crumbling Bracelets like broken Glass and his Weapon was so hard labour'd that it flew in pieces wherefore a Knight thirsting for revenge thought to have reach'd him a Blow not very soft but Olivaires nimbly slipt aside and the stroke hit upon the ground but when he had got arm'd again he quickly made a clear road through them all The King of Ireland with the other Kings and Barons seeing that the Black Red and White Knight got all the Victory five of them combin'd together and all of them with the utmost effort of their strength came up against him to kill him but Olivaires observing their Fury did with great hardiness await them and to the first he gave such a blow as made the rest fly back and him recoil as far as under the Scaffold where fair Helena sat The King seeing that Olivaires would have destroyed them every one so mightily was he enraged at their foul Play quickly threw down the Baston for concluding the Turnament and so the third Day 's Combat ended to the great honour and immortal fame of the White Knight CHAP. XXIX Olivaires the Turnament endēd is conducted into a Palace And of various Accidents all tending to his Advantage and Honour THE King order'd an hundred armed Lords to wait upon the Black Red and White Knight at his coming out of the Piazza who therefore were in expectation of Olivaires Now when the Turnament was ended he found himself alone without his Knight and without any Page or Horse which marvelously surprized him and looking up toward Heaven he said within himself What anvantage is my Valour unto me for what end do I expose my Life why was I born into this unhappy World why when on the pinnacle of my Honours am I so harrassed by and made the mark of spightful Fortune And being thus alone he was going away for the Hermitage but when he was near the Passage out from the Piazza he saw Knights who came toward him at which he was surprized and took it for the Irish King coming to assault him for the hatred he bore him for his mighty Prowess but he resolved not to die without revenge so laying hold on his Sword he boldly made up to them but their Chieftain dismounting threw his Arms away saying That by the King's Order they came to shew their respect and that his Majesty desired to reward him according to the merit of his Valour Olivaires kindly received their Ambassage and courteously answered that he was intirely at their King's service so was conducted by them into a most stately and glorious Palace and by Noble Attendance was brought into a Chamber furnished and adorn'd for the entertainment of a King Olivaires finding himself alone was almost in despair and grieved sore on account of the Cavalier who had relinquished him in his greatest necessity What said he must I appear in this Garb before Helena Must I be presented to so August a Monarch in so mean and forlorn a Condition but no sooner had he spoke this within himself but his Cavalier came in with vast store of rich Vestures Ornaments Silver and Gold CHAP. XXX Of Olivaires rich Vestments his Cavalier gave him Horses Pages and other Attires of great Persons THE Airy Cavalier brought with him twenty Squires with Vestments for him all of Damask and white Silk and forty Pages with Silver Furniture and Gold Two Black Slaves carried a Mail on their Shoulders with ten thousand double Duckets of Silver and twenty thousand Duckets of Gold with Jewels of more value than two hundred Shields And the Knight said to him These are all your Servants and these Vestments are yours and I will further add to them forty men loaden with all sorts of Utensils requisite to furnish a sumptuous House and give these your Servants such Places and Offices as you shall think fit Olivaires remember your Promise said he and disappear'd great variety of Suits and Dresses he found which much delighted him and a wonderful Supper being prepared he dofft his Armour and refreshed himself in that juncture came the hundred Knights to cheer him and attend on him by the King's Commandment who after meat stayed in the Hall expecting the Victor of the Turnament Then Olivaires put on a Wastcoat all richly embroyder'd with Gold and Stockings of fine Scarlet curiously wrought by the hand of Art with Shooes of Crimson Velvet and then an upper Vesture of Cloth of Gold with a Bonnet of Red Velvet within which was a Jewel of the value of a Kingdom with a Plume according to the Royal fashion of Carnation Feathers and having buckled on his Sword he went down stairs for Court where he found a delicate white Steed with a Saddle of Cloth of Gold and Stirrops of Massy Gold and for every thing else richly furnished He had fifty Horses in his Court admirably adorn'd and he having mounted they went to the Palace and every Page bore two Torches wherefore the sight of such a beauteous approaching Court with all the gay Retinue seemed one of the bravest pieces of Grandeur that ever eye beheld CHAP. XXXI Olivaires being arrived at the Palace is honourably received of the King the Lords and Ladies GReat concourse there was to see Olivaires and when they had taken thorough notice of him they said Truly this Cavalier has all the Perfections and Graces can be desir'd in a Prince he was comely in Armour yet more comely without it in the one Dress he exhibited the air and mien of Valour in the other of Nobility his Aspect Deportment and Presence declared him of the highest Extraction and Lineage in the World The Ladies all hast'ned to Helena to tell her they had never beheld a more comely Cavalier and that they never expected to see a more lovely Youth Helena discreetly kept secret her flames neither could they discern by any discovery of her self whether this Character delighted her or no. Olivaires having enter'd the Royal Hall was with great complacency received by the King and all the Cavaliers paid him high respects and though many there were who had bore him hatred out of envy to his Valour yet when they look'd on his gracious Countenance and heard his wise Discourses became his sincere Friends as well as Admirers the King having taken him by the hand and made him sit down by himself talk'd of divers things with him and with all Olivaires's whether Questions or Answers was extremely satisfy'd Helena put on Claoths which had never been seen before and richly adorned and loaden'd with Precious Stones and Oriental Pearls according as the King had commanded she came into the Hall whose appearance shew'd like that of rising Aurora with an infinite number of Stars about her two hundred Ladies attended her and a hundred Knights with golden Spurs marched before her two Dutchesses bore up her Train and two Dukes led her on each side Surely if that Helena whose Beauty was so fatal to the Trojan State had
