiers were conueied into the same euery band lodged seuerally by themselues al things being ordered for a sudden assault if need should require The Bohemian king requested the king of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta to go with him to the palace to visit the Quéene amongst whom was Dionisius not yet knowne to any but the Bohemian King they marched in â—…heir armour with Drummes and Trumpets The Quéene â—…auing knowledge of their comming came to meete them in mourning attire and with her Laurana and the Thessalian Ladies the faire young Queene of Hungaria and the Ladie Isabella who had all this while remained with Oliuia and all the Thessalian Lords shewing by their outward habite their inward sorrow for want of him that was amongst them by this time they were met and most kindly saluted each other the Quéene giuing them most harty thankes for their friendship and they protesting neuer to forsake her in time of neede Oliuia maruelled who that might be that concealed himselfe which both Laurana and all the rest diligently marked and being drawne by that meanes into heauy cogitation of her lost Lord she vttered these speeches Most worthy King of Bohemia I am sorry that the King of Thessalie is wanting to giue honour to your simple encertainement whose absence is most greeuous vnto vs being our onely defence comfort by which meanes wee cannot giue you such a ioyfull welcome as wee should if our Sun were not darkned but are compelled by our plaints to
like exclamations Laurana tormented her selfe continually At last the appointed day of combat was come against which time by the appointment of Dionisius there were stately scaffolds erected for the beholders one for the King of Persia at the one end and the other for Dionisius and the Thessalian Péeres CHAP. XIIII How Parismus and Pollipus and one of the Out-lawes sent Dina the Virgin to the Court at Thebes with a message and how they fought a battel against three of the Persians according to the peace concluded And how Sicanus refused to performe the condition of the peaee wherupon Parismus vnknowne challenged him the Combat THe night before the Combattants should meet Parismus with counsell of Pollipus attired Dina the Uirgin like a Forrest nimph in most rich apparell and sent her vnto the Court of Dionisius with these Uerses written In time of neede doe not defpaire distressed wrong shall conquest haue Though yet vnknowne the Knight is by that gainst thy foes doth combat craue Treasons reward is open shame the lost from death may be preserued With patience beare thy crossed state this Knights good will hath trust reserued The damsell being instructed of Parismus what shée should doe made all haste vnto the Pallace where she was no sooner come but she was conducted into the great Hall where was Dionisius Oliuia the King of Bohemia and the King of Hungaria with his faire Quéene Armida the Prince of Sparta and the Lady Isabella his sister with a number of other Lords and gallant Ladies Who beholding the damsell maruelled with what message shee came who beeing before the King humbly reuerencing her selfe vpon her knee tolde him that shee had a message to deliuer vnto the Princesse Laurana who being sent for the Damosell presented vnto her a scutchion wherein was portrayted a Knight wounded by thrée slaues and a description how they couered his body as dead with Mosse and vnderneath how the same knight was found by another Knight and carried to a Caue which was done in most exquisite manner Laurana hauing a while vewed the same and red the verses written vnderneath deliuered the same vnto the King who hauing likewise read the verses most kindely thanking the Damosell for her paines referring the answere to his Daughter who willed the damosell to signifie vnto the Knight that sent her that shee did most willingly accept him for her Champion willing her to deliuer vnto him a rich imbroydered scareff which she requested he would weare for her sake The Damosoll hauing receiued her message and rich reward departed Assone as she was gone all the Court was comforted by this Message and prepared to attyre themselues in their stateliest robes the next day the more to discourage the enemie This Damosell soone returned to Parismus and deliuered the message Lauerana had sent him and the scarffe which shee requested him to weare as her fauour which hee kist and rekist because it came from the most vertuous Mistresse of his affection The next day the Thessalian King the King of Bohemia the King of Hungaria and the rest seated themselues on the Scaffolde likewise Oliuia the Queene the Queene of Hungaria and the beautifull Laurana whose splendor so darkened the beautie of the rest that shée appeared like golden Scinthia amongst the twinkling Starres the crimson colour shining so fresh in her Christall chéekes and as Claret wine and Milke mixte together béeing so comely faire so vertuous and chaste so courteous and constante so milde and mercifull as shée was no way to bee equalled and yet bearing a minde so farre from pryde that shee disdained not the meanest person in Thessaly whose Royall personage séemed an Ornament to all the whole assembly The King of Persia the Natolan King the King of Licia and Libia were seated on the Scaffolde and next vnder them the Persian contributories which when the Thessalians behelde they supposed one parte of the worlde was come to destroye them The Persian Knightes came into the lists the first béeing the valiant Zoylus attyred all in redde with most riche caparisons of beaten Golde with a plume of redde feathers bespangled with Golde nexte came the valiant Brandor and Ramon attired in most rich colours of blewe nothing differing because they were Brethren who gallantlie mannaged their Stéedes with such feature that one would haue iudged thrée comelier Knights coulde not haue béene founde and ranging thrée or foure times about the listes but séeing no enemie approaching they stared and gazed as if they thought scorne to stay the Thessalians comming but stare gaze and stay they might for the Thessalians Champions came not an houre after that which draue Dionisius into such an agonie that hee could haue torne his haire from his head fearing least the message the Damosell brought might bee deuised by the Persians to delude him withall that hée and all the rest were driuen into such an extasie that they sate like men amazed not knowing howe or which way to saue themselues from dishonour Laurana likewise seeing her expectation crossed and doubting nowe the worst waxed fainte with inwarde griefe and the liuelie redde beganne to fade out of her Chéekes that shee had fallen from the place where shee satte hadde shee not bene reuiued with a sudaine showt the people made who espyed the thrée Champions come galloping along the plaines which so reuiued the rebated heartes of the Thessalians that they seemed like men newely raised from death to life The sodaine reioycing somewhat daunted the Persians because they were before per sixaded they shoul haue the conquest without battell and also they feared least th Blacke knight might bee one of them that were the Combat tants By this time Parismus Pollipus and the Out-lawe were come to the Listes their Armours being â—…iluered all ouer thrir Apparell Plumes and Stéedesall white their Staues Caparisons and Furnitures all alike nothing differing in all their Ornaments but that Parismus wore the Scarffe Lauarana had sent him and Pollipus in his Crest a freshe branche of bloomed Palme hauing in most gallant manner marched twice or thrice about the Lists they came backe to the Races ende and there attended to knowe Dionisius pleasure Parismus still hauing his eyes seated on the Uertuous Lady Laurana at last Dionisius came downe from the seate of State and most kindely saluted him telling them since it was their pleasure so much to doe him honour as to become his Combattants hée would if it pleased God to graunt them the Uictorie not be vnmindefull of their Courtisie nor vngratefull for their paines No sooner was Dionisius Seated againe but the Trumpet according to the woonted manner beganne to summon these Champions to the battell Parismus looking backe vppon Laurana as if from thence hée had fetcht his being waued his Launce about his heade and the Champions mette with such fury that shiuering their Launces into a thousand péeces they passed by without any harme at all then drawing their swords Parismus encountred Zoylus
worke both his owne and Lauranaes contentment and to that purpose on a certaine time walking very solitarily in the Kings garden studying how to moue his Fathers good will to this match in thâ—… middest of his dumps hee was encountred by the Princessâ—… Laurana who only attended by Leda was come downe also into the Garden to take the ayre who awaking Parismus froâ—… his dumps with a courteous gréeting vttered these speeches My déere Parismus quoth she may I be so bold as beare yoâ—… company in this your solitarines or would you but vouchsafe to impart the cause of your sadnes vnto me that I might bee partaker of your sorrow then should you soone perceiue that whatsoeuer can procure your disquiet shall likewise purchase my discontent Parismus most reuerently taking her by the hand said Most vertuous Lady I acknowledge my selfe so farre bound vnto you for many worthy fauoures vndeseruedly bestowed vpon mee that I know not which way to yeelde you sufficient thankes for the least of them much lesse to requite them and if I should deny to fulfill your request heerein vnto whom I am perpetually bound I should shew my selfe altogether void of manners Therefore know most vertuous Lady that my supposed discontentment was a pleasant and delightfull meditation And calling to remembrance your manifold vertues and vndeserued fauourable assurance you haue giuen me of your affection that I was now determining to speake to the King my Father to request a consummation of our happinesse at the King you Fathers hands so it stand with your good liking My Lord said Laurana I wholly commit the matter to your wisdome whom I am bound to obey by the choise I haue made of you to be my Lord and Husband therefore I desire you to vse that prerogatiue ouer me that by right belongeth vnto you In these and such like kind conferences they continued talking in the Garden to both their vnspeakable ioies being so vnited in the bondes of perfect amitie that it was impossible to remoue their setled friendship But Dinner time beeing come they departed to their seuerall waies being both highly contentented with the others faithfull promise Parismus no sooner found opportunity but hee made his loue to Laurana knowne to his Father who was glad of his sonnes vertuous choise and promised him to motion the same to Dionisius which he presently did by this occasion As hee was walking alone hee was encountred by Dionisius and Oliuia the Queene not accompanied by any and hauing kindely saluted each other Dionisius beganne to talke of the worthinesse of Parismus and telling him that he estéemed him the most fortunate man liuing to be the father of so vertuous a child enting so farre into commendation of him that the King of Bohemia thought he could haue no fitter time to motion the marriage then that and therefore answered My Lord I thanke you for entring into such good liking of my Sonne whom I cannot discommend for that he hath well deserued honor but I haue an humble sute vnto you and the Queene heere present in his behalfe which if you will vouchsafe to grant both he and I shall be bound vnto you for the same Dionisius and Oliuia earnestly requested him to manifest the same My Sonne saith hee intreated me to request your honourable fauour to contract a marriage betwixt him and your most vertuous Daughter vnto whom hee hath wholly dedicated his affections that I am now become an humble sutorin his behalfe Dionisius and the Quéene hearing his request were so exceeding glad thereof beeing the onely thing they desired that taking the King of Bohomia by the hand they told him they were highly contentedit should be so Thus al things falling out to