those Pagans were saued for that there was 〈◊〉 that came out of Persia but turned all Christans Likewise the valiant and worthie Prince of Fraunce in this time did reioyce himselfe with his loue the faire Princesse Lindaraza as two that loued together exeéedinglie The like did all the other Princes that had their Mistresses there in the Court as the Prince Don Siluerio with his loue the Quéene Arquirosa and Rodomarte and Rodofeo with their Ladies and as all these receiued great delight so to the contrarie Bargandel Liriamandro the king Sacridoro and Brandizel were verie sorrowfull for the absence of their Ladies although the great good wil which they had for to serue the Emperor Trebatio in those warres did witigate the great griefe which otherwise they should haue receiued for their louers After this sorte they were all in sundrie and different thoughts although for to giue battaile against their enimies they were conformable in which time vpon a sodaine there was brought newes vnto the Emperour how that the king Liseo and the faire Quéene Radamira were come into the port they for whome the knight of the Sun made baâ—taile with the stout and doubtfull knight Raiartes restored vnto him the kingdome of Lidia the Quéene brought with her foure thousand knights the king sixe thousand all valiant and well armed who comming towards Grecia by fortune did méete together at sea and comming both in one demand they kept companie together vntill they came into the port Then so soone as the newes was knowen in Constantinople the Emperour Trebatio did so much that his sonnes and all that worthie crew did go forth to receiue them being together in the field they went vnto the sea side whereas they found at their comming thether that the king and the Quéene were landed a shore comming vnto them to giue them entertainment the knight of the Sunne said My good Lords from this daie forwards we may haue little feare of our enimies hauing your highnesse on our side This feare may we all put a part being in your companie sayd the Quéene Radamira for he that deliuered me from that furious and fierce Raiartes will deliuer me from all the knights of the world Well then said the king Liseo I am no lesse bound vnto this happie Prince than all the rest for that by him I haue my life all my whole kingdome and there withall they embraced one another with great loue all that were there reioyced of their comming for that the king was a verie good knight furnished with all good manners and conditions the Quéene Radamira was verie faire and gratious and receiued wonderful ioy and contentment to sée the knight of the Sun for there was nothing in all the world that she desired so much to see but when she sawe him so much growen as well in bignesse as in height more than he was at such time as hée was in Babylon she meruailed verie much When the knight of the Sun and those that came with him had giuen them their welcome they tooke their waie towards Constantinople passed by the camp of the Pagans in sight of them all who did behold them offered them no harme nor discurtesie for that there was a truce betwixt them When they came vnto the Citie the Emperour and the Empres and all those Ladies and Gentlewomen that were with her receiued great ioy loued their new guests grasifieng very much their comming And héere you shall vnderstand that at this present that worthie and valiant Tartarian Zoylo when he sawe the Quéene Radamira was taken in loue with her with great good will for to take her to he his wise and spouse if that she were so content therewith and from that daie forwardes he did procure by all meanes to giue her knowledge thereof and she when she was aduertised knew him to be so valiant a knight and high a Prince she tooke great pleasure in his seruice So by reason that the time drew nigh of the generall battaile with great diligence the Emperour and all those worthie knights minded no other thing but to visite their people commanding that they should be prouided of good armour of all other things necessarie for the battaile as they that made account that they had all that remained in the world against theÌ„ Likewise on the other part in the campe of the Pagans they did as much for in all the daies and time of their truce they vnderstoode no other thing but to make all things in a redinesse against the daie appointed being determinded amongest themselues to goe forth all the whole Campe vnto the battaile for that they would at that time make an end and destroie all the Gréekes and straight wayes enter into the mightie Citie of Constantinople and so remaine Lords ouer all the whole Empire Thus after this sorte they passed awaie the daies of the truce and afterwardes there happened many other things as shall be tolde you in this Chapter following Of the rigorous and bloudie battaile that was betweene the people of the Emperour Trebatio and those of the Emperour Alycandro and of such meruailous things as happened therein Chapter 38. I Had néed of an vnderstanding iudgement much more higher thanâ—that of Plato who was amongst the Philosophers had in reputation of a diuine vnderstanding more prompter than that of Epaminondas or of Cirus amongst the Gréekes and Persians