to prayer and after he was beginning his Journey lamenting his mishap but as soon as he had opened the Hermitage Dore and had scarce gone four steps forward he heard a loud neighing of Horses and clink of Armour and they seemed to draw near to the Hermitage and presently he saw six Cavaliers advance before the rest all armed in bright Corsalets and all the Horses with Trappings and covered with Black but without Lance and Shields after these followed ten other Cavaliers clothed in Black Velvet and also all Furniture for Horse fifteen Pages likewise on fifteen beautiful Black Horses came after and fifty men on foot all in the same Sable Livery and the two first led by the Bridle a sprightly and wonderful finely shap'd Horse covered and adorn'd with Black Trappings and on his Saddle-bow he bore a gilded Helmet garnished around with precious Stones which enlight'ned the gloomy Grove and every one carried some part of Olivaires Armour which was made of the finest Metal covered with Damask work and a Tuck of purer and better temper than ever Artist in the World wrought Sword Lances Dagger Shields and Crests CHAP. XXIII The Pleasure and Transport Olivaires was in at such Preparations and of the Beauty of the King of England 's Daughter THE Knights being habited after this manner as you have heard came up to the Hermitage paying that Reverence which was agreeable to so great a King quickly the Knight of the Grove who had made him the Promise as their Chief alights from his Horse and embraces Olivaires who remembring him was exceedingly transported with joy and was amazed at so pompous Preparation and gave him infinite thanks This Retinue that thou seest said the Knight I have brought that thou mayst be well served and assure thy self thou shalt want for nothing that in any kind may be requisite for thee I beg of you that you will behave your self bravely that we may not spend our Service and Fatigue in vain and I will accompany you at the Tilting give you your Lances and spur on your Horse dear Sir reply'd Olivaires The kindness you shew me is not in the power of any Treasure to reward or make the least suitable correspondence to wherefore I look on my self as bound to you by an eternal obligation for I have great confidence in that Celestial Goodness who has delivered me from so many and so extraordinary dangers that he will grant us the favour to obtain the glory of this Turnament The Cavalier reply'd God give you all that assistance and favour that I do heartily wish unto you But continued he the hour is now come wherefore sit down at the Table I have prepared and take repast and after arm and go for the Turnament The Hermit after he had given Olivaires his Benediction left him and went to his Devotions and he being placed in a Golden Chair at a sumptuous and Royal Table did eat and after every hour seeming a thousand years to him was decked in his wonderful Armour and mounting his Horse he marches away to the Court with his honourable and comely Train Just at the very time that Olivaires was eating and decking for the Turnament Helena the King's Daughter was conducted out of the City to the Piazza prepared for the Tilting she was attended on by two hundred most beautiful young Damsels richly adorn'd with Gold and illustrious for Blood and with these ascending a Scaffold covered all round about with the most rich and glorious Tissue and Broccade the World could afford with Ornaments of Crimson Velvet above and below her Beauty created stupor in all Eyes that beheld her Under the Canopy where her Seat was Steps jetted out behind all of Massy Gold and she sate on a Triumphal Chair of Elecorn garnished with Jewels and Carved Work of Gold amounting to the value of a thousand Cities And for the shelter of the young Ladies of quality numberless Pavillions were erected richly embroyder'd with great labour and art Then as to the upper part of the Scaffold or Canopy for a Heaven it was all of Azure Velvet full of such sparkling precious Stones that they out-brav'd the day and appear'd like so many bright Stars of the Firmament Over the King's Daughter hung a Stone about the bigness of one's Fist of such transcendant splendor that the most glorious Rays of the Sun could not drown its light or eclipse or diminish its lustre Wherefore the Canopy the Ornaments and Pavillions seemed to present one vast burning pure flame But above all the divine Eyes of the fair Daughter of England shot scorching beams into the hearts of all that looked on her and her most beautiful Shape and Features and celestial Dress fetter'd up and stounded the Senses of those valiant Cavaliers who had prepared themselves for such a dazling Spectacle The divine Helena then having taken her place with all the Ladies four Judges of the Grandees of the Kingdom appeared forth and having kissed the ground where her Foot trod in a lower place they also sat down around on every side were Scaffolds and Stages all fill'd with Lords Gentlemen and Ladies ennobled both by Birth and Beauty who all gave out with one consent and as it were one mouth O thrice happy Cavalier who shalt by thy Valour gain for thy self such an inestimable Prize CHAP. XXIV Of the great Feats of Olivaires and how much he surpast all the Justers and Kings WHEN Olivaires had put on his Armour and was all ready for taking Horse he went to kiss the holy Hermit's hand beseeching him that he would supplicate our Lord that of his good favour he would grant him the Victory and he promised him as much Wherefore taking leave and lacing on his Helmit he begun his Journey which was very short Arrived then at the Piazza they found all the four hundred Knights prepared for the defence of the Turnament on one part on the other the King of Ireland the King of Scotland's Son and many more well adorned accouter'd and fitted to give demonstration of their great Valour and Prowess and at the sound of the Trumpets divers Lances were broken every one was amazed and stupify'd looking on the marvailous unknown Black Knight who exprest in his Actions unordinary courage of Mind and strength of Body who with mighty respect and most humble reverence bowed himself before that Heaven of Beauty and alighted on to his Feet to contemplate her and being perfectly conquered by her Angelical Aspect he became almost forgetful of what he was about and had it not been an Affair thus nearly relating to her he had been intirely so And now there had been a Skirmish and the King of Ireland's Son had hitherto the better and stood with his Lance in Rest expecting an Adversary when Olivaires's Knight shaking a Lance cry'd Lo here depends the Victory and reaches him it The valiant and hardy Youth quickly took it and went toward where Maquenor of Ireland was turning
