that if the Kings Forces were once come it would be a great cause to lengthen the Warres which he earnestly desired might haue an end that thereby he might haue respite to trauell in search of Constantia for whom his heart endured excéeding torments that being thus disquieted in his thoughts and desirous of ease to his restlesse passions one day amongst many that he passed ouer with pensiuenesse he got himselfe into a solitary place and there in sad silence meditated on his misfortune Montelyon by chance troubled with remembrance of his vnknowne estate chose the very place for his private meditations wherein Persicles was already shrowded and suddenly espying him began to withdraw himselfe vntill Persicles desired him to stay vttering these spéeches Worthy Knight I perceiue some inward care hath made you withdraw your selfe from mée but impart your discontent to me if not yet heare mine for I haue long desired to impart them vnto one on whose fidelity I might repose my selfe and you are the man I haue elected hauing had so sufficient tryall of your courtesie and friendship that without doubting I durst commit my selfe to your secresie for your ayde may as heretofore it hath preserued me My Lord replyed Montelyon I account my selfe onely fortunate in your loue and my heart acknowledgeth my euerlasting bounden duty to none so much as to your Majesty which bindeth me in all duty to become your vassaile being more ready to venture my life and vttermost endeauours in your service then you can imagine Therefore good my Lord feare not to impose any taske vpon me for by your imploring me I shall account my selfe onely blest I thanke you good Friend quoth â—e and if euer fortune favour me againe I will requite this kindnesse though now I am plunged in the depth of ill lucke being as you sée depriued of my Kingdome by the Rebellion of my owne subjects and the Tyrannie of an ill neighbour the King of Armenia the briefe discourse whereof is this My Father when he liued matcht my sister Piera in marriage with this worthy Knight Deloratus sending me vnto Pâ—â—sia with her who before my returne dyed whilest I was there I chanced to fixe mine eyes on the Beauty of Constantia daughter to the Persian King which by reason of my sudden departure I could not giue her knowledge hauing no other comfort but my sister Piera to whom I bewrayed the secrets of my heart departing with her promise of assistance whilest I went into Assyria to â—stablish my Kingdome Prince Helion of Arabia obtained the King of Persia his consent to marry Constantia Which newes Piera sent me I being much troubled therewith after I had refelled my old enemy the King of Armenia in a battell I left the gouernment of my Kingdome to two of my Noble men and departed in the habite of a Palmer into Persia where within short space I found such meanes by my sisters friendship that I was in that habite without suspition in Pieraes chamber and thereby had conference with Constantia and attained her consent nothing remaining but onely meanes how we should escape which afterwards wée effected and trauelled together vntill we came to a Shepheards house where we were kindly welcommed contracting a solemne marriage betwixt our selues because we durst not be knowne the contrary where we liued some dayes in quiet In the meane time the King of Persia caused diligent search to be made and it was Pisors chance to finde vs who kept our counsell and was by me sent into Assyria to fetch some of my owne Knights to attend me home where he found my Nobles at strife and the King of Armenia taking opportunity with a mighty band of Souldiers slew most of my part the rest joyning with him vntill he had ceazed my Crowne Pisor with this heauy newes returned to me being vnwilling to giue me knowledge thereof which ouercame my heart with such griefe that séeking in a solitary place I wandred so farre that I could not returne to the Shepheards house the same night Constantia missing me likewise stole from the Cottage to séeke me but directing her steps a contrary way or méeting with some misfortune that slew her I neuer heard of her since Pisor he likewise went foorth to séeke vs and vnwillingly tasted of an vnfortunate fruit that infused a sléepinesse vpon him for foure and twenty houres but notwithstanding his and my most earnest search wee could neuer finde her nor I feare neuer shall But if I could recure this euill done me by my Foes I would then spend the rest of my dayes in her search Hauing ended her spéech his heart was so much ouercome with griefe that he had much adoe to with hold his eyes from teares Montelyon was opprest with no lesse griefe then hée whose heart felt more inward disquiet then a stranger could haue done in silent sadnesse séeming to impart with his sorrowes but not abide to counsell him which way to recure them That at last by reason the necessity of the time affoorded little respite they were constrained to depart CHAP. XV. How Montelyon by a strange and dangerous adventure wonne the City and tooke Palian prisoner MOntelyon that euening elected out of his own Followers twenty Knights such as he estéemed most valiant telling them he had a matter of great danger and secrecy to complet which might be a meanes to establish Persicles in his Kingdome if they would faithfully joyne with him Which they stedfastly vowed to accomplish and to follow him although it were euen to their deaths Arme you then quoth he in Armenian Armour of which you haue choyce and come to me at midnight This being performed and the Knights come Montelyon with them departed through the Campe vnto the City Gates where Montelyon knockt but scarce so lowe that the Porter could heare him who yet notwithstanding comming to the Battlements demanded who it was I am said Montelyon Althetus and other Armenians as thou mayst know by our Armor and bring good newes therefore open the Gates lest by the delay we be betrayed for we are pursued The Porter being out of all doubt and hasty to succour them vnbolted the Gates Montelyon was no sooner entred but he flew the Porter entring the Lodge and apprehending the watch who lay sléeping and slaying most of them before they awaked One of them submitting himselfe thus sayd I am an Assyrian spare my life and if you be friends to Persicles I will giue you such directions as you may surprize the City and subdue Palian Montelyon sayd in so doing thou shalt be honoure of thy King and purchase thy owne liberty After that they had put the rest to the Sword the Assyrian directed them to the Pallace and by so secret away that he brought them euen within the compasse of the Castle to the very place whereas the Guard was Montelyon then thus said to his followers My companions let not feare now possesse your hearts but by this
THE FAMOVS HISTORIE OF MONTELYON KNIGHT of the Oracle and Sonne to the Renowned PERSICLES King of ASSYRIA SHEWING His strange Birth Vnfortunate Love Perilous Adventures in Armes and how he came to the knowledge of his Parents Interlaced with much variety of Pleasant and delightfull Discourse LONDON Printed by B. ALSOP and T. FAVVCET dwelling in Grubstreet neere the lower Pumpe 1640. TO THE GENTLEMEN Readers health GENTLEMEN your well tryed favours hâ—ve set mee so farre on fire in my further proceedings that I that ever hitherto followed the endeavors of Pierce Plainnesse seeme now â—or your pleasures to become even a bowe-fellow prodigall spending the summe of my store to the uttermost as long as possibly it lasteth If you find any crackt coyne in these my liberall expences yet for FOORD's sake affoord them starling and winking at small faults excuse me to bee mistaken and so amongst Friends may it passe for currant I am not of the humour of the new-Fangling Taylor that for every new-wrought Suite frames a new fashion Nor of â—heir presumptuous Nature that of themselves being but Vixins face out their attempts with heroicall Lyons lookes but I alway the same rest ever forward to intreat carefull to request and daily addicted devoutly to attend Humility Against biting Theon's tooth I remaine alway patient proofe and the rather considering the singular sentence of one of the seaven Sages viz. That even as for a man of understanding being praysed to be led thereby unto a selfe-loved opinion of his owne laudable parts or as selfe-willed presuming on his high deserts may seeme an especiall argument of no small folly so likewise for being discommended to remaine even amort with heavy cheere and drooping mind figuring his sad lookes like to the Anatomy of death is a plain proofe of his scarcity of counsell want of patience which Phylosopherâ— hold the soveraign'st vertue that belongs to the qualified indument of mortality and which is worse penury of reason Affectus temporare suos I propose not this Gentle Reader as if Stoycally I regarded your judicious censure but rather portray a Preludium how indifferently I can endure the divers taunting reports of the envious as for your ever regarded judgements I account it the sanctuary wherein my tyred sconce may finde refuge the chiefe gresse onely whereby my feeble invention ascendeth the Colosse that wholly supporteth my endeavours yea I reckon it all my being all my essence all my good As therefore with a favourable smile you ere-while entertained Parismus and Parismenos my elder off springs with so cheerefull an aspect now cast your lookes on my Montelyon whose forwardnesse to winne fame you shall perceive nothing inferiour to the promptnesse of the former although by birth and course of time the younger Oh he can acquaint you with the wonders of Chivalry with admirable acts and doubty deeds supported alway with a Fayery suffrage as was Vlysses in his ten yeares venture by the ayde of Pallas Your well-wishing acceptance and kind conceit of him is all the recompence I aske for my travell and I wish no more so I trust you will no lesse grant this and make my endeavours prosperous Deny that and leave mee so utterly infortunate as hopelesse for ever of every good successe ever found bountifull in giving the one so my selfe will not rest ingratefull for the other that both in one and one in both may not onely augment your longing pleasures which I heartily wish but also inrich my lasting content which I hope you as courteously will Your Well-willer EMANVEL FOORD In praise of the Author SHould Monuments of vvorthy deeds Be svvallovved of Oblivion What Honour vvhereon Vertue feeds Remembred reâ—ts for Merits done Whence shall proceed that sparke of Fame That sets on fire the Noble-Heart For Honour of his Birth and Name In Valours Field to act his part Had not great Alexander vievv'd The blazons of Achilles praise Whereat vvith envious Eye he revv'd The vvorld beyond him vve should raise He scarcely to subdue had sought The World vnder his Command Nor had his Conquests Honour bought According to his Minds demand Had not his acts beene Registred By Memorie in vvorthy Write And Name by Fame forth queristred Maugre Obliuions misty spite Stout Hectors valour vvho could tell Who could rehearse Vlisses skill With thousands vvhose Exploits excell If not portrai'd by soveraigne Quill Hovv vvorthy praise are Writers then Whose vvorkes shevv to this vile-grovvne Age The vvorthy liues of Valiant men For Vertues Freedome layd in gage Then vvell desâ—rues he that reviues The Age-vvorne records of Renovvne Contemning Envie that depriue's The vvell deserv'd of Lavvâ—ell Crovvne Thanke Foord thus offring at free cost His Talent for our hearts delight And reckons not his labour lost If it vvith kâ—ndnesse vve requite THE HISTORIE OF MONTELION KNIGHT of the Oracle CHAP. I. How Persicles was created King of Assyria and travailed into Persia to the Marriage of his sister Piera to the Emperours Sonne Deloratus How he was enamoured of Constantia and returned into Assyria AN ancient King named Pius ruled the Land of Assyria in great peace as well Fortunate by the loue of his Subjects and other outward blessings as with two faire children a Sonne and aDaughter that after his death should succéed in that Empire And by reason Age was now so much growne vpon him that he found himselfe wearied and vnable to exercise the care that belongeth to the government of so mighty a Nation also beholding in his Sonne more then ordinary grauity and so forward a mind to vertue as that he might well commit a matter of such weight to his care he determined to giue himselfe to rest which well agréed with his Age and therefore caused all the Péeres of his Land to be assembled Which being effected and all set in Parliament the olde King uttered his minde which was to establish his Sonne Persicles in the Kingdome The Péeres before that as well by common report as of their owne experience having perfect knowledge of his manifold vertues gaue their generall consents And so Persicles within few dayes was crowned King Pius having effected this according to his mind yet could not bâ— at quiet vntill he had provided a marriage for his daughter befitting her estate To further which good intent it fortuned that Deloratus Son and heyre to the King of Persia hearing of Pieraes beauty for so was she called came into the Country of Assyria and by long sute at last obtained her good will and her fathers consent being assured to her in the presence of most of his Péeres but for that certaine conditions were to be ratified by the King his Father the solemnization of the marriage was deferred vntill that was performed and for that time should not belong protracted which Deloratus with earnestness hastened Persicles with the consent of his Father accompanied his Sister Piera into Persia attended by a number of Gallant Knights as well to sée the
conditions ratified and the marriage performed as also to doe Deloratus honour After their departure they within few dayes arrived in the Kingdome of Persia where Persicles and Piera were most honourably entertained by the olde King Torsilus and the conditions ratified The Solemnization of the marriage was deferred for certaine dayes for that the King of Persia determined to haue the same performed with grâ—at pompe whether he invited many of his Neighbouring Kings as of Arabia Natolia and Thessalia The knights of Persia made preparation to attend the Bridegroome in great royalty Persicles being in the Persian Court hearing what Gallants were likely to be at the wedding prepared most rich Ornaments against that day determining not to be the last in tryall of his valour at the Tilt. The prefixed day being come the King of Arabia Natolia Thessalia and many other Princes of great Estate with them were arrived and the City was filled with such a number of knights and Gallants that there was scarce roome therein to containe them To recite every particular of their entertainements gréetings riches and what gallant Ladies were with them would be overtedious but in briefe there was such royall entertainment as befitted such Personages and such a multitude of rare shewes and fine devices as might every way please a curious beholder The Marriage being past the sumptuous Banquets ended and the Estates set to behold the Tilt The first that entered the Lists was a Persian Duke named Osimus gallantly mounted and a man of goodly proportion After whom followed the rest of the Persian Knights who were all Challengers against all strangers that came to make tryall of their Valour Next came the adverse part the foremost of which was Persicles who appeared in Richnesse according to the dignity of his place being King of so mighty a Country as Assyria whose sight led the beholders in admiration of his evident perfection After whom followed Nonlus Prince of Natolia and after him a number of most gallant Knights so richly adorned as would haue perswaded a cowardly miscreant to haue become valiant whose particular description I omit As Persicles was chiefe of the adverse part and Duke Osimus of the Persians so they two beganne the encounter breaking of staues with excéeding valour but Osimus intending to winne the chiefest honour for that he was estéemed the best Knight in Persia had provided staues of tough Wood which would not start with an easie encounter one of which hée tooke and ranne the fourth time at Persicles who vnprovided of such an vnexpected assault was overturned and his Stéed tumbling fell vpon him that with the fall he for a time remained without sence The King of Persia and the rest being excéedingly afraid that he was slaine came running off the Scaffolds to take him vp carrying him forth of the Lists to be vnarmed Amongst the rest his sister Piera vsed her vttermost diligence to recover him with whom likewise were a number of gallant Ladyes to assist her but chiefly the Quéene of Persia and her youngest Daughter Constantia as more regarding him by reason he was Brother to Piera and most of all lamented his mishap Persicles finding himselfe somewhat recovered at the first opening his eyes fixt them on Constantia which by reason hée was not fully reuiued stood still fixt vpon the first object as it were with affectionate earnestnesse which caused an excéeding blush to rise in her chéekes But now séeing such a number about him he was amazed and halfe ashamed of his foyle said I beséech you leaue me to my selfe and sée the rest of the Turnaments for I haue no harme With that he started vpon his féet and fetching a déepe sigh departed They were all excéeding glad of his safety and so leauing him to be attended by his owne knights they departed to the Scaffolds and againe tooke their places to behold the rest of the Turnament Persicles was excéedingly vexed that he had received such a disgrace and in the presence of such and honorable assembly most of all for that he vnderstood Osimus intent presently buckled on one of his Knights Armorâ— and mounting himselfe entred the Lists againe by which time the Tilt was almost ended and the Persian Knights bare away the prize but Persicles then vnknowne stood ready at the Races end for the next encounter against whom a Persian Knight ran but so farre to his disgrace that he tumbled with his héeles vpwards With that euery one began to wonder what he should be and the people gaue an excéeding shout with that the other Persian met with him whose fortune was much like the former For his Stéed trumbling with the strength of the Encounter they both fell downe A Knight of Persia who that day had wonne great honor by his valor séeing that would néeds be the next to méete him thinking to revenge his Countrymans disgrace but at the first race he could not performe it for they past by without any other oddes but breaking their staues most gallantly And running againe the Persians Fortune was so bad that he was overthrowne By this time the day was ended and the Iudges ready to depart but Osimus intreated that he might break one staffe with the straÌ„ger which they granted Whom Persicles well knew resolutely determined to giue or take the foyle both of them méeting with such terror that the Earth séemed to shake and Osimus notwithstanding all his strength was by Persicles overthrowne to salue his hâ—nor and requite his discourtesie With that the people gaue such shouts as made all the Pallace ring with the sound And Persicles discovered himselfe which made every one rejoyce and wonder at his valour Persicles being vnarmed accompanied the King of Persia Natolia and the rest having that day wonne such honour as made him more highly estéemed and comming to salute his sister Piera hée suddenly espyed Constanâ—ia thinking he had before séene that swéet countenance but he could not remember where which cast him into such a déepe study that he almost forgat himselfe After he had saluted the rest he came to Constantia to whom he said Faire Lady either I haue beheld your Beauty and that swéet countenance in some other Countrey or in some vision for my mind perswadeth me I should perfectly know you for I am sure this is not the first time I haue séene you which maketh me thus bold to demand of whence you are if it be not offensiue vnto you Sir replyed Constantia it may be I am but an imperfect shadow of her you so perfectly remember for vntill this day I never saw you which maketh me suppose you doe but take an occasion of course to commend me that deserue no such matter neither shall you offend me nor I deny to shew my Birth being Daughter to the King of Persia but for many yeares brought vp in Arabia Pardon my boldnesse quoth Persicles for I would not offend you neither doe I thinke you a shadow but a perfect
she knew Whereby he then perceiued that Constantia was fled by reason that he could not finde the damzels Apparell that taking her by the hand he said Damzell I perceiue Constantia still rejeâ—teth me and therefore as thou in her stead hast taken possession of my Loue that good will and Affection which formerly I haue borne to her will I beare to thée and hereafter preferre thée to such dignity as otherwise thou shouldest neuer attaine vnto Withall requesting thée to conceale my being with thée this night from any For if it should be knowne it would redound to my shame and thy punishment but when question shall be made for Constantia tâ—ll thou all that thou knowest of my comming hither but nothing of me and in signe of my goodwill I drinke to thée in this Cup of Wine which I had thought Constantia should haue tasted This said he left the Damzell and so secretly as might be he went to his owne Lodging so much grieued in minde fretting with vexation and desperate with anger that he vowed to be revenged were it by neuer so cruell meanes In his heart now hating her whom before he doted on Which is a signe of an inconstant disposition for true Loue could by no meanes be altered It was not long before Constantia was mist and the Newes thereof came to the King her Father who with the Quéene maruelled thereat causing all diligent enquiry to be made but no other newes was heard of them but that she was gone and a strange Damzell left in her stead Who being brought before the King told them the cause of her comming and how she was vsed after by a Gentlewoman that wayted on Constantia Whereupon the King caused all the Ladyes and Gentle women in the Court to be brought before him but amongst them all she could not tell which was she for Dela had altered her Apparell in such sort that the Damzell was as ignorant of knowing her as of any of the rest The King was so excéedingly inraged that he was ready to teare the haire from his head commanding that the Damzell should be punished but at the earnest intreaties of the Quéene she was onely in disgracefull sort turned out at the Court gates The King for that time in an excéeding rage betaking himselfe to his solitary Chamber to study which was the best way to find out his Daughter Helyon pittying the Damzell being now more in loue with her then euer he was with Constantia called vnto him one of his most trustiest Servants willing him in secret sort to follow the Damzell and to deliuer her a Purse full fraught with Gold telling her that Prince Helyon sent it her and withall to conduct her home to her Fathers house that he might know where to finde her Which done he presently went to the King desiring him spéedily to send foorth Messengers to finde Constantia Who thinking Helyon had requested him thereunto with his former pretence of Loue caused twenty of his Knights priuily to be brought before him to whom hée imparted his intent which was that not making any privy thereunto they should that Night depart severall wayes in search of Constantia All things being complotted according to his minde the Knights having taken their Oathes of Fidelity and Secrecy and departed the King rested calming his disquiet with so merry a countenance as none supposed but that he had remitted all regard of Constantia Which was so closely effected that the Knights were dispersed every way in the Countrey before there was any question made of Constantiaes absence Helyons Servant surnamed Aldrus soone overtooke the Damzell delivering her the gift his Lord had sent which she received with many thankes telling her like wise that he had sent him to attend her home Which she was likewise glad of fearing her Parents displeasure for staying so long who knew her not at the first sight but afterwards were satisfied by Aldrus who learning her Name which was Selia left her CHAP. V. The pleasures that passed betweene the two faithfull Lovers Percles and Constantia in the Shepheards Cottage How a Knight that was sent in their search found them and what thereon ensued THe Day being farre spent the old Shepheards Wife returned with Provision which shée had brought dressing the same very cleanly though after her Country fashion whereon Persicles and Constantia fedde heartily spending the rest of the day in talke with the old Woman vntill at Night the old Shepheard and his sonne returned who wondred to sée such Guests in his House and such cheare at the fire that was woont to sup with a Crab put into sowre Wigge and calling aside his Wife before hée would enter demanded What they were Husband qd she they came hither in the morning desiring me to let them haue but House-roome For that loosing their way they had wandred about all that night and were sore weary They are the kindest people that euer I saw Good Husband bid them welcome The good old man waxed so kind by his Wiues intreaties that hée came in telling them they were most heartily welcome and that both himselfe and all that he had were at their command Persicles gaue him many thankes being much comforted with their kindnesse which he found disagréeing with the humours of Rusticke people Supper time was come and ended and then the old Woman called her Husband aside asking him where they should lye Marry quoth he in our owne Bed And we for this time will make other prouision and therefore I pray make the same ready in the best sort you can Which sayd the old Woman went about the same and the olde Man comming to them said Because I know you not I know not what Title to giue vnto you but lesse then borne of Gentle blood I am sure you are not I am sorry my wealth affoordeth me no better entertainement to welcome you withall But such as our homely Cottage yéeldeth shall be at your disposition Desiring you to accept this our disable good will in stead of better performance my wife is making ready your Bed which though homely yet it is cleanly wée hauing no choyce but onely that desire you to accept it as the best I thanke you good Friend quoth Persicles but wée shall be vnmannerly to thrust you foorth of your owne Rest therefore we will rather sit vp then disquiet you Not so quoth the old man I haue all my life time béen brought vp to hardnesse and can endure it well which I am sure you cannot doe without the hazard of your healths Then came the old Women bringing a light to conduct them vnto the Chamber which she had drest so finely with gréene Rushes and swéet flowers that it was most pleasant though nothing costly And leaving them there departed Constantia séeing them gone began to blush to thinke she must be Persicles his Bedfellow which he perceiuing folding her in his armes said Now Constantia you must be a Wife before you are