their contentments they parted for that time Dionisius the next day assembled al his counsell and noble men together and there meÌ„tioned the contract vnto them who most willingly consented therto by meanes whereof the newes of this marriage was soone published that it came to the hearing of Sicanus who being inraged with griefe and shame abandoned the company of all Knights and in short time grew to such a desperate conceit of his impaired honour that with griefe thereof hee died which brought some heauinesse to the King of Persia and the rest but his death was soone forgotten for that his Father estéemed him not worthy the name and estimation of a King and had lately growne into great dislike of him and altogether fauoured the next Sonne Lennilus who farre excelled his brother Sicanus in vertuous qualitie The solemnization of Parismus marriage was appointed to beginne within forty daies to the vnspeakeable ioy of Thessalie but especally of the two yong Princes in which time Dionisius sent messengers to inuite thither many Kinges and Potentates by meanes wherof the Fame of these nuptialls was spred in most places of the world and many hundreth Knights determined to méete there to doe honour to Dionisius whose vertues by report had bene made knowne vnto them To this marriage came the famous Emperour of Constantinoble with many other worthy knights The Emperours sonne of Greece named Siches with many valiant Knights Prolomie the kings sonne of Egypt the King of Frize famous for Chiualry and the most famous Champion of the world Guido of Thrace with many others too tedious to rehearse who all vpon the appointed day were royally entertained by Dionisius Parismus and Laurana were with all solemnitie brought vnto the Temple of Diana where their rites were performed with admirable pompe the Bridegroome being accompanied with aboue eight Kings and the Bride being led by two Emperours and attended by Quéenes and many Ladies of great account the rites and solemnities being performed with such dignitie that it excelled the statelinesse of Hecuba Quéene of Troy Thus all things being ended for that day the night approched most part whereof was spent in Maskes and many other courtly pastimes néedlesse to rehearse and at last the bride was conducted to her Bride-chamber by the Quéene of Hungaria and the Quéene of Sparta Where we leaue her to her excéeding content to entertaine her beloued Parismus who behaued himselfe so kindly thatnight that Lauranaes fortresse of virginitie was battered downe and hée had the scaling of that sweete Fort and spotlesse puritie and of a vertuous virgine she became a chaste wife and that night hée made her the happie mother of a goodly boye as shall hereafter be declared Dionisius for the more royall entertainment of the States there assembled caused a most stately Tilt to be erected on a goodly gréene before the Pallace gate the stages being most cunningly made by expert workemen and proclaimed a Tryumphe to be made there for seuen dayes against all commers The first dayes tryumph the Prince of Sparta and his knights helde as chiefe Challengers who appeared before the whole assembly of States who were seated vpon the Scaffoldes in such royall manner that the glorie of them séemed to excell the stately
entertained by Parismus And on a time espying him with Laurana walking priuatly in the Garden on a sudden shee came towards them who beholding her comely shape and delicace complexion they deemed her rather a Diuine then a mortall Creature who being come néere vnto them Parismus demanded whose Page shée was My Lord said Violetta as yet I haue no Master but I would gladly be entertained quoth he then would you giue diligent attendance on the Lady Laurana and my selfe if it please her to like you I am quoth shee in all humble dutie ready at your command Many questions Laurana asked the Boy as shee supposed demanding enquiring of him both his Name his Countrey and Parentage Violetta answered my name is Adonius my Countrey Greece my parents are all dead and the fame of the Noblenesse of this Courte made mee trauell into this Countrey with the Emperour with determination to get my selfe some good seruice which you haue vouchsafed mee and herein my dutie and endeauours shall bee such as I trust you shall héereafter well like of Which speeches poore Violetta vttered with so prettie a grace that they both tooke great delight in her behauiour whom now we will call by the name of Adonius CHAP. XVIII How Parismus and Laurana with diuers in company departed from Thessalie and how they were dispersed from the King of Bohemia and set vpon by Pirates whom they vanquished ALl this time Parismus and Laurana continued in such blisfull estate of contented loue still daily increasing in Honour and affectionate kindenesse as though the one could not liue without the others presence hee still growing into greater fauour if greater might bee in the Thessallians hearts that when the day of his departure was come the Citizens of Thebes with mournfull hearts and watry eies bewailed the same all being sad and heauy no instruments of musicke nor sight of ioy nor sound of reioycing being heard as though their departure were a signe of some ominous euent to ensue Laurana with many a salt teare bad her Countrymen adieu and poore Violetta seeing her Father stand at his doore as it were comfortlesse vttered such passionate lamentations that were beyond compare The two Princes being conducted by Dionisius and Oliuia the King and Quéene of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and the Lady Isabella and most of the Thessalian Péeres vnto the Hauen where they should take shipping this parting beeing in such heauy sort and with such aboundance of teares Parismus vttered these spéeches Most Noble Princes these sadde teares which you shed at our departure sheweth your vnwillingnesse to leaue vs whose company you shall not long want for your Daughter Laurana and my selfe will verie shortly returne againe that she may be a Comfort to your aged yeares therefore I humbly beseech you to cease your griefe Dionisius said Most noble yong Prince our griefe must needs be great to loose the company of such assured friends as your noble Father and your selfe haue showne your selues to be therefore for our last Farewell we pray that the Gods would prosper you in this your iourney Laurana hauing receiued their blessings with most heauy hearts they committed these two Princes to the Seas who hoysing saile with speede launched into the maine where they were soone out of â—…ight and Dionisius and the Queene sadly returned to Thebes The King of Bohemia had not sailed aboue two daies space in great hope soone to recouer the Coast of Bohemia but the windes began to blow aloft and the Seas to rage and swell and such an excéeding Tempest arose as though the Heauens and Earth had conspired their vtter ouerthrow so that their shippes were disseuered and their Marriners expected nothing but present death that Parismus Laurana and Pollipus were disseuered from the rest of the company and they all in despaire euer to see them againe The cruelty of the Tempest continued for the space of thrée daies in such raging and extreame sort that the Marriners were compelled to cut their Sailes and to heaue their Mastes ouerboord and by the violence of the winde were driuen past their knowledge but when the storme ceased the Marriners kenâ—…ed a farre off an Iland and with such prouision as they had sayled thither Parismus being glad that they had so well escaped the furie of the Seas with most comfortable speeches reuiued the fearefull Spirit of the Priâ—…sse Laurana from her sadnesse in this sort Déere Laurana since the destinies haue allotted vs this mischance to be thus disasterly seuered from our company and driuen into an vnknowne place comfort your selfe in these extremities with hope of better successe for I do not doubt but we shall well recouer the company of my Lord and Father who by these bitter misfortunes is seuered from vs but I trust the Seas will not bee so vnmercifull as to drench his aged yeeres in these spacious gulfes my deere Laurana were you safely on these spacious gulfes my déere Laurana were you safely on shore then would my hart be at rest Many other spéeches bee vsed to comfort her in her sadnesse who was the more comfortable for that she was in his company they had not long continued in this good hope of recouering land but they espied a ship making towards them with all speed who being come neere to him they knew him to be a Pirat who presently began to board the ship wherein Parismus was but the Marriners resisted them wherewith began a fearefull battell Parismus being vnder haâ—…ches soone armed himselfe and made such a slaughter amongst the Pirats most of his owne men being slaine that he with the helpe of Pollipus had soone destroied the greatest multitude of them and the rest yeelded vnto their mercie Afterward they boorded the Pirates who were belonging to Andramart of Tartaria the Scythian Pirate that had filled the whole world with the report of his tyranny beléeuing them vpon such protestations oathes as the villaines made they conueied such riches Iewels and prouisions as they had aboord the Pirats ship for that their owne was shrewdly weather beatten And likewise hauing shifted Laurana Leda and Adonius into the same sunke their owne and placed such few Marriners as they had left aliue for gouernours ouer the Pirates they made towards the Iland which they saw before them and soone landed determining there to refresh themselues where they found the Country waste and desolate without any inhabitant yet well replenished with wild Déere and Foule of which they got good store Parismus demanded of the Pyrates if they knew that Iland who told him that they gaue it the name of the Desolate Iland for that they neuer saw any liuing creature there but they told him that there was a beautifull Castle that stood vpon the top of a mightie Rocke in the middest of the Iland inhabited as they thought by some Diuels for that many of their fellowes had oftentimes gone thither but none of them euer returned nor they
them thinking because there were but two hee should easily ouercome them but the first that offered to lay hands on Parismus had his arme parted from his body and he ran about the court anothers leg was by Pollipus lopt off and he compelled to lie and tumble on the earth some lost their heads some had their bodies pierced quite through by the vnconquerable hands of these worthy Knights and happy was hee that came not within compasse of their weapons that by that time the Sunne was mounted to the highest Zodiaâ—…e the greatest part of Drubals seruants lay weltring in their bloud and these valiant knights still continued their Masâ—…acre among them that the rest séeing themselues also likely to perish by the matchlesse Chiualrie of these Champions with a generall consent cast away their Weapons and yeelded to their mercy which when Druball saw being of a traiterous disposition ranne at Parismus with all the force hee had thinking either desperately to kill him or die himselfe but Pollipus with a quicke eye marking his intent strooke him so mighty a blow vpon the head that hee ranne staggering vp and downe and by the commandement of Parismus his owne men had taken away his weapon whom Parismus caused to bee laid in the most vildest Prison in the Castle which so vexed Drubal that there he grew to such a desperate rage that hee would haue slaine himselfe but that hee was in the hope still to bee releeued by Bellona Most part of his Seruants they likewise committed to safe custodie and beeing more at quiet demanded if Antiochus Queen and his two Sonnes Daughter were liuing who told him that they were liuing in wonderfull poore and miserable estate Wherefore by the direction of one of Drubâ—…lls Seruants they were brought vnto the Prison where they were no sooner come but they heard the most greeuousesâ—… groanes câ—…ies and lamentation that euer Eare heard and being entred they beheld a number of Prisoners in the most gréeuous and pittifullest manner