about and he expected him and turn'd opposite to him whereupon they gave two brisk Encounters and the great Cry was for the Valour of the King of Ireland's Son but when they saw the movement and fierce blows of the Black Knight their shouts pierced the Sky in applause of such stupendious Courage Maquenor broke his Lance upon Olivaires who remain'd fixed as a Tower but the push which the other received was such that it brought his Horse to the ground and he as if he had flown was cast ten yards out of the Lists and presently the Black Knight had another Lance given him who run against a second that expected him with couched Lance a very stout and nimble Champion but in Encounter Olivaires gave him such a push that the Cavalier's Horse's Girths Breast-plate and Reins all were burst so that by the blow he made the other Horse recede and in his flying back the valiant Olivaires Lance seated him on his Horses Crupper and quickly down he fell for dead on the ground whence great amazement seized all the Court on account of the fierceness of the Black Knight who never by any blow was put out of his Saddle being stable and firm like a Rock against the Billows Thus he acted in the whole Tilting all whoever came against him he lay on the ground and the last he combated with was the King of Scotland's Son whom in like manner he shatter'd and conquer'd by one of the briskest Thrusts that Olivaires ever made for which the fair Virgin was much inamour'd of the Black Knight and said If that Cavalier were as comely without Armour as he does appear and more so upon account of his Valour in it he would be the first and chiefest of the World So Olivaires the first day's Victor gallopt to and fro over the Field now all his The second day he was to combat after one Lance broken with Faucheons and the third day with Sword and Poynard The first day then Olivaires was judged the Prince of all the Combatants and he stayed on the Field till all the Knights were gone off And as Helena was going away Olivaires ' lighting from his Horse made his humble obeysance and then having mounted another admirable Steed he performed such handsome Feats as might have become the bravest King the best Rider and chiefest man at Arms in the World Helena was delighted with the Valour Gallantry and Activeness of the Cavalier and was much satisfy'd in her mind with him The Judges affirmed that he was the Stupor of Chivalry and the whole Court went off amazed at his Valour CHAP. XXV Olivaires returns to the Hermit and his Retinue leave him THE King and his Daughter with the Lords and Ladies returned to the Palace ever discoursing of the valiant Black Knight and every one wished to see him without Armour that they might pass their sentiments on him whether that would detract from his Comeliness It was the custom that after Supper all the Knights should repair to Court and with much complasance and gallantry dance with the Ladies wherefore many Lords came to see the Black Knight and the King and Helena much desired the same happiness But Olivaires by advice of the Cavalier who was his Conducter did not go but retired to the Hermit where a most plentiful Supper was prepared to refresh him after so great toil and a good Bed to rest his weary Limbs and when he was got to this sacred Lodging and set down to Table his whole Court and Attendance vanish'd So Olivaires was left alone with the Hermit to whom he related the Transactions of that day and told of the rich dress and splendid appearance of the most beautiful Helena After having prayed and paid thanks unto God he went to take his repose the mean while that Olivaires was at the Hermitage the King made all the Company sit down in a large Hall and entertain'd them with all sorts of Musical Instruments but the little time seemed to every one of them an Eternity whilst they expected the Black Knight's Appearance at the Feast so in Dancing they passed half of the Night Then Helena seeing that the Black Cavalier would not be so kind as to make them happy with his presence caused Supper to be brought up where was wonderful plenty of all sorts of the richest Wines Sweet-meats and whatever Dainties and Good-cheer were requisite for making up a most sumptuous and unparallell'd Feast then she retir'd with her Ladies to her Chamber and the King and all the Knights went to rest and fit themselves for the second Day 's Turnament CHAP. XXVI Of Olivaires coming to the Turnament and of the Dresses and of his Victory NExt Morning when day appeared Olivaires rise from his Bed and went to prayers with the Hermit and when the Devotions were over he opened the Door and saw his Knight coming towards him with a Vesture of Crimson Velvet which reached down to his Feet and his Retinue clad in Red with high mettl'd Steeds deck'd with Trappings of Cloth of Gold with golden Bridles and Ornaments of beaten Gold admirable to look upon two Pages led by the Bridle a most gallant and Warlike Horse Blood-speckled and on his Saddle-bow he bore a Helmet much more beautiful and strong than the former and also other noble Armour which Olivaires in a trice was armed with And having left the holy Father to the Divine Protection they went to the Turnament when they were arrived at the Piazza they found that Helena with the King and the Ladies had already got into their Seats to behold the Justing and give the glory to the Victor He having first paid low respects unto them began to gallop about and make trial of his new-made Steed and he appeared as if it had been the God of Battel descended from above to subdue the World And after he had shew'd his dexterity in managing leaping and coursing his Horse he broke a strong Lance against the ground whose Splinters were burnt to Ashes in the Element of Fire so far they flew aloft every one became astonished to see the Red Knight do such amasing things as he performed yet known by all to be the same who the day before was Victor at the Tilting These admired Preludes being ended the King of Scotland's Son enter'd the Lists attended on by many armed Knights the King of Ireland the Duke of Britany the Duke of Borbon the Earl of Flanders with an innumerable Company of lusty and honourable Cavaliers All the Combatants and Maintainers of the Fray having enter'd the Field 't was judged three thousand had passed on either side the Standard of Victory was defended by sixty Knights and he who would have the honour of that day was to take it by force after the Combating All the Combatants had only one Lance apiece and that being broken they were with Faucheons to determine the Victory So from that part where the King was proclamation was given Olivaires