Married which name you cannot now refuse hauing giuen your conâ—ent thereunto already I must of force be your Bedâ—fellow vnlesse you will haue me lye on the gréene Rushes therefore I pray tell me Whether you are willing to fauour me so much or no Constantia betwixt a modest bashfulnesse and a modest desire stood mate not knowing whether to consent or deny Sometimes thinking her denyall might disquiet him and againe that to yéeld might make him suspect her of lightnesse So that betwixt Feare and Hope she continued silent as it were overcome with a déepe study Persicles smiling thereat sayd My deare Loue I know with what motiues your mind is now agitated if you thinke it will impaire your Honour to be my chast Bed-fellow I will rather loose my life then perswade you thereto but if you will vouchsafe me such favour as to lye by you in the most vertuous sort I protest it shall be no dishonour to you for that your Virgin purity shall not be spotted by the least thought of vnlawfull attempt in me wherein if you will trust me you shall finde that I will vse you both as beséemeth your Estate agréeth with your Honour and the vertuous meaning of a true Friend My Lord sayd Constantia doe not thinke me either so immodestly scornefull to distrust you or so curious to thinke it will impaire my Name to be your Bedfellow Onely this I would wish that the Rights of Marriage were performed and then I were at your disposition Lady quoth he What néedeth such strict performance of the outward Ceremonies which maketh not the Marriage but those are truely Married that with vnited hearts haue plighted Promise of perpetuall friendship electing one the other by true Loue and not outward Ceremony For where true Loue is not there can be no perfect Marriage though the outward Ceremony be neuer so devoutly performed Therefore if my opinion can prevaile with you we being without meanes to vse the outward Ceremony may confirme as true and constant a Contract betwixt our selues as though it were established by the rights of the Church This also maketh me vse these reasons sithence the meanes of performance of that being wanting we may neuerthelesse still protract our happinesse for who are more happier then those that liue in perfect Loue though neuer so miserable For my part I estéeme your louing company aboue all joyes and the fruition of your Loue more deare to me then a thousand liues without the same Then I beséech you let my intreaties so much prevaile that I may with your frée consent possesse your Loue for I vow never to loue or chuse other then your selfe Constantia hearing his spéeches and many other reasons that he alledged At last made this answer My Lord relying vpon your Vertues true Loue and honourable meaning I yéeld to your Request giuing my consent to be your Wife for euer desiring you to dispose of me according to your minde for you shall find me alwayes obedient at your command Thus ending their spéeches with many embracings they adrest themselues to their Brydall bed which resembled such a Bed indéed For the old Woman had deckt the Bed with her best linnen and other furniture stucke the same round about with swéet Roses strowed the Chamber with gréene Rushes filled the Windowes with gréene Boughes and Flowers so thicke in euery place giuing such a swéet sauour that it might well be tearmed a Shepheards Paradice The two Louers being in Bed vsed that behauiour such Loueres doe thinking themselues Fortunate the place pleasant their méetings happy and their Loue swéet enjoying content without controll Loue without lust and Pleasure without pride He thinking his joyes without compare and she thinking none to be compared with hers The Birds without singing their swéet Ditties in stead of Musicke and the swéet Philomela hard by the Wall with a merry note rejoycing at their pleasure Thus did they passe ouer this night with excéeding content and the next day in communication with the Shepheard who committed both the Flockes to the government of his Sonne for that himselfe would stay to beare them company to whom he bare such an inward Loue wrought in him by a naturall motion that he thought himselfe most happy to doe them any pleasure Some thrée daies stayed they with the Shepheard being past feare to be discouered for that they heard not of any enquiry was made after them At last one of the Knights that the King of Persia had priuily sent foorth in their search chanced to come into the Plaines where the Shepheards sonne was kéeping his Shéepe to whom he said Shepheard didst thou not sée a Damzell lately passe by this way Not I answered he Why what Damzell is it you aske for The Knight either by his countenance or â—tuttering in his answer supposing it might be he had seene her said It is a Friend of mine that I estéeme dearely She promised me I should heare of her hereabout but my fortune hath not yet béen so good I cannot tell said the Shepheard it may be my father can tell you who dwelleth hard by yonder thicket The Knight with that left him and rode to the Shepheards house where he alighting entred without calling and found the Shepheard his Wife Persicles and Constantia all together and presently knowing Constantia he said Lady Constantia the King your Father makes great lamentation for your absence at the Court. With that they knew they were betrayed and she with feare and griefe fell downe in a trance Whom with much adoe they recoueâ—ed My Friend quoth Persicles thou art either very vnmannerly or thy Authority is great that thou intrudest thy selfe into our company Doest thou know that this is Constantia Then where is thy reuerence to her Were it not for disquieting her that is already distempered with thy presence thou shouldst find cold entertainment The Knight being much grieued to sée Constantia so disquieted said I am sorry my presence hath troubled her which was contrary to my mind for be it farre from my thought to worke hec disquiet the King of Persia missing her hath sent out diuers besides my selfe to séeke her with Commandement to bring her backe to the Court and amongst the rest you sée it is fallen to my lot to performe it yet such regard doe I beare vnto her that I will not doe any thing disagréeing to her honourable mind Constantia hearing his spéeches said What is your name My name said hée is Pisor Art thou of Assyria quoth Persicles and one of the Knights belonging to Piera I am said he Then I feare not but thou bearest a Knightly minde and wilt rather conceale this Ladyes being here then betray her by carrying her backe If not for her owne sake yet for Persicles thy King whom shée loueth and thou shouldest obey Were it quoth he to venture my life for my Prince I would most willingly doe it and if the Lady loueth him and for that hath left
the Court I will hazard my life in her defence and to my vttermost power procure her hearts desire Then know Pisor that Persicles heareth thy kind spéeches and hath not sailed in his kind opinion of thy vertues For I am he though thus disguised With that Pisor knew him and humbled himselfe with great reverence vnto him on his knée Persicles rising vp embraced him telling him that he came in a most fortunate houre to doe him pleasure Constantia with this was comforted againe and forget her former passion and feare The old Shepheard and his wife were halfe amazed vntill Persicles said Father be not any way disquieted with my knowledge for though I am King of Assyria I am thy Ghest and will for thy kindnesse reward thée liberally desiring thée not to discover me to any For if thou shouldest it might hazard this Ladies life and mine that are now in thy hands With that they both knéeled downe vowing that nothing should make them so disloyall Then he said to Pisor of old experience I know thou louest me and therefore I make no question of thy Fidelity or doubt that thou wilt vndertake any thing to pleasure me Therefore I would haue thée with as much hast as might be to Post into Assyria vnto Parenus and Thrureus whom I left my substitutes and to them make my estate knowne telling them that my desire is that they come to me into this place with a sufficient number of Horsmen to Guard me and the Princesse Constantia home but to let none know their intent which I take is the best course for our safety For if we should séeke other meanes by trauell Constantia is not able to endure it which also might be a meanes to discover vs so many being abroad in our search Pisor presently obeyed him and taking his leaue departed onwards on his Iourney leauing Persicles and Constantia in the Shepheards cottage CHAP. VI. How Helyon was in love with Selia and hearing of his Fathers sicknesse obtayned leave to depart And of the Desolation that was befallen in Assiria by the treason of Duke Oretus NOw Helyon remembring the pleasure he had with his Countrey Louer desired much to sée her againe with whom he was more déepely in Loue then euer he was with Constantia for the Loue he before bare to her was turned to hatred and the cause of his importunacie to the King to haue her found was with a malicious disposition of Revenge not of any Honourable inclination being of such variable and inconstant Nature that the least occasion altered his wauering minde either to loue or hatred Which was vnfit for a man of so great a birth as he deriued himselfe from And now hauing past many dayes colouring his pretence vnder the shadow of fained sorrow he longed to visite his Louer Selia Therefore finding a time fit for his intent he with his Seruant Aldrus rode thither At his comming finding Selia againe cloathed in her Countrey Wéedes Who espying him with a modest blush came to méete him Whom he imbraced most kindly in his armes asking her how she fared My Lord said she your Handmayd rejoyceth to sëe your worthy person in this homely Cottage whose heart can attaine no quiet but by your remembrance By this time her Parents were come in who séeing the Prince did him humble reuerence He like wise saluting them with great curtesie When he had stayed there most part of the day in priuate conference with his Loue he departed The next day repairing thither againe Which he like wise did for many dayes after In the end growing to such extremity of passion that he told Selia he woulâ— Marry her And withall made her Parents acquainted therewith who willingly gaue their consent thereto and by this meanes he enjoyed her company of all times according to his desire In this sort did he visite her many dayes doting excéedingly on his Countrey Selia thinking no Lady in the Court comparable vnto her and like wise dissembling excéeding griefe for Constantia so that the King highly commended his Constancy estéeming him the more for not altering his mind Within few dayes Newes was â—â—ought to the Persian Court that the King of Arabia was very sicke which caused Helyon to desire the King of Persia's consent to his departure which he granted First hauing receiued his faithfull Oath to marry Constantia which he sware to performe at his returne Most of the Knights that went in search of Constantia were returned not one of them bringing newes of her Which draue the King into such a rage that he séemed quite bereft of sence causing them to make more open enquiry and to promise great Reward to those that could tell of her By this time likewise Pisor had béene in Assyria and againe returned to the Shepheards house Whom Persicles welcommed as glad that he was so soone returned But Pisors countenance bewrayed some ill Newes which Persicles soone perceived and being vnwilling Constantia should heare ought that might bréed in her any diâ—content walked aside with him into the Thicket of a Wood hard by the house where Pisor said My Lord I haue a Tragicke discourse to reveale that maketh my heart melt to thinke thereof which I would had not béene my ill Fortune to haue brought you newes of At my comming into Assyria I passed many miles before I found an Assyrian to converse withall For that the Townes and Villages which before were repleat with store of Inhabitants were now consumed by Fire and not a house standing alone but was dispoyled and the people from their dwellings fled away which caused me make the more hast hoping that all was not destroyed And comming more neare the Court in my way I found the bodies of the Assyrians lying dead and confusedly strowed vpon the Earth as iâ— some battell had béene lately fought in that place Those which lay dead seeming to haue fled to saue their lives And the farther I past â—he more did the number increase which I followed so long that I was perswaded those that destroyed them were not farre off but yet went so farre before me that I could not overtake them for the boyes of some were not yet cold and others lay strugling to over maâ—ter Death Where with I was so amazed that I set spurres to my Stéeds sides and rode withall the hast I could vntill at last I espyed â— mighty Army of Souldiers right before me vpon the Mount Silo whose multitude séemed to be innumerable Neare vnto which I was no sooner come but I espyed an Assyrian wounded grievously â—o whom I drew nigh and soone knew him to be Parenus and disâ—overing my selfe vnto him desired him to tell me what Treason had â—rought him to that dangerous estate With that he knowing mée â—ayd Pisor such misery is befalne vs Assyrians as wée shall be a reâ—roach and scandall to all the World Which I would repeate but before that I can make an end Death will stop my spéech
therefore first tell me how my Lady Piera fareth Noble Duke said I she is in good health and in great prosperity I rejoyce thereat quoth he though I haue otherwise euerlasting cause to sorrow For our Soueraigne Lord the King after he had put the Armenians to flight was very desirous vpon some occasion as yet vnknowne to leaue the Court in his absence committing the Government thereof to my vnhappy selfe and that noble Knight Thrureus which we performed with great quiet vntill Duke Oretus one that was neuer true to the State hearing of the Kings departure which we could by no meanes conceale raised a false report that we had murthered the King Which rumour moued the Common people to such disquiet that they began to Rebell Which he perceiuing ayming thereby to winne the Crowne gathered a great multitude of them together with pretence of revenge against vs which when we heard of with all the hast wée could possible we Mustered men for our defence but so eager were the multitude to our destruction together with Oretus his perswasions that before we were any way able to resist them they set vpon vs and shed a great number of their owne Countrey mens blood that stood in our defence and draue vs to immure our selues within the City The King of Armenia hearing of this Rebellion with great spéed brought a mighty great Army into this Land destroying all that came in his way burning both Townes and Cities and destroying the common people with an excéeding great Slaughter Which came to Oretus hearing with such terror that he presently fled and left his Confederate Rebels to be destroyed by the Enemy Which caused vs by a Herauld to demand whether they would submit themselues to vs or no Or by their treason to sée their Countries ruine With that they yeelded and we gathered all the Forces we could to resist the enemies with whom we fought thrée great Battels and in the same lost aboue thirty thousand Assyrians being driuen to flight This day againe gathering head to resist them but being too few in number in respect of their strength and multitude you sée how our bodies be scattered vpon the Earth mangled and cut in pieces My selfe being I thinke the last that liueth to tell this newes For the Noble Thrureus is already slaine whose déeds of Valour would containe a great volume Which newes when our King shall heare it will no doubt cut off his vertuous life with sorrow My greatest griefe being that I cannot heare of his safety before my death My Lord said I our gracious King is liuing and in good health in Persia who sent me vnto your Honour and Thrureus with a secret Message which I néed not now vnfold Yes good Pisor quoth he let me heare my Lords Message that I may thereby know whether I were still in his fauour or no. With that I vnfolded the cause of my comming Which heard such a passion of discontent ouercame his vitall spirits that with many bitter groanes he gaue vp the ghost When I saw there was no meanes for his recovery I departed to enquire what slaughter the Enemy had made who by that time the day was ended had vanquished the Assyrian forces taking the City and most of the Nobility Prisoners I stayed some foure dayes hiding me secretly to bring you certaine Newes which is this The King of Armenia compelled the Noblemen to sweare Allegeance vnto Palyon his eldest Sonne whom he hath crowned King in Assyria and left a mighty Army for his defence When I vnderstood this I returned to certifie your Highnesse thereof CHAP. VII How Persicles hearing the newes by Pisor hee departed into a solitary place and thereby caused the unfortunate separation between him and Constantia who in great sorrow wandring to seeke him was found by Helyon and carried into Arabia And of the many sorrowes Persicles endured for her absence How Pisor became franticke PErsicles his heart was ouercome with such sorrow to heare Pisors heauy Newes that he had much adoe to containe himselfe from extreame madnesse that he minded a while to withdraw himselfe to vtter his plaints in those solitary walks but séeing Pisor follow him he desired him to returne to the â—hepheards house and in no case to acquaint Constantia with these misfortunes But if she asked for him he should tell her he would come presently Pisor being departed he sought for the most vnfrequented â—lace of the Wood wandring long in that discontent but could find none agréeable to his mind neither knowing whether he went nor almost what â—e intended his sences being dulled with such passionate vexation continuing so long therein that he spent longer time in seeking out a place of rest then he was aware off which turned to his greater vâ—rest as afterwards it fell out For Constantia marvelling that he stayed so long and withall noting Pisors darkened countenance supposed some ill newes was the cause of both finding occasion fit thought to find her Loue in the midst of his dumps and with her amiable presence to comfort him stole from the Cottage into the Wood where Pisor told her that he had left him Where shée wandred vp and downe a great while not finding him which made her marvell sometimes callâ—ng him but not by his right name least any should heare her and finding that meanes to prevaile nothing she began to enter into many doubtfull thoughts sometimes calling his Loyalty in question then againe reproving her fancies for entring into suspition of him then thinking some ill newes was befalne in Assyria which might driue him into a carelesse desperation and also fearing thaâ— some of the Persian Knights had met with him and finding some likelyhood of suspition in him had carryed him to the King her Father These Meditations possest her mind so long and wrought such a terrour in her fancies that she fared like one that had beene possest with the truth that it was so Thus did they both continue most part of that day she seeking him and he opprest with care not remembring that it was time to returne home yet both of them directing their steps a contrary way that they met not but wandred a way from one another At last he began to remember where he was how long he had béene absent and what care she would take for his absence which caused him with as much spéed to hast backe as with carelesnesse he had wandred vp and down which before he could atâ—ain it grew to be towards Night Pisor likewise marvelling at his long stay and at Constantiaes sudden departure fearing that some ill might betide him and some extraordinary care oppresse her left the Cottage to find him and if he could méet her to direct her to the place where he left him When Persicles found them both absent he maruelled thereat enquiring of the old Woman when they departed who told him that Constantia went first out and he after her Which made him thinke
spéeches Selia with haste taking vp her sonne that lay sprawling at her féet almost halfe dead with crying anâ— â—â—lyon after a déepe study saying Constantia I perceiue thou knowest not how vnable the King of Assyria is to redéeme thée from hence being lately dispossest of his Crowne by the King of Armenia and by the Treason of his owne Subjects being himselfe driuen to liue in obscurity Therefore this will I doe in satisfaction of my mind against thée thou shalt never depart from hence but in this Cloyster end thy life vnlesse the most valiantest Knight in the world redeeme thée for such a sure Guard will I set ouer thée as shall be overcome by none Constantia was no whit grieved to heare that Doome of her Imprisonment but onely the suspect she had of his spéeches of Persicles overcame her heart with such feare that she fell downe into a deadly trance Those that were about her having much adoe to recover her Wherewith they left her Helyon giuing command that most diligent search should be made for Palia through the whole Countrey of Arabia CHAP. IX How Helyon built an Enchanted Tower and put Constantia therein How he was imprisoned therein himselfe in great misery by the Enchantresse Ila WIthin few Dayes after Helyon purposing to effect that which he had Vowed calling all the cunningest Workemen of his Land before him asking their advice about building a Castle of invincible strength which they promised him to performe and so began to Worke scituating the same vpon a Rocky hill of excéeding largenesse that was encompassed with a Lake of excéeding depth First encompassing the circuit of the ground with a well framed of the hardest Marble of such smoothnesse without and height that it was not to be ascended Over the Lake they framâ—d a Bridge of excéeding beauty placing at the entrance two Porches or Fortifications betwixt them setting a Gate of Brasse curiously wrought with carued Images of Lyons being the Armes of Arabia On the midst they placed a Draw bridge drawne vpon such deuices as the labour of one man was able to doe the same with spéed At the further end of the Bridge was their builded a most curious wrought Gate-house garnished with stones of sundry colours and exceeding strange The entrance thereto was another Gate of Brasse farre excéeding the first for beauty bignesse and strength in the midst aboue the top thereof were placed in the carued forme of sixe Golden Lyons of excéeding bignesse whose proportion might be discerned farre off Within this Porch was there a large Court encompassed round with Turrets Walls and Fortifications within the compasse whereof an Army of Souldiers might lye encamped The next Entrance was thrée gates of Brasse carued like the other two over which was built a Tower of wonderfull Beauty and workmanship framed of Adamant cut out and carued into the forme of sorts of Beasts Trées Hearbs and Fowles the beauty whereof would haue held the beholder in admiration on the tops whereof were built foure Pinacles in a Squadrant whose glistering Vaines and carued worke shone against the Sunne as if the same had béene framed of beaten Gold Within this Tower was there a Court encompassed round about with most rich and stately Buildings hauing severall doores into every building of an invincible strength framed all of one proportion guilded over with Gold The Window of an excéeding largenes and beauty supported by two Lyons of carued Allablaster guilded ouer with Gold On the top next to the Eues two Cherubs standing in forme of Angels of carued Gold supporting the Picture of a beautifull Lady the Windowes discovering the excéeding richnesse of the Chambers within In the midst of this Court was framed a cléere Fountaine with diuers streames of water springing from the same curiously carued and guilded over with Gold the brightnesse glistering such a reflection of the Sunnes beames round about that at the first entrance it would haue dazeled the beholders eyes At the further end of this Court was there a Hall of excéeding largenes supported within with Pillars of Geate beset with stones of sundry colours and excéeding richnesse the Skréene being framed of the most curious worke of carued-Wood the Roofe of Stone wherein were coloured out the formes of all kinds of Fruits the Walls hung with Rich-Hangings of Arras containing the Histories of the Warres of Troy In the midst of this Hall was fastned two Pillars where to were chained two Lyons of huge bignes and wonderfull strength denying any farther Entrance The farther end of the Hall was without any Wall at all supported by Pillars of the same Geate lying open into a Garden of excéeding largenesse which at the first entrance into the Hall was gloriously discerned In which were made Walkes for pleasure Arbours borders of Flowers the formes of all things cut out in Hearbs Flowers to delight the Eye please the smell and of strange formes and all things so curiously wrought as was strange to behold In the midst of this Garden stood a Banqueting-house of round proportion the foundation supported by 4. Lyons of carued blew Stone called Ayres The Windowes round about that encompassed the same through which the Light passed cléerely without impediment the Pillars Casements and other proportions of such excellent workmanship that it séemed to be altogether framd of Christall On the top of this house stood the forme of an Angell framed of beaten Gold pointing with his finger towards the other Lodgings of wonderfull rich Building At the farther end of the Garden the discription whereon is hereafter set down When Helyon had finished this worke he called vnto him one called Penthrasus an ancient professor of Necromancy and with him alone went vnto the Pallace she wing the same and why he had built it desiring his Counsell and ayd to the performance of his Will Penthrasus desirous likewise to practise his Art which before he durst not doe for by the Lawes of the Land the same was punished with death Which now he thought none durst contradict because the King was consenting thereto Promised by his Art to make the same so invincible that it should never be overcome by strength nor policy Then did he advise the King to bring Constantia thither and two Damzels to attend her attyring her with most Rich Ornaments When the King had performed this and delivered her to Penthrasus taking a Condition of him that none but himselfe should be suffred to haue entraÌ„ce there he departed leaving her there to be entertained of Penthrasus who led her into the Castle appointing her Damzels where they should haue all things necessary and withall telling her that it should be many yéeres before she should be delivered After he had placed her there he beganne to cast about for to Fortifie the same And first by his Art he found that there lived in the Desart of Arabia two mighty Giants of vnwonted proportion and huge strength whom hée found out casting such a bewitched