lying on the earth that their hearts were wonderously gréeued to behold the same Amongst the rest they beheld an auncient woman Fettered and chained vnto a poste and right opposite against her a comely young Maiden chained in many chaines their apparell beeing all torne from their bodies sauing some little that shadowed their middle parts whom the seruant tolde him was the Quéene and her daughter and two that lay chained with their backes together were Antiochus two Sonnes Parismus and Pollipus commanded them to fetch some Apparell to couer their bodies In the meane time they beganne to commune with the Queene who was much ashamed at her nakednesse but séeing some comfort in their lookes told them that she was sometime Quéen of that Countrey but had long continued imprisoned in that sort by the treacherie of Druball Parismus told her that now the time of her deliuery from that bondage was come which so reioyced the poore Queene that with a chéerefull countenance she smiled on her daughter the messenger being returned Parismus couered the Quéenes body with rich apparell and with his owne hands loosed her bands Pollipus did the like to Freneta her daughter and all the rest of the prisoners were set at liberty Parismus and Pollipus ledde the Quéen and Freneta vnto conuenient lodgings being scarce able to stand they were growne so feeble where they had all things conuenient ministred vnto them by Adonius who was willing to vndertake that office and there left them whilest they tooke order to release the rest of the Prisoners from their misery which were a great number amongst whom were many knights of strange countries that they admired the cruelty of the Tyrant Druball which excéeded the compasse of reason Afterwards they viewed the whole Castle where they beheld in sundry places the dead carkasses of thousands of Men Women and children consumed to ashes for assoone as the tyrants had satisfied their appetites in sundry â—…bominable sorts with them they burnt their bodies At last they came vnto the maine castle wherin the seruants of Druball told them they neuer saw any to enter which they found fast shut assayed by all meanes they could to open the same but their labour was in vaine which caused them to maruell what might be the cause therof But they were no sooner departed determining to go sée where Bellona lay dead but immediately the windes began to blow with such vehemeÌ„cy that with much adoo they could stand vpright wherewith such thuÌ„drings teÌ„pests began to arise that all the whole Rock shooke wheron the castle stood the buildings quaked in such maner that such as were within the compasse of the roofes ran forth into the opeÌ„ court the lower wherinto Parismus and Pollipus would haue entred seemed to turne into a mighty flame froÌ„ whence came such a smoke as darkned the whole place where they stood that they could not sée one another In which sort it coÌ„tinued a good space when presently the smoke vanished away the Tower buildings of the castle were neuer after that any more séene which so amazed the worthy Knights that with the fearfulnes thereof they stood like men agast Neither was the body of Bellona any where to be found for the tearme and date of her Inchantment then tooke end The riuer ouer which they had passed was not to be séene nor any other goodly thing that before séemed most admirable for beauty Wherefore Parismus commanded a Tent to be picht for their habitation being no other there to be had Druball being as before I said in prison hearing this noise and séeing the darkenesse that ouerspred the Castle soone knew for Bellona had reported the secret thereof vnto him before that Bellona was dead he by that meanes desperately without any hope of aide beate out his owne braines against the stone walles and his body being found in that sort murdered Parismus commanded to bee cast as a pray to the beasts of the field for that he was not worthy of buriall After which the two Knightes came to the Queene who was in the Tent accompanied by her two sonnes and daughter who by Adonius good tendance were wel strengthened they no sooner saw them come in but with a thousand commendations they began to applaud their magnanimious vertues that had wrought the downfall of those two wicked Tyrants that had long time kept them in thraldome yeelding vnto them so many harty thanks that Parismus requested them not to vse such Ceremonious thanks to them that were altogether vnworthy thereof and began to demand of the Queene whether the king of that Iland were liuing or no wherwith she told him that he was slain in a battel by Drubal many yeares since the remembrance of whose death caused the teares to trickle downe her chéekes in aboundance Wéepe not deere Queene quoth Parismus for things past recouery are no way to be lamented but quoth he this comfort is yet remaining that
purchase your discontent humbly destring you to pardon my negligence by meanes whereof you are fallen into this mischance and also I pray you certifie your noble mistresse that Andramart is no way to bee blamed for the remembrance of her griefe hath brought such terror to his heart that he shall neuer rest in quiet vntill he hath wrought her the happy content she desireth which if he knew what it were hee would presently put it in practise And taking Leda by the hād with all humilility he brought her vnto Lauranaes Chamber who reioycing at her sight louingly and with ioy embraced her and Andramart departed presently cōmanding all things to be ministred vnto Laurana in such diligent sort that shee could not choose but commene his good nature whom she assuredly beléeued was no way priuie to his sisters actiōs for that hée had sufficiently showne the contrarie and still laboured by all the meanes hée could to purthase her good liking Leda aa I said being come to her mistresse so reioyced her heart that she began to leaue off her sad and pensiue thoughts that still oppressed her minde and declared vnto her the cruell vsage of Adamasia withall the report of Parismenos which newes made her againe begin her former sorrowe but by the comfortable perswasions of Leda whose counsaile she much estéemed she gaue her minde vnto much quiet In which quiet state let vs once againe leaue her CHAP. XXIIII How Parismus and Pollipus departed frō the Desolate Iland in a ship of Hungaria And how they were endaungered by Pirates belonging to Andramart by whose meanes they wonne the narrow passage into the Iland of Rocks PArismus and Pollipus continued manie daies in the Desolate Iland expecting the happie arriuall of some ship wherein they might haue passage to go further in search of Laurana for whose absēce they indured much sorrowe At length it chanced that a marchants ship of Hungaria passed by this desolate Iland which they wel knew and shunned for the danngerous report they had heard therof Comming against the Cittie where the King lay the mariners aboue hatches had sight of flagges that were spread vpon the toppe of the Castle signified the same vnto their chiefetaine whose name was Barzillus who hearing their report woondred what might be the cause and being desirous to knowe the certaintie made thitherwardes where hee durst not bring his ship to shore but taking his cockboate himselfe with such as rowed him landed at the Castle which such as attended the same espying came and saluted Barzillus certifying him that he neede not now feare the furie of Bellona for that there were two Knights in the cittie that had destroied the Castle and fréed their King and Quéene out of thraldome who would be very ioyfull to heare that any passengers were lāded Barzillus hearing their report without feare beleeuing theyr spéeches went with them vnto the court which was but small yet there he was most kinely welcōmed by the King Queen but especially by Parismus and Pollipus who enquired of him of whence he was He certified them he belonged vnto the king of Hungaria his name Barzillus and that seeing the flagge of truce he came to see what aduenture had happened in that desolate Iland Friend quoth Parismus youe comming hither may greatly preasure my selfe this worthy knight my friend Pollipus of Phrigia by whose prowesse this Iland was reduced to his former happie estate Barzillus hearing him name Pollipus suspected him presently to be the famous Prince Parismus of Bohemia of whose losse at Sea hee had heard many reports by diuers ships he had mette both of Thessalie and Bohemia that were gone in search of them and therefore with great reuerence hee vttered these speeches Most curteous Knight I haue in my trauaile often times heard of that woorthy Knights name and also of the famous Prince of Bohemia by many Knights that are in search of them whome I suppose your selfe to bee and therefore accounte my selfe the happiest man aliue to bee an occasion to pleasure you in anie respect therefore most worthy Knight if my selfe my men or shippe may any way doe you seruice I heere most humbly offer them at your vertuous commaunde Parismus kindely thanked him assuring him that hée was the same whome hée had named and that a long time he had remained in that Iland for want of shipping to go in searche of Laurana Daughter to the King of Thessaly whom they had lost that if he would shew them that curtesie as to leaue his further trauaile for his Marchandize and accompanie him in his trauailes he would make him such sufficient recompence as he should neuer after neede to trauell to get wealth arzillusB told him that notwithstandding his Honourable proffer he would haue all that was his at commaundement So giuing him all the courteous entertainment that might be they soiourned still with olde Antiochus vntill they had furnished themselues with al things conuenient and finding a fit time with all courtesie taking there leaule of the Kinh and Queene and Freneta who tooke their departure most heauilie for that these Knightes were so grasious in their eyes as they accounted the one parte of their soule departed with them hauing obtained a promise of them to visite them when they found their wished friend hauing winde at will they launched into the maine not knowing which way to take their course but commited themselues to the direction of their good or ill Fortune They had not Sailed thrée dayes but Barzillus gaue them to vnderstand that they were neere the Prouince of Tartaria where he tolde them it was daungerous trauelling for those Seas were still frequented with Pyrates and Robbes whose words immediately they found true For they had not Sayled the space of two houres but they espyed a farre off a ship making towards them amaine whom Brazillus presētly knew to be Pirates and therfore vttered these speeches Most worthy Knights now prepare your selues to resist the enemie approching vs whom I knowe to be such as seeke the destruction of all passengers into whose handes if you fall you may expect nothing but cruell tyrannie and hard vsage By that time he had ended his speeches the Pirates had laied thē aboorde and began to enter their ship but Parismus and Pollipus hauing Armed themselues with thier weapons drawne demanded of them what they would haue their Generall hearing theyr speech told them he would haue them yeelde Yeelde quoth Parismus that wee will wherewith he strooke one of them so violently that he cleft his head Pollipus did the like to another who séeing thēselues so handled assailed these champions with great fury being a multitude in respect of their small company But they resisted them with such valour that the Pirates were greatly discomfited a great nūber of them slaine in which conflict Pollipus not regarding the perill he was in nor the treachery the Pirates might vse was gotten aboord the Pirates ship