Olivaires gave Order to pitch their Tents and Pavilions round the City wherein was that other King with many Guards So putting fire to the Gates scaling the Walls making Engines of portable Wood to annoy those which were within they made assault against it for two Days and on the third took it putting all to the Sword that had not yielded themselves up to them Olivaires suddenly commanded a Proclamation That the Churches and the Ladies they should not violate or disorder which accordingly was obey'd The King when he saw the City taken and his Captains slain and Soldiers retired into a strongly fortify'd Castle and seemingly inexpugnable But the indefatigable diligence of Olivaires and couragiousness of his Soldiers gave many Batteries against it which wearied out the King who finding no way for escape yielded himself to Olivaires craving his Pardon for his refractoriness Olivaires received him kindly embraced him gave him his Life and him he made Prisoner together with the other Kings under strong and well-armed Guards However Olivaires ordered those Royal Captives to be more waited and attended on than his own Person and he continually entertained them with Feasts honorably and at his own Table The City being spoiled and every poor Soldier enriched with the Prey they rested and refresh'd themselves until Olivaires bid Edward his Captain refit the Fleet and repair the Ships whereever there was need After when they were well Victualled he caused him to dispose the Army into good order for transport to their own Kingdom So in a short time all things being in a readiness he is now for departing with his Captive Kings to the great Gladness and Rejoycing of all his Noble and Valiant Crew that had attended and gone along with him CHAP. XLV Olivaires parts from Ireland for England and of the honour was shown him THE English loaden with rich Spoils with many Carriages and Horses burthened with things of great value now marched with their Sovereign Olivaires on their way and the Kings rode on most beautiful Mules without Spurs and so travailed before the Valiant Olivaires and arrived at the Port they found the Ships prepared for them and all things necessary provided in abundance for them by the prudent care of Captain Edward Having enter'd the Ships with all their Trophies in few days with a fair wind they touch'd at the Port whence they parted when they came from England And Olivaires having come a-land and taken Lodgings dispatch'd Edward away to the King and order'd him to inform him of the whole Success of the War Edward being gone Post with some other Knights came to Court and having kissed the King's hand and paid low respects unto Helena for it happened that they were at Table together begun after the Ceremonies of Salutation to relate the Success of the War and to give account in order of the Valour Strength Activity Wit and great Vertues that so eminently appear'd in Olivaires whereat the King dropt tears for joy and Helena kept a Jubilee in her Breast and her heart melted with pleasure The Valiant Captain assur'd the King that Olivaires was the finest Knight that ever bore Lance and he told him with what courage he had taken the King 's of Ireland Prisoners and how with a handful in comparison he had foil'd and conquer'd them and that he had brought them Captives with him to his Majesty Then the King caused to be given to Edward a Present of Gold and Helena another of Jewels for the good News he had brought Mean time Olivaires made great days Journies and being arrived near the Royal City the King with three hundred Knights with golden Spurs Dukes Counts and Marquesses and the whole City with all sorts of Musick and Feastings made the Heavens to re-eccho again the Applauses of the Victory The King rid a white Nag habited in rich Tissue and had the Royal Crown on his head and when he came near Olivaires Olivaires hastily alighted from his Horse and so likewise the King and embracing him with Paternal kindness he kissed him many times The Kings of Ireland stood aside for they were not worthy to look on the sacred Crown of England and every one paid their reverence to Olivaires the Archbishops the Bishops and Prelates and they followed them on their way toward the City The King gave thanks unto and praised God and thanked Olivaires and expressed how much he was obliged to him both for the defence of his Kingdom and for having acquired a-new so great a State And Olivaires attributing the honour to God and to his Knights desired the King that he would be grateful to them for their Valour and also to the other Soldiers forasmuch as they all had behaved themselves gallantly When they were arrived at the City all with loud Voices Bonefires and Instruments of all sorts expressed their Joys and when they were come into the Palace Helena like a descended Sun came toward Olivaires who bowing himself low was supported by the King and Helena gave him a Kiss which struck an ineffable sweetness and delight on Olivaires's Heart-strings and all the Evening till time for rest was spent in extraordinary demonstrations of Mirth and Joyfulness CHAP. XLVI The Captive Kings and other Princes are presented to the King IN the morning the Kings and Prisoners were conducted to the Palace Olivaires gladly beheld them and a while after when he thought it convenient he brought them before the King and Helena who was well enough pleased to see their condition for the love she bore her Olivaires Then all the Prisoners bended the knee to the King and Olivaires made a Present of them to his Majesty but he delivered them over into Olivaires's power to dispose of them as he thought good Olivaires then generously gave them their Lives and ordering a Table to be placed over-against that of the King Helena and Olivaires he caused them to be as honourably attended and waited on as his own Person the Kings were transported with this Courtesy and it well pleased the Court also After Dinner great Merriment began and the Kings had fair liberty given them under Guards and other things that were convenient These afterward accompanying them to their Apartments they left the King of England and Olivaires together to treat of the Marriage and what related to it CHAP. XLVII The King's Discourse and what he bestow'd on Olivaires BEing left then to discourse by themselves alone the King asked Olivaires if he might be worthy of and so happy to have his constant presence and stay in England Or if he designed to return to his Kingdom of Spain to whom he made answer he would never leave England without a King and this he promised him on his Royal Word The same night after Supper they had Musick and a great Ball. After a little Dancing the King said to his Nobles who were present My Son Olivaires intends to morrow to take my Daughter to wife and she him