Charme vpon them that they presently followed him vnto the Castle which he afterwards named Penthrasus Pallace by his Charmes and Spells binding them to kéepe the first entrance of the Bridge and by his Sorceries guarding every entrance in such strong sort as it was impossible to be overcome When he had performed every thing according to his minde hée brought thither his Wife named Ila determined to spend the rest of his life there Within few yeares he fell sicke and by his Art found the date of his life to be nigh an end Whereupon he went vnto the Oracle of the Hesperian Nymphs in the Desart which he was stricktly enjoyned vnto by a Vision which he saw in his sléepe to know what he should determine as concerning those charme she had set vpon the Castle Whose answer was this Penthrasus because by thine Art thou hast not attempted any wickes Action and to disclose the Destinies many a Knight of sundry strange Countries shall heare of the beauty of Constantia and shall come to try their Adventures to set her at Liberty but yet none shall performe it neyther shall it be Revealed that shée is Daughter to the King of Persia vntill shée be released by the valour of her owne Sonne The manner and meanes how is as yet hidden and vnrevealed vntill which time Ila shall liue and by our Directions governe the Castle vntill the Enchantments be ended Penthrasus having received his Answer returned home and within few dayes dyed Thus was Constantia enclosed enjoying all the Delights her heart could desire but nothing could comfort her but the Remembrance of Persicles for whose absence she liued in continuall sorrow Helyon kept that which he had done concerning Constantia from the knowledge of Selia determining never to see her againe but within short time such discord beganne betwixt him and Selia that by meanes thereof the whole Court was in an vprore and he found such disquiet with her that then he began to hate her abandon her company and beganne excéedingly to dote with remembrance of Constantia repenting him of the evill he had done her and resoluing againe to set her at Liberty or else to obtaine of Penthrasus to liue for ever with her in the Castle and by extraordinary meanes to attaine her Loue. And vpon a time he rode thither determining to haue a sight of her Where when he came he found the Gate at yâ— entrance of the Bridge fast shut and nothing but a horne hanging thereat fastned to a Chaine which he Winded and with that one of the Giants came forth with whose sight he stood affrighted till he asked him what he sought I would said Helyon speake with Penthrasus With that the Gyant had him come in and shutting fast the Entrance brought him before Ila who presently knew him saying I know the cause of thy comming which thou shalt never obtaine For which disloyall thought and other ignoble déeds thou shalt never depart from hence vntill the Lady thou causedst to be inclosed here be set at Liberty With that not suffering him to reply she caused him to be bound and carryed into a darke Dungeon where he was hardly Dyeted and worse intreated Ila hauing him in her custody knowing that none else was priuy to Constantiaes being there caused these Verses to be written in Letters of Gold and hung ouer the outtermost Gate and by the same Constantiaes Picture whereon she had cast such a Spell that all that beheld it were in Loue with it The Verses were these Within this Castle is inclos'd The Daughter of a King Whose Beauty caus'd a Traytor fell Her from her Countrey bring Here must she bide vntill a Knight By Sword doth set her Free And by his valour end the date Of crooked Destinie The World shall Fame him for that deede And great shall be his gaine Her lasting Loue shall he enjoy That rids her out of paine When Ila had written these Verses and placed them vnder the picture she withdrew her selfe into the Castle staying the comming of the first Knight for the Adventure CHAP. X. What befell to Palia how she was devoured by Wilde Beasts How the young Infant was found by a Lady who cherished him and afterwards named him Montâ—lion NOw returned wée to speake of Palia and what befell to the Infant After she had trauelled out of Arabia resoluing with a faithâ—ull heart to execute what she had vndertaken and attained to the bounds of Assyria shée soone vnderstood those evill Newes of the Armenians victorie whereby she was assured it would be in vaine to séeke Persicles there and therefore she returned towards Persia intending to follow Constantiaes directions to find him but being wearied with continuall travelling she sat herselfe downe vpon a Mountaine standing in a vaste and Desolate place on the top whereof grew a tuft of Trées that shadowed her from the heate of the Sunne where she had not long rested but the Boy fell fast asleepe and she being very hungry began to séeke for Fruit no other foode being there to be gotten leaving him vpon the Mount Palia wandring into the Thicket by misfortune was deuoures of a Lyon and so the poore Infant left ready to be destroyed but the Destenies that had alotted him to better fortune thus preserued him Not farre off their dwelt an ancient Knight named Cothanes who with his Lady the same day had beene Hunting and now she being weary of the sport with two servants in her company chanced to alight at the very place where the Babe lay who by that time awaked and missing his Nurse began to cry The Lady hearing the noyse searched among the Trées and presently found the Child which she tooke vp in her armes commanding one of her servants to take vp a bundle of cloathes that lay by the same and to 〈◊〉 his Horne that Cothanes hearing it might come vnto them Who according to her desire came asking what was the matter You haue said she all this day Hunted after Wild beasts and lost your labour but I haue found a richer Prize yet by what misfortune left in this place I know not With that they both viewed the Child well noting his excéeding beauty and swéet countenance with great joy carrying him home by the way naming him Montelyon finding in the fardell many rich Iewels and a faire Embroydered Scarffe whereby they knew him to be of no meane Birth educating him carefully and after he was come to knowledge teaching him many commendable and vertuous qualities When he came to the age of fourtéene yeares Cothanes taught him how to Ride and manage a Horse taking him forth with him many times on Hunting delighting wonderfull in his forwardnesse Wherein he shewed such aptnesse that he could not offer to teach him any thing but he soone grew to be as perfect therein as himselfe Whom we will leaue to be Educated by Cothanes and returne to speake of Persicles and what befell to him after the losse of
Constantia CHAP. XI How Pisor being recovered perswaded Persicles to crave ayde of the King of Persia against his Enemies How hee obtained the same and carried a mighty Host into Assiria which was there overthrowne AFter that Persicles had in heavines and sorrow wandred vp and downe those Woods the space of thrée moneths and Pisor again come to his remembrance Upon a time they both met Pisor saluting him with great reverence Persicles séeing he was come to his right sences againe asked him what became of Constantia My Lord qd he I found her in the Shepheards house telling her you would presently returne but when she saw you stay so long vnawares to me she went out of the Cottage to séeke you I soone missing her thought to ouertake her to direct her vnto the place where I lâ—ft you and by misfortune tasted of that Ominous fruit Then sayd Persicles she is assuredly deuoured by wilde Beasts and I shall neuer sée her againe My misfortunes excéeding the bounds of common miseries that I would to God I had ended my selfe when I was first borne then should not both Assyria and Persia haue had such cause of discontent My Lord quoth Pisor I cannot be perswaded that she is dead but by some misfortune wandred out of knowledge or carried hence by some vnexpected meanes Therefore I beséech you beare her losse with patience and in the end I doe not doubt but you shall heare of her safety Thou giuest me words full of comfort said he but thou hast no ground for them Nor can I tell how by them to adde any hope of my restlesse passions for that she is lost I am sure but that I shall never sée her againe I thinke it impossible being driuen to so hard an exigent of extremity that I neither know what to doe nor whose ayde to implore Thou séest another hath shut me from my Kingdome and in my absence wonne my subjects heart from me The King of Persia hearing of the wrong done to him will become mine Enemy and then is there no place of refuge left for mée but in this place best be fitting my misery My Lord said Pisor yet if I may be so bolde as counsell you let vs goe to the Persian Court I as I am and you in that disguise for none but your sister Piera being priuy to your escape with Constantia you may safely and without feare goe thither both to conferre with Piera and to craue the Persians assistance to establish you in your Kingdome Persicles vnwilling to leaue those Woods where he was determined to dwell for ever there But finding no hope thereby to recouer Constantia and also being perswaded by Pisor he condiscended to goe with him and thereupon immediately departed When they approached neare to the Court Pisor rode on before and entring the Court he soone found Piera declaring to her the misfortune that was befallen to Persicles and Constantia and how that he was without the Court staying vntill he returned to know whether he might with safety come to speake with her or no Piera then presently sent for him by Pisor and other of her Knights who brought him into the Court whither he was welcommed by her with great Ioy With whom he continued sometime in priuate Conference Piera counselling him to discouer himselfe to the King of Persia and to craue his ayde against the Armenians who would readily assist him Whereof she told him he néeded not to doubt for that he had euer béene his Friend nor knew not of his escape with Constantia which none but her selfe and Dela were priuy vnto Whilest they continued in this conference Deloratus came in and espying one in such priuate with his Wife in that disguise wondred who it should be Piera soone espyed him and leauing her Brother went to him and told him who it was Wherewith he embraced Persicles in his Armes now perfectly remembring him although griefe had much altered him After many spéeches past Deloratus he and Piera went to the King of Persia who knowing him welcommed him with excéeding kindnesse Persicles then vnfolded his Misfortunes vnto him desired his assistance in revenge of the wrongs the Armenians had done him Which the King of Persia willingly yéelded vnto him giuing authority vnto Deloratus to muster Souldiers and make provision for their expedition The newes hereof was suddenly rumoured in the Court and many thousands of Knights vnconstrained prepared to ayde Persicles whom they honoured for his excéeding valour and curtesie purposing to spend their liues in his Defence that of a sudden one part of the Country was vp in Armes and a great Force was assembled and conducted into Assyria by Deloratus and Persicles and Pisor and Osimus and also many other Knights of excéeding valour Of whose worthy Exployts we will hereafter speake more at large Persicles had such ill successe that after he had continued a long time in Assyria yet he so little prevailed that he was compelled thrice to flye backe into Persia to renew his Forces These cruell Warres continued many yeares the King of Armenia defending himselfe and kéeping possession of the Crown notwithstanding the Persian Forces Deloratus perceiuing that the long continuance of those Warres had wasted a number of his subjects and yet notwithstanding Persicles was so farre from possession of his right as at the first beginning of those tedious Warres determined to giue ouer and therefore assembled together such as were the chiefest Rulers ouer the Hoast to know their opinion what further to determine Who with a generall consent perswading him once againe to renew his Forces and if that then they did not prevaile neuer more to giue the Onset CHAP. XII How Persicles his Army was renewed And how Montelyon being denyed by his supposed Father stole to the Campe. And how hee preserved Persicles life How Cothanes knew him and discovered what he knew of his Birth And how he received Knight-hood at Persicles hand NOw Persicles séeing Deloratus was ready to shrink away from him being himselfe wearied with that tedious Warre went likewise with resolution eyther then to end his life or ever after to abandon the company of all men and end his dayes in solitarinesse Deloratus therefore sent Messengers into Persia to muster new Forces who in short time returned that the Persian Campe was full fourescore thousand strong Amongst the rest it so fortuned that Cothanes being in Youth accounted a man of great valour and now being somewhat growne in yeares of great Experience determined not to giue his mind to sloth being touched with griefe to heare what a number of his Country-men were slaine therefore told his Lady what hée intended who with teares and many intreaties disswaded him but all could not prevaile his heart was so fully set thereon Montelyon being now growne to mans estate hearing thereof entreated Cothanes whom he estéemed to be his Father and so called him that he might goe with him but Cothanes would by no meanes
consent thereto the rather for that his Lady most earnestly requested him that if it were so that he would néeds goe himselfe yet that he would not leaue her altogether comforâ—les by taking Montelyon with him Therefore all his intreaties nothing prevailed but of necessity he was enforst to stay Cothanes being departed Montelyon continued some two dayes excéedingly pensiue so much troubled in his thoughts with griefe to be left behind that he refused his meate and notwithstanding the manifold kindnesses his supposed Mother vsed him withall yet he thought all things troublesome Which desire so much prevailed with him that furnishing himselfe with good store of Coyne secretly one Night he conveyed his Stéed without the Castle Walles and when all thought he had bin in his Chamber he was departed By that time it was day he approached neare the City of Hâ—loâ—os where he stayed some thrée dayes vntill he had furnished himselfe with Armour which he caused a workman to frame of excéeding pure Lydian stéele bearing this Devise His Armor Silver interset with the formes of divers Beasts and Trées of burnisht Gold And in his Shield a naked Man amongst a tuft of Trées Which devise he caused to be made of purpose to be known different from the rest Having furnished himselfe in this sort he left the City and journeyed toward the Persian Campe in Assyria Where he was no sooner come but he found the Battels joyned in most cruell Fight and a number of Souldiers on both sides slain lying covered and besmeared in Blood Some with their Swords fast grasped in their hands threatning Others with a hideous noyse breathing foorth their latest gaspes Then in the Camp beheld he some flying others pursuing some standing fast in cruell Conflict others with fierce terror sleying those that was next them Some with hideous cryes animating their followers Others with feare crying retire There did he behold both Persians and Armenians intermingled slaughtetering each other Wherewith he a while stood as one amazed hauing never before beheld such cruell Conflicts At last he beheld a most gallant Knight with his Sword drawne and all couered with blood hurling vp and downe amongst the Armenians performing admirable déeds of Chivalrie but at last encompassed with such a multitude of his Enemies that he knew it was imâ—ossible for him to escape Which sight stirred vp such sparks of courage and desire to succour him that his heart vrging him to more forwardnesse then his Stéed could performe and yet his Stéed with furious pace running as swift as might be rusht in amongst the thickest of â—hem At the first piercing his Lance through the bodies of two that were opposite before him and his Stéed with his vnstayed course â—verthrowing others and treading them downe vnder his Féet â—hen drawing his Sword whose brightnesse dazeled the sight of such â—s beheld it vntill he had darkened the Splendor with their purple â—â—ood mangling slaughtering and destroying such as withstood his passage vntill he approached the Persian Knight who without his approach had there ended his Life but finding himselfe at more liberty by the assistance of this new-come Gallant he againe redoubled his abated Courage ioyning themselves both together performing such honoured Valor as by their onely resistance the thronged multitudes of Armenians disperst themselves euery one hasting to get without their reach Now the Knight that Montelyon had rescued was the Noble King Persicles who séeing how valiantly this New-come Gallant had rescued him and preserved his life said thus vnto him Noble Knight thy Valor hath preserved me For which Persicles will not be vngratefull And if thou béest a friend to me as thou hast already showne second me and I will once again try my Fortune With that Montelyon held vp his hand in signe he gaue consent Then Persicles with spéed hasted into the foremost of the Battell and Montelyon followed making such way as none stood to resist them but they dyed Where they found Deloratus Pisor Osimus Cothanes and a number of Gallant Knights in combat beset with oddes but that disadvantage was soone turned to advantage by their approach for there did Montelyon performe such déeds of excéeding Valor as made the whole Persian and Armenian Hosts admire him Then began the Persians to gather new courage to assaile their enemies continuing the skirmish with equall strength against them Palian the vsurping K. of Assyria thinking to haue the advantage against the Persians as in times past they had called the chiefest Rulers to him exhorting them to courage to resist their enemies Vpon whose exhortation the Armenians with vndaunted courage followed the battell on both sides with great eagernes that the Persian Gouernours were enforced to flyâ— to their Companies to encourage them to resistance only Montelyon and Persicles still kept together making thousands of the Armenians pay their liues for tribute to their conquering Swords Whilst they continued the fight in the fore-front of the Battell they suddenly heard a cry on the outside of the battell with which noyse Montelyon not regarding to be counselled set spurs to his Horse and hasted thither where he found Deloratus though to him vnknowne in the throng of a multitude of Armenians vnhorsed and fighting on foot so sore wounded and againsâ— such ods that he was ready to faint and by force to be taken Amongsâ— whom Montelyon rushed with such fury spoyling them that hée succoured Deloratus and having againe with the helpe of some of his owne Knightsset him on Horse-backe sent him to his Tent with a sufficient Guard and returning againe towards Persicles he espyed Cothanes his Father whom he knew by his Armour vnhorst and newly by force taken prisoner but before they could conuey him from thence Montelyon began so cruell a fight that with the losse of many of their liues he set him at liberty Then began the Arminians somewhat to Retire hauing such a number of them slaine and finding their enemies pursue them so fiercely that Palion perceived the Persians would that day he conquerors yet notwithstanding calling to him two Knights the one named Althesus the other Petron who were most renowned of all the Armenians he said to them Ioyne with me and let vs once againe repell these faint hearted Persians With that they thrée with a multitude of their chiefest soldiours kept a head together and fronted the battell where Persicles fought Palion knowing him with a Lance ready coucht ran at him which lighted vpon his Shield where it burst in péeces not once piercing the well tempered stéele Then both Pallion Althesus and Petron all at once assailed him whom Persicles resisted with excéeding vâ—lour continuing so long as any Knight could possible doe But at last the oddes being so great he was driuen onely to defend their swift blowes that were followed with eagernes then began he to wish for the strange Knight that had all that day succoured him expecting nothing but death By this time Montelyon had rescued Cothanes