who were accounted without comparison and also a memorie more greater than that which maye be giuen me by the Memoratiue art of Simonides eloquence more eminent than Homer or Demosthenes to declare here the worthie and incredible déedes and memorable acts of those heroicall famous knights that in the last battaile betwéene the Emperours were ioyned together in the field of Grecia in the sight of newe Rome founded by Constantine the Prince for that if with good affection you read the Historie before written you shall sée this pleasant Hystorie so intangled and the worthinesse of renowmed knights so exalted that for to declare perticularlie euerie one of their mightie acts you shall well perceiue that it were néedfull of the diuine fauour againe if you do remember the most parte of the names of those worthy knights and the varietie of Nations there ioyned together you had neede of a good memorie and to tell of them and euerie thing in order it is for to manifest all the whole world and all worthinesse therein So I séeing this worke to mount and ascend so high my small vnderstanding not able for to comprehend the same was determined for to 〈…〉 last Chapter and not to procéede anie farther but leaue this trauaile vnto some other that hath a more sharper vnderstanding than I haue and remayned certaine daies in this determination and occupied my wits in other diuerse and variable things béeing fullie perswaded that my vnderstanding was not sufficient for to declare and make
a knight and a ladie there was neuer so perfect loue as was betwixt these two or that more intirely dyd loue the one the other And yet not being satisfied nor well content with this but the more to be in securitie the one of the other I was as a meane betwixt them that this Lusiano should come on a night appointed vnto a window that had a grate of Iron out of the chamber of the saide dutches whereas he should finde her there the one vnto the other to assure the bands of Matrimonie by word and promise betwixt them in such sort that from that day forwards they might liue in more securitie It fell out that all was done as it was agréed that this gentle Lusiano in a darke night came vnto the windo whereas he found his faire Polisena and betwixt them was concluded the bandes of Matrimonie by word of mouth in my presence and in the presence of an other damsell of the Dutches who I doe beléeue is not cléere of this treason that I will tell you This being done the dutches for that she would not that they should be discouered or spyed dyd desire the gentle Lusiano that he would straight waies depart and she likewise did withdraw her selfe and caused the window to be shoot and being verie feareful that it should be discouered vnto the Quéene she neuer after durst speake vnto her knight neither be with him in companie in any suspicious place as one that was fully persuaded of the loue to be perfect that was betweene them in this sort all things dyd prosper verie well betweene these two louers but yet their loue was not so perfect as their fortune was contrarie to apart them from the ioye and glorie that they hoped to be betwixt them For that Sir knights you shall vnderstand that little more then halfe a yéere past there came vnto the court of the king Tiberio the Duke of Saxonia called Roberto the mightie for that he was so bigge of his bodie that he lacked but a little to be as bigge as a gyant and of so great force strength that there was not a knight to be found that man for man durst enter with him in battaile but alonely this gentle Lusiano who feared not the bignesse of his bodie neither his great fame At such time as this Duke Roberto came vnto the court the king gaue him good entertainment and dyd him great honour as well for y â— he was of high estate as for the great fame the which he had This Duke so soone as he had séene the faire Polisena was so farre in loue with her that straight waies he thought to haue her vnto wife which was the occasioÌ„ that straight waies he laboured all that euer he could to bring his determination to effect But she that nothing dyd more abhorre and hate as well for the loue which shée bare vnto Lusiano as for the boysterous and brauenesse of his person for that he had a fearce face and terrible countenance by no meanes she could not abyde him but dyd refuse his offer and many times she sayde vnto him in my presence that he should not come any more before her for that his presence should be greuous vnto her yet for all that would he not giue ouer his sute but still dyd contende to importune her in such sort that she was determined for to giue the King to vnderstande thereof if that I had not persuaded her to the contrarie Then the Duke Roberto seing that nothing whatsoeuer he dyd profited any whit for the obtaining his purpose and desire determined to séeke some other meanes how and which way he might make the Dutches for to doe by force that which now she would not of her good will I promise you I know not neither can I immagine how and which way the diuell did helpe him for to cause three knights of the court of the king for to suffer themselues and be 〈◊〉 such as were in bountie of armes as also of good crâ—dit 〈◊〉 their persons haue