on Horse-back after he enter'd a Garden where was the King and all his Nobles who seeing the fierce Animal were affrighted then Arthur laid his hand on his Sword and said Wicked King thou shalt not escape the just vengeance of Heaven At this all those Cavaliers were dismai'd and in so great fear that they could scarce draw their Swords in this juncture the white Knight with a great Army seiz'd the Piazza and gallop'd about the City as his own wherefore the King being depriv'd of his reli'd-on succor was all in despair and confusion CHAP. LX. Arthur takes the King Prisoner and sets Olivaires at Liberty THE Lion ran to make havock among those Cavaliers and slew many And Arthur smiting and making a large shammels of them opened himself a wide Lane and run after the King who endeavoured to get into the Fortress but Arthur overtook him with a cleaving stroke on his Head which would certainly have divided it had it hit fair but it glanced and brought him only to the Ground where he begs of Arthur for God's sake to save his Life Ah! unfaithful Man said Arthur Is this the reward of that Mercy and Generosity thou hadst shown thee by Olivaires to detain him in Prison And making him rise he pricks him on with the point of his Sword to trip to the Castle and open to Olivaires then lets him go knowing that he could not get out of the Yard The Lion having glutted himself with Slaughter not finding now any remaining followed Arthur and Arthur could not keep him from killing the Governour and the Soldiers that were in the Fort. Lo Olivaires coming out of the Prison all pallid meager and miserably afflicted who throwing himself at Arthur's Feet not knowing him but thinking he was one of the King's Servants said these words Wherefore does the King suffer me to languish thus Why does he not kill me What better revenge than to take his Life away whom thou holdst for thine Enemy I beseech thee that thou wouldst kill me or make some endeavours for me that I may no longer have so hard and cruel Usage Arthur seeing and hearing him speak these piteous words was inwardly extreamly afflicted and his Wrath glowed hot against the King I am thy Brother Arthur said he O my Olivaires At which voice his Spirits revived which were sadly sunk and dead before and they ran together and embrac'd one another And searching about the place they found Meat and also wherewith to recruit every way help and Royally habit Olivaires The mean time that they rook some Refreshment Discoursed and provided for themselves every body in the City locked themselves up in their Houses And the King could not find any to make him help wherefore oppressed with Grief and in fear of his Life he said 'T is the best for me to yield my self up into Olivaires's Hands for I know he is so Pitiful Courteous Noble Good and Gentle that he will give me my Life And returning all besmeered with Blood into the Fortress he found on the Stairs and in the Halls and Chambers all his Vassals slain which troubled him infinitely At length being come before Arthur and Olivaires he falls down on his Knees wofully lamenting and begging of Olivaires that for the sake of God he would pardon him and craved Mercy with hideous Sighings Here Arthur would have made an end of him but Olivaires holds his Arm and says to him Take heart for for the love of God a greater thing than this ought to be given and bidding him rise they caused some men they spied to come and help him who with great fear and trembling descended from high Places whither they had fled for refuge Here the King being made Prisoner and the fortifi'd Places taken he renounced the Kingdom to Olivaires who was by them acknowledged and accepted of for their Sovereign Words cannot express the Lamentations Olivaires and Arthur made betwixt each other the Moans and the Weeping also Rejoycings But to have told him the News of the Death of the King of Castile his Father and all the ill Accidents had happened those many Years they had been separated from one another would have been too too Melancholy a Theme and the hearing would almost have broke his Heart That Night the City was delivered up by means of the White Cavalier And many Days after they remained in the Town till Olivaires might recover more Cheerfulness and Strength he judging it equal Ballance either to return and see Helena the King and his Children or to have in his Sight and the Company of his Arthur alone CHAP. LXI The departure of Olivaires and Arthur from Ireland and how Olivaires would have slain Arthur IT appearing to Olivaires that he had done but small service for the sake of God therefore when he left the City he gave back and restored the Kingdom to the King telling him That he ought to become a Man more worthy of such a Crown and that he should learn to fear God so they departed with great Honour and Joy By the way Arthur began to tell of his Journey which he had undertaken for him he told him of his Lion's Malady of the danger he had scaped by the Monster 's Death and of all that Kindness shewed him of the White Cavalier for saving his Life by the Cure and how by his Counsel he went into England and was received as Olivaires and not as Arthur and that for Helena's Recovery and the saving her languishing Life he had slept together with her Here Olivaires as weak as he was suddenly drew out his Sword and smote Arthur on the Head hearing he had slept with Helena not expecting till he had told the remainder Whereupon he fell stounded to the Ground and he would have killed him out but that the White Cavalier appeared and restrained him Olivaires seeing his Knight of whom he had received so many Benefits cast himself from his Horse on the Ground and rever'd him as a Father and he told him all the Matter of Arthur and gave Olivaires a reprimand Wherefore grieving he begged Pardon of the swooning Arthur and desired of the Cavalier to forgive him who quickly applied his Hand for the Cure of Arthur and healed him And when he was come to himself he made them as good Friends as ever Then he took some certain Roots of Herbs and gave Olivaires them to feed upon by which means in a few Days he was recovered refreshed and brisk equal to and so like Arthur that every one believed that it was some design of Heaven that two should so strangely resemble each other The Knight after he had done all turning to Olivaires said Recollect your self I can no longer attend you and you will have no further need of me When will the time be for my Share according to your Promise and vanished Arthur hearing the Knight proceeded to tell Olivaires the whole Success and he found that every thing had fallen