accidents that befell EArely the next morning Palian assembled his Counsell to determine what order to take for their security which it behooued them to doe for that their Forces were vtterly discouraged and the Country Inhabitants knowing their lawfull King to be living beganne to reuolt and denyed to ayde Palian either with men or victuals that he was constrained onely to kéepe himselfe within the City Walles not suffering any to issue out or daring indéed to doe it they were so strictly besieged by the Persians When they had well considered their estates and the misery they were likely to fall into they concluded to send into Armenia to certifie the King which Althesus and one Mutellus two Knights of excéeding valour vndertooke to performe the next night Montelyon being in his Tent determining to repose himselfe yet féeling no desire to sléepe calling for the Chronicles of the Warres of Antiochus King of Assyria and spending some houres in reading that History his Squire by his commandement being gone to Bed about the dead time of Night he heard the neighing of a Horse as it séemed to him within the City again reading and again staying to listen his mind being somewhat troubled being as yet in his Armour he gyrded his Sword to his side determining to walke the round to see how diligently the Watch was kept whom he found sléeping as soundly as if they had béene in their quiet Beds maruelling much at their drowsinesse but much more at their carelesnesse he went from place to place not minding that night to sléepe but himselfe would watch for them all He had not long stayed but he espyed two in Armour with hasty though softly steps passing through the Campe on foote whom be little suspected to be any other then of his owne company thinking them to be some straglers that séeing their fellowes in dead sléepe went to robbe following as closely as he could he perceiuing them to depart the Campe but maruelling thereat he drew nigher vnto them intending to know what they were before they departed Althesus and Mutellus espying one to follow them and séeing themselves now without the Campe purposed to lay hold on him with purpose to force him to declare what the Persians intended to doe that turning backe to him Althesus offered to lay hold on him Soft quoth Montelyon let me first know what you are We are enemies vnto thée sayd Althesus and therefore yéeld Tell mée quoth hée your names Althesus knowing himselfe to be of great valour and therefore not to be vnknowne of any Besides little thinking he would haue resisted them told him his name was Althesus Then I defie thée quoth Montelyon for I am thine Enemy and will rather dye then yéeld to thée With that Althesus drew his Sword and strooke at him Montelyon did the like to defend himselfe and afterwards they offended him so much that both he and Mutellus had enough to doe to saue their owne stakes and liues Althesus séeing his valour desired to know his name which Montelyon tolde him Althesus was much disquieted therewith and séeing his companion fallen and faint with effusion of bloud hée thus sayd Knight at this time I cannot stay to end the combat for by hazarding my selfe I should endanger the liues of many therefore farewell vntill more conuenient time to meete thée againe With that he turned his backe and Montelyon stouped to giue his conquered adversary breath which reuiued Mutellus but séeing Althesus gone his heart was ready to dye with griefe Montelyon had him be of comfort for his intent was to vse him honorably with that helping him vp he ledde him to his Tent calling vp his Squire to attend him and disarme him he went presently to Persicles The next day Montelyon caused Mutellus to be carryed before the Generall where hée declared the cause of their departure towards Armenia which Persicles was glad to heare off that by this foreknowledge he might preuent the purposed intent of his enemies but most of all he rejoyced and commended Montelyon for this noble act Which had they not béene discovered might haue brought the whole Campe into great distresse by this meanes every way growing into such loue and admiration of his valour vertue and curtesie that they estéemed their onely defence and felicity consisted in his safety that wheresoever hée went the eyes of multitudes awayted him as being delighted to behold him Mutellus desired Persicles to appoint his ransome but hée committed that to Montelyon who after he had honourably feasted him sent him ransomelesse to the City Mutellus soone got entrance and declared what misfortune had befallen him and Althesus which turned their conceived hope of comfort into despaire which had ouercome them with feare had not some little hope of Althesus escape reuiued them Thus remained they many dayes within the City so hardly besieged that they were out of all hope in getting Victuals but were driuen to content themselves with spare dyet scantling out euery souldier and Inhabitant their allowance Which they continued likewise so long expecting to heare from Armenia that being frustrated they expected nothing but miserable famine which caused them late in the night to assemble all their old weake and impotent men vnable to serue and all Women and Children except some few of account and turned them out of the City to the number of sixtéene thousand whose distressed estate Persicles pittied causing them to haue sufficient food themselues building Cabbins to defend them from the weather Persicles séeing the miserable estate his owne Countrey was in and to what extremity his Subjects were brought and by this also knowing that Palian was not able long to endure but that both he and all those within the City were ready to be famished of whom many were Assyrians that were constrained to that subjection whose estate he pittyed being vnwilling to be guilty of their destruction by the aduice and counsell of those he most estéemed but principally of Deloratus and Montelyon he sent a Herauld vnto Palian with this message that although he did vnjustly vsurpe his Crowne and many other wayes done him intollerable injuries yet pittying the miserable estate he was like to bring the Citizens into by his cruelty he made hâ—m this proffer that notwithstanding he might worke sufficient reuenge by his death whose life was now in his mercy he should without interruption with all his Armenians haue frée liberty to depart out of Assyria The Herauld with this message went vnto the City declaring the cause of his comming Palian assembled his Counsell and returned this answere That what he held was his right by conquest and that would hold scorning he should send any such proffer to him that was well able to defend himselfe and as little regarded his courteous proffer as his malice Wishing him not to stay long least his Fathers comming inflicted a greater punishment vpon him then he could eschew Persicles was excéedingly vexed with his disdainefull reply fearing indéed
thus said Noble King vouchsafe to heare me speake and without offence let me claime my right This Knight is my prisoner therefore to put him to death without my consent were to do me wrong yet although I speake this pardon me I challenge not any thing to contradict your will but I humbly desire your Majesty to grant me this fauour that as I tooke him so I may dispose of him Persicles with great hast rose from his seate and imbraced Montelyon saying Were it my Kingdome my life or any thing that I estéemed more then both that you required I would for euer curse my hâ—art if it should deny it you For you haue done me so much good and my debt is to you so great as if I liue a thousand yeares I shall neuer pay therefore I giue him fréely vnto you and his life withall I humbly thanke your Majesty replyed Montelyon with that he tooke Palian by the hand and after humble reverence done he departed to whom being alone he vttered these spéeches Noble Prince of Armenia not expecting reward nor fearing threates I here giue you liberty Then did he desire him to make choise of his horse and armour where with he armed himselfe and so rode discourteously away his stout heart not suffering him to giue Montelyon thankes And being come to the Campe humbling himselfe vnto his Father and he imbracing him thus said My deare Sonne welcome then strutting vp and downe said I thought that dastard Persicles durst not detaine thée for if he had his life had payed thy ransome and shall doe yet for detayning thée by Jupiter this night will I fire the City about his eares because I know that the coward dares not come foorth to méet me Palians heart hearing his Father thus boasting and considering how vnlikely it was he could performe it with such a sudden passion of déepe consideration changed with a sudden alteration contrary to his former disposition calling to remembrance how lately he was in danger of death the great power Persicles had about him the late slaughter he had committed against his Souldiers the courtesie of Montelyon but most of all his ingratitude to him that had fréely giuen him his life thus said My most noble Father not the feare of your forces nor Persicles his cowardice for by his doome I had dyed hath set me at liberty but the courtesie of a noble Knight that tooke me prisoner who when Persicles had appointed my death and the Executioners were seizing vpon me challenged me to be his Prisoner honourably armed me and courteously let me goe Therefore I beséech you withdraw your Forces and offer no more wrong to Persicles who neuer offended you the Kingdome of Armenia is as good as the Kingdome Assyria and better and it is better to enjoy that with quiet then both that and this with discontent If not for that yet for this I humbly intreat you to conclude a Peace with Persicles for your owne safety for his power is too mighty to be subdued by the small Forces you haue brought He is now allyed to the Persian who is not yet your Enemy but wholly your Friend but if these Warres continue long he will proue your mortall Foe For if you goe forwards I must stay behind for it were a great dishonour for me to fight against him that hath so honourably courteously and liberally giuen me my life If you should be ouercome how much would it endanger your life and if your life were in danger doe you thinke you could escape Besides I will rather submit my selfe into the hands of your Enemies or shed my owne blood before your face then liue to sée so dismall a day as that will proue therefore I humbly desire you to conclude a Peace The King heard out his Spéeches with silent vexation being so inwardly inraged and with such desire thirsting after revenge that his heart was ready to burst with swelling maâ—â—â—e but at last being more mollified with dispaire of Victorie then of yeelding to his Sonnes request he said Let it be as you will haue it for this time you shall ouer rule me Then Palian thus sayd My Noble Father I know to conclude this peace will turne to our everlasting good and your owâ— content Persicles to honourable and neuer offending you And I know will honourably embrace this peace therefore I desire you let it be concluded with your frée consent With that he gaue his consent willing him to conclude what he thought good and hée would ratifie it Palian then mounting himselfe presently departed towards the City but ere he came there he met with Persicles mighty band of Souldiers and desiring to speake with Montelyon he kindly embraced him yéelding vnto him so many hearty thankes with such courtesie loue affection and earnest vowes for preseruing his life as Montelyon wondred at that sudden alteration in him that before was so rude and discourteous most kindly welcomming him Then did Palian vnfold the cause of his comming with such earnestnesse intreating Montelyon to joyn with him to conclude that peace that he promised his assistance and went with him to Persicles Palian deliuered his message with humble reuerence and Petâ—icles with as much courtesie receiued it And so effectually was this wrought that the Peace accepted and both the Armies méeting in stead of blowes embraced each other Then did the King of Armenia and Persicles salute each other First in strange sort but afterwards with more familiarity After many spéeches of both sides Persicles accusing him of wrongs and be alleadging the contrary that notwithstanding Palian labouring earnestly to conclude the peace yet the battell was like to joyn and often by iterating hot spéeches they both grew to excéeding rage which againe by Palians and Montelyons good perswasions was asswaged Growing to this Conclusion a Peace was ratified for two yeares in which time Ambassadours should be sent to the King of Persia and Macedonia to entreat their royall assistance to make an end of this controuersie Persicles heart could hardly endure to yéeld to his foe any further or abstaine himselfe from present revenge or appoint his rightfull Estate to be determined by the doubtfull case of arbitrement in his heart scorning the Armenians should haue so much scope limited as though he had any interest at all in his Kingdome but rather that he should then either absolutely winne all or loose all but regarding how much he had troubled Deloratus and the Persians who now desired to returne home into their owne Countrey but most of all himselfe desirous to trauell in search of his deare Constantia from whom hée had béene long absent For whose sake hée would haue lost his life Kingdome and Liberty whose absence was a continuall griefe to his Conscience and a restlesse torment to his heart for whom he had endured many thousand broken steps vtterly despairing of finding her but that nor length of time nor other ambiguity could cause his heart
beléeue that he should finde her and that she was liuing therefore he constrained his royall heart to yéeld to any thing And hauing taken the King of Armenia's Oath not to interrupt him in his Kingdome vntill the time prefixed they parted Persicles to the City and the King with his Army into Armenia Palians heart was linckt in such louing admirations of Montelyons vertues that he humbly intreated his Fathers leaue to stay in Assyria to beare him company but he denyed him reprouing him greatly and with bitter tearmes checking him but notwithstanding within few dayes in disguise he departed The King would haue sent after to stay him but that he was earnestly entreated to the contrary by his Nobles Palian being kindly welcommed of Montelyon disclosed the cause of his departure from his Father onely with no other intent but to enjoy his company and by shew of duty to doe Persicles Seruice which procéeded not of any coloured or imaginary dissimulation but from the depth of a constant resolution Such a sudden Metamorphosis had the view of Montelyons vertues and his Fathers tyrannie wrought in him that he admired the one and abhorred the other Of which he gaue such manifest tokens that Persicles had no cause to misdoubt him nor Montelyon to refuse his familiarity CHAP. XVII How after the Peace concluded Persicles left the Government of Assyria unto Pisor determining himselfe to travell in search of Constantia How they arrived in Persia. Of their honourable entertainment and of other contrarious accidents in Love that befell in their Persian Court. AFter all these troubles were ouerpast the Persian Souldiers richly sent home into Persia and Persicles had established his kingdome leauing the same to the gouernment of Pisor he determined to trauell in search of Constantia making the occasion of his departure to be to accompany Deloratus into Persia none but Pisor and Montelyon knowing the contrary By the way as they went Cothanes desired them to vouchsafe to visite his Habitation which the rather they did to sée the robes that were found about Montelyon They were honourably welcommed thither and royally feasted Cothanes Lady bringing forth the packet which they opened and well viewed neither Deloratus nor Persicles knowing any of them for they were such as Constantia had in Arabia Amongst the rest there was a Iewell of excéeding beauty and richnesse which Montelyon in the presence of them all put about his necke vowing neuer to part with it vntill he had found out his Parents Afterwards they departed Montelyon leauing Cothanes and his Foster-mother bewayling his departure with aboundance of teares Within few dayes they arriued in Persia the King sending out Troupes of gallant Knights to attend them the States Nobles and Péeres of the Land in rich attire to entertaine them and himselfe with the Quéene Piera and Lanula his eldest Daughter with a number of other gallant Ladies forsaking the Court to méet them The Citizens likewise hearing of their approach prepared to entertaine them with delightfull showes the Knights met them some two miles from the City welcomming Deloratus with reuerence and the other thrée Knights with courtesie Next the Nobles embraced them and at the City gates they saw the King with his royall assembly staying their comming vnto whom Deloratus knéeled whilest they with teares welcommed his safe returne and whilest he embraced Piera and his sister Lanula the King and Quéene welcommed Persicles And when he had left them to speake to Piera they demanded of Deloratus who those strange Knights were The one of them quoth he is our late reconciled friend Palian and the other is the most valiant Knight Montelyon that by his valour hath both preserued our liues confounded his Enemies and wonne himselfe immortall honour The King of Persia had Palian welcome into Persia he likewise embraced Montelyon who with humble reuerence knéeled at his féet All that there beheld him admired that one of such young yeares should be endued with such honoured Chivalry especially the Ladies with their nice eyes surueighed each part of his perfect lineaments which they found to be most exquisite judging none like him in comelinesse but Persicles All tedious salutaâ—ions being ouerpast vntill they came to the Court entring with such royalty as it draue an admiration to the beholders eyes there might one haue beheld the people with gréedy desire by multitudes thronging to behold them but especially the White Knight euery one asking which was hée that he himselfe might heare them which oftentimes made the blood reuiue in his chéekes with such a blush that it might easily haue béene discerned To rehearse euery particular would be ouer tedious and to stay long in recitall of their Royall entertainment Feasts spéeches and welcomes would detaine you from the hearing of Constantias misfortune for such entertainment there was and euery thing performed with such royalty as might haue beséemed the greatest Monarch of the world After Supper the time of rest being come the aged King and Quéene bad goodnight to their Ghosts and euery one betooke themselues to their seuerall Lodgings remitting all conference vntill the next dayes opportunity Persicles being alone spent most part of that nights rest in studying which way to Iourney in search of Constantia Montelyon in consideration of his vnknowne Parents Palian surfeiting in loue with Praxentia She in commendation of Montelyon Deloratus in pleasure with Piera and the olde King and Quéene in joyfull remembrance of all their safety euery one possest with a seuerall conceit vntill that slumbring sléepe ouercome their sence Earely the next morning they forsooke their Beds Persicles and Deloratus in conference with the King and Quéene and Piera in the hearing of Praxentia and divers other Ladies rehearsing the warres in Assyria and the manner of their victory Montelyon in company of Palian commended the royalty of the Persians Court and the beauty of the Ladies Which sâ—éech they entred into by reason of Palian whose heart could not chuse but vtter his inward thoughts which had entertained a furfeiting view to Praxentiaes beauty which was so exquisite as it might haue intangled the sences of any man with their beautious object Onely Montelyon rested as frée from as one that neuer thought of loue hauing his sences so fully possest with desire to find his Parents and search for Constantia that no other thought could enter his brest But such a contrariety had blind Fortune wrought amongst them that euery one desired a contrary thing for Palian doted not so much on Praxentias as she did on Montelyon and he was so farre from thinking such a thought that it was in vaine for her to hope Palian séeking opportunity to giue her knowledge thereof and she expecting when Montelyon should proffer loue to her and he on the other side séeking meanes to hasten his departure which he would instanly haue done but that he could not so soone séeke to leaue the King of Persia nor his sister but notwithstanding the
thinke or euer entend Palian was very glad to heare him say so yet made no show thereof passing the way betwixt that and the Pallace in such like communication CHAP. XIX How Palian in a disguise had conference with Praxentia who tooke him for Montelyon HAving left Montelyon hée got himselfe to his Chamber excéedingly troubled in his thoughts betwixt a striving to overmaster his Loue and yet to loue and attaine his loue without hazarding his Honour but his affection had the superiority and those sparkes of vertue which were but newly kindled in his thoughts vanished and hée resolved to try the vttermost issue of that Stratageme though it were in Montelyons name Euening now drawing nigh he remembred his promise which was to repaire to Lanula therefore thither he went but so secretly as might be where he likewise found her staying for him of whom he demanded what good newes Lanula shutting fast the doore thus said to him After I returned from you in the Orchard I went to Praxentia and told her what spéeches I had with you which revived her heart with ioy willing me to let you vnderstand that it is not lew'd desire immodest loue nor indiscréet intemperancy that hath procured her to this liking but the report of your valour regard of your vertues and the worke that Nature never wrought in her before therefore she requireth you be constant secret and loyall nor to regard her loue the lesse for that it was easily wonne but to impute the same to Destiny that had ordained him vnknowne to that honour to be beloved of her that hath ordained him vnknowne to that honour to be beloved of her that hath refused to match her selfe to the greatest Emperors in the world By Heaven qd Palian my heart is tyed to her in such bonds of constant Loue that should shee command mee to rip my heart from forth of my brest I would doe it to fulfill her desire and shew my duty Few words quoth Lanula are sufficient therefore know that by reason of her Fathers displeasure she dareth not openly converse with you but she hath yéelded to be directed by mée and therefore late this Night come to my Chamber and I will get you the habite of a Gardner in which disguise you may with safety through the Garden enter her Chamber Palian yéelding her many thankes departed whilest she went and certified Praxentia what we had determined Whose loue being growne to a setled resolution and desirous to ease her selfe disquiet gladly consented thereto thinking the time ouer-tedious company troublesome and her Supper vnsavory to taste the swéetnesse of her stolne affection Palian at the time appointed went to Lanula who had already provided his disguise wherewith he apparelled himselfe following her directions to find the entrance to her Chamber Palian being entred the Garden soone found the doore fast shut but Praxentia having a sight of him out of her Window came downe her selfe to open the same His heart was so ravisht with joy of her presence that he could not instantly speake but humbling himselfe vpon his knée he said Vertuous Lady I humbly desire you to pardon this my boldnesse which I would never haue vndertaken had not some formed hope animated me thereto but since it is your gracious pleasure so much to honour my vnworthinesse I humbly giue my poore heart to your disposition which shall account it selfe everlastingly happy to be imployed in your seruice Good Knight quoth Praxentia had I not béene fully assured of your vertues I would never haue admitted you this favour therefore I accept your gift and in exchange thereof will giue you mine so that you promise me to vse it honourably Else let me become the infamous reproach of all the World let my ioyes be turned into sorrowes my health into sickenesse my pleasure into paine and all that I wish to proue my good to bée my everlasting misery Your Protestations deare Knight quoth she are of sufficiency to overcome my yéelding heart that harboureth no misdoubt of your disloyall meaning but it is fully assured your vertues cannot harbour dissimulation that is altogether different from vertue therefore trusting you more then my selfe I admit you that favour I never before granted which is to receiue you as my chosen Friend trusting you will proue as faithfull as I desire and will not reward my favour with disloyalty Which said taking him by the hand shée led him vp into her Chamber where many speeches past betwixt them he with earnestnesse entreating her consent to loue him and she binding him by many vowes to be constant He durst not vtter many spéeches least it might bewray him with all his conscience guilty of deceit withheld him from boldnesse and though peradventure she would haue taken any thing in good part yet feare to be discovered himselfe made him thinke no such matter but his behaviour so neare as he could framed himselfe to the estate of Montelyon Which likewise pleased Praxentia well who though she were very affectionate herselfe yet she imputed his coloured modesty to vertue and his dissimulation to pure honesty that by this conference he was fully assured of her loue and she nothing doubting of his loyalty being constrained by reason of the dayes approach to breake off their communication referring their next méeting to Lanulaes direction for that time both parting with many courteous farewels she fully contented he somewhat discontented that he had attained that fauour in anothermans name which if he might haue claimed as proper to himselfe he would haue déemed himselfe most happy Clogged with these Cogitations he gate to Lanulaes Chamber to whom hée discovered his fortunate successe telling her that in the evening he would repaire to her to know Praxentiaes pleasure and her direction when and where to speak with her againe CHAP. XX. How Montelyon was in love with Praxentia How he was still prevented by Palian of speaking to her And how he in disguise lay with her EArely the next Morning Praxentia forsooke her rest and although she had slept but a little that Night yet she was loath to be accused of sloth and apparelling her selfe framing a more then ordinary kinde of merry countenance for that her mind was more then wontedly contented shée attended the Quéene in company of the Lady Piera It so fell out that day that the King of Persia himselfe with the Péeres of the land feasted with Persicles Palian and Montelyon which fell out according to Praxentiaes wish that she might beholde her beloved Knight with a surfeiting view Palian like wise was no lesse glad then she that hée might behold her on whom his heart was fixed and every one saving Persicles and Montelyon had their hearts inclining to disport onely they two rested sad heauy and vnpleasant which was easily to be espyed and was chiefly noted of Praxentia with one conceit and Palian with another All the dinner time Praxentiaes eyes were fixed on Montelyon Palian on her