not their equalls to be found in all the land that I promise you the king would put them in trust with all his ritches he and all people had such conâ—idenâ—e in them The one is called Ricardo and Duke of Barbaria the other Anibardo Lord of the Albios and the third Carmelio Lord of Marehomandia all thrée subiects vnto the king Tiberio and norished and brought vp in his court from the time of their tender age Then Duke Roberto hauing these knights on his part watched his time and went before the king at such time as the Quéene was present and made a great complaint vnto them saying that of long time he loued with true and perfect loue the Dutches of Austria and how that by the good will and consent of them both they were made sure together so that he was her husband and she his wife But now since the conclusion of this matrimonie the Dutches doth denye it againe and hath sworne neuer to marrie with him not knowing wherefore she should be thus angrie with him to denie that which she before hath promised requesting him as his king and soueraigne Lord to doe him Iustice therein and to commaund the Dutches to perfourme the matrimonie the which she promised vnto him and to deliuer her into his power for that she was his naturall wife The king receiued no content but was very sorie at this embassage of the Duke for that the king hadde better good will to marrie her vnto the gentle Lusiaâ—o then vnto him but because he loued iustice and was a very good Christian he straight waies commauÌ„ded to come before him the faire Polisena and asked of her if it were true which the Duke had said Then she who vnderstood the diuelish intent of the Duke was so amazed that for a good space she could not speak a word wherat the king and the quéene had great suspicion but when that she came vnto her selfe with great anger she sayde vnto the Duke that he lyed in all that he hadde sayde and how that there neuer passed any such thing by woord nor in thought At which answere the Duke was very angrie furious whiâ—â— was the occasion y â— the king coÌ„manded the faire â—olisena for â—o depart 〈…〉 the Duke straight waies presented before the king the thrée knights before rehearsed who swore in the presence of the King that Duke Roberto and the faire Polisena were made sure together in so ample maner as man and wife ought to be and how that ouer and aboue all this they had bene together and that it was of a trueth for that they were present thereat in a garden that is next adioyning vnto the lodging of the Dutches. Ah lamentable case and a thing neuer the like before heard off that so great falsehood should be found in the mouthes of such thrée knights whose credit is so great with the king that he doth beléeue
dyd ioyne in battaile with vs and hauing slaine the most part of those that came with vs this knight béeing so sore oppressed with them in the end was taken prisoner with mée and these women that came with mée according as you Sir knight dyd finde vs. This is all that I can declare for aunswere vnto your demaund and the occasion wherefore wée departed out of our Countrie The Empresse Claridiana reioyced verie much at the good discourse of the damsell and meruailed not a little of that which she heard told of the caue of Artidon and as one that desired no other thing to the intent she might bée fullie certefied of her knight shée requested the Ladie once agayne to certefie her of that caue and to giue her to vnderstande what is the reason that they that entered in shoulde knowe all that they demaunded Then Elisea for so the Damsell was called who knew verie well the whole aduenture of that caue declared it vnto her peticularlie in such order as it was and passed saying that the sayde Artidon was thâ— wisest that was in all his time and hetherto could neuer bée found the like he did inchaunt that caue in such sort that all persons may knowe what they will desire and this was of a verie truth for that shée hath béene certefied by them that haue béene at the same place and there made the proofe When that Claridiana vnderstoode verie well the aduenture of the caue she straight waies had a great desire to goe thether as well to sée a thing of so greate meruaile as also for that it séemed that by that meanes she might come vnto the knowledge of that she desired so much to knowe of the knight of the Sunne And so she said vnto the damsell and vnto the knight that she would goe and beare them companie onelie for to sée that meruailous caue of Artidon wherat they were verie gladde and ioyfull thinking their iourney to bée made with more securitie And therewith they all went a shoare together and beganne to trauayle by lande and passing by the skirt of the kingdome of Balachia they entered into Russia and trauailing towardes the caue of Artidon the Hystorie doeth leaue them for to tell you of the Pagans that in all this time were mustering and gathering together of their people for to goe towards Grecia How the great and mightie armie of the Emperour Alicandro were ioyned together in the port of Tenedon and of diuerse varieties of people that there were ioyned to go into Grecia Chap. 17. IN all this time was not idle the great and mightie Emperour Alycandro for that