been by her she would have appear'd like Cynthia before the rays of the Sun When she was come into the midst the Dukes returned her Hands then she kissed her Father's Hand and her Father took hers and gave it to Olivaires who kneeling kissed it and spoke very high Expressions to her yet not Complements which were not ungrateful only because he said them So the one was fetter'd and fast Prisoner in Venus's Tramels and the other was deep smitten with the Darts of Cupid CHAP. XXXII Olivaires has the first place by the King for the love he bore him for his Combating according to the judgment of the King and the Overseers of the Turnament THE King taking Helena with the one hand and Olivaires with the other made them sit down placing himself betwixt them immediately the Musick struck up and a brisk and gallant Dancing there was but not long After which lo the Judges of the Turnament coming to know of the King if they must give Sentence and the reward to him most merited it to whom he gave order to do so then they retired and went for the honourable Prize of the Tilting The mean while the King turning to his Daughter Helena spoke plainly enough to her Who dear Child appeared to you the most Valorous in this Combat Helena reply'd I minded them Sir all alike and every one seemed to perform well Understand Governess of my Soul said the King that the Present will quickly be brought and given to him whom the Judges shall sentence the most deserving and that he is also to be your Husband and the Heir of the Kingdom Wherefore I desire to know how your Inclications are Him whom your Majesty shall think of and whom your Royal Judgment shall most approve and him in short whom you shall name and recommend to me I shall willing accept of for my Spouse Lord and Guardian of my Life If the Black Red and White Cavalier subjoin'd the King we should make choice of for his Merits would you be so satisfy'd although we yet be ignorant who he is If my Sovereign and Father the Judges shall think him worthy of the Prize to defraud him of it would be high injustice however your Majesty's Will and Pleasure shall intirely be mine CHAP. XXXIII Of the words the King spoke and the Reward that was given to Olivaires THE King of Ireland of Scotland and of other Dominions with the Dukes Princes and Barons of their Realms were set down when the King order'd silence and then thus said Signories High Empires States and Kingdoms presently will the Judges and Lords be here with the Reward of the Turnament and to whom my small Present shall be given the same also shall espouse my Daughter and only Child and have all England for her Dowry but I will that that Prince Lord or King remain some time in my Court that I may have experience of his Valour in all Exploits and after understand his Lineage and Descent and then may he enjoy the Crown Let now then the Prize be brought and adjudged to him who got the greatest Honour and was Victor of the Turnament First came 30 Pages with lighted Torches in their hands and after 30 most noble Cavaliers then followed 10 Pages in gold Embroidery with Torches also in midst of which were 6 Knights clad in Cloth of Gold and in the midst of them a Duke all in Armour who carried a golden Bason and in it a Neck-chain of Gold interwoven with Jewels and so wonderfully wrought that the very sight of it alone was a transport for all Humane kind and it might be said to have been one of the Wonders of the World nor could the value of those Jewels be estimated and after followed the Judges with an infinite number of Knights and Gentlemen and being so placed that every one might conveniently be a Spectator they came before the King speaking to this effect CHAP. XXXIV The rich Neck-chain is given to the Valiant Olivaires at which many of the Kings are filled with disdain it appearing to them that an unknown Knight was not worthy of such a Present MAY it please your Majesty Dread Sovereign we were appointed by your Majesty to be Judges for the Victor at Tilting and at the Combats on Horseback and on foot which Province we willingly accepted of and have diligently observed according to our skill the Blows the Hardiness the Valour and Force of every King Duke Prince and Lord and we freely give witness that every one of them has made honourable proof of right Chivalry but to our thinking the Flower of all and he who has merited your Majesty's peculiar Favour and Present is that Cavalier who was clad the first day in Black the second in Red and the third in White which valorous Knight is the same that sits by your Majesty the deservedly designed Heir of your Kingdom and although we be ignorant of his Country and Name yet we are ascertain'd he is come of a Royal Race and has Illustrious Blood in his Veins because such kind of Valour does not lodge in any other Personages save those who by such Extraction can appear thus worthy of a Crown wherefore with your Majesty's leave and good liking we will present the Gift to him The King being well contented made sign to them to do so the Duke then turning to Olivaires took the Chain and put it about his Neck saying unto him Your Valour which has conquered so many Couragious Knights adorns you with this Gift a Testimony of the King of England's Kindness and when his Majesty shall think convenient time you are to espouse Helena his only Daughter and be crown'd King of the Realm Believe me reply'd Olivaires I do not seem to my self to have done any thing to merit this but since it is the King's Bounty I am very well pleased So he accepted of the Present and Promise and bowing low to the King and Helena in a most eloquent Speech he returned them large thanks for their Liberality And to the Judges and to the whole Hall he also gave infinite Thanks and 't was judged by all that heard him that he was the finest Courtier of the World and every one considering his comely Regal Aspect his Martial Valour Boon Grace Deportment Mein and Eloquence even wept for very joy the King taking him by the Hand and kissing his Forehead set him in his place again then a thousand Instruments began again to play making infinite delight and festivity CHAP. XXXV The Cavalier who was Olivaires so great Friend and furnished him with Arms at the Justing appears in a Dream to Helena and of a Vision the King had THE morning after about break of day the King had this Vision He dream'd he saw Olivaires crown'd King of his Realm and that he had given him his Daughter then he beheld another Crown come over his Head and settle upon that much greater than the former he had given him