am héere readie to accomplishe your wil. And in my absence do not accuse me of inhumanity for I may not nor will not do any Lady wrong vpon whose fauour my life if it were ten thousand times dearer dependeth Freneta hearing his resolute and vncomfortable words fell in a deadly swound which her maide perceiuing laboured to reuiue her againe in the meane time he departed to Parismus and hauing solemnly taken their leaue of the King and Quéene who endured their departure with great heauinesse they hasted to their ships and soone launced into the maine and with a prosperous gale sailed towardes Thessalie Freneta being reuiued from her trance missing Pollipus whom shée thought had bene still by her fel into an extreame exclamation of his discourtesie with that vehemencie that her brethren hearing her ragings demaunded the cause of her sorrowe which shee vttered in all respects as hath bin before declared Which rashnesse in her they reprooued with such bitter tearmes that her care for Pollipus disdaine did not now so much greene her as their vnkindnesse That a multitude of griefes and vexation so ouerwhelmed her carefull and tender heart that for euer after she continued in perpetuall exclamations against her cruell destenies that with the extremitie of griefe shée became lunaticke and quiet bereft of sense and so ended her life Which strooke such a sorrow to old Antiochus his Quéenes hart that within short space as by the first coÌ„ming of the knights they had receiued their ioyfull libertie so by their last departure they receiued the cause of their death leauing their two sonnes to rule the Iland who gouerned the same in such peacefull quietnesse that within short space it grew to be as famous as euer it had béene in the first beginning of their fathers raigne CHAP. XXIII How Parismus with prosperous successe arriued in Thessalie and of the exceeding ioy that was made for his returne WIth prosperous successe Parismus in fewe dayes landed on the shores of Thessaly which hée for ioy hée was safely returned with his beloued Laurana a thousand times saluted with glad lookes Laurana likewise felt her heart possest with an exceeding delight to behold her natiue soile where her carefull Parents liued vnto whom she wold bring vnmeasurable comfort Pollipus he was animated to comfort by an inward perswasion to heare some newes of his Violetta and Violetta was affected with no lesse gladnesse then any of the rest in that she was so happily returned with the vertuous knight Pollipus and the remembranâ—…e of her parents sight which she much desired to enioy that their ioyes on all sides were so exceeding that there was no person whatsoeuer but had his heart fully replenished with gladnesse euery way When they were landed Parismus determined to sende a messenger to the Cittie of Thebes with report of their health and happie arriuall which Pollipus destred to execute and Arming himselfe in an Azure armour beset with starres of golde and gallantly mounted with his speare in his rest hée hasted towardes the Cittie and hée rode along the stréetes multitudes of people forsooke their houses and businesse to beholde him and noting his gallant proportion therby remembred the want of the valiant Parismus that their hearts were affected with a wonderfull perswasion that either it was himselfe or some happie Messenger that brought good tydings of his safetie that by infinite multitudes they followed after him to the Court being desirous to know from whence hee was Pollipus comming to the Pallace beheld a wonderfull alteratioÌ„ there since his departure for al were attired in mourning wéedes and euerie thing seemed to shewe a signe of sadnesse When Dionisius had knowledge that there was a knight that had brought a message vnto him hee coulde not iudge whence hee might be for that hée was in Armour and rather tooke him to bée a Herault at Armes then a Messenger that brought newes of peace But dinner being then newly ended hée was brought into the great Hall where was Oliuia the Queene the King and Queene of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta with his yong maryed Queene Clariana Daughter to the King of Hungaria the Lord Remus who had lately married Isabella and many other When Pollipus was entred humbling himselfe vpon his knee before the King he vttered these spéeches Most High and Mighty King I bring you newes of the safety of your highnesse Daughter Laurana who aâ—… this instant with her espoused Lord remaineth in good health humbly saluting your Maiestie in all duty by me They are by this time on the plaines of Pharsalia addressing themselues towards this noble Citie where within short space they will arriue Dionisius hearing his message tooke him by the hand and imbraced him Knight quoth he thou hast brought mee such pleasant newes that I can hardly beleeue I may bee so happy as to liue to see them neither be thou offended at my incredulity for my misfortune hath béen such as I cannot any way relie vpon the certainty of any thing With which words the teares stood in his eies Pollipus lifting vp his Beuer said My Lord vpon mine honour that which I report is most true Dionisius knowing him with great ioy embraced him the Quéene and all the rest could not sufficiently on the sudden expresse their ioy but yeelded all kind and honourable welcomes that they could deuise to welcome him withall Which newes was soone bruted through the Court and City and the King and almost all in generall went out presently to méet them The Courtiers they reioyced the Citizens they caused Bonfires to bee made the Bellesrung the Drummes and Trumpets sounded yea such mirth and reioycings began on all sides as if the people had beene newly risen from death in respect of the sadnesse that possest their hearts before these happy newes came Dionisius with great ioy rode to méete his children being accompanied by the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and many other knights and gentlemen belonging to the king of Hungaria that attended Clariana and they had not rode far out of the citie but they met them Where Dionisius louingly embraced Parismus and Laurana who reuerently knéeled at his feet and with teares procéeding from the excesse of excéeding ioy welcoÌ„med their returne when Dionisius vttered these spéeches Welcome my deare Son your happie arriuall hath banisht my former hearts sorrow and as by your departure newes of your misfortunes our heauinesse increased so by your prosperous arriuall our hearts are refreshed with ioy I sée your vertues still ouermaister aduerse misery whatsoeuer is in your custodie is safely protected froÌ„ calamitie my gladnesse for your returne I caÌ„not expresse for that I feele my selfe surprised with excéeding delight When he had ended his speeches he tooke Laurana by the hand embraced her with exceeding reioycing Each noble personage hauing saluted Parismus and welcommed their returne in curteous sort they entred the citie whether they were welcomed with such
cause of my gladnesse Violetta hath disguised her selfe and bin with vs in all the time of our trauels and Adonius is now chaÌ„ged to Violetta and hath discouered her selfe vnto me which was more strange to me then it may séeme to you Parismus hearing his spéeches called her fauor to remembrance perfectly knew that it was Violetta wondering that in so long time as shée was in the disguise of Adonius hée could neuer perceiue the same nor once suspect it which affected his heart with excéeding ioy and taking Pollipus by the hand they walked together to Laurana who greatly reioyced at his happy newes presently commanded Leda to carrie apparell vnto her and all things that were necessarie which shée presently executed and at her comming founde Violetta newly awaked and tolde her that Laurana had sent her that apparell which Violetta was well contented with Parismus Pollipus and Laurana by this time were come where she was who stood with a bulshing couÌ„tenance like Venus intrapt in Vnlcans net but Parismus tooke her by the hand said Blush not vertuous damosel for it reioyceth my hart to sée you here could you be so vnkind as in all the time of your trauell neuer to make your selfe knowne till now Well I sée you haue wisdome in making your choice and well haue you deserued to be beloued of Pollipus who I am sure will performe no lesse neither néede you any more trial of his loue for that you haue béene priuie to many infallible proofes thereof Violetta knéeling vttered these spéeches I thanke your honour that vouchsafe mee this extraordinarie fauour as to visite mee that haue shewed my selfe vnworthie thereof but I trust I néed not now stand vpon nice tearmes to this worthie knight for that I may bee fully assured of his fidelitie neither can I séeme straunge hauing béene so long time acquainted with his loue But if my boldnes hath not câ—…used his misconceyte of me I here offer my selfe for euer to bee at his disposition desiring you most worthie knight to pardon whatsoeuer you haue found amisse in me or disagréeing of a maidens chast behauiour and with a fauourable opinion consure of my rashnes both to try your vertues as also to disguise my selfe wherein I haue done so neere as I could nothing that might any way disgrace my chastitie or dishonour my name Pollipus taking her in his armes saide Sweete and kinde loue should I bee so barbarous as to misdeeme your vertues or beare any other then the most courteous conceit of your kindnesse then I might bee accounted the most inhumane creature liuing but contrarie to my desert I account my selfe so inriched and honoured by your loue that for euer I shall endeuour to be thankfull vnto you for the same and beseech you thus to esteeme of mee that it will bee more grieuous vnto me then death to bee out of your fauour Then I desire you let your heart repose that good trust in me that no miserie calmitie death nor affliction shall cause me once in wdrd or deede to be disloyal to your selfe that vouchsafe me the heauenly happinesse I desire Laurana all this while diligently beholding Violettaes modest countenance and bashfulnesse came vnto her and embraced her in most familiar sort saying Most vertuous damosel be not discomforted nor abashed at your disguise for it cannot be taken otherwise then vertuous for by the same you haue shewen a great token of wisdome to make so infallible a triall of the constancie of your friend neyther trouble your selfe with any misconceited opinion of your Chastitie for none can be so discourteous as to disallow the same And as for my selfe I am so fully assured of your Uertues that I shall for euer hate them that shal once thinke otherwise then honourablie of you and hereafter make account to finde me as your most faithfull Friende for at all times I will esteeme you as my Sister and whatsoeuer lyeth in my power to doe you good shall be readie at your commaunde Violetta kneeling downe most humblie thanked her for her Honourable kindnesse Laurana taking her by the hand led her downe into the great Hall where she was entirely welcommed by the King and Queene and by all the rest of the States with maruailous louing kindenesse who hauing knowledge of her exceedingly commended her Uertues and beeing informed of the truth of all that had passed betweene her and Pollipus by his owne reporte grew into such a good liking of her and so much esteemed her wifedome that they accounteâ—… him the most Fortnate Knight liuing to make choyse of so vertuous a Wife And presently her Father was sent for who with great ioyfulnesse welcommed his Daughter Within fewe dayes by the appointment of Dionisius shee was most Solemnely married to Pollipus with great Royaltie to both their exceeding contentments and to the reioycing of all them that were there present Afterwardes all Thessalie remayned in great tranquillitie and these kinde Friendes continued stil in Dionisius Court many dayes vntill Parismus once againe desired to see his natiue Countrey of Bohemia where within shorte time after his departure from Thessaly he safely arriued as shall be declared in the second part of this Hystorie which shall be called by the Name of Parismenos wherein shall be she â—…ne at large the straunge discourse manner of his bringing vp by his Nurse that fledde with him from the Tyrant Andramarts Castle in the Iland of Rocks with the rehearsall of many strange adueÌ„tures he atchieued before he came to his parents Thus courteous Readers you sée the first fruits of my gréene labour rudely put into your courteous handes which if you please to grace but with a fauourable opinion I will in the next Hystorie endeuour to make you some part of amends But if this shall not be kindly accepted you shall for euer discourage me from bestowing any more ydle time in these or any other such like exercises FINIS GEentlemen if a straunger may request a fauour which I am sure no honest well-willer to Learning will denie then let me intreate you in the behalfe of my friend the Author heereof to affoorde him your kinde acceptance of this his first labour which I am the more earnestly to craue at your courteous hands because I animated him vnto the same For comming one day into his Chamber I found amongst other things this History of Parismus roughly penned by him and carelesly cast by in loose papers as minding that it should neuer haue come to the presse But I gathering them together and reading them found the inuention so prettie the matter so delightfull and the Stile although plaine yet so pleasing as liking it requested him to suffer it to come abroad assuring him that it could not but be generally well liked of the better sort Andtherefore since he hath through my perswasions performed the same doe not you I pray you discourage him in his first attempts but kindely accept his