after he had concluded vpon the voâ—age into Grecia he made so great spéed in the ioyning and gathering together of his people that in a short time all his Captaines had in a readinesse what hée shoulde haue on his charge Likewise such kinges as were his subiectes hauing the charge for to ioyne and gather together in their kingdomes all the people that possible they coulde so that they obserued the time appointed and met in the kingdome of Phrigia whereas is the great and mightie Port of Tenedon The number of people were infinit that were therâ— ioyned together of diuerse nations so contrarie the one to the other that it séemed all the people in the whole world to be there assembled and if euerie Nation had not ben diuided and separated the one from the other in verie good order they should not the one haue vnderstoode the other which would haue bene the occasion of a great confusion amongest them by reason of the diuerâ—â—tie of their spéeches And for that the wise Lyrgandeo would declare some of the Nations that were héere met in this mightie armie which was the greatest that euer was made in all the world as he that knew it verie wel he hath named some of them in this Hystorie and faith that there came first thether the Emperour Alycandro King Lorde ouer theÌ„ all who brought with him fiftie thousand knights of Tartaria and thirtie thousand knightes of the Scitâ—s and twentie thousand of the Orientall Indias he brought in his companie the faire Princesse Lyndabrides for to crowne her Empresse of Grecia who came with no small contentment for that it séemed vnto her by that order shée might with great facilitie haue in her companie the knight of the Sunne There came also the mightie and worthie Gyant Bradaman Campeon Lord of the Orientall Ilandes who brought in his companie that most valiant and proud youth Bramarant with two thousand of his Gyants all mounted vpon Elephants for that in those Countries they doe vse them for their necessities as in other places they doe horses Also the king of Seras with twentie thousand on horseback all warlike people and gallant souldiers Also the Prince of Cambray and in his companie other fâ—ue kings of the Medias with an infinite number of people Also the King of the Palibotos who as it is affirmed by many authors and writers that at all times when he pleaseth he bringeth into the field one hundred thousand foote men of warre and thirtie thousand on horsebacke eight thousand Elephants Also the stout Rodaran king of Arabia and with him the Quéene Carmania with each of them fiue thousand knights Thether came the king of Media the king of the Paâ—tos the king of the Arrianos the king of the Sandaros the king of the Pariâ—anos the king of the Bastros the king of the Sugianos the king of the Suspios the king of the Masagetas the king of the Corsitas the king of the Paristeos the king of the Rifaces y â— king of y â— Mardos Also the king of Arcania the king of Yuoria the king of Armenia and all the Nations of the riuer â—anges and of the mount Tauro Also the king of Trapabona and the king of Aegypt and the king of Aethiopia and the Prince of Candoria and the olde king of Gedrosia onelie for to sée himselfe reuenged on the Emperour Alycandio who did not estéeme but set at naught his counsaile and also of Bramarant who slew the good knight Graco his sonne To conclude there came these many other nations mâ— which he let passe for to auold â—ediousnessâ— but yet one thing in all this great armie is as greatly to be lamented as noted and that is y â— being there ioyned together more than the third part of all the world yet was there not amongst so many thousands of people not one that dyd beléeue in God nor obserued his lawes for that they were all Gentiles some worshipped Estatuas other some the stars and there were many amongst them that did worship verie foule beasts and for their principall Gods Oxen and dogs a very lamentable thing yet God did permit suffer it for the great and abhominable sinnes of man Thus when that all these people were in a readinesse the great Nauie wherein they shoulde be imbarked was assembled altogether
comming the Emperour Trebatio receiued as great ioy and pleasure as the Emperour Alycandro sorrow and griefe for that those knights came in the time of their truce and his will was to the contrarie for that he would haue giuen them a recompentibus before their entering into Constantinople but straight waies his griefe began to double for that within one houre after ariued there the good king Sacridoro with eight thousand of his owne knights and in his companie came the Prince Don Lucindo with great desire for to shew the good will that he bore vnto Rosicleer all the which came a shore in the face of all the Pagans passed through the great field and so entered into Constantinople whereas they were receiued of the Emperour Trebatio Rosicleer with that loue and friendship as was alwaies betwixt them Likewise the last daie of the truce lacked not the comming of the good and valyant king Florion and in his companie the wise Lyrgandeo and his sonne the stout Brandizel who met with him at the Sea by the industrie and wisedome of the wise man and in his companie twentie thousand