and it doubled his Court Retinue and Riches and it appeared to him so August that he himself bow'd to it Therefore seeing Fortune had been so extraordinary kind unto him to send him such a Cavalier for his Son he was mightily overjoy'd and the transport awak'd him and revolving this Vision in his mind he was imagining with himself what it might signify And musing earnestly he fell asleep again and other Kings appeared to come upon him with design to take that Crown from off his head saying It was not fit he should wear two Crowns but he being moved at their Presumption seemed by force to bind their Hands behind them and to take the Crown off the Head of every one of them to whom after they had humbled themselves unto him Olivaires gave every one their own again and at this he awaken'd The King did admire at the Vision and assur'd himself 't was a Divine one and no natural play of Fancy and happy Mystery in it so he treasur'd it up in his memory and was fill'd with great joy When the Morning was further advanc'd he went to visit his Daughter Helena whom he found more than ordinary pleasant and delighted and inquiring the occasion of it she said she had had about break of day a most pleasing Dream which was That she seemed to be walking in a Garden of fine Flowers whence were many gay delightful and odoriferous ones cast as if they had flown into her Bosom and Lap and that a Cavalier whom she knew not clad all in white pluck'd one and gave it into her Hand that smelling to it she thought she never scented a more ravishing flavour and having a mind to put it into her Bosom it turn'd to a Ring the most curious one that ever she beheld and the Cavalier vanish'd with telling her that was the Spanish King 's Whereupon she awak'd out of her sleep and found the Ring in truth in her hand and she shewed it to her Father the King being stupify'd at so amazing a thing said Certainly some grand Effect will follow upon our new Alliance and taking it into his hand he was more astonished still knowing it to be of inestimable value and said that a more precious thing he never saw She subjoin'd The Cavalier who gave it me said that it was a King's but I cannot remember the rest I was so over-master'd with transport that moment the King with her leave put it on his Finger and injoin'd her to speak nothing at all of it and parted from her CHAP. XXXVI How Olivaires seeing the Ring on the King's Finger knew it to be his Father's and marvelled extreamly but for that it was not known he made as if he saw it not and was ignorant of the Matter THE King being at Table and having the Ring on his Finger every one cast their Eyes upon it for that from the Stone was in it issued out Rays so bright that they resembled a Flame so that the sight could not long sustain the dazzle When Olivaries saw it he quickly knew it to be his Fathers and often dubious in his Mind and revolving things to and fro he at last concluded to be silent The King enter'd into various Discourses with Olivaires and in inoffensive manner enquired after his Name and Blood who replied my Name is Olivaires and for my Blood it is as noble as your Majesty shall please to make it The King proceeded no further for that time and was well satisfy'd and so likewise was Helena The King sought not after his Nation for his Speech manifestly enough declared that After Dinner the King of Ireland the King of Scotland's Son and other Dukes Lords Counts and Knights came to take leave of the King And kindly embracing every one of them he made them many Royal Presents and doing them the Honour to accompany them a little way he dismiss'd them When these Potentates were gone they enter'd into a Combination by Oath to bring a vast Army against England to destroy it thinking the King had put an affront on their Crowns in preferring before them an unknown Knight Also they further discours'd among themselves whence Olivaires might have such honorable Attendance with Cloaths Arms Horses and Pages One said he was the King of England in disguise other that he was a Spanish Cavalier whom Love had drawn thither which they judg'd by his Speech and for that his Dress and Garb were after the Fashion of that Province other that the King by Art Magic had made him prostrate and kill without any their ill Management Wherefore they were all unanimously resolved to have Revenge taking to Heart the Death of so many of their Cavaliers And with this Disposition they returned to their Cantons States and Kingdoms CHAP. XXXVII The King of England sends secretly into diverse parts of his Kingdom for the interpretation of his Dream and he has it THE Dream was interpreted after this manner That the King that should by him be Crown'd King of the Realm should also be King of another and wear a greater Crown than his and that he should pay him Reverence Then the Second Dream signify'd That those other Kings would attempt to extort from him the Realm of England that the Second Crown would take away their State and Kingdom and after courteously restore them again His Daughter's Dream was likewise expounded That she should be espous'd to a King the Son as it were among other Princes as that Ring intimated and if she could tell from what part the Ring came the King of that State should be her Husband By the White Cavalier who gave the Ring could be understood no other than that Cavalier who was Victor at the Turnament was clad the third Day in White and who would give her again the Ring The King was pleased with the interpretation and kept it secret in his Breast and the rather because the Effects of all would quickly appear as he was assured by those who opened to him the Vision CHAP. XXXVIII A sad Accident befalling Olivaires who was brought to himself only by the means of Helena OLivaires having remained some time in the Court and being in continual expectation of the King's Promise that he would give him the fair Helena to Wife pass'd Nights and Days in imagining to himself the Hour the Moment the Manner the Joy and his intire Happiness But yet for all his ruminating he could not see any effect answer his Thoughts nor could perceive any act or sign of Love express'd to him so that on the other hand he was afflicted and tormented incessantly and could get no rest nor comfort At length a violent amorous Accident befel him For being in a deep and fixed Musing in Presence of the King with many Nobles he fainted and fell down as dead Whereupon he was immediately carried to his Chamber and the Physicians were brought and many Remedies prepared but they could not with any recover him out of