will meaning intention which was to please al and displease none So shall you winne him to finish what hee hath promised that is the second part which I protest I will hasten him to doe with as much speede as may bee Fare yee well Your Friend L. P. THE SECOND PART OF THE MOST FAMOVS DElectable and pleasant Hystorie of Parismus the renowmed Prince of Bohemia THE ADVENTVROVS TRAVELS and noble Chiualrie of Parismenos the KNIGHT OF FAME in diuers Countreyes The fourth time Imprinted and amended VERITAS VIRESSIT VVLNERE TC LONDON Printed by Thomas Creede 1615. TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE NOBLE PRVdenc and vertuous Ladie the Countesse of Essex the Almightie graunt euerlasting Honour and Happinesse ANimated by the view of your manifolde vertues Right Honourable Ladie I haue presumed to shrowde this simple worke vnder the Harbour of your protection resting in confidence your Honour will vouchsafe to accept the same although not for the worthinesse yet for the well meaning intent of the Writer who in all dutie Dedicateth his endeuors to deserue your Honourable fauour Trusting your fauourable and prudent Censure will extinguish the blemish of my ouer boldnesse and your wisedome receiue with fauour what is offered with affection Pythias Apollo reâ—…used not to drinke in woodden dishes Alexander the great and mâ—…ghtie Monarke disdained not to Trauell to visite simple Diogenes in his Cell Not the giftes value but the giuers good will hath bene alwaies esteemed Euen so I rest in hopefull assurance that of your owne Most Honourable and vertuous inclination to fauour Learning you will daine to take this small gyfte proceeding from my heartie good will Which I am bolde to present to your protection thereby in some sort to expresse my humble dutie which bindeth me to giue your worthinesse a farre better present then this if my abilitie were correspondent The dutyfull regard I beare to your laudable gyfts being such that I am vnable hauing no other meane to expresse the same Humbly beseeching your Honour to accept this gyft in place of a better and my humble and dutifull meaning in steede of a better performance And according to your vertuous Bountie vouchsafe to protect this Talent of my poore Labours vnder the title of your Honourable Patronage Which shall binde me to inuocate the Almightie to indue your Noble minde with innumerable vertues increase your Honours inrich you with all blessings and reward you with eternall happinesse Your Honours in all dutie Emmanuell Forde TO THE COVRTEOVS READER GENTLEMEN according to my promise I haue set foorth this Second parte of Parismus which I wish may prooue worthie your Fauour and kinde Estimation the Anckors whereon my Hopes depende and though it deserue not so much yet let my good meaning therewith purchase the same If you finde any imperfections passe them ouer with a carelesse respect and if ought please your Fancie let it ceunteruaile that which is amisse If neythâ—…r well nor amisse then I pray rest indifferent and let your courtesie be greater then my boldnesse and your Fauour beyond my desert My intent was to please but if not my labours are ill bestowed and my happe the harder If I may breede any delight to the well-minded or purchase any good opinion of the Well-willers to Learning then I haue the reward I expect One peraduenture will say the inuention is barren another the English is harsh a third all is naught Yet let me answere in mine owne behalfe that which is lightly discoÌ„mended is not easily amended and the worke well done that pleaseth all and that very harsh that none liketh But I submit my selfe to the wise courteous and learned whome I trust will vouchsafe to esteeme fauourably of my good intent that though I am not able to compare with any yet I am willing to prooue worthie and haue taken some paines to procure their good opinion vnto which I submit my selfe As for Momus mates that are contented with nothing yet desire most I let them passe as regardles whom I neyther care to please or displease but if my fortune be so aduerse that I cannot procure their delight I would then I plead penitencie protesting I was in good hope of their fauor Knowing this that which disagrees with ones fancie may delight anothers So that I am in hope this poore Treatise may passe with the fauourable opinion of some thâ—…gh not of all yet especially of the courteous That I stâ—…l rest in hope I shall not be frustrated in all my expectation but reape your courtous Censure for my good meaâ—…ng And so I comâ—…tte you to the Heauens protection Your Friend E. Ford. AA ⧠THE SECOND PART OF THE MOST FAMOVS delectable and pleasant Historie of Parismus the renowmed Prince of Bohemia his trauels with the valiant Knight Pollipus in search of Violletta CHAP. I. How Parismus after Pollippus Marriage departed from Thessalie And of a strange aduenture befell them in Bohemia AFter that Pollipus hadde wedded Violetta as is declared in the first part of this Historie and euerie one in Dionisius Court enioyed his owne hearts content Parismus againe desired to see his natiue country of Bohemia from whence hee had beene long time absent as also to comfort his aged Parentes who languishded with extreame sorrowe doubting that he was perished Parismus now determined to take his iourney by land the rather for that Lauranacould not brooke the Seas the passage being long and dangerous that within fewe dayes Parismus hauing with Laurana Pollipus Violetta Tellamor Barzillus and two hundreth Knights being honourably accompanied onward of their iourney by Dionisius and Oliuia the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and his beloued Clariana Lord Remus and Lady Isabella with thousands of the citizens of Thebes left the bounds of Thessalie to the exceeding griefe of all especially to the King and Queen whose farewelles were exprest with exceeding sorrowâ—…s and hearts replenished with sadnes whose care for their welfare and praiers for their prosperous successe were vttered with a bundance of teares They on the other side with like heauie discontentment and sad sighes left their delightful company with whom they could euerlastingly haue remained if waightiâ—… occasions had not withdrawn them To recount their trauailes and the countries they ouerpast would be tedious the rather for that they were neither crost by misfortune nor any way indaungered but atchieued the tediousnesse thereof with prosperous successe and within few daies they arriued in the wished country of Bohemia whither Parismus welcommed Laurana with these spéeches Now most deare Lady you set foote on the Bohemian sâ—…ile whither I haue long time wished to conduct you desiring you to account both it and all therein as yours to dispose of and though by your departure you left your parents in heauinesse your friends in care and your subiects discontented yet heere shall you â—…inde parents whome you shall raise from heauinesse friends whom you shall comfort and subiects whose pensiue hearts will
be reuiued with your presence Then I beséech you let no disquiet thought trouble your kinde harts content but estéeme your selfe both welcome and beloued in Bohemia for thousands of my subiects haue already deuoted their liues to your command And deare friends quoth he as my selfe I esteeme you and as my selfe esteeme your selues welcome hither for your kindnesse hath deserued that estimation and recompence that I am not able to make And deare friend Pollipus my faithful partner in woe make you account of all mine as your owne for well haue you deserued all kinde estimation and friendship of me whom you haue infinitly bound to you in all league of affection The Bohemians soone had knowledge of their arriuall and by infinite troupes came to méete them Among the rest Aurestes an ancient noble man desired Parismus to vouchsafe him such honor to grace his poore mansion with his presence to expect of his vnworthy entertainment to refresh himself after his tedious trauailes whose kind offer Parismus courtiously accepted where he and the princesse Laurana were so honorably and louingly entertained as that the the rest that were strangers exceedingly maruailed there at The aged King Queene hauing intelligence that Parismus was arriued in safety cast off their former habit of sadnes and bannished cares which long had tormented them and with exceeding ioye vnwoonted state and inexplicable Maiesty went foorth to meete him Royallie accompanyed with gallant troupes of Estates Parismus seeing his aged parents with all reuerence humbled himself to them who could haue spent many houres onely embracing him but séeing Laurana they both came vnto her most louingly welcomming her expressing the same with teares procéeding from the depth of kindnes withall vttering these words Most vertuous kinde and honorable Princesses our wordes cannot expresse your welcome nor our deedes shew our good will our ioye for your presence is not to be described our entertainemnt too simple to entertaine you according to our desires Which said the aged Queene after a louing embrace tooke her by the hande and all the Ladies of high estate saluted her with most reuerent behauiours The good King knowing Pollipus embraced and welcommed him with great kindenes likewise the Queene welcommed Violetta and on euery side all exprest their ioy for their happie arriuall Bonfires were made in the Citie the Bells â—…oong in the Countrey and triumphes in the Court some welcomed them with giftes some with myrth some with praises and all with ioy and excéeding reioicings which my dulled pen is altogither vnskilfull to describe the King and Queene exceedingly reioyced in their Sonnes vertuous choise in Lauranes presence Laurana was affected with great delight to see their kindnesse Parismus had his still of coÌ„tent and altogither greatly admired Lauranaes beautie did their best to welcome and entertaine the whole company that came with Parismus with all Courtesie that the Bohemian Court which lately had beene darkened with the mists of sorrowe was now beautified with the pleasant assemblies of Knights and Ladies that repaired thither to welcome home Parismus and behold the Princesse Laurana In which place they continued many dayes after But Fortune whose constancie was neuer permanent but dispeâ—…th their content Pollipus and Violetta vpon a day walkt foorth for recreation some halfe mile from the Courte into a most pleasant shadie gâ—…ne wooâ—… which by meanes of the coolenesse and aboundance of sweete smelling flowers wherewith it was adorned and by naturall sleight was so pauised with the assistance of lâ—…le tâ—…igges and sprayes that neither the heate of the Sunne nor vehemencie of winde could molest it that the place seemed to 〈◊〉 ease to their delight where they louingly sat downe recreating themselues with great pleasure and at last