knights who came to paie the greate debt in the which hée was bound vnto the knight of the Sunne and at their entrie into Constantinople they were receiued of the Emperour and of the Empresse as such persons as they were deserued who knew not how to gratifie the great paines and trauaile which they had taken in comming from so farre Countries to fauour succour and helpe them Héere the king Floâ—ion and the wise Lyrgandeo began a new for to declare vnto them how in what sort the young Gentleman of the Sunne was found and how he was nourished and brought vp into his companie till such time as he departed from them Whereat the Emperour and the Empresse receiued great contentment to heare it told Then the wise man turned vnto Rosicleer did embrace him with great loue and sayd Séeing that it is so worthie Prince that the euill fortune of your brother is fallen out so contrarie that hée is now absent out of this Countrie and you alone doe remaine the shield and defence of your father and Countrie shew your selfe now as euer héeretofore you haue béene let no troubles nor trauailes ouercome you nor wearinesse enter into your benes for seeing that God hath created and made you so valiant worthie let the honour of your mightie valiant attempts appeare in your high knighthood and you may wel make this account that if you goe through with this enterprise you haue conquered all the world from the Orient vnto the Occident beside the small companie that is on your part they be all against you this much I can tell you of the knight of the Sun your brother that since his departure froÌ„ hence he hath not bene greatlie at his ease for that he hath passed greater perils dangers thaÌ„ you can passe in these wars it doth not behoâ—e vs to speak any more of him for y â— of force he must passe the troubles the which his destinie hath ordained for him Héere did Rosicleer gratifie very much the wise man for that which he had sayd vnto him and after thanks giuing he said that hauing him on his side there was nothing y â— he did feare At this instant came thether fiue thousand knights from the kingdome of Thessalia and in their companie came the faire Quéene Arquirosa who after y â— she vnderstood that Rosicleer by whome shée recouered her kingdome was sonne vnto the Emperor Trebatio she was not content to send to him of her knightes but she her selfe would come in person vnto Constantinople as wel for to sée Rosicleer as also because she hoped to receiue take a husband at his appointment The Emperor Rosicleer thought great friendship of the comming of this aide by whom as also by the Empresse the Quéene was receiued with great honour All these were ioyned together in the mightie Citie of Constantinople whereas the Emperor found of the one of the other 100. â— foure score thousand knights so y â— if there were not ioyned together so many of their aduersaries they had ben sufficient to haue conquered al the whole world yet was there of the Pagans foure for one amongst theÌ„ there were the most brâ—uest stoutest giants y â— were to be found in all the world for y â— the Emperour Alicandro sent for theÌ„ from the Ilands of the farthest part of the Ocean seas and Bradaman Campeon brought with him two thousand that he tooke out of the Oriental Ilands so that all these were of so furious and stout a Nation that the Emperour Trebatio had héere great néede of the aide and help of almightie God All this aide and succour aforesaid entered into Constantinople in the face of the Emperour Alycandro and all his wherat he was wonderfull wrathfull as well for their comming to aide their enimies as also for that they entered in the time of their truce so that hée and all that were with him had great good will for to distrube them of their entrie into the Citie and swore that after their truce was ended if there came anie more aide succour that first they would put them all vnto the sword rather than consent that they should enter into Constantinople for that he might better deale with them abroade in the field than in the Citie and from that daie forwardes the Emperour Alycandro commanded that there should be put spies and scoutes in all places for to aduertise them if there came anie more succour vnto the Gréekes the which was no small harme vnto them as shall be tolde you héereafter in this Hystorie but God who is the author of al goodnesse did so ordaine that by their owne spies and scoutes they came to pâ—rdition were lost for that hée would not that his Christian people should receiue so much harme as was ordained for them by theyr enimies Of the second battaile which the Greekes had with the Pagans and of the notable acts that were done in the same Chap. 22. AFter that the eight daies were past of the truce that was taken betwéene the Gréekes and the Pagans the next daie following which was the ninth daie the Emperour Trebatio determined to issue out of the Citie with his knightes into the field and giue battaile vnto his enimies who were likewise in a redinesse and verie desirous they dyd abide their comming thinking it long to sée them in their clouches but in especiall those two furious Pagans the gran Campion and Bramarant vnto whome y â— eight daies of truce séemed to be eight yéeres according vnto the great desire which they had to be reuenged on those knights which had so shamed them in the first battaile who so soone as they sawe anie people begin to come forth out of the citie to enter the field put themselues before all the whole armie for