vnawares to them overpast and the necessity of the time enforced his departure so that taking his leaue of her with many ceremonious farewels he apparelled himselfe and left her to meditate on that which had past betwixt them CHAP. XXI How Montelyon discovered Palians deceit and how hee was in some sort revenged Hasting Persicles to depart in search of Constantia IT fortuned that Montelyon that Morning was earely vp and more earely then any vsed possessed with a troubled head and a Loue-sicke heart and walking vp and downe the Gardens at last in a heavie dumpe be sate downe in an Arbour right over against Praxentiaes Lodging even at such time as Palian departed who séeing one in secret come from thence he privily followed him till Palian came to his Lodging Montelyon then began verily to thinke that it was some Messenger eyther sent from her to Palian 〈◊〉 returned with answer of some Message hée had delivered or that it might be Palian himselfe whom he resembled in proportion though not in habit The day now waring aged he found out Persicles with whom he kept company all the day thinking indéed it was Palian himselfe that he had séene for that he kept his Chamber most part of the day when it grew fowards night he againe disguised himselfe and gyrding his Sword to his side he entred the Garden and as he walked by the doore with purpose to take vp his standing in the Arbour Lanula was come downe by that way to bring a Fryer in which should secretly knit vp the marriage according to the agréement betwixt her and Praxentia and espying one goe by shée thinking it had béene he that appointed to come called saying who is there Montelyon He hearing that said it is I You come too soone quoth she the Fryer that should marry you to Praxentia is not yet come whom I am now going to séeke Montelyon was halfe amazed but thinking to find out the truth said What shall I then doe Returne to your Chamber quoth she and changâ— your Apparell for if you come in this she will be offended for she is very fearefull and many troubled thoughts haue possest her head this day she did fall out with me wonderfully for bringing you in the last night when she was in bed and when she had me draw the Curtaines and be gone I thought you would haue pleased her ere yée parted but in faith tell me was she not kind Had you not that you would haue Montelyon blusht to heare her immodest questions making no answere soothing her vntill her flattering tongue had bewrayed all the mischiefe herselfe was guilty of Well quoth she stay hereby till I am returned and then you shall goe in with me for I dare not let you in before Montelyon wondring at this â—ccident by the circumstance of that he had heard assuring himselfe that some man in his name had attained Praxentiaes loue which fretted his heart with such vexation that he was ready to runne mad with griefe but calling himselfe to better remembrance he said you may saue that labour I haue dealt with a faithfull friend to that effect who promised to méete me here within this houre therefore returne to Praxentia my selfe will stay his comming Lanula thought nothing but went in telling Praxentia why she returned so soone Montelyon covering his Face as privily as he could from being discryed walking vp and downe by the doore and within short space espyed Palyon comming asking who was there Are you Montelyon I am he answered Palian I am the Fryer quoth he that am appointed to marry you to Praxentia with that Palyon embraced him desiring him to make no question but with all spéed to dispatch the thing he had vndertaken I will doe it quoth he out of hand being both together come to the Doore and by Lanula brought vp into the Chamber Praxentia embraced Palyon saying Welcome my deare Knight Montelyon this joyfull houre shall make vs both happy which I haue with great desire wished for I cannot quoth he yéeld you more then hearty thankeâ— vowing by Heaven and earth never to deale disloyally with you in thought word nor déed therefore according to your pleasure let it be done Montelyon so well as he could counterfeited the Fryer desiring to haue a light My friend quoth Palyan it may discover vs. Shall I then quoth he marry I know not whom Lanula said never feare to be discovered for on my life there is none suspecteth it with that she lighted a candle setting it a farre off on the Table With that he said to Praxentia this is not Montelyon but some villaine that hath betrayed you and discovering his face both knew him Praxentiaes heart with suddaine griefe feare and amazâ—ment was ready to burst he with a pale and dismayed countenance stood as one transformed and Lanula with feare and aboundance of teares stood wringing her hands Praxentia could not speake a word with griefe to be so deceived by him she most hated and he with very shame stood as one sencelesse whilest Montelyon said What disloyall and dishonourable dealing is this in a Prince whose mind should harbour nothing but vertue can dissimulation take such déepe roote in a royall brest then well may base-borne Peasants be excused for barbarous and faithlesse dealing vnworthy to bâ—e so worthy of that name Was there none to exercise your detested practise vpon but the daughter of a royall King and in the name of a strange Knight that by his déeds séeketh honour what impiety can bée compared to this or who can hope for vertue in that breast that harboureth such deceit Indéed such an Acte desireth obscurity therefore you did well to deny vs light for were it day the Sunne would blush or withdraw her bright splendor amongst the mystie Cloudes to behold it Well may he liue but for ever will hée be hated that séeketh to fulfill his content by such dishonoured impiety Base fellow quoth Palyon presumest thou vpon my lenity to abuse mée I count it not dishonour to winne the loue of so beautifull a Lady by any hazard yet it grieveth mée that I was compelled to name my selfe after him that I account my inâ—erioâ—r I quoth Praxentia you are inferiour in birth but not in vertue By Heaven quoth Montelyon thou hast so much dishonoured this Lady and injured him that thou art not worthy to liue and were it not for offending her sacred eyes with slaughter she should behold thy Massacre With that he drew his Sword Nay good friend quoth she stay thy hand indéed it will offend me Therefore let him goe and liue to his dishonour and my shame for I will not be guilty of his death And I beséech thée as thou favourest vertue not to disclose this to any least hearing it spoken by others it procure my death as for him I thinke shame of himselfe will with-hold him from blazing his owne and my reproach for Lenula she hath done me wrong against her
Sorrow of me and she began to conceiue well of him Which he perceiving prosecuted his Loue with such successe that in the end he married her and ever since hath lived with her Which when Penthrasus declared vnto me it attained my heart with deadly griefe Then I desired him to release me from that misery Neither doe I intend to claime the performance of Amphiadors promise for that Philotheta was Faire Chaste and Vertuous Neither will I reveale this secret to any but your selfe nor shall you depart from hence vntill the adventure of the Enchanted Tower be ended built by Helyon wherein he hath shut Constantia Daughter to the King of Persia and betroathed Wife to Persicles King of Assyria Who shall be the first Knight that shall arriue in this place Neither shall that Enchantment be ended by any but Persicles Sonne begotten of Constantia For quoth he the date of my Life is neare an end and at such time as Persicles arriveth here Will him when he hath heard this report to returne into Assyria to establish his Kingdome in Peace For it will be in vaine for him to spend his Dayes in travell to Redéeme her the finishing thereof must be by his owne Sonne When he had spoken these words he vanished appointing me to a certaine Bound which I cannot passe nor any yet came into but onely your selfe which assureth me that you are Persicles and travell in search of Constantia You haue said Persicles filled my heart with Feare Hope and Comfort the one striving to over-master the other feare that the Enchanter dissembled For that I haue as yet no Sonne nor never shall haue by Constantia for she being still Enchanted how shall I attaine her company Yet againe I am somewhat comforted that he could as well tell who should finish the Enchantment he had made as of my comming to this place For I am the most forlorne King of Assyria that shall never enjoy comfort vntill she be released which doubt perswadeth me will never be For if I must now returne into Assyria how shall I hope to find comfort Yet hée of good comfort quoth Delatus for hope hath preserved my life many yeares assuring my selfe that Penthrasus told me nothing but what was true and shall assuredly come to passe both your comfort and my long looked for Releasement being appointed both to one houre Why should you then despaire more then I since both our comforts resteth on our release But according to his Counsell travell no further for it were faine to doe that which can yéeld no hope of comfort In doing that quoth Persicles I shall both dishonour my selfe and leaue my Friend vnkindly whose Deserts hath bound my life to requite his Loue he hath onely for my sake vndertaken to travell in Constantiaes search the cause of whose departure from me was in search of your Daughter Philotheta that is reputed Daughter to Amphiador who was this day stolne from Ila by certaine Gyants Then he declared how they came to knowledge thereof It did him good to heare that she was living insomuch that he rejoyced excéedingly thereat Withall enquiring of him what knight that was that was gone in her rescue Persicles then said it were too tedious to make Recitall of him for then I should rehearse the discourse of my misfortunes Were it not quoth Delatus troublesome to you I would earnestly require your favour to heare it To requite your kindnesse quoth he I will rehearse the same which yet I haue concealed from all men but Montelyon With that he declared the whole History from the beginning of his first Loue to Constantia vntill that houre Which when he had heard his heart was filled with Admiration who that Knight Montelyon should be his Fancy perswading him he should end the Enchantment had not the doubt that he was Persicles Sonne given likelyhood of the contrary The night was spent in these Discourses and bright Phoebus lightned the darknesse of that Desart Persicles neither willing to depart nor stay Sometimes minding to find out Montelyon and to bid him Farewell but at last perswaded by Delatus taking his leaue of him with many Farewels he mounted his Stéed and so departed directly towards Assyria CHAP. XXIII Of a Combate Montelyon fought against three Gyants and how he rescued Philotheta And what befell them in an Hermits Cell MOntelyon being parted from Persicles hasted with more then ordinary pace after Philotheta still having intelligence which way they went by such as met them he overtooke them about the setting of the Evening vsing few words vntill he had dealt some blowes running at the hindermost with so fierce a carriere that he overturned him with his héels vpwards the other two looking behind them began to laugh at their fellowes fortune thinking that he had received that fall by chance but looking further they espyed Montelyon running so violently against the secoÌ„d that had he not avoided the point of his Lance he had seconded his fellow or light on worse fortune With that one of them said This fellow is very bold now but he will trust to his héeles anone This said the first that was overthrown ran towards Montelyon offering such a forcible blow at him that had he not spurd his Stéed to avoid him he had either slaine him or his Horse but he knowing it better to fight on foot then on horsebacke alighted whilest the Gyant came towards him againe thinking at one blow to beate him in péeces the other two séeing him on foote went away laughing but the Gyant missing his ayme by reason of Montelyons nimblenesse was ready to turne about with the force of his compasse blow in which time Montelyon leapt within him and thrust his Sword so farre into his Body that he fell downe dead the other two hearing that one of them came running backe to rescue him whom Montelyon soone espyed being ready to receiue him and séeing no more Ods but one to one thought his Combate was not vnequall The Gyant séeing the other dead thought at once to end Montelyons life that he strooke at him with all his force but he avoided his blow not yet daring to come within him vntill he was somewhat out of breath being furious for revenge but more mad to misse so many blowes he strooke so full and violently at Montelyon that his masâ—y Clubbe stucke in the Earth which whilest he laboured to pull out Montelyon strooke him so full a blow on the Arme that he cut the same quite from his body wherewith he gaue such an excéeding groane that all the place rung with the noyse thereof running away as fast as he could towards Montelyons Stéed whom he affrighted much with his grissy and blustering approach that he brake in sunder the reynes of his Bridle and ranne away with great swiftnesse Montelyon was excéedingly vexed for want of his Stéed not knowing for want of him what to doe and by reason of the Nights approach he still pursued the
was revived not so well knowing what to say as we did when he was in his Trance but her vertue and his desert constraining her she could doe no lesse then vtter these spéeches Sir Knight your courtesie so farre beyond my desert hindeth me to yéeld you thankes and thankes is an vnsufficient requitall for your paines although I know you not nor never saw you vntill this day yet our valour and courtesie in delivering me from Captivity hath bound me to become gratefull and deserveth more recompence then I am able to yéeld Lady said Montelyon the Heavens haue assisted you not my Valour which I haue attempted without expectation of Recompence If you thinke well of my paines it is all the reward I craue The old Hermit perceived some strange accident had brought them thither desired them for that Montelyon was sore bruised and she much affrighted and disquieted to accept of his Cell to rest them in vntill they could take better order for their safety Montelyon thanked him saying he was pleased so it liked the Lady With that they began to goe but Montelyon by reason of his sore bruise with much adoe could stand The Hermit taking him by the arme supported him whilest he with griefe that his misfortunes had brought him to such a low estate said It ill beséemeth Youth to be supported by Age but no man can prevent Destiny Philotheta offered to lend him her arme but he desired her not to trouble her selfe Sir said the Hermit refuse not her courtesie for in time of néed it is not good to be curious With that she lent him her arme but he tooke her hand and that he thought too much boldnesse as the other trouble striving against the weaknes he had received by his bruise to go vpright she like wise wondred that Nature had wrought such a familiar regard in her towards him she knew not often accusing herselfe of Lightnesse and blushing when he grasped her tender hand that with feâ—re and Fancies striving moystned his Palme thinking with her selfe How is my estate altered that to day was frée from care and so suddainly brought to Bondage and from Bondage to this disquiet and all in a moment I am now like one that is content with misery and yet discontented with that Content I could wish my selfe from hence and yet were I gone I should wish my selfe even here againe because I desire this Knights Welfare and yet me thinkes I should not be too Familiar and yet I know he hath deserved much more courtesie then I can proffer My mind is affected with a regard of his welfare and yet am perswaded I should not doe so and if I should not doe it he might accuse me of discourtesie and if I be too kind he may déeme me too affable I would fainâ— know my disquiet and yet me thinkes I am not disquieted féeling my mind troubled and know not why desiring to shake it off but not knowing how it is regard of him not of my selfe that troubleth me and yet I neither know how to thinke well of him without my owne disquiet nor how to be quiet without him many such like cogitations possest her fancy that and other things for her part shortning the way to the Cell where they arrived The Hermit giving Montelyon a Potion of certaine commixed Drugges which comforted him greatly and Philotheta a Cup of Gréekish-Wine which revived and quickned her affrighted heart There was no light in the Roome therefore as yet neither of them had séene each other Montelyon wish't the day would appeare that he might behold her Beauty and shée that she might behold whether his person were agréeable to his prowesse and the Hermit desiring to sée what guesse he had entertained Séeing them both silent the one abstained for Griefe the other for Modesty After he had seated them on soft Rushes and Flagges he said As it séemeth to me you are either of you Strangers to each other which maketh me desirous to know what accident hath befallen you Father replyed Montelyon indéed we are so for as yet I never behâ—ld this Ladies countenance yet I know her name is Philotheta Daughter to the Duke of Ila Which knowledge I got by this meanes As then I and another Knight were travelling in search of a Lady that hath long time béen missing we chanced to espy two Damzels clad in white passing by vs with great spéed with whom I entred communication and they told me that this Lady Philotheta was taken away from them by thrée Gyants I returned to my Friend with this newes and both of vs posted after them vntill at a Crosse-way we parted thinking if they went either way we should overtake them but it was my good fortune to light on them and by their deaths to frée this Lady thinking my labour well bestowed to redéeme her from their treachery Philotheta refrained her spéech onely thanking him fearing lest he should séeme more courteous then modesty would permit or more coy then vertue required Sir said the Hermit I know those Gyants and the manner of their life to be most inhumane and wicked whose Habitation is not farre off in the Desart of Arabia by whose Death this Countrey is fréed from much outrage which they haue and would daily haue committed Sir quoth Montelyon I pray what Countrey is this It is said he Arabia Doth not Helyon said he raigne as King Sir quoth he he did raigne as King but whether he be now living or no it is doubtfull for some suppose he is dead others say he is Enchanted in a Tower he built himselfe scituate not farre hence from which he cannot be released vntill the Enchantment be ended which many Knights of strange Countryes haue adventured but none could finish the cause of building thereof as yet no man can tell Philotheta having before heard thereof weary with that dayes travell whilest they were in communication fell asléepe which Montelyon perceiving remitted their communication till the Morning being vnwilling to awake her with their noyse The first that awaked was the Hermit that went out to gather certaine hearbes leaving them both sléeping who both at once awaked at the first blushing at each others sight hée wondring at her excéeding beauty and she at his exquisite person he comparing the Damzels report to her beauty and her other gifts thereto which he supposed beyond conceit And she comparing his valor with his youth and his courtesie with both thought her eye never beheld her equall standing as it were both Enchanted with the other neither being able long to withhold their eyes from each others sight both noting each others behaviour till Montelyon arose and she did the like hée first breaking silence vttering these spéeches Faire Lady now that the Sun hath vanished the misty Cloudes of night you néed not feare any mishap for your enemies being dead I think there is none living of so inhumane a disposition that would disquiet you For my selfe my
she was but taking Philotheta by the hand said deare Lady this newes addeth much comfort to my dispayring Heart I am that vnfortunate Constantia that till this time haue dispayred of ever séeing that noble King againe accounting my selfe so much bound to you for being the happy reporter of this welcome newes that I protest my selfe your everlasting Friend assuring you that if that worthy Knight that rescued you be Companion to Persicles hée is indued with all Heroicke vertues but I pray you tell me out the rest The worthy Knights spéeches said she wrought so effectually with me that I could haue béene contented to haue lived there with him for ever In the end the Hermit brought in newes that Amphiador was hard by in my search at which newes I was very glad yet also displeased with knowing his rude behaviour would not suffer him to vse the strange Knight kindly Whilst I was in this thought thrée Knights in gréene Armour entred the Cell two of them without speaking a word by force carrying me forth whilest the third stayed the Knight in Combate who hastily followed to my rescue but of a suddaine before I could bethinke me what they should be I was within this Garden where I met her that brought me vnto you who willed me to feare nothing for here I should remaine in safety With that such a flood of teares gushed from her eyes that they stopt the passage of her spéech turning the same into silence Lady said Constantia to adde more care to my Heart would overwhelme it with griefe therefore I will omit the Relation of my Tragicke History till another time neither fearing nor féeling care now I heare of my Lords safety who will set me at liberty from the thraldome I haue here endured almost these twenty yeares Ila comming to them brake of their conference After Supper convaying them to a Chamber where they both lay continuing some dayes in much conference of their estate which for brevity sake is omitted CHAP. XXVII How Montelyon Knight of the Oracle arrived at the Enchanted Tower called Penthrasus Pallace And of the controversie that fell betweene him and the Knights that were come to try the Adventure THe Knight of the Oracle as it is aforesaid having lodged all night in the Wood earely the next Morning before Golden Phaebus had beautified the Earth with his brightnesse mounted his Stéed with an earnest desire to know whose Tents those were and what Tower it was they had encompassed he had not rode halfe an houre but he approached néere vnto them passing amongst them without stay because he met none to conferre withall he drew towards the entrance of the Bridge where Constantiaes Picture hung which when he had well viewed he judged by the outward shew thereof what perfections were adherent to the Lady that was owner thereof thereby calling to remembrance his Philothetaes perfections which in his conceit farre surpassed that but yet the Spell that Ila had cast thereon wrought so with him that had not the Vertue of his Armour and other gifts the Nymphes had bestowed on him which had power against all Enchantments prevailed hée had surely doted thereon when he had read the Verses an earnest desire possest his heart to redéeme that Lady that neither regarding Danger nor omitting Opportunity he tooke the Horne and winded the same the Sound thereof made many Knights start from forth of their Tents being but even then vp and newly Armed the first that was mounted and came to the Bridge was a noble Knight of Parthia named Menon who calling to the Knight of the Oracle said Knight enter no farther before thou know whom thou hast offended by thy bold intrusion He hearing his words turned his Stéed saying if I haue offended any it is more then I know but yet I am resolved to try the adventure who so ever sayes no. Menon said thy strangenesse doth priviledge thée because thou knowest not what is concluded among the Knights that are héere assembled Sir said he whatsoever agréeth with the Law of Armes I yéeld vnto and whatsoever courtesie bindeth me to I will performe therefore let me know what it is I must performe before I passe further By this time he was incompassed with Armed Knights and one of them named Linseus of Arabia that thought himselfe too good for all and vanquished many that had Combated with him said Before thou passe further thou must Combat with vs For the meanest of many that are here assembled thinketh himselfe able to performe as much as thée The Knight of the Oracle wondring at their rudenesse and moved with his discourteous words said I am not to be controlled by any but stand frée in mine owne choise to doe what I thinke good therefore if thou or any here be offended with that I haue said or done Challenge me I doe Challenge thée said Linseus and I said Menon and after them many other every one desirous to deale with him first The Prince of Parthia named Nessus stept forth and said Fellow Knights wée being all prosessours of Armes and every one a Partner in this Quarrell let vs cast Lots and to his share that the Lot first falleth let him begin and the rest fellow With that they all agréed The Knight of the Oracle thought he should not be Idle rejoycing that he had so good occasion to make tryall of his Valour The Lot fell to Arnon of Persia to begin The place a goodly Plaine in the full view of the Tower and the time was within an houre This being agréed vpon the Knight of the Oracle in the meane time rode about the Tower to behold the beauty and Scituation thereof which he admired and casting his Eye vp he beheld on the Battlement a farre off thrée Ladies walking together whom he could scarcely discerne◠much lesse if he had béene acquainted with them know These Ladies were Constantia Philotheta and Ila that came to behold the Tilts and Turneys that were daily acted betwéen many and divers Knights before the Tower Constantia hearing of Persicles safety and of his being in that Countrey hoping thereby in time to bée released desired to behold the Combatants which before she had alwayes refused to doe The Knight of the Oracle little thinking Philotheta had béene one of the thrée after he had a while stood to behold them returned to the appointed place of Combate where Arnon was then but newly entred with great Pride and the Sound of Trumpets and a number of followers Whom the Knight of the Oracle notwithstanding all his bravery overthrew at the first Encounter to Arnons amazement and his owne glory That done the next that encountred him was Linseus who held out two courses but at the third both he and his Stéed lay on the earth The Knights that beheld this commended his Valour yet enuyed his Fortune After that he encountred thrée Knights of Aegypt Then came Nessus Prince of Parthia thinking to recover that his Precedents