fell both a sleepe in middest of which slumber a rauenâ—…us wilde Beare that hauâ—…ed those Woods whom extreame hunger had forced to wander so neare the Court winded them and guided by vnluckie Fate came to the place where they laye ready to seize vpon the tender bodie of kinde Violetta who at the verie instant by the Diuine prouidence awaked and espying the vglie Beare suddainly shâ—…ked Pollipus amazed with her crie started vp and drewe out his sword and rescued her from the beastes violence pursuing him with such vigor and dexteritie that the Beare being greuously wounded shund his blowes and made hast to get away from him but hee intending to win honour by his conquest regardlesly pursued the Beare vntill hee was quite out of Violettas sight Who likewise feaâ—…ing his harme and pricked forward with a tender care of his welfarefollowed after him but not knowing which way he was gone tooke a quite contrarie way and with eger â—…eppes laboured to ouertake him He hauing with much trauell slaine the Beare smoâ—…e off his head and intending to present that spoyle to his Loue came backe to the place where hee had left her and missing her â—…ee could not well tell what to thinke béeing perswaded shee waâ—… gone to seeke him wherewith he was â—…pt into an extreame perplexitie and doubt fearing that if he should go to the Court to seeke her she might in the meane time wander out of the way and runne into daunger Contrarily hee thought if hée should séeke her in the Wood and shée bée in the Court his long tariance might bring her in some feare of his welfare that in these extreamities he could not determine of any thing at last calling her with a lowde voyce by name and not hearing her answere with all hasâ—…e he ranne to the Court with his spoyle vpon his Swords pointe and running hastily hee enquyred if anie sawe Violetta returne but shee was not there heard off which made him cast downe the Beares head and without speaking a word returned towards the Wood againe Which strange behauiour of his draue the Courtiers but especially Parismus into a woonderfull doubt Parismus séeing the Beares head and hearing som spéeches of Violettaes absence presently mounted a goodly Stéede and with hast rode that way hée was directed pollipus went Tellamor Barzillus and many of the Knights followed after him neither of them knowing wherefore they made such haste Parismus hauing ouertaken him demanded if any mischance had befallen Violetta My Lord qd he as shée and I lay slumbering in this Woodde the Beare whose head I brought to the Court was ready to seize vpon her but shée with a shrike awaked mée and I pursued him vntill I had slaine him and returning to the place where I left Violetta she was gone neither can I suppose whither vnlesse shée be wandred to séeke mée the haste I made was to come backe to séeke her Doe so qd Parismus and my selfe and these Knights will search the Wâ—… throughout So euery one tooke a seuerall way Violetta in the meane time still wandered on without regarde whither she went her feare perswading her that still she heard Pollipus blowes and the Beare going right
to be intangled in the bondes of loue with a stranger that I neither knewâ—… of whence nor what he is of whom we haue said inough at this time therfore I pray let vs deferre any further commendation of him vntill we haue made better proofe of his worthinesse which saide they betooke themselues to their rest Earely the next morning the knight of Fame was vp to whom Mercellus was soone gotten who tooke no other delight but onely in his company vsing him so kindely and so honourably that the knight of Fame maruelled thereat wondring whence such kindenesse should grow that he likwise beganne greatly to affect his company and being both come into the kings presence who was accompanied by Camillus they spent the forenoone in seuerall discourses likewise Angelica spent her time against the Ladies of great account in such sort as agreed in their fancy Dinner time beeing come a most costly and sumptuous feast was prepared whereunto Maximus inuited all his Nobles and Camillus and the Knight of Fame amongst the rest as his chiefest where they were most honourably entertained sumptuously feasted and kindely welcommed Camillus seeing that the Quéene and Angelica were wanting was suddenly fallen into a sadde dumpe because the Lady of his delight was absent which the King noted more specially then all the rest who supposing that Camillus came as a Suter to his daughter had of purpose giuen order to the Quéene that shee should banquet the Ladies by themselues which was so done that neither Camillus nor any else perceiued his drift therein which made Camillus extreame angry with himselfe that he had not the day before when he enioyed both her sight and full liberty of speech in some measure giuen her knowledge of his loue The Knight of Fame on the contrary side gouerned himselfe with more moderation for he hauing attained such good successe as his heart did wish was therewith for the present contented hoping that fortune that had beene so fauourable to him would not suddenly alter her countenance but still continue her aide to his furtherance whome Maximus likewise diligently noted hauing suspition that hee likewise came for Angelicas loue though he dissembled the contrary of which he could perceiue no likelihood by his merry countenance which caused him onely to suspect Camillus and not him The Feast beeing ended with great Royaltie euery one after some Courtly pastime past betooke themselues to what exercise liked them best Camillus still accompanyed the King shewing for griefe of Angelicaes absence such a kinde of behauiour as though his sences were bewitched with carelesse passions which he noted diligently thereby bréeding in his minde an assurance of his suspition The Knight of Fame hadde withdrawne himselfe into a Garden and seeking the solitaryest place hee could finde beganne to recall the sweete remembrance of Angelicaes Beautie into his minde whereunto he was more firmely inthralled then he was before he had seene her though euen then his Loue was firme hauing but seene her in a Uision That hee was now not onely contented with that fauour shee had already shewen him but also deuised and studyed how to become more gratious in her sight and attaine some better hope of her Loue Which as yet hee had no likelyhood to attayne Whilest hee was in the depth of these cogitations Marcellus missing him and séeing him before enter into the Garden neuer left vntill he had found him out to whom he said Syr Knight I am somewhat bold to interrupt your quiet Meditations by my approach being desirous of your companie Therefore if I may without intrusion accompany you I will stay Otherwise I would be loath to bréede your disquiet Most Noble Marcellus qo the Knight of Fame I am not troubled with your presence but euen thinke my selfe most happie to enioy the same as farre vnwoorthie such kindnesse being a straunger heere thinke my selfe so highly honoured by your fauour that I shall account my selfe for euer bound vnto you for the same thinking my selfe more happie thereby then I could haue wisht being before subiect to all euill Fortune account my selfe excéedingly fortunate by your kindnesse and friendship I could wish it were in my power quoth Marcellus to deserue so well of you Being more willinger then able to pleasure you for the report of your honourable guifts hath made mee long since desirous of your Acquaintance that if you please to stay with me in my Fathers Court I will endeuour to shew my good Will towardes you And if you will accept of my plaine meaning without further tryall I will hereafter prooue your faithfull Friend Most courteous Knight quoth hée I can yéelde no other recompence but most hearty thankes for your great kindnesse which hath extended it selfe farre beyond my desert with so willing a heart accepting your kinde proffers that before I prooue disloyall I will teare my heart from out my brest Then quoth Marcellus let vs conclude this sudden consent of good-Will which for my part shall neuer while life doth last be dissolued Desiring you from hence forwards to make such account of mée that wherein soeuer I may in any degrée pleasure you I will as assuredly doo my best as in my power consisteth With that they embraced each other Betwixt whome such good-Will began to grow as was both constant and indissoluable CHAP. XVII I How Angelica was imprisoned and how Maximus rebuked his Sonne for suffering the Knight of Fame to speake to Angelica MArcellus hauing a while Walked with him in the Garden desired him to accompanie him into the Court to visite the Ladies who quoth hee are this day Feasting by themselues The Knight of Fame glad thereof willingly gaue his consent being the onely thing that contented his minde and being come into the Presence where the Quéene was and hauing done his Reuerence shee most kindely Welcommed the Knight of Fame telling Marcellus that his comming was to sée the young Ladyes Whereat Marcellus smiling departed into a Gallerie where were a multitude of swéete Beauties exercising theÌ„selues at seuerall pastimes Some at Chesse some at cards and some in pleasant communication Whom Marcellus kindely embraced but the Knight of Fame by reason he was a stranger was not so bolde but hauing his minde dedicated to serue no other Saint but Angelica looked for her whome hee espyed at the further ende of the Gallery in a heauy dumpe leaning on her elbow Who hearing Marcellus voyce looked back and cast her Eye first on the Knight of Fame on whome shée fastned a stedfast eye a good space But remembring her selfe with an excéeding blush she withdrew the same because she saw his eye setled on her Marcellus by this time came towards Angelica and perceyuing her Blushing countenaunce caused him to note how Melancholly shée was alone saying to her How now Sister What sollitarie studie is that which hath so withdrawne you from yonder pleasaunt Companie My minde quoth shée is better exercised by being sometimes alone then
I shall honour you for the same for he was worthy to be beloued of the best Ladie in the world for in him shined all points and parts of true knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked â—…d loued him too neither shall I euer doe otherwise whilest I liue though he knew not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue sinke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vow will I keepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue died with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddenly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazement hee was past my reache What cause had my Father thinke you to seeke his destruction but because he saw him in speech with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then goe to him with that such griefe opprest her heart that she fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presently came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sickenesse and especially Anna who was priuy to her thoughts and hearing Marcellus spéeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her entred into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanest thou to doe thy selfe this wrong What mischance or sudden passion hath caused this disquiet Then turning to Marcellus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth he but I am sure wee haue all cause of little ioye when we that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sycophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Colimus quoth hee and him haue I rewarded Besides my Lord and Father hath destroied that honourable strange knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such cruelty but was alwaies honourablie esteemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to end his life by Tyranny not by Iustice. Take heede Marcellus Scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in danger for that he hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for behold that Letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfet that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing read this Letter was at the first suddenly amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he said vpon my life this accusaticusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and reâ—… ding the same was exceedingly astonisht thereat to whom Marcellus said Angelica beleeue it not for if you doe you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused already who if hee were liuing would soone reprooue these accusations but hee good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéen what maketh thée Marcellus thus inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indanger thy owne life which knowest the Kings humor Loue quoth he to that stranger maketh mee bewaile his vntimely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene seeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death and was meditating how to chastise Marcellus for that presumption But the Queene vpon her knees intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him that with much adoe the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damzell Anna rather ready to yeelde vp the Ghoast then otherwise likely to suruiue and night being come the refusing meat went to her bed not to sleepe but to bewaile the Knight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lions denne carefully deuising which way to get out of that place tyring his senses but finding no meanes of release One while accusing his hard fortune and then Maximus for his cruelty Sometimes fearing to be famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to be vtterly exempt from the swéet sight of Angelica whose absense and restraint of liberty procured as he thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame feare In this sort he continued so long vntill he was ready to be starued and constrained to eate such vnsauory foode as was daily cast to the Lions Angelica likwise no whit mittigated her griefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sufficient consideration of these mischances both hee and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the Knight of Fames safty though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hee had vsed the Knight and that he had condemned him without any triall of the accusation that had been vsed by his Knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hee soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the King heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so strongly guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sighâ—… and noting how suddenly the Knight of Fame was made away without any cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes durst not shew any signe of desire to sée Angelica â—…st bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes hee should seeke some occasiâ—… of quarrell with him and â—…se him like the stanger within a while departed from the Golden Tower â—â—â—tending notwithstanding either with force or faite meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How he got out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented minde the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his wonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lions would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the dores and beeing owner of the Lyons ertred into the denne where the knight of Fame was who suddenly caught hold on him hauing before secertly shrowded himselfe from his sight and beeing carefull to prouide for his owne safty snatcht from his side a hanging Sword the Keeper knowing him maruelling to see him aliue and exceedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercy to whom the Knight of Fame saide My freinde I séeke not thy life but mine owne safety
countrey in Tartaria called the Iland of Rockes my Parents for any thing I know being poore or whether they were or no I know not but when I was of some remembrance eyther my Mother that brought me vp or rather my Nurse for she would not suffer me to call her mother departed from her habitation I know not with what intent but by the way a Lyon flue her whome I pursued to his Denne Where being come I could not returne backe to my Nurse by which meanes I stayed in that place many yeares vntill on a time shee appeâ—…ed vnto mee in a Dreame Warning me to forsake that vnfrequented place and goe to the Castle of Rockes Which I presently did then not knowing what a Castle meant Where at the first I was roughly handled but at last I was kindely vsed by Tyresus who brought me vp a long time With whom I departed to Sea Where by a mighty tempest the shippe and all that were in the same were cast away my selfe onely was cast on the Shore in Thrace Where I was succoured by the good Duke Amasenus in whose Court I was often like to be destroyed by some of his Knightes that enuyed â—…ée From whence I departed to the Kings Court hearing of a generall Triumph that was held the Kings Daughter being appointed the Conquerours reward Whome I Wanne and was determined to haue marryed from which I was warned of by a Uision Which willed me to surrender vp my Title in Phylena to Remulus to whome she was before betrothed Which I did and also that I would trauell in search of my Parents Which the Uision tolde mée were of Kingly race And withall gaue me another commaund that I should loue no Lady vntill I had found out that Lady that was showne mee in the Uision this did greatly trouble me when presently came newes of Tyrides death sonne to Duke Amasenus who was slaine by Brandamor in rescue of Venola whom he had the custodie of Upon which occasion I trauelled first to Lybia and from thence to the Forrest of Arde thinking Venola had bene the same Lady appeared to mee in the Uision Where I met with your Highnesse and with you departed to the Court of the King of Lybia after Venola was redéemed as your selfe rmember who was not the Lady I went in searche of Afterwards when I had thought to haue departed with you towardes this Countrey Venola by subtiltie causing mée to take a séepie Potion frustrated my desire which she did to stay me with her vpon a pretence of great Loue as she bare me which one afterwards made me acquainted withall Which when I heard being enioyned to place my affections on another fearing some mischaunce might arise by her Loue and finding with out what deuice they had frustrated me of your company I departed without knowledge of any from thence And at last after long Trauell arriued in Natolia Where lying downe to rest my selfe being wearie it happened the Lady Angelica the most fairest Lady liuing to passe by Whom after I had séene I perfectly knewe to be the Ladie that appeared to me in the Uision hauing after such good successe that I was entertained by Maximus the King at the Golden Tower and there grewe into great acquaintance with Marcellus I had not long remained there but the King of Lybia as I suppose perswaded thereto by Venolaes meanes Wrote a Letter vnto Maximus that hee would for his sake either send mée to him or else be reuenged on mée by my death alleadging that I had dishonoured his Daughter Which accusation was most false and vntrue Heereupon the King without hearing what I could say in mine owne defence immediately cast mee into a denne of fierce Lyons who refused to hurt mée Where I remained many dayes hauing no other Foode but such as was cast to them from whence afterwards I escaped by the Kéepers meanes Whom I compelled to send for Marcellus who ridde me out of the Tower and sent me to an Ancient friende of his named Iabine Priest of S. Austines Chappell promising to come to mée the next day but was disappoynted thereof by such meanes as is not yet come to my knowledge Upon a day I went abroad from the Chappell and by misfortune was espyed by some of the Kings Knights Who certified him as I think that I was aliue Wher vpon he againe most vniustly sought my life and sent out thousands in my search from whose handes I escaped intending to finde out my Parents and so trauelled hitherwards This quoth he is the briefe and true rehearsall of my trauells and bringing vppe so farre as I knowe hauing nothing whereby to bee otherwise knowne but a Iewell which my Nurse gaue me great charge to kéepe Whose minde I haue fulfilled With that he pulld out of his bosome the Iewell which he continually wore about his neck Which Laurana hauing diligently viewed perfectly knew to be the same she had lefte with Parismenos in the Iland of Rocks Whom she assuredly both by that and many other probabilities knew to be her sonne that suddenly before them all she caught him in her armes and cryed Oh my sonne Parismenos thou art my Sonne many times kissing and embracing him Her strange behauiour draue them all into admiration When suddenly the place where they were beganne to waxe darke that they could scarce sée one another and they heard a voyce which they knewe not from whence Which said Parismus welcome thy sonne Parismenos long time absent from thée thou néedest not doubt of it for none is so like thée in Heroicall qualities Which saide the darknesse presently vanished By this they all assuredly knew that the Knight of Fame was sonne to Parismus and Laurana Who likewise assured himselfe that hee had found his Parents that presently he knéeled downe Whom Parismus the King the Quéene and Laurana most louingly all at once incompassed with theyr kinde embracings reioycing most exceedingly for ioy that he was found being vnable by Words Welcoms Embracings or otherwise to expresse their gladnesse Parismus reioycing that hee had so valiant and vertuous a Sonne the King and Quéene glad that in theyr olde Age they sawe so vertuous an imposprung foorth of theyr issue to succéede in the Kingdome And Laurana with teares of ioy expressing her content in that she had found her sonne whom she thought had bin destroyed long ago that no hart is able to expresse the ioy that possest their harts Pollipus and Violetta they likewise embraced him being as glad as any of the rest of his safetie This newes was soone spred throgh the whole Court from thence flying fame soone brought the knowledge thereof to the Citizens who of their owne accord rung theyr Bells made bon-fires and Triumphs through the whole Citie Where on all sides was such excéeding reioycings as is impossible to be exprest Many dayes afterwards the Knight of Fame who now shall assume his right and proper Name Parismenos continued in the