slashing and cutting all that euer they could reach and some they cloue from the head downe vnto the girdell with the which their aduersaries receiued so great feare that they fled before them as sheepe before wolues on the contrarie part the two brethren dyd such maruailes and wonders vpon the Paganes that their déedes were to be noted that day therewithal the first two battailes were ioyned together which was as gallant a sight to be séene as euer was the brauerie of the knightes was such for that in the forefront came the twelue kinges Giantes with the two thousand that came with them from their Ilands against whome there went to receiue them twelue knights of the Godos who séeing them so great and huge vpon the Elephants made their encounter in such sort that the one and the other were ouerthrowen to the ground likewise all y e rest made their encounters so that in a moment there were more then ten thousand ouerthrowen and their horses roming about the fielde fighting one with an other so that betwixt them there was a new battaile begunne here in this conflict did the knights of Spaine show their great valour for that there was none that did make their resistance with so great force against those Gyants killing some of them and recâ—uing their owne deathes with great courage In this battaile Don Claros slew one of the twelue knights of Bradaman with a speare that he thrust through and through his bodie with a forcible and strong encounter And Arcalus slewe an other with the strength of his arme in tormenting him with his terrible blowes vppon the head which was the occasion that they were in great perill of death if that the valiaunt knights of Spaine had not come in time to haue succored them for that a great number of those monsters had compassed them about who were mightie and verie strong so that those two valiant bretheren should euill haue escaped their hands but being ioyned together their battaile was more equall then before and better fought yet all dyd profit verye little the Christians for the getting of the field for that the bushment of those Orientall Gyants made so great slaughter amongst them that they were not able to make any resistance but to receiue cruel death On the other side was those infernal pagans father sonne Bradaman and Bramarant killing and slaying with great crueltie all that euer they could reach with their swords they made so great destruction that it séemed there were not people enough in y e campe for to hold them play that daye which was the occasion that within halfe an houre after that the battaile was begon the Christians began to lose ground and to retyre towards their armie and in some place they were not content to retyre little and little but turned their backes and ranne away all that euer they could in especial there whereas was Bradaman and Bramarant and the rest of the other Gyants who were sufficient for to destroy a whole armie Then when that Don Siluario sawe that the Christians lost ground he straight waies commaunded y â— all those of his charge should march forwards who straight waies with great fiercenesse put themselues into the battaile at whose entre many of the Pagans lost their liues and the Christians began to get ground againe but straight waies that mightie knight Rodaran and the king of Media and the other kings that were with him put themselues â—orwards with their people and when they came vnto the battaile by reason that they were so many and their captaines so valiant they did make great slaughter vpon their came in the enimies and to conclude the power of their enimies was so great that they made the Christians to runne awaye almost round about the fielde in such sort that the valiant knights of spaine could not succour them for that they were enclosed in battailing with the Gyants and had enough to doe to defende themselues from them Then straight vpon that came in the knig hts of Hungaria at whose entrie the battale was renewed and began to get ground and had put them to the foyle if that the third armie of the Pagans had not stepped forwards in the which came that worthie prince Meridian and the stout knight Brandimardo who entred into y e battaile with so great furie that that day was wonderfull vnto the Christians and knew not how and in what sort the Emperour Trebatio should haue so great a power of knights and gyants except they should come out of Persia for that they knew and vnderstoode that all that countrie were in great friendship with the knight of the Sunne and manie there were that repented themselues of their comming into Grecia in especiall Don Siluerio when he saw so great destruction amongst his men and the field so full of dead bodies the teares fell from his eyes with the great sorow griefe which he receiued at his heart and accused himselfe of the euill counsell which he gaue vnto the king Oliuero When that two howers was passed since the beginning of the