his Swoon This dire Accident of Olivaires came to Helena's Ear and she as knowing his Malady and who secretly loved him with various contrivances and great caution convey'd her self where her Olivaires lay in this Deliquium and calling loud to him for she would try all means she approached near unto him and laid her hand upon his Forehead which he begun to be sensible of and look'd up as one awak'd out of sleep And truly I think he would never have come to himself and life again had not Helena's Spirits revived his whose very touch did emit enough to cure him Wherefore being recover'd of this Accident he was very thankful to the King and Helena for the care they had taken of him And leaving him to rest the King and Helena departed At Night in the beginning of her sleep the White Cavalier appeared to Helena and begg'd of her to tamper with the King to give her to Olivaires for his Consort in as much as she would have for a Husband the bravest Hero in the World telling her that for this cause he had given her the Ring which quickly she should see on Olivaires Hand And so vanish'd Helena keeping the Vision in her Mind in the Morning deck'd her self in the richest Cloaths and Dresses that she had and design'd to reveal the Matter to the King her Father in the presence of Olivaires So she procured of the King to go and dine with Olivaires in his Chamber who after invited him to come and eat with him Thus having got her End as they were at Table many pleasant Discourses passed between them At length in the height of the King's Mirth two Couriers came to interrupt it accompanying some Ambassadors from the Kings of Ireland and Scotland with the following Speech CHAP. XXXIX The Challenge made by the Irish Kings to the King of England and the King's Answer and that of Olivaires AFter they had pay'd their due Obeisance to the King they made a surprising Oration of the Motives their Sovereigns had to wage War against his Majesty And after this manner was their Speech That Great Sovereign of Sovereigns the all Wise Creator of Heaven and Earth protect and prosper the Potent Kings of Ireland who challenge to battel the sacred Crown of England and say you are not worthy of it wherefore they are prepared to take from you your State and Kingdom and will come with Arms to shed your Blood and with Fire to destroy your Palaces And thus much I am Commissioned to say of my Sovereigns the Kings of Ireland worthy of all Power and Empire When the King of England had heard these proud Words conscious of his Innocency and the good will he always bore their Royal Majesties he took it in so high disdain that it stopt his Speech that he could not get a word out And suddenly he call'd to mind his Dream and the interpretation of it and turning his Eyes this way and that way on his Nobles Dukes and Knights and seeing none answer any thing or say a word nor himself being able to speak as he had a desire he rises on his Feet with intention to commit the task to Olivaires and at the same time make him espouse his Daughter Upon which Olivaires rising from his Seat spoke these words Puissant Prince with all Reverence and Humility I beg of your sacred Majesty to do me the favour to let me be the Man who shall return answer to the Ambassadors of the unworthy Kings of Ireland At this the King spies his Ring on Olivaire's Finger and much marvelled Wherefore the answer the King gave him was Thou art my Son And taking Helena's hand and his and joyning 'em together he said This is your Consort and in token thereof he kiss'd them both and made him kiss Helena which fill'd all the Court with exceeding Joy and they were much delighted to hear the News of a War Now said the King to Olivaires Take upon you to give answer and to fight for and defend your Kingdom Olivaires after he had apply'd himself to the King and spoke what he thought suitable on such an occasion turn'd to the Ambassadors and said Tell your Masters that Olivaires of Castile the humblest of the King of England's Servants and legitimate King of Spain and the Crown'd Successor of the Realm of England will come and make them sensible of the Error they are in and give them cause to repent of their Insolence When the King and Helena understood that Olivaires was the King of Spain they were so filled with Amazement and Joy as the like was never heard or can be conceiv'd Wherefore they began to entertain for him a vast respect and the whole Court for this great News was transported triumphed and looked big CHAP. XL. The departure of the Ambassadors and what Olivaires said to them OLivaires did much Compliment and Caress the Ambassadors and retain'd them a Day longer than they design'd to stay Then spoke thus to them at their departure Our most Christian Sovereign and Virtuous Father has been pleased of his bounteous Goodness to accomplish his Promise upon me Therefore acquaint your Masters how I have sworn not to return back from this Enterprize to my Father's Court until I have taken from them all their Cities and made every one of them Prisoners to manifest to the World what Tyrants they are and Usurpers of their undeserved Thrones So having presented 'em with fine Horses he dismissed them Olivaires had made plain discovery of himself to the King and Helena had understood a great part of his Secrets and had seen the Visions were come to pass and that the matter of the Ring was clearly apparent Wherefore the King judging by what had already happened also of that which was to come and hopefully foreseeing all would prosperously succeed ordered a mighty Army to be made ready of more than Ten thousand well armed Horsemen and bravely mounted and Infantry innumerable with Pikes Javelins and other Weapons suitable to those times and made Olivaires Generalissimo of all Who having accepted of so honourable Preferment and Command said I do not intend till I return again to make Helena may Wife till by my Valour in Exploits at Arms I may in some degree have shown my self not altogether unworthy of her Favour The Affection Helena bore Olivaires was so great that his departure was death to her the separation of him the Soul from her the Body But being well assured of his Courage she bore her Grief moderately through good hopes of Conquest and comforted her self with the Visions In few Days he with his well-armed Forces were on their march And the Kings were arrived for the overthrow of England with a vast Army Valorous and Strong so they went on ruinating and burning the Villages and ravaging the Countrey At Olivaire's departure his Spouse Helena put a rich Necklace about his Arm which she had always worn about her Neck and for his Neck