Bohemian Court honourablie entertayned and highly estéemed of the Bohemian States Who grue into an excéeding loue towards him and was kindly beloued of the King and Quéene but especially of his Parents who thought themselues moste happie and blessed to haue such a Sonne Whose fame was spredde through most places of all the Worlde and that euery mans eares were filled with the report of his most honourable déedes Now that Parismenos had thus happily attained the knowledge of his Parents the want whereof had long time filled his minde with care no other thought but of Angelicas Loue could take place in his heart which though his cause of ioy otherwise was sufficient filled his sences with sadnesse and quite extinguisht those delights that they séemed to trouble his minde rather tedious then coÌ„fortable adding no ease to his cares which were augmented to an excéeding height by reason of Maximus cruelty which he saw was so much aggrauated against him that he knew it a thing impossible for him to attaine the least fauour at his hand Who likewise kept Angelica Guarded so strongly and so narrowly pryed into all her actions that it was impossible any way eyther to come to her spéech or send to her that with diuersitie of the cogitations his hart was tormented his countenance darkned and hée spent his time most commonly in sadnesse beeing séeldome drawne to any myrth Which was generally noted of all men but especiallie of Laurana who could neuer be quiet but onely in his company And one a day missing him shée rested not vntill she had found him out being gotten into the most solitariest place in the Garden leaning himselfe vpon his Elbow Who espying her raised himselfe from the ground blushing at her presence to whome she said Why how now Parismenos What sadnesse is that which possesseth your minde that maketh you so eâ—…range your selfe from company to delight in solitarinesse is there none so highly in your fauour that they may know the truth thereof or is your cause of care such as none can remedie or not counsell you for your ease I am sure there are many would not refuse to vse their endeuors to pleasure you especially myselfe would both willingly doo my best to comfort you and knowe the cause if it be not too secret Parismenos with humble reuerence made her this answer I beséeth you doo not thinke me so vndutifull nor my cause of care so secret that I would conceale the same from you but were it of much more importance I would willingly reueale it to satisfie your minde which I haue omitted as vnwilling to trouble you therwith and for no other respect Then I pray qd she let me know is it not Loue Yes most déere Mother qd he it is Loue and to that beautifull Ladie Angelica who beareth me the like affection but so farre am I from enioying her loue as that it attainteth my heart with care to thinke thereof which is the cause of my sadnes which will increase rather then diminish if I doe not shortly trauell thither being now assured of all other doubtes and hauing finished my trauell in search to finde you out Therfore I most humbly beseech you to procure my Lord and Fathers coÌ„sent to my spéedy departure For without the fruition of her heauenly sight my life wil be but wearisome Laurana hearing his spéeches perceiued indéede that his affection was great and therefore not to be remooued and well knowing by her owne former experience that Loue was incurable thee was the more ready to pitie his passions that shee promised to further him in what the could being now assured of the cause of his sadnesse CHAP. XXII ¶ How Parismenos after he came to the knowledge of his Parents deeparted towards Natolia Aow he met with Marcellus and what afterwards befell to him WIthin few dayes after Parismenos returned backe againe towards Natolia but with much sorrow in the Bohemian Court for his departure spending much time in trauell vntill hée arriued at S. Austins Chappell hauing gotten him other Armour because he would not be knowne and knocking at the Chappell doore presently olde Iabine came out to whome he discouered himselfe Who knowing him reioyced excéedingly at his Presence and safetie desiring him to come in for that hee had Newes of importance to tell him Parismenos comming to him for no other intent but to heare Newes from Angelica willingly went in with him And Iabine began as followeth Most noble Knight I will declare vnto you all that I haue learned of the estate of Marcellus so neere as I can After that you were departed from hence the Natolians hauing continued their diligent search some thrée dayes and in the end returned to the Court frustrated of their desire Wherby Maximus gaue no credit to that report but soone forgot the same remaining in great quiet Marcellus by this time had recouered his health letting passe no time came hither thinking to haue found you héere but yet hearing by my report of your Departure hee séemed to be quite ouer-come with griefe and declared vnto mée all that had happened to you in the Golden Tower which you had declared vnto me before and withall manifested what had happened vnto him and Angelica and how he was so grieuously Wounded then Iabine declared the same euen as Marcellus hadde tolde him in the very same manner as is before declared when he determined to haue conueyed Angelica to S. Austines Chappell the day his Father was on Hunting And quoth hée Marcellus hauing tolde me this withall shewed mee with what sorrow Angelica endured your absence Parismenos hauing heard his wordes which yéelded him full assurance of Marcellus friendship and Angelicas constant Loue was therewith excéedingly comforted rehearsing to him how fortunately he had found his Parents Iabin then began to vse him with more reuerence and more seruently to affect his company and good that at Parismenos request hee went towards the Golden-Tower to sée if hee could by any meanes speake with Marcellus which hee willingly at his Request did and brought newes backe that Maximus was departed with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica towards the Citie of Ephesus which hee learned of such as were Gardiants at the Golden-Tower Parismenos hearing that immediately departed thitherwardes and entring the Citie rode presently vnto the Court where hee met a Knight Whome hee desired of courtesie to giue notice vnto Marcellus that there was a Knight who would speak with him Which at his request he presently went and performed and finding Marcellus in the Kings great Hall he sold him there was a strange knight at the Court Gate that was destrous to speake with him Marcellus maruelling who it should be immediately went out vnto him being a Knight of excéeding vertue that he would not refuse any courtesie and though hée were Sonne vnto a mightie King yet hée disdained not to fulfill his request though hée neither knewe him nor the cause of his comming Parismenos beholding him
Panotas house beeing halfe apparelled caught vp his sword and came running towards the place murthering such as hindred his spéede and with his sword made way for his hastie steppes and lept to Angelica solding her in his one arme and holding his sword luke warme with bloode in the other saying Oh sister what ioy do I conceiue at your loyaltie now do I see you loue Parismenos be constant deare sister and let vs both die with him for hee would not haue refused a thousand deaths for our sakes Then began the people to crie out Saue the kings children and such an vprore and tumult arose that heaven and earth seemed to shake with the noyse The Iaylors wife standing by and seeing the two young Princes readie to sacrifice themselues béeing assured that none but her selfe knewe the trueth and that it rested onely in her to saue their liues especially being touched with remorse shee suddenly stept to the two young Princes and said Stay stay gentle young Princes and heare the truth of all This dead bodie whom you suppose to be Parismenos is the Iaylor though cladde in his apparell for that woorthie knight escaped out of the dungeon if you beholde the corpes you shall perceiue it to be the body of my husband With that Marcellus started to the hearse and casting off the cloath that couered the same knew that it was not Parismenos then casting away his sword hée embraced Angelicas in his armes who seeing the truth of all and that Parismenos was escaped with whome shee came of purpose to haue dyed let fall the knife from foorth her hand and casting downe her eyes to the earth was cloathed by the Ladies that attended her The king was so amazed with this newes that hee stood like one sencelesse the King of Lybia for shame of Angelicaes speeches but his eyes vpon the earth with sadde countenance and all the whole assembly of the beholders were confounded in their sences and stood as men transformed into admyration Presently in the middest of this amazement came a knight posting with spéede his countenance bewraying some tragicall report who vttered these speeches Most noble King whilest you stand here debating matters of small importance the Bohemians haue destroyed thousands of your souldiers who now runne vp and downe like men agast for want of their Captaines that all the fields are strewed with their dead bodies the valleys staind with blood and the drie ground is drunke therewith our enemies armes are tired with slaughter and wee compelled to flie for feare with speed receiue this euill or else the pryde of Natolia is lost Then began a newe terror Maximus the King of Lybia Santodelodoro Pridamor and all the Nobles of Natolia hasted to the Campe Marcellus ranne to get him Armour the Queene Angelica and all the Ladies went to a Tower to behold this Battell most to sée the Bohemians death but Angelica to behold the valour of Parismus who she heard was come to redeeme his Sonne Parismenos and in some hope to sée him amongst them her heart inwardly vttering many deuoted Inuocations for the Bohemians Uictorie Maximus and the rest by this time were come to the Gates where they met with thousands of Souldiers flying to saue theyr liues whome they caused to turne backe and beeing without the Gates they could hardly passe for the slaughtered carkasses of Moores Natolians and Lybians that lay dead and in the Campe they sawe such confused slaughters and heard such grieuous cries that it amazed theyr sences to sée the same Here lay thousands flaine there lay multitudes gasping for life and bathing in their Luke-warme blood heere others lay mangled with wide gaping-Woundes there Horse and Men lay both dead togither the Natolians flying the Bohemians pursuing and glutting their swords in blood Then Maximus chéered vp his subiects to new courage then the King of Lybia beganne for to gather togither his scattred forces and Santodelodoro amongst his Moores and those that were before almost vanquished gathering a new head Parismenos hauing knowledge of Maximus approach neuer left vntill he had met him Which when he had obtained he séemed to stretch his armes purposing reuenge and brandishing his Sword smoâ—…e at him with forcible blowes till hee beate him from his Horse and being fallen to to the ground he would haue troden him to death with his Hors-hooues hut that Pridamor séeing the King in that distresse with thousands of Natolian Knightes rescued him which before they could attaine they lost many of their liues by Parismenos valiant Chiualtie Parismus in the meane time met the King of Lybia and vnhorsed him and after him many hundred Knights so that none came within the compasse of his Sword but dyed Pollipus likewise maintained cruell fight against Santodelodoro that thousands of the vanquished Moores lost theyr liues by his valor And such slaughters were performed by Parismenos beeing the first Battell that euer hee Fought that both Parismus and all that sawe him admired to sée the same who had taken Pridamor Prisoner and sent him to his Tent. The Quéene and Angelica all this while behelde the Battell the one with feare the other with ioy the Quéene learning of Maximus death and Angelica in hope that the valiant Knight in azured Armour beset with Eagles of gold that made such slaughter was Parismenos which hope was bredde in her by remembring his comely proportion which this did not much differ By this time the night beganne to approach that the Bohemians wearie of sheadding their enemies blood withdrew them to their Tents appoynting most diligent watch to be kept throughout the whole Campe. The Natolians the rest of that partie glad of some respite retired to their Tents and numbring their Souldiers found the one halfe of them slaine and manie gréeuously wounded that they could scarce butie their dead Maximus was gone into the Citie gréeuously wounded The king of Lybia and Santodelodoro stayed in theyr Tents in the Field Angelica was returned to her chamber very sickly by reason of the ouermuch desperature vexation and griefe she had endured that day being yet more comforted in her heart with hope of Parismenos safetie then she had bene many dayes before Marcellus was returned to Panoraes house tormenting himselfe with excéeding griefe for Dulcias absence fearing that she was perished that hée entred into that kinde of lamentation that Panora was oftentimes in feare he would destroy himselfe Dulcia was likewise all this while in the Campe with Parismenos in very sorrowful estate for Marcellus want Thus each of these friends werein safetie yet none of them in hope to sée the other againe CHAP. XXX Of two Battells fought with the Natolian Forces the manner of Maximus cruell death and of the friendly league betwixt Parismus and Marcellus THe next morning Maximus the King of Lybia and Santodelodoro with the States of Natolia assembled together to determine the doubtfull issue of this warre and at last by a general consent