she for my better assurance let me bind your hands and then I will without delay come to you He accounted that request to procéed from bashfull Feare not from pollicie thinking though his Hands were bound he should be good enough for her with his Leggs he granted it Then she tooke a Scarfe which she had brought of purpose and therewith bound his hands so fast that it was impossible for them to vndoe them Which done Philotheta stept forth delivering one of the Swords to Praxentia and holding the other against his Brest said Now Amphiador What hath thy lewdnesse brought thée vnto but to misery thinkest thou that hadst no mercy in séeking our dishonour shalt find Remorse in vs to worke revenge Nay villanous Traytor said Praxentia should we suffer so vile a miscreant to liue we should doe a wicked déed for a man of thy impious condition will infect the World Art thou so treacherous as thou carest not what Lawes thou violatest and yet so simple to be over reacht by a silly Woman yet know whom thou hast offended and to whom thou wouldest haue none vioâ—ence Know I say Traytor that my Name is Praxentia Daughter to the King of Persia that will worke revenge vpon thée worthy thy hainous Acte Philotheta marvailed when she heard her Name and he lay confounded with shame his Coward heart fainting with such feare that with little violence it would haue béene overcome To make him more sure the one of them bound his féet whilest the other stood ready to stab him if he styrred Which done they withdrew themselues consulting which way to be rid of him Most Noble Lady said Philotheta your Prudence hath set vs at liberty from this Tyrant whom so if please you we will leaue in this place and not staine our Innocent hands with shedding such impure blood But said Praxentia how shall we escape from hence Easily said she for leaving him fast bound there is none to pursue vs but we may with safety travell whether it please you When they had thus concluded Praxentia came to him vttering these Spéeches Amphiador we cannot as yet resolue how to worke sufficient Revenge vpon thée therefore make no exclamation but with patience abide our will which will be too favourable for if we heare thée but once open thy mouth we will in such sort vse thée that thou shalt wish thou hadst followed our directions Which said locking fast the doores they left him Then they began to consult what to doe Praxentia saying Lady it may be your determination is to returne into Arabia which will be an occasion of our â—eparation For my purpose is to journey into Assyria vpon an occasion that concerneth me no lesse then my life which I shall reveale vnto you vpon your promise of Secresie I were not worthy to liue said she would I reveale your Counsell Then did she repeat to her her Loue to Montelyon and how Palian crost the same vntill his departure with Persicles Philothetaes heart melted within her to heare that Spéech fearing to be disappointed of her intent and misdoubting his Constancie being troubled with extreame anguish that so great a Princesse should be her Corrivall sometimes dispairing with a conceit that Montelyon did not estéeme her according to his spéech and her owne perswasion but that he proffered his loue to her of a customable common courtesie to try her not of affection Many other cogitations suddainly concurred in her braine but séeing Praxentia except a Reply without further meditatâ—on she made this Reply Most Noble Princesse if you will accept of my company I will in regard of your courtesie vndeservedly showne to me venture my selfe with you and doe my best to further you in attaining your desire Praxentia was glad thereof And with this resolution in the Morning they left that place travailing towards Assyria changing their Vpper-Garments to Palmers-gray the best meanes so passe without molestation CHAP. XXXI How the Knight of the Oracle Constantia and the rest hearing a lamentable cry found Amphiador starved to death AMphiador lay all that day vpon the Bed bound sometimes perswading himselfe they meant him no harm and againe adding doubt to that perswasion because of Praxentia but when it grew to be night he marvailed they came not againe then he began to suspect that which was true indéed that they were departed which vexed him so much that he would haue destroyed himselfe if he could haue found meanes continuing the length of that discomfortable Night in cursing his owne Fortune and Folly that had brought him to that misery thinking to his greater discomfort either to starue there without food or to preserue his Life by eating his owne flesh and so dye a lingring death Some foure dayes after Fortune so brought things to passe that the Knight of the Oracle Delatus Constantia and Alsala with many others in their company having lost their way lighted on this discomfortable place where Amphiador lay for want of food making such outragious lamentation that it pierced the Eares of the Knight who first hearing the same set Spurs to his Stéed entring the house the doores whereof he found open and drawing his Sword he found the Chamber from whence that pittious cry procéeded fast lockt which he brake open and found Amphiador in such a lamentable plight that the Water stood in his eyes Amphiador séeing him cryed out to him for meat as the thing he most wanted What art thou said he My Name quoth hée is Amphiador wicked Amphiador that for my sinne endures this punishment The Knight of the Oracle presently vnbound him and went with him downe to search for Victuals which Amphiador soone found By this time Delatus and the rest were entred and Amphiador suddenly espying Alsala whom he knew was so astonisht that he fell downe dead Farewell said the Knight of the Oracle haddest thou dyed sooner then should not some haue had cause to complaine of thy tyrranny They made short tarriance in this place for that it yéelded so little comfort but againe travailed towards Assyria CHAP. XXXII How the Emperour of Persia and Macedonia met to conclude the peace betweene Persicles and the King of Armenia How Persicles erected a Pavilion to entertaine all strangers And how the Knight of the Oracle and Constantia arrived there How Persicles discovered them and of the exceeding joy was made for their safety And how Persicles knew the Knight of the Oracle to be his owne Sonne and was afterward married to Constantia THe Emperors of Persia and Macedonia according to the Peace ratified betwixt Persicles the King of Armenia met at the City of Pisos where they were received by Persicles in such honourable bountifull and courteous sort as is not to be described This City Pisos bordereth on the vtmost Confines of Assyria not aboue a furlong distance from Armenia on the edge whereof likewise stood the City of Lisar rich and populous where the King of Armenia then lay betwéene
to heare better newes of her by thy perswasions Then giving the Palmer a Rich Iewell for his paines they parted Philotheta out of the Pallace and he into the Garden meditating on that which he had heard Philotheta by this time was returned to the Pavillion vttering the whole summe of the conference she had with the Knight of the Oracle vnto Praxentia With which she was so grieved that Philotheta expected when she would haue yéelded vp the Ghost fearing that she would haue run mad which to prevent she said Be not so impatient but hearken to my counsell I haue appointed to come to him to Morrow at which time I will deale so effectually with him that he shall come and speake with you When séeing your Laments there is no doubt but he may be wonne to consent This somewhat satisfied Praxentia yet her Mind was so full of griefe and vexation that her eyes could take no rest with such affection she expected the next Newes Philotheta was not void of care as she had good cause vndertaking a matter against her selfe yet to make assured tryall of his Constancie she did it but being alone she meditated on the doubtfull issue of this attempt which would bring her either much Ioy or Sorrow sometimes perswading her selfe it was her selfe he loved that he was constant and that no perswasions could alter him yet she thought Praxentiaes Birth Beauâ—y and Laments might overcome him and the rather for that he had no assurance of her Loue nor ever to sée her againe Thus did this faire Lady torment her selfe with contrarieties of doubts longing as much or rather more then Praxentia for the next Mornings spéech CHAP. XXXIV Of the Treasons practised against the Knight of the Oracle NOw the King of Armenia séeing such a League concluded by meanes of this Marriage betwéene the Emperours of Persia and Persicles enuying his good thought that he was likely to prevaile nothing against him by means thereof called vnto him a Knight whom he most favoured and had alwayes béene counselled by named Cisor and vnto him he vttered his discontent who presently counselled him to breake the Peace and suddainly to surprize the City The King liked not that counsell but rather desired by some secret meanes either to poyson Persicles and the Knight of the Oracle or else to set some discord betwéene them and the Emperour of Macedonia by which meanes the Peace might be broken and the ambiguity of the doubt be left vnended whereby he might renew his warre Cisor promised to performe something to that effect who presently finding out Palian vttered his mind to him in these words Noble Prince I marvell that you suffer your glory to be darkned by this vp start Knight that nameth himselfe of the Oracle Can it be that so honourable a mind as yours should brooke such indignities Is not Assyria yours by right are you not more Noble by Birth are you not every way as worthy to be as famous as he is You liue here in security suffering him and his Father that scorneth you to carry away the Palme and prize of Honour Are all the Knights in Armenia too weake to cope with him Doth not his behaviour shew that he scorneth you Hath he not alone crost your good Fortune then liue not to be laught at but to revenge Ioyne you with the Emperour of Macedoniaes Sonnes who are of the same mind I am and I will lay you downe such a plot as shall abate his bravery If these Kâ—ights and such as are now come out of Mâ—cedonia and Persia cannot foyle them then shall you liue in contemâ— of the World and be accounted their inferiour Cisor said hee thou renuest my griefe a fresh for I haue drunke so much of sorrow in that kind of discontentmâ—nt that my heart is overcome therewith and would faine worke my releasement If you would bée secret and sweare to assist me I would reveale you the whole depth of my heart vpon his protestations hée revealed his loue to Praxentia and how he was crost by Montelyon and withall what had past since and of her escape out of Persia which she did onely for his loue that regarded her not and how much he desired meanes of revenge his mind being apt to entertaine any complot were it never so dishonourable Cisor then said conferre with the Emperors Soâ—s and discover to them with what earnestnesse Praxentia hath sought his loue and receiving scorne for her affection and disdaine for her goodwill hath in a desperate sort ashamed to be so rejected stole from the Court of the King of Persia either to destroy himselfe or wilfully to liue in perpetuall exile when they heare this their hearts will easily be wonne to revenge her wrong which done let them alone to meditate thereon Cisor having in this sort whetted him on left him which so much prevailed that he put the same in practice with the Emperors Sonnes that they began mortally to hate Montelyon Agréeing to arme themselues in such Armour as none but Cisor should know them and for some few dayes to lodge in the Pavilion and there to devise which way to worke him some disgrace Vpon this conclusion they parted every one to provide themselues of Armour for that purpose CHAP. XXXV How the Knight of the Oracle arrived at the Pavilion disguised to satisfie Praxentia How he was discovered by Palian how Palian and the King of Macedoniaes Sonnes would have murdered him How he slew one of them and was accused by Praxentia of a Rape which brake the concluded League THe time being come and Philotheta not failing met the Knight of the Oracle to doe her Message How now Palmer said he doest thou bring me newes that Praxentia hath given over her loue If thou hast tell me if not I pray thée trouble me not My Lord said Philotheta she rageth most extreamely and I feare me will doe her selfe some violence vnlesse you pitty her That cannot I doe said he although it pincheth my heart to heare of her sorrow what should I say more or what wouldest thou wish me to do to ease her and yet reserue my loyalty Sir replyed Philotheta may you consider that she is honourable vertuous faire and the Daughter of a King worthy to be beloved and it may be the Lady whom you loue is not comparable to her in any of these gifts No nor in loue which may peradventure loue another and then shall you wrong your selfe and injury her expecting that which you haue no assurance of Peace Palmer quoth he if my fortunes proue so bad the greater will be my misery therefore tell me what thou wouldst haue me doe my Lord said she had I not promised her to bring you to speak with her she would haue destroyed her selfe ere this therefore vouchsafe mée such favour that I may performe my word which may be a meanes to end this malady Didst thou know quoth he how vnwilling I am to doe it I thinke
thou wouldst not request it but to satisfie her of that which peradventure she will not credit by thy report and at thy request I will come to her this evening Till then farewell quoth he Philotheta being parted from him by the way vttered these spéeches O that fortune would favour me so much and blesse me with that felicity to be the party this worthy Knight so constantly loveth By this she was come to the Pavilion where even then there entred foure Knights in black Armour gallantly mounted by their outward habit portended some fatall stratagem which were Palian and the thrée Sons of the King of Macedon who had vowed either secretly or openly to plot the death of Montelyon taking vp their Lodging there to complot their treason The day being past which the Knight of the Oracle overpast in many solitary meditations to the great griefe of Persicles and Constantia who wondred thereat he went to his Chamber apparelling himselfe in the habit of one of the Kings Servants onely gyrding his Sword to his side went vnto the Pavilion concealing himselfe as closely as he could but the Heavens ordaining him to endure some misery and as the eyes of enuy and suspition discovering him to Palian who espyed his comming thither and being entred the Pavilion he was met by Philotheta who with such carefulnesse expected his comming conducting him into the place where Praxentia was which went so sore against her heart to doe that with very griefe she was ready to dye whither treacherous Palians eyes watcht him Praxentia espying him could not abstaine from blushing excéedingly her owne heart accusing her of immodesty to reveale that which we would haue concealed Hée saluted her vttering these words Most noble Princesse to fulfâ—ll your desire and shew my gratitude vnto you for your Friendship bestowed on him that is not worthy thereof I am come to you desiring you not to misconceiue of me nor condemne me of inhumanity that am not mine owne and therefore I cannot giue my selfe vnto you I haue vttered vnto the Palmer that which I will now conceale as loath to offend you yet constrained thereto desiring you to command my life if you please for that shall be at your disposition otherwise I cannot imploy my selfe to your liking I haue long since knowne of your good will to me which Palian by his subtilty increased of whose Loue and procéedings I know so much that I thinke I shall wrong him to fulfill your request my selfe was the man that should haue joyned your hands when he tooke my habit and name vpon him which I presume here to vtter that thereby you may remember my innocencie in that complot and how constantly I haue vowed my selfe to another Praxentia what with anger shame and griefe stood like one mute vexed that he knew of Palians act shame to make loue contrary to the propertie of her kind and grieved to be disappointed all which together not suffering her to speake vntill at last these passions and her burning Loue so overcame her that knéeling downe she said Good Knight blame me not nor doe not condemne me of immodesty but grant pitty to my torment He taking her vp desired her not to knéele to him that was not worthie thereof nor able to deserue it then taking him by the hand she desired him to sit downe by her upon the bed beckning Philotheta to depart the roome To repeat what manner of behaviour Praxentia vsed and the words he spake would haue made any modest eare to blush to heare of but séeing that nothing could prevaile rage and lust so over ruled her that in bitter exclaimes she cryed out Inhumane disloyall and dishonourable Knight doest thou require my Loue with this disdain Or thinkest thou I will liue to beare the blot of thy refusall At the conclusion of which words Thetus entred the roome and with his Sword drawne ran at him who by good Fortune beholding him started aside otherwise he had béene slaine yet he was sore wounded wherewith he drew his sword striking at Thetus and at every blow wounding him Philotheta hearing the noyse came in and séeing the Knight of the Oracle wounded with feare grief and amazement cryed out helpe helpe the Kings Son â—ill be murdered The Eccho oâ— her shrill voice sounded throughout the whole Pavilion and both the Servants and other Knights came running thither but before they came he had gotten Thetus and overthrowne him thrust his Sword into his Bodie By this time Palian and his two Brethren came in who séeing Thetus slaine cryed out Stay the Traytor he hath murthered Thetus Son to the King of Macedonia Praxentia hearing that tore her haire rent her Garments and disfigured her face in such fort as was Lamentable to behold Some began to lay hands on the Knight of the Oracle but his Fathers Servants knowing him stood in his defence Then began there a hote Combat on both parts and many were slaine Praxentia being now discovered was knowne to Palian and her two Brethren to whom she cryed Revenge my shame and my Brothers death on this wicked Knight who séeketh by violence to dishonour me hath slaine my Brother What griefe was this to Philotheta you may judge and how much it vexed him to be thus betrayed cannot be vttered standing in his owne defence against such as would haue apprehended him that knew him not vntill he was grievously wounded and many of them slaine in which time newes thereof was come to the hearing of Persicles the Emperour of Persia and the King of Macedonia who with all hast came thitherwards The Souldiers like wise hearing of the Knight of the Oracles distresse brake the conditions of the concluded Peace and by Multitudes ran forth of the Citie to preserue them Persicles first entred the Tent next him the Kings of Persia and Macedonia giving commandement vpon paine of Death that no man should strike a blow Yet notwithstanding rashnesse and heady force so overcame them that it was long before they were appeased And the Emperour séeing Praxentia there in such sort disfigured demanded if any could tell the cause of that mischiefe First Praxentia spake being most guilty yet first thinking to excuse her selfe Noble Emperour my brother you sée is slaine in rescuing me from that Knights violence The Knight of the Oracle knéeling downe before the Emperour said My noble Grand father I slew him in mine owne defence neither did I know what he waâ— being my selfe trained hither to my death More he would haue said but the Souldiers having entred the Pavilion râ—sted not vntill they had gotten vnto him and he to satisfie them and avoid further mischiefe departed with them to the City Then did the Emperour and Persicles comfort the King of Macedonia but he vexed with his Sonnes death and his Daughters disgrace and vrged by his others Sonnes importunacy said Emperour of Persia I am now much wronged and too much abused by thée and thy Progenie by whose
falsehood I sée my Children lye dead before my face How should I then be contented By Heaven I sweare I will revenge this villany King of Macedonia said Persicles I defie thée for accusing me or mine of any dishonour and thou shalt sée and find this Accusation is false why else are thy Sonnes here disguised with my enemy Palian by whose complot this mischiefe was pretended against my Sonne though the punishment lighted vpon themselues CHAP. XXXVI Of the griefe Philotheta endured for this misfortune How she was taken and carried to the Armenian Hoste Of Raleaes misfortune And the Message she delivered to the Knight of the Oracle PHilotheta séeing how vnfortunately all things fell out withdrew her selfe out of sight and in bitter exclaimes lamented her hard fortune but most of all that she was the cause of Montelyons comming thither which had so néere endangered his life Therefore she shrowded her selfe vntill it was night which being come she travelled further into the Country and there by selling a Iewell and good fortune not being discryed she altered her old habit into her right forme staying certaine dayes in a Village some sixe miles distant from the City of Pisos in the house of an ancient Lady named Ralea to whom she related her misfortunes procured by Amphiador concealing her Loue to Montelyon which she durst not commit to her serresie This Ralea being a woman of great wisedome vsed Philotheta wondrous kindly promising in words and her déeds shewing it that if shée would stay with her shée would as dearely tender her as her owne Daughter whom she caused continually to accompany Philotheta She rejoyced at this good Fortune and being alone she vttered these spéeches Praxentia thée onely may I accuse for this misery for whom I vndertooke a taske which my heart even then abhorred and now repent not so much inteâ—nding to procure thée that thou desiredst as to satisfie my owne disquiet Sences by the same means having drawne the most loyall Knight into danger of his life whose blood thou didst séeke to spill else wouldst thou not so dishonourable and fasly haue accused him The consideration of which stratageme drew such a flood of teares from her eyes that she could not stop their passage Which Ralea espying demanded the cause thereof but séeing Philotheta make no reply she said Philotheta I pitty your estate and would gladly know the cause that I might vse my indeavour to comfort you Philotheta trusting to vertue disclosed to her the loue he bare to Montelyon and all that passed betwixt her and Praxentia as is before rehearsed Ralea thereby noting her beauty commended the same promising her that if with patience she would quiet her selfe some few dayes she would vse all meanes possible to comfort her Montelyon having recovered his wounds gathered together a mighty host and brought them vnto the City of Pisos whither were assembled the choice Souldiers Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen of Persia to fight in their Emperours behalfe who entrencht themselues without the City The King of Macedonia and Armenia likewise had gathered togetheâ— so mighty an Army as might haue béene thought able to make a Conquest of the World who pitched their Tents about the City in Armenia where â—he King of Macedonia and Armenia lay Montelyons heart was fixed with desire to driue backe those foes not staying to giue them leaue to make the first challenge but humbling himselfe vpon his knée before the Emperour and his Father vttered these spéeches Most mighty Emperour and my Noble Father I haue already I hope satisfied you of my innocency being trained by some subtilty to my intended death by Praxentia and her brethren but for that mine honour hath béene blemished by that infamous accusation and the common people rest vnsatisfied and my Foes vnrevenged I humbly craue you licence that I may send destance to my false accusers and by challenge acquite my selfe which am constrained thus hastily to desire for that my heart will abide extreame torture vntill it be finished The Emperour rejoycing at his forwardnesse and séeing Persicles willing to haue it so gaue his consent Which done Montelyon left them and arming himselfe in an Armour of white which he had caused to be made of purpose that no man should know him rode into the field betwixt both Campes and by a Herald sent deffence into the Campe of the Armenians King of Armenia theâ—e is a Knight whom you may behold in the field that hath sent dâ—stance to all the Knights in this Army especially to Palian whom he accuseth to bée a most disloyall and dishonourable Knight not worthy to be named a Knight that he most falsly sought to betray Montelyons Life and withall he offereth by combate to proue against all Knights that Montelyon is a Knight both Honourable and vertuous and that Praxentiaes accusation is most false and vntrue This message was no sooner delivered but thousands of Knights made sute to combat him first but Palian to whom it principally belonged to defend his owne honour desired his Fathers consent and obtained it presently Arming himselfe and gallantly mounted rode into the field to him Montelyon desirous of revenge and his heart inwardly tormented with griefe met Palian with a furious encounter he answering him with the like breaking their Lances with great comelinesse then drawing their Swords began the combat which was soone ended for within few blowes Montelyons Sword burst that hee was enforced to close with Palian with such force wrinking his Sword from him and with the puâ—mell thereof striking him so violently on the head that he bruised his head and overthrew him every one thinking he had béene dead Which was no sooner done but Mensus eldest Son to the King of Macedonia being ready armed greeted Montelyon with these words Knight thou hast vndertaken a tedious taske to combate all the Knights in this Campe yet I hope thou shalt never doe that for my selfe will abate thy courage If they were as many more quoth Montelyon I â—eare not all if thou commest to combat me hold thy tongue and be stirre thy hands for I will haue about witâ— thée With that they gaue each other many cruâ—ll blowes and received some wounds till Montelyon againe overe arging his Sword with his vnmeasurable strength brake the same which so vexed him that he rusht vpon Meâ—sus to haue closed but he knowing his intent avoided him and before he could turne about gaue him some bloâ—es which pierced so his Armour and flesh the bloud ranne downe Montelyon hauing the hilt of his broken Sword still in his hand flung the same with such violence that lighting short on Mensus Horse head strookâ— him downe dead his master having much adoe to get from him without harme whilest Mensus was mounting himselfe on a fresh Stéed Montelyons Squire had brought him the Sword that was given him by the Hesperian Nymphes which when he grasped he said Had I armed my selfe with thée my Foes had felt