battaile all the people of his part began to retire for that they could not suffer the great furie of the Pagans so that of verie force and necessitie it did accomplish the king Oliuerio to enter into battaile with all those knights that remained on his charge who were manie in number and verie good And although the Pagans were Lordes of the field yet at their comming they lost all that euer they had got before and the battaile renewed and better fought and the field so full of dead bodies that the liuing could scarce passe for them Here was to be noted the diuelishnesse of Bramarant and his father and the high knighthood of Meridian and of Brandimardo and of that stout knight Rodaran and of the king of Media that it might be saide they were sepulchres vnto the Christians which was not a litle griefe vnto Rosicleer who from that little hill did behold all that passed for to sée so much Christian bloud so spilt and shed with those heathenish Pagans although he thought all might be well suffered for to eschue a greater inconuenience that vnto the contrarie might happen vnto Christendome To conclude the day passed awaie and there remained no more but one houre of the Sunne setting when that the battaile was in equall sorte and the one got no ground of the other but followed their entresse the one killing the other without all pittie at which time the fourth armie of the Pagans entred which were many in number and entred with so great furie into the battaile that those of the king Oliuerio not being able to suffer their force began to loose ground The which being perceiued by Rosicleer that by no meanes they could not but be ouercome and dispersed as one that was a good knight verie pittifull would vse charitie with them for that the king Oliuerio was Father vnto the princesse Oliuia
himselfe and kept his furious wrath in his heart for to reuenge y â— same when that time would serue And although that many that were there had great dread to sée Bramarant so furious and angrie for his eyes lightened like burning torches yet the two valiant and worthie knights Meridian and Brandimardo made no rekoning thereof for that either of them were of as valiant a courage as he and as stoute Then straight waies ther arose vp many other knights that would be in the battaile fiftene to fiftene amongst all at the request of the Emperour although his will was to the contrarie was the gran Campion and the two worthie princes Meridian and Branbimaâ—do and the stout Rodaran the king of Media Zoroastes king of Taprobana the prince of Cambray the king of the Gandaros that was the messenger and the prince of Aegipt all these were verie stout valiant knights and for to make vp the number of fiftene the Emperour commaunded that sixe of the most strongest giants that were to be found in all the whole armie should goe with them they were all bretheren and Lords of the Ilandes Diamantinas and are so called because there are found in them more Diamonds then in any other part of all the whole worlde they were all sonnes vnto the gran Thition the most famous giant that was in all Asia and for the great friendship that their father hadde with the Emperour they came for to serue him in those warres with a great number of their owne knights When that it was fully ordained and concluded who should goe forth in this challenge the king of the Gandaros straight waies departed and went to carie the aunswere vnto the Emperor Trebatio whereas the Historie doth leaue them till time serueth for to tell you of the faire Empresse Claridiana who went in the demaund of the caue of the wise Artidon ¶ How the Empresse Claridiana came vnto the caue of Artidon and what happened there Chap. 27. WIth great desire to come vnto the Caue of Artidon trauiled the royall Empresse Claridiana through the mightie kingdome of Russia in the companie of Elizea and her knight thinking the time verie long till she came thether for to know the trueth of that which had brought her into so great care and heauinesse the Caâ—e was greatly mencioned in all those parts and by reason of the great hast that they made within few daies after that they had entred into the kingdome of Russia they attained to the caue but when they came vnto the entrie thereof they were greatly amazed to sée the wonderfull fire that came foorth thereat which séemed to be some infernall thing But when they had read those letters and vnderstoode the propertie of the fire they straight waies entred in thereat but gaue the preheminence of the first entrie vnto the royall Empresse so after that they had passed the narrow lane they came into a faire great court whereas they were strangely amazed as wel at the greatnesse the which séemed to be in that great work as also at the mightie force which the bull séemed to show being fastned vnto the piller who in that order as they saw him began to giue such terrible and wonderfull brayings that all that mightie worke séemed to shake thereat And if it had not bene for the Princes who dyd animate and comfort them Elizea and her knight had retourned backe againe with the great feare the which they receiued after a while that they had beholden the great fiercenesse of the Bull sodainly 〈◊〉 their eyes