may make tryall of his valour against the Knights of this Campe which he will vndertake in defence of his Ladies vertue beauty and worthinesse whom he will maintaine in single Combat against all commers to excéed all others The King returned this answer Tell thy Master he is welcome and shall haue our frée consent so that he requireth but withall let him take his friendly warning from me that he beware what he vndertake left the valour of these Knights turne him to repentance The Squire returned with this answer to his Master who presently hung the vayled Picture vpon the body of a faire spreading Dake himselfe resting thereby as a Guardiant and ready to combate him that came next The Knights of Armenia and Macedonia hearing of this strange Knights braue Challenge prepared to joust with him and the first was a young Knight of Armenia named Tellutus who loved Brisa Daughter to the Duke of Linsus who supposed her beauty by reason of his entyre loue to excell all but his Fortune was crost and he at the second course overthrowne The second that Iusted was Arnon a Knight of Macedonia that maintained thrée courses against him with great agility but at the fourth he was vnhorsed Divers other Knights Iousted him and had the like Fortune and his valour bare away the Prize from the mall CHAP. XXXVIII How the Knight of the Oracle leaving his Parents in disguise was entertained by the King of Armenia NOw it fell out that Montelyon having heard of the Damzels carrying away from Raleaes house by the Enemy which little thought it had béene Philotheta studied how to redéeme her first he thought it best to be attempted by force of Warre but that course séemed too tedious then he be thought himselfe of some spéedier meane for long delay would pinch his heart These contrarious thoughts driving him to his wits end When he had long studyed and yet could resolue of nothing he mounted his Stéed and in an Armour vnknowne girding the good Sword he loved so well to his side he rode forth at a Posterne gate so secretly as he could not as yet resolved what to doe riding towards the Armenian Host but a contrary way as if he had not come from the Assyrian Campe being come to the Watch they apprehended him and he yéelded desiring to be carryed to their Generall where being come the Generall demanded of whence he was I am quoth he of Arabia having travailed many yeares in search of strange adventures What is your name Sir quoth he my name is Honorius Will you quoth he serue me against my Foe the Assyrian I will said he if your quarrell be just serue you faithfully and spend my life to punish disloyalty With that the Generall repeated the History betwéene him and Persicles shewing the Title and claime he had to the Assyrian Crowne and amongst many other falshoods accusing Montelyon for Praxentiaes rape and Thetus death This vexed Montelyon excéedingly hoping one day to worke revenge for all vsing such behaviour and spéech as was most fit for the time so that he was well entertained of the Generall and granted such priviledge as the rest of the Knights had being neither knowne nor once suspected to be the man he was CHAP. XXXIX How Delfurno arrived at the Armenian Hoast THe next day the Almaine Forces arrived in Armenia and assuring himselfe that Delfurno would not be long behind caused Philotheta to be adorned with most costly and rich Roabes and to be well attended by a gallant traine of faire Damzels which he did to please and delight him with her beauty Philotheta supposed his intent in doing her so much honour had béen either that he pretended loue to her himselfe or did it in the behalfe of Palian which besides the aboundant cares that possest her heart bred a fresh disquiet in her resolving not to loue any but Montelyon The same day Delfurno like wise seeing no more would Combat him camâ— to the Court and discovered himselfe to the King of Armenia and Macedonia yet desiring to conceale the same who with great honour and courtesie entertained him and the more to please him conducting her to the Pallace where the Quéene of Macedonia and Armenia were accompanied by Praxentia but all in mournfull wéedes and Philotheta glistering in gold dazeling the eyes of the beholders Which when Delfurno beheld at the first view his heart was attainted with loving admiration even then vowing his heart her thrall and of that sudden becomming so bounden a subject to Loue as his Heart Hands Eyes and every Member were devoted to her Service After salutations to all the rest who yet knew him not forgetting longer to conceale himselfe he came to Philotheta saluting her with these spéeches Lady blame me not for vndertaking to be the Champion of your Beauty I am the Knight that haue these many dayes held Combat against all Knights in your behalfe not having discovered to any your Name as fearing thereby to offend you the originall of my attempt being the earnest zeale and loue I beare to you Sir replyed she your labour was greater then your reward and more then you â—éeded to haue vndertaken and little pleaseth me therefore I pray leaue off to doe so and then I shall thinke my selfe more beholden to you the subject not answering the Protestation Delfurno was nipt with her reply and so much ravished to heare her Heavenly voyce that he was to séeke of a reply standing so long in déepe study that she returned from him and he started as ashamed of that oversight comming to the Kings of Armenia and Macedonia to whom he said This Ladies beauty surpasseth all that ever I beheld I pray tell me of whence she is Her name quoth Armenia is Philotheta Daughter to a Duke in Arabia whom if it please your Highnesse to accept of she I know will yéeld to any honourable request I like her well indéed quoth Delfurno and doe me that favour I may enioy her and I will bind my selfe your everlasting Friend Many other spéeches past betwixt them both of them promising to effect his desire with spéed especially the King of Armenia who presently left him and finding her out he vttered these spéeches to her Faire Lady such happinesse may be fall you at this instant if you will be ruled by my counsell which if you refuse this and liue many thousand yeares after you shall never light on the like for the Mightiest Emperour in the world séeketh your Loue with honourable resolution to make you his Wife and renowne you with the Title of Empresse this Knight that even now offered his service to you is he the Emperour of Almaigne named Delfurno that hearing of your beauty came purposely into this Country to behold you and doe you service Philotheta hearing so old a man become so earnest a Soliciter being neither pleased with his company nor counsell gaue him this short answere Your proffers are as great as
liberall yet neither pleasing nor acceptable to me for I liue in this place by constraint not by consent by which meanes my mind can thinke on nothing but to be released from hence desiring to liue in another place CHAP. XL. How the Knight of the Oracle knew Philotheta and how she was by the King of Armenia committed to his charge ALl this while Montelyon stayed below among other Knights in the Hall at such time as Philotheta came to goe into the Garden with a gallant traine of Damzels attending her Montelyon noting her well suddenly remembring he had séen her felt such a Passion oppresse his heart that he thought it melted within him When she was past he demanded what Lady that was that was so gallantly attended Her name quoth one is Philotheta Daughter to a Duke in Arabia that was so lately surprised in Assyria and brought thither with intent to be married to Delfurno the Emperor Montelyon hearing that held his peace getting from the company into a solitary place where being alone he vttered these Meditations And can it be that Philotheta was in Assyria in her owne person and an others name to bring a Message to me That néed I not doubt of for Raleaes spéeches confirmed it but may it not be that she sent some other that cannot be for they tell me she was surprized in Assyria Moreover Ralea told me that she came in the Disguise of a Palmer which Palmer I am assured was even the very same that trained me to Praxentiaes presence Whom I now presently remember had the selfe-same countenance of Philotheta which made me affect him so much These remembrances may be assurances that she rather hateth then loveth mée for otherwise I cannot be perswaded and then the taske I haue vndertaken over tedious for it will be in vaine to séeke her loue that regardeth me not Besides did she loue me yet having thrust my selfe amongst such a multitude of mine Enemies that if they knew mée would end my life it is impossible for me to make my Loue knowne to her yea or so much as to speake to her What hope is there then left for me but to Despaire or returne to my Parents séeke to win her possession by force of Armes Whilest he yet continued in these Meditations he espyed the King of Armenia comming towards him to whom he vsed great Reverence The King suddainly séeing him as soone remembred he told him he was of Arabia which made him vtter these spéeches Well met Honorius I thinke thou toldest me thou wert of Arabia and therefore it commeth in my mind that thou art the onely man may'st pleasure me if thou wilt vndertake for me being a matter of small labour but much importance Which if thou wilt but vndertake and with secrecy conceale thy reward shall be so great as thy heart can wish My Lord quoth he whatsoeuer it be I will vndertake it doing my vttermost indeavour therein with such secrecy and diligence as you shall like of I doe both trust and beléeue thée said he for in thy face I sée the sparkes of Honour therefore this it is There is in my Court a Lady of thy Countrey named Philotheta whom I had thought to haue matched with the Emperour Delfurno but now my Mind is altered and I purpose to enjoy her my selfe and for that thou art her Countrey-man I thinke thou mayst prevaile more to perswade her then any other therefore I haue chosen thée as my Friend yea my deare Friend to sollicite my sute vnto her But thou must not be knowne but that thou doest onely speake in the behalfe of Delfurno for so will I tell him This is that I would haue thée performe therefore tell me art thou resolved to doe it Were the Taske farre greater I would vndertake it but in this I thinke my selfe excéedingly honoured by your Highnesse hoping to prâ—vaile so much that you shall attained your desire Then come with me quoth he Then did he bring him to Philothetaes Lodging whether she was newly returning and vttered these spéeches to her Lady for that you are a stranger sollitary and vnacquainted with the Armenians guise I haue brought this Knight not to be your Gaurdiant for I make you no Prisoner but to accompany you and defend you if any should offer you wrong whom I hope you will accept of Philotheta liked his proffer well hoping he would proue a meanes for her to scape by accepted his proffer with hearty thankes CHAP. XLI Of the first Conference betwixt Philotheta and the Knight of the Oracle MOntelyon being alone with the Lady he had so long desired to sée and being now her Kéeper that she so dearly loved thought himselfe most fortunate doing humble reverence to Philotheta Who demanded his name My name said he is Honorius Then did she demand whose Son he was for which he had not an answer ready but stood silent not caring to be taken in a lye for that he was vnwilling to maintaine a lye Philotheta séeing that said I perceiue I shall haue small comfort by thy company for I sée you are not of Arabia Lady said he whatsoever I am I rest wholly to doe whatsoeuer you shall command me Then should you not quoth she please him that brought you to me for his mind and mine are quite contrary else would he not haue trusted you Admit I did quoth hée yet having no intent to doe it but thereby to enjoy your presence your haue no cause to suspect me Yet I thinke you are deceived in his intent for none but my selfe knoweth it which I care not to reveale to you if you will conceale it from him for I came hither to doe you pleasure not to further him Tell it me quoth she and I promise you I will conceale it Thus it is whereas he with great earnestnesse hath sued vnto you in the behalfe of Delfurno he hath appointed me to be a more earnest solicitor in his behalfe for that he himselfe is déepely in loue with you but he intendeth that Delfurno shall thinke I am onely imployed to pleasure him Which when hée imparted vnto me and willingly vndertooke not to doe it but to doe you all the humble service and duty that I can being neither of this Court nor of Arabia but a Knight of Assyria that haue vowed never to leaue searching vntill I had found you the occasion whereof was this Vpon a day walking in a Groue adjoyâ—ing to the Pallace Garden I heard a Knight whom afterwards I well knew making much lamentation for your absence that nothing but newes of your safety could ease his heart I disclosed my selfe vnto him and for the loue that I bare him vowed to travell in your search first arriving in this Court where to my excéeding Ioy I haue found you with all humility faith and constancy proffering you my service being ready to vndertake any Taske and vndergoe any perill to doe you service I know not how to trust
thée quoth she considering thou regardest not to breake thy Word to the King of Armenia therefore I feare thou wilt do the like to me yet if faire words may deceiue me I shall be deceived in thine I would trust thée but I cannot and yet blame me not for having found no friendship nor truth in many I know not how to trust any My Fortune was ever yet adverse and therfore I am without hope of better then leaue me for this time and if you can find in your heart to be true to helpe me I may hereafter be better advised to beléeue and imploy you which words ended they parted CHAP. XLII Of the sorrow that was made in the Assyrian Campe for the Knight of the Oracles absence NOw let vs returne to speake of Persicles who missing Montelyon within short space after his departure went to his Chamber to séeke him and from thence from place to place but all in vaine vntill at last he heard newes by a Servant that there was a Knight departed that day at a Posterne gate armed at every point Persicles hearing that returned to the Emperour and certified him and Constantia of his departure both of them being strooken with suddaine griefe especially Constantiaes heart was overcome with such passion that vntill the time of his return she could never shake it off Newes like wise was brought that the Emperour of Almaigne was arrived with forty thousand Souldiers in ayd of the Kings of Armenia and Macedonia Then began the Emperor of Persia and Persicles to assemble all the Nobility together to determine what to doe A generall conclusion being agréed vpon within two dayes to bid them battle But the Souldiers hearing of Montelyons departure séemed to haue lost their former courage and to haue béene without comfort CHAP. XLIII Of the secret practises of the King of Armenia and the Emperour of Macedonia to deceive each other of Philothetaes love which they imparted to Honorius Knight of the Oracle NOw Montelyon being like wise no lesse sadde to haue left them so carelesly then they were for his absence After he had spent all the Night in sadde meditations he arose earely with purpose to reveale himselfe and his Loue to Philotheta whatsoeuer ensued thereon yet fearing eftsoone to disquiet her he walked downe into a Garden where he had not stayed long but hée was saluted by Delfurno who came to him of purpose to know if he had yet motiooned his sute to Philotheta Who answered him that hée had had much conference with her the last Night about it and how she had deferred him for that dayes answere Thereupon Delfurno promised him great rewards and he as much fidelity as being contented with his spéeches he departed He was no sooner gone but the King of Macedonia came in whose heart was grounded vpon a new Subject that Montelyon thought not off for he determined that none should enioy Philotheta but onely himselfe and therefore came to make tryall whither this supposed Honorius would condiscend to be ruled by him which if he would doe then he thought to convey Philotheta secretly into Macedonia so as neither Delfurno nor the King of Armenia should haue any suspect thereof To this effect hée communed with Honorius first binding him to be secret then by gifts inticing him and lastly dealing by intreaty vntill he had vttered the depth of his mind which he promised to effect vsing such words as pleased the King wherewith hée went away contented Whilest Montelyon and the King of Macedonia were thus in conference the King of Armenia was entring the Garden but séeing them in such discoursing he withdrew himselfe vntill they were parted and then he came in demanding what good newes he had for him My Liege replyed hée the last motion you made to her about her marriage to Delfurno hath hindred your owne for I had much a doe to perswade her that you had any intent at all to loue her that were so earnest for another but notwithstanding that I hope soone to alter her and bring her to a better liking of your affection The Emperor hath béene with me already earnestly soliciting me to prosecute his suite with efficacie Likewise hath the King of Macedonia with many promises desired me to vse what perswasions I could in the Emperours behalfe but for that by your Majesty I am so honourably estéemed of I will try the vttermost of my skill to pleasure you I thanke thée good Honorius quoth he and I will for thy kindnesse yéeld thée so large a recompence as thy heart can wish Which said he departed What an Office haue I vndertaken said Montelyon to vndertake to sue for thrée others that dare not speake for my selfe and yet contrary to my liking am enforced to vse it onely to ridde my selfe from griefe Yet because the time affordeth me opportunity to worke mine owne weale I will try whether she doth pitty me or no. CHAP. XLIV How the Knight of the Oracle discovered himselfe to Philotheta And how by a stratageme he convayed her thence in safety And what joy was made both for their safeties WHich when he had said he presently went to Philothetaes Lodging whom he found in a sad and heauy meditation but she suddenly espying him comming towards her turned her selfe from him refusing to heare him speake as supposing his spéeches would haue tended to perswade her to the loathed liking he had mentioned the day before He séeing her vnwillingnesse to heare knew the cauâ—e thereof but yet emboldning himself he said Vertuous Lady pardon my boldnes and withall vouchsafe to heare my spéech which shall not offend you for I haue vowed not to vtter a word contrary to your liking You will then qd she proue perjur'd for I know your message before you vtter it and that will displease me No deare Lady said he I come not now to aske pitty for another but for my selfe that sometimes haue béene better knowne of you I am the most vnfortunate Montelyon that haue adventured thus farre amongst my Foes to séeke you out my heart having honoured you ever since my first sight of you in the Hermits Cell in Arabia Now I desire you to pitty me for without your favour I am not my selfe and in your favour I shall account my selfe most fortunate Philotheta noting him remembred perfectly it was he which revived her heart with ioy saying Most noble Knight I account my selfe mâ—re then happy in that you haue me in custody whose vertuous mind I know will shelter me from dishonour should I not yéeld you thankes for deeming so well of me that am not worthy I might be condemned of rudenesse therefore most humbly I thank you and withall desire you to pitty my estate that is now rackt vpon the Whéele of dispaire Deare Lady said he I am most willing to doe you service and I desire nothing more then to imply my selfe to doe you good for my life is yours and all that I possesse
Delfurno that he had gotten his Signet as their warrant to passe through the Campe entreating her to be in a readinesse to goe with him desiring her to feare no danger for his life should shield her She granted to goe with him desiring him to stay there vntill the time appointed which he performed passing the time in private conference with her to both their likings The time being come and all things silent Montelyon armed himselfe leading Philotheta out of the Court passing all the guards watches and garrisons by shewing the Emperours Signet and comming where the Souldiers lay they likewise let him goe vntill they were without the City gates Montelyon having without danger effected this turned his steps directly towards his owne City which was not farre off and therefore with ease they got thither Being come to the City gates the watch espying them demanded who was there Montelyon had them come downe and sée they came downe and tooke them in beginning to examine them but Montelyon discovered himselfe as loath to stay there yet commanding them to conceale it and to carry him as a Prisoner to Delatus which they performed where they knocked and were let in Delatus and Alfala knowing him did him humble reverence rejoycing in their hearts to see him so safely returned But Montelyon vnvailing Philotheta Alfala presently knew her with teares of joy welcomming her whilest the old Duke melted with passion to behold his Daughter whom from her infancy he had not séene embracing her in his armes and a thousand times kissing her tender cheeke These embracings being past Montelyon said Lady since you are now in safety with your Parents my promise is performed desiring you to haue regard to the passions I endure which time will not now permit me to vtter but leaue to your courteous consideration therefore I beséech you in mine absence let my loyalty be regarded and your gentle heart willing to pitty me Which said with a second kisse he left her to submit himselfe to his Parents CHAP. XLV Of the discord that befell betwixt the Emperour of Almaigne the Emperour of Macedonia and the King of Armenia about Philothetaes departure Of a merry jest that befell the two Ladies And of the desolation of the Armenian Hoast FIrst the Emperor choosing vnto him some few trusty Knights that he meant should convay Philotheta into Almaigne secretly went vnto Bernards Cell where he shrowded himselfe vnder a tuft of Cipresse trées staying the comming of Philotheta but it was an houre before any came and the first was the Quéene of Macedonia who attended by one Gentlemen came towards the Cell whom when Delfurno beheld he alone stept vnto her saying My deare Philotheta I am sorry that for my sake you should take such paines as at this vnseasonable time to be abroad for which I render all the thankes that a constant heart can She hearing that taking him to be her Lord yéelded him many thanks purposing to try the vttermost conclusion before she revealed her selfe saying Had I not assured my selfe of your Loue I would not haue come hither but being here I rest at your disposition Delfurno then embraced her oft times kissing her and being of a quicke conceit presently bethought himselfe if she would condiscend to call vp the Fryer and be married Lady qd he since you haue vouchsafed to grant me loue enrich me also with possession which the more lawfully to effect we will be married by Fryer Bernard My Lord replyed she I am contented then did he call at the Fryers Cell who arising Delfurno taking him aside told him what he was and the cause of his comming who hearing that presently joyned their hands Delfurno then purposed not to convay her thence but returne to the Campe which he performed They were no sooner gone but the King of Macedonia commeth to the Cell and ere he could turne him about the Quéen of Armenia according to Montelyons directions came taither The King himselfe taking her for Philotheta at the first méeting embraced her with a swéet Congee vttering many â—péeches to the setting forth of his loue which she answered as kindly that he grew so bold as he would haue had present possession of her loue but she denyed that alleadging that he had a Quéene who hearing of his Loue to her would séeke her death Feare not that deare Loue quoth he for ere long I meane to make her sure enough for ever troubling of you therefore deny me not but yéeld me the fruition of thy loue I will not quoth she without further assuranâ—e for my mind presageth some ill Here is quoth he a Fryer hard by will you consent that he shall marry vs To that she agréed and he called vp the Fryer the second time who much marvelling thereat demanded the cause of his comming Fryer quoth he the cause of my comming is to be marryed to this Lady therefore I pray thée doe it without delay The Fryer thinking that some mad spirits were abroad or that some franticke dreame had overcome his sences without asking any more questions marryed them and sent them away The King of Macedonia carryed her into his Tent in the field for that he durst not goe to the Pallace for feare of his wife where he stayed with her all night Last of all the King of Armenia premeditating what spéeches to vse to set forth his life resting himselfe vpon a bankes side hard by Barâ—ards Cell staying there comming the space of an houre with great patience but when an houre was past and then another and a third neare ended he waxed impatient fearing to be disappointed but séeing they came not at last he misdoubted he had mistaken the time and stayed too long that being much troubled he knockt at Bernards Cell who started from his Bed as one affrighted wondring what accident had driven so many to his Cell that night And comming to the doore the King of Armenia demanded if there had béene a Lady that night Yes qd be here hath béene two but what they were I know not It was assuredly Philotheta and with her Delfurno to whom I marryed her but what the other two were I know not The King hearing that in a rage ran back to the king of Macedoniaes Tent desiring to speak with him the Guard knowing him let him in and he standing by his beds side said Brother of Macedon the Lady whom we determined to marry to Delfurno is this Night fled and for that déed we shall loose his friendship for ever The K. of Macedonia hearing that lay as one halfe amazed not knowing what to say and the Quéen hearing her husband there whom she thought she had embraced trembled with feare The K. of Macedonia séeing there was no remedy but that his déed must of necessity be discouered said King of Armenia it is so I haue Philotheta in my custody and her I will enjoy for she lyeth folded in mine armes By Heaven qd the King of Armenia
thy life shall not satisfie the dishonour thou hast done vs. With that he drew his Sword and he starting from his bed to reach his to defend himselfe in which time the K. of Armenia catching hold on her as she lay drew her forth into the floore where beholding her he was then much more enraged being ready to kill her but that the King of Macedonia prevented him who likewise séeing her stood as one amased whilest she hasted to apparell her selfe and ran from thence vnto the Pallace The King of Armenia vowing revenge went from the Macedonian Tent and presently caused his Drum to strike vp Alarum and commanded his Souldiers to destroy the Macedonians who according to his command suddenly set vpon them that there began an excéeding slaughter amongst them The Emperor having newes thereof supposing the cause had béen for the losse of Philotheta commanded two of his knights to goe vnto either of them and desire them to be pacified vntill they had discovered their griefes to him which he could easily remedy if not he would become a friend to one of them The messengers found them both together in single combat and delivered their Message but it was long before either of them would goe to him yet at last they went both To whom Delfurno said My Lords I beléeue your strife ariseth from the losse of Philotheta if that be the cause contend no longer for as you were both willing I should enjoy her so I haue this night had possession of her life being lawfully married vnto her at Barnards Cell The King of Armenia what with rage and jealousie not well knowing what he did drew the Curtaines and discovered their viewes the Quéene of Macedonia who séeing her Honour so betrayed lay quits bereft of sence but comming againe to her selfe she cryed out for pardon alleadging she was betrayed but there was now no time of parley for all of them were enraged and as well Delfurno as the rest betooke themselues to Armes But the Quéene of Macedonia humbling her selfe at her husbands féet Said Both you my selfe and all of vs are deceived Honorius yesternight declared vnto me that you intended privily to carry Philotheta from hence I requested him to counsell me how to prevent you whereupon he told me that you had appointed to méet with him and her at Barnards Cell and for his Passe he had received your Signet which at my earnest intreaty he delivered me I thinking to surprize you there came thither where the Emperour as I now perceiue met me whom I tooke to be your selfe and he taking me to be Philotheta that went to Bernards Cell I still concealed my selfe thinking I had not offended but now I sée I am betrayed Lady qd he I willingly pardon this fault having committed the same with the Quéen of Armenia and in the same manner deceived by Honorius The Emperor hearing that sent a Messenger to sée if Philotheta were in the Court but he returned newes that both she and Honorius were not to be found The Emperor then said that knight hath dereived vs all therfore let vs be friends Contented qd the King of Macedonia By heaven qd the King of Armenia I will not beare this dishonour but be revenged to the full and cause thâ—e to repent that ever thou sufferedst such dishonour to Armenia The King of Macedonia could not brooke his words but in a rage made this reply I know quoth he thou art a tyrant and regardest not the lawes humain nor divine as may be séen by the vnjust title thou layest to the Crowne of Assyria which is forged and were it not to revenge my Daughters dishonour and Sons death I would not haue offered armes against that worthy King Therefore since thou art so peremptory doe thy worst for I regard thée not The King of Armenia went from thence setting vpon the Macedonians And the King of Macedonia forsooke his Tents to defend himselfe The Emperor presently commanded his Forces to march forth of the City CHAP. XLVI How the Knight of the Oracle and Persicles suddenly issuing out destroyed the whole Armenian Hoast MOntelyon knowing that some stratageme would follow his last nights policy after he had submitted himselfe to his Parents the Emperor he armed himselfe in the armour which was given him by the Hesperian Nymshs presently mounted himselfe leading his sixty thousand Souldiers forth of the City which likewise he performed before the Emperor or Persicles heard therof who at last being certified sent for him to know the cause this night qd he shall we surprize our Enemies who are now together by the cares within themselues Persicles thereupon armed himselfe and Deloratus Pisor Cothanes and many other Knights of great estéeme marching thither wards where they heard such cruell alarums as though the City had béen vtterly destroyed And being come néere the City they beheld the Emperour in the field to whom Persicles sent a Herald to certifie him that Persicles was never foe to the Almaigns and therefore sent to know if Delfurno had any quarrell against him Delfurno returned answer that he was never foe to Persicles Montelyon was the first that entred the City and set vpon his enemies with such fury that many of them lost their liues and the day being light discovered such a cruell slaughter as eye hath not beheld The King of Armenia and Macedonia were then in cruell combat together betwixt whom Montelyon stept saying Striue not to destroy one another but defend yâ—ur selues for I am come to doe that They knowing him to be the Knight of the Oracle were so amazed as if they had béene surprized with a sudden trance running seuerall wayes to call backe theirSouldiers from destroying one another to defend themselues but before they could set themselues in any good order the Assyrians were so intermingled amongst them that before they were aware they lost their liues Palian séeing themselues so overtaken perceived it was in vaine to striue for victory stole forth of the City to Delfurno intreating him not to forsake them but he knowing disadvantage had seized on them refused letting him returne without comfort and entring into the City he found his father grievously wounded and ready to yéeld to Montelyons sword at whom he ran with such fury that he wounded him in the thigh Montelyon séeing that and knowing him let driue at him with great courage and continued combat against him whilest the King of Armenia began to withdraw himselfe Montelyon séeing that strooke so forcible a blow at Palian that he astonisht him and with that overtooke the King at the first blow cutting in sunder his wrist which had lost his Gantlet and at the next thrusting his sword quite through his body Palian by this recovered himselfe and looking about â—im beheld his fathers tragedy ayming himselfe to revenge Montelyâ—â— séeing him comming welcommed him with so cruell a blow that his â—â—mour flew in pieces Palian would haue done the like had
not Montelyons Armour béene of vnwonted strength but in the end hée fled findâ—â—â— himselfe too weake to resist him Persicles and Deloratus all this while ranged vp and down destroying such as they met vntill at last they encâ—untred the King of Macedonia and his two Sons accompanied with â—oure other Knights of Macedonia that made excéeding slaughter where they went Persicles ran at the King and in the encounter overthrew him but his eldest Son stept to his rescue and with an vnlucky blow wounded Persicles on the thigh then began an vnequall combat betwixt them for those sixe set vpon Persicles and Deloratus who continued combat against them by the space of an houre till both sides were grievously wounded especially Persicles Deloratus had bled so much that they were ready to faint Montelyon came most fortunately to their rescue who espying his Father and Deloratus in such danger was so inraged that he can at one of them with such force that he slew him and within few blowes left another bereft of sence and offending a third with such puissant blowes that he could not tell whether he might stay or run away Another séeing that joyned himselfe in combat with him continuing it but a short space for he was soone so sore wounded that he was not able to resist Persicles being sore wounded before yet so valiantly behaved himselfe that one of them lay dead at his féet and the other fled from Montelyon then began a desolation in the Hoast for the Armenians cryed flye flye and the other kill that of a sudden the massacre was so hot that the Channels of the City began to run with blood and none could hardly ride or passe on foot for dead carkasses Then began the Citizens to run on heapes the two Quéenes be tooke themselues to â—light with Praxentia but were taken by Pisor Palian was taken prisoner by Deloratus and the King of Macedonia and his two Sons by Persicles and Montelyon The Souldiers that were left fled forth of the City and hid themselues in the fields and the Citizens so many as could escape the sword vpon their knées intreated Persicles to spare their liues who yéelded vpon condition they would pay to every common Souldier a 100. Crowns and to every Leader 500. which they performed Persicles then sounded retreat and drew his forces out of the City appointing Garrisons to kéep the same to his vse Delfurno at his return met him and offered to conclude a league of amity with him which he kindly accepted riding together to the City of Pisoâ— where they were received with excéeding ioy especially Montelâ—on to whom all men attributed the glory of that victory After this victory attchieued to the great and excéeding aâ—plaud of Montelyon Persicles caused all the dead bodies to be buryâ—â— those that yéelded to be pardoned the maymed to be carryed to â—ospitals to be cured and every Souldier to be sent away well rewarded and highly contented And within few dayes after the Emperours of Persia and Almaigne Persicles Deloratus and all the Nobles there except Prisoners assembled to finish the Conclusion of this Controversie for that the King of Macedonia hasted his releasement When being all set in a most royall and majesticall sort the places neare to that royall assembly being gloriously furnished with the beauties of shining Ladies the Prisoners were brought in honourable sort and after many allygations of wrongs they by a generall consent desired Montelyon to appoint their ransome attributing the glory of that victory to him and therefore none but he to haue the disposing of the Prisoners ransome with that vnwonted gravity wisedome and dâ—cent behaviour yéelded them thankes as was seldome to be seen in a Knight so yong First with honourable courtesie embracing the King of Macedonia reconciling him to his Quéene and the rest who had taken offence by him setting all frée at liberty but Palian and Praxentia imposing his taske vpon them Palian to marry Praxentia and she to acquit him of the wrongfull accusation she had lad vpon him which she presently performed yet vtterly denying to marry with Palian Then the Emperours of Persia Almaigne and Persicles desiring to honour Montâ—lyon stood vp requesting him to require any thing of them which he further desired for that aboue all men in the world they honoured him as he had best deserved Montelyon desiring nothing more then Philothetaes loue presently stept to the seat where Philotheta sate like an Angell shining aboue all the rest and taking her by the hand he saâ—â— Faire Lady doe you agrée that whatsoeuer I demand I shâ—ll obtaine Sir said she I yéeld as aboue all the rest bound to hoâ—â—ur you as one most vnworthy yet having received most Then he â—â—ading her downe with greater royalty then euer Paris did Hellen required to be married vnto her which was applauded with so generall a consent that not the bluntest heart in that assembly but did â—â—ape with excéeding ioy Not a soule discontented none disquieted but all reioycing some commending some embracing and euery one desirous to shew their loue to him The day of the marriage appointed and likewise performed with more Royalty Ioy and Pleasure then can be exprest FINIS
substance and not to resemble any but your selfe for there can be no Beauty that excelleth yours which mine eyes before this time haue beheld or else Nature it selfe hath imprinted in my heart an essentiall distinct of deuotion thereto which perswadeth me to this boldnesse therefore I humbly desire you not to misconceiue me nor estéeme me of so rude a disposition as to speake otherwise then my heart thinketh and to account of me as one that earnestly desireth to be better acquainted with you and will endeavour to make you amends for any offence givâ—n offering my selfe and all that is mine to be at your disposition which said he left off further spéech for he saw others attend to heare what he said At night Constantia being in her private Chamber called to remembrance Persicles spéeches which made her maruell why he should say he had before that séen her which she knew could not be but remembring how earnestly he beheld her that day when he was scarce reuiued froÌ„ his trance she thought that sight might bréed such a perswasion in him which was so indéed withall she called to mind his comelinesse valour estate and courtesie which she had before noted all which remembrances made her so much forget all other thoughts that a great part of the night was vnawares overpast and after she had reuiued her sences she felt such an alteration as all that night she could not rest delighting in nothing so much as to rememâ—er him The like did Persicles for her Beauty and other outward graces had pierced so neare his heart that he was enthralled to her Loue and resolued to winne it Earely the next morning he got vp séeking all occasions to speake to her againe but he was disappointed all the forenoone For she by reason of her little rest in the night kept her Chamber and after â—inner accompanied the Quéene her mother and the other Ladies whereby he was that day disappointed The next morning likewise he arose studying which way to come to her spéech for his affection was so great as no thought contented him but her remembrance but before he could bring to passe what he most desired there arriued Messengers from Assyria certifying him that his Father was deceast and that their ancient enemy the king of Armenia had entred his Land and destroyed many of his Subiects desiring him in all hast to returne For in his absence the Assyrians seemed like men without courage Persicles hearing the vnexpected newes was excéedingly astonisht both with desire to saue his Countrey and also to prosecute his Loue the one perswading him to stay the other to hasten his departure The one being as deare to him as his life the other as deare as both Life Countrey and all for without obtaining of that he thought he could not liue being so much perplexed that he could not resolue what to doe At last the speciall regard of his Country ouercame his heart and reuiued him with a manly courage to reuenge that he Commanded all things to be prepared for his sudden departure and going to his Chamber he got Pen and Inke and wrote as followeth TO THE MOST FAIREST Constantia MOst beloved Constantia though my Countries preservation occasioneth my sudden departure yet my Love to your perfections importuneth me to solicite your gentle eares with these rude Lines I cannot with colourable Phrases shadow a perfect meaning nor yet with painted Eloquence decipher my true love but in the truest sort manifest my constant affection to your vertues which vnlesse you grace with some favour will be my endlesse torments I have long desired to make the same manifest unto you but I was still disappointed and my vnexpected departure hath now shut me from your presence whereby I shall live in continuall care Notwithstanding I humbly beseech you in my vnwilling absence to esteeme me your faithfull and true devoted Servant and one that hath vowed himselfe for ever to be yours whose welfare consisteth in your curtesie the hope whereof shall preserve my life untill my returne which my constant love will cause me to hasten desiring you though I be absent not to forget me nor for my little deserts to reject me but let me be so much bound to your veâ—tues as to conceive well of me and to your curtesie as to pitty me so shall my joyes be lengthened my vnhappy life is preserved and my good will and constant loyalty highly rewarded So with sorrow I take my leave Yours inseparably PERSICLES Hauing wrote this Letter he found out his sister Piera to whom he said as followeth Deare sister the sorrowes that cause my departure come so suddenly as that I cannot stand long to conferre with you therefore for that I build vpon assurance of our loue secrecy and assistance I will vnfold to you the secrets of my heart and that which none but your selfe should know So it is that Constantiaes beauty hath bewitched mine eyes and I remain so much inthralled thereto that vnlesse she pitty me I am but cast away I desire your assistance herein whereby you may preserue my life I haue wrote this Letter vnto her which I desire you to deliver and withall to vse such spéeches on my behalfe as shall séeme best to your wisedome for I assure you vnlesse at my returne which shall be shortly I find her favourable my sorrowes will shorten my dayes Then good sister shew your loue to me in this and in my absence giue her knowledge of my loyalty which shall make me everlastingly thankefull vnto you Piera promised her vtmost assistance and so with many feares of her side they parted The newes of his departure was soone spred through the whole Court and likewise came to Constantias hearing who left her chamber and gat into her mothers company where she thought to haue a sight of him which some small sparkes of Loue that were kindled in her tender breast procured her vnto After all farewels were past he espyed her in the company of other Ladies to whom he came and onely amongst yâ— rest of them all took his leaue of her with a swéet kisse breathing forth a bitter sigh at the parting which euery one noted Some taking the same in disdaine and others marvelling that he regarded her aboue them all Which made the blood rise in Constantiaes chéekes and the waterswell in her eyes CHAP. II. How Helyon Prince of Arabia crost the love betweene Persicles and Constantia Of a battell fought betweene Persicles and the King of Armenia And how disguising himselfe he travelled into Persia and how he discovered himselfe to Constantia HIs departure caused a sadnesse throughout the Court for indéed he was the beauty thereof so excellent was his person and so commendable his qualities Piera betaking her selfe to her Chamber lamented his absence with priuate teares vntill Deloratus found her out and caused her with his comfortable spéeches to giue ouer that griefe The King of Natolia likewise with most of
the Nobles and Knights that came to the Solemnization of the Wedding were departed except Prince Helyon sonne to the King of Arabia The occasion of whose stay was to craue Constantia in marriage assuring himselfe of her Loue by reason of the familiarity that was betwixt them in her fathers Court which indéed by her former kindnesse he might be in some assurance off though not by any promise she had made him which motion hée made to the King of Persia who estéeming so honourably of him regarding his Birth and most of all desiring to be allyed to the Arabian King gaue his consent which was fully concluded and agréed vpon before it came to Constantiaes knowledge Prince Helyon having his assurance with a merry heart sought out Constantia entending to reveale the same to her and according to his wonted kind of Familiarity began to gréet her In whom he found such an alteration that he wondred thereat saying My deare Constantia this vnexpected vnkindnesse in you whom I estéeme as my most chosen Friend maketh me admire whereas I had thought to haue enjoyed your loue without interruption Vpon confidence of your courtesie I haue moved your Fathers consent to our Marriage who hath yéelded thereto then I beséech you darken not both your and my joyes with these Misty clouds of care which will fill my heart with sorrow but rather increase your kindnesse to both mine and your comfort Constantia's countenance bewrayed the angry motions of her heart incensed by his spéeches that we had much adoe to withhold her eyes from shedding teares yet with a colour as red as Scarlet she gaue him this answer Prince Helyon if that be true which you tell me I cannot chuse but wonder at your folly that would without assurance of my Loue make such a motion thinke you my affections are to be limitted according to your disposition For my part I disclayme such interest and renounce such Affection for I never intended any such matter nor ever did you demand the same Then my Lord be you satisfied for this for I never yet did nor will giue my consent Helyon hearing her answere was nipt on the head being strooke with such griefe that he could not tell what to say But at last replyed Constantia I confesse I haue done you wrong in adventuring so farre without your consent but yet for that I haue not thereby either dishonoured your Name or otherwise injured you I humbly craue pardon desiring you to ratifie that which I haue by your former courtesies assured my selfe of and let not my overboldnesse alienate any part of your good will For you know my affections haue remained inviolable constant many yeares and I haue attended your liking with such feruency as you may be resolutely assured of my truth Then I beséech you be not now displeased with mée but according to your wonted kindnesse accept me into your favour My Lord replyed she I cannot deny but that your good will hath excéeded my deserts for which I thanke you and withall that I haue alwayes estéemed you which likewise I would haue done still But now that opinion is altered neither can I be induced to conceiue well of him that would doe me such manifest injury as you haue done Therefore I pray be contented with that fauour you haue had for my affections are otherwise employed and my heart vtterly disagréeing to the motion you haue made With that shée espyed Piera in the Garden comming towards her to whom she went downe saluting her most kindly Piera thought now to haue delivered her Persicles Letter but by reason that there were divers in their company she could not then performe it After a while they left each other Piera returning to her Chamber and Constantia into a secret place of the Garden where she vttered these meditations What contrarious disquiets are these possesse the center of my heart what inconveniences am I like to run into and how shall I avoyd blame for the one and reape content by the other How vnkindly hath Prince Helyon vsed me to make this motion to my Father whose disposition must not be crost without hazard of much disquiet My kindnesse to him hath caused his over-fond conceit of himselfe and brought me into much trouble I could haue loved him before I came to the sight of Persicles whose guifts are so farre excéeding his that whereas my heart loved him the thought of that Loue is now most grievous Wherein I may doe my selfe great wrong for in hope of his affection I refuse Helyons loue which may depriue me of both purchase my Fathers heavy displeasure and my owne perpetuall discontent Reuoluing a Chaos of these and such like confused cogitations which overcame her sences with their ambiguity in a heavy and discontented vaine she went to her Chamber thinking there to consider of every particular at the full where we found Piera all alone staying her comming in who soone espyed that Constantia had wept whereupon she tooke occasion to say as followeth My beloved Sister I am sorry to sée you in this heavy and sadde vaine alwayes finding you either sad or wéeping which maketh me wonder and desiâ—ous to know the cause as one willing in any sort to counsell you and comfort you with my vttermost assistance I haue of purpose entred your Chamber to haue some conference with you in priuate being a Messenger sent to you by my Brother Persicles who I know loveth you dearely who by me humbly commendeth himselfe vnto you being sorry that his sudden departure was such that he could not before his going doe you that Service you doe deserue and he desired Withall he desired me to deliver you this Letter which he left behind to testifie the depth of his affection which at my request vouchsafe to read and withall credit for I know his honourable heart endureth much care by his absence Constantia without making reply received the letter and read the same which when she had done she said Deare Sister I thanke you for taking this paines to come to me and not rather to haue sent for me that rest at your command And also I thanke that worthy King Persicles that he will vouchsafe mée such vndeserved favour as to estéeme well of my vnworthinesse to whom I am bound in all honorable respect but how vnfit I am to entertain loue your selfe would judge if you knew my estate which vpon assurance of your secrecy I will vnfold Prince Helion of Arabia vainely presuming he was assured of my favour hath asked my Fathers consent to a marriage betwixt him and me which he hath granted vnto which the heavens can testifie is vtterly disagréeing to my heart and altogether without my consent which he shall never attaine what danger soever I incurre thereby Which if Persicles should vnderstand would soone alter his mind Therefore it is best for his quiet not to place his affections on me so vnworthy but let me alone to endure the