aside vpon an other wal almost right against the same the which was vnder the gallerie of the pallace they saw grauen in the same verie naturallie the whole historie of the mightie and perillous battailes there done by Rosicleer and of all that had happened vnto him in that Caue the which being well vnderstoode by the roâ—all Princes and greatly wondered at those worthie actes not without shedding of a few teares which trickled downe her rubicall chéekes sayde Oh high and happie Emperour â—rebatio in how much art thou bound vnto God that out of thy noble loynes hath come foorth those that hath â—â—lled all the whole worlde with the fame of their wonderfull and immortall déedes Oh that my destinie would permit and my fortune be so fauourable that our blouds might ioyne together that some part of those worthie deeds of thy posteritie might be allotted in mée Therefore come that come will for that I cannot perswade with my selfe that from the descent of so cléere and worthie a stock may be comprehended so blind a iudgement but that they doe vnderstand the great valour of my desert And in saying these words she went forwardes and Elizea and her knight followed her and went all to gether vp the staires into the gallâ—â—â—es whereas a new they began to meruale at the strangenesse of that worke as also at the delightfull gardaines and orchards which they sawe out at certaine windowes after a while that they had well perused the same they proceded forwards with the great desire which the Pâ—inces Claridiana had to sée her selfe with the wise man she neuer rested till she came vnto the dores of shining 〈◊〉 that were shutte which was the entrie into the inchaunted hall but so soone as she had layd hand on them for to open them they straight waies opened of themselues with so great a noyse that all mightie woorke séemed as though it woulde haue sonke when the royall Princes entred in thereat whereas she saw the high and rich throne and thereon the wise Artidon with his breast all open shewing forth his heart which was a verie pitifull and lamentable thing to behold at which time there chaunced a great meruaile â—â—e which was neuer séene béefore but at suche time as Rosicleer entred into that inchaunted quadran and it was that when the royall Princes béeganne to enter in at the hall doores there began so swéete and peaceable Musicke that it rauished all the hearers of their sences and they semed as though they had bene transported into an other world and Elizea and her knights who were without at the swéete melodie thereof were likewise rauished and it séemed vnto them to be some celestiall noyse they would not presume to enter into that inchaunted hall till such time as the princes came forth for that they might haue space for to aske and know that which was their desire After that the princes had a while beholden the great wonders and straunge things of that inchaunted quadran she straight waies conceiued that the swéete Musicke was made which was the occasion that from that time she had a better hope then she had before of a good resolution of that she so long desired for wheras with such Musicke she was receiued she hoped her answere at her departing forth could not be but verie good So with the great desire she hadde to talke with the wise Artidon after
hée not with so great â—ase get of him the victorie for that Bradaman after that hée had the battaile with the knight of the Sunne dyd alwayes after arme himselfe with verie strong and inchaunted armour and it was so excéeding good that the good swoorde of the Quéene Iulia was not able by anie meanes to cut it and besides this his blowes were so strong and heauie that when so euer he chaunced to strike a full blowe vppon him hée made him to stoupe with his knées and handes vnto the ground and hée had as much care for to cléere himselfe from his terrible blowes as he had for to strike him so that the battaile betwéene them was very well fought and in great doubt and put great admiration in the Emperour Alicandro in all them that dyd behold theÌ„ In all this time dyd the other knights make their combat verie strongly some a foote and some a horsebacke the which was a thing worthie to behold to sée what terrible blowes were stroken the breaking of shieldes câ—tting of harnesse vnmailing of goriets making the fire to flye out of their stéely healmes and harnesse of so great aboundance that it was strange to beholde so that the battaile was so strong and well foughten of euery part that one whole houre was passed and there was no aduauntage knowen nor séene of any part amongst them and the great valiantnesse of either of them was such that they did deserue particulerlie their worthinesse to be declared but by reason that there were so many together and mingled the one with the other they could not deserâ—e the worthinesse that they did Amongst them all their blowes were terrible but in especiall those valiant Princes Meridian and Clauerindo who with so great furie did strike their blowes that many times they were both astonied and either of them were greatly amazed at the great strength of his aduersary and the prince Meridian said that the knight in his blowes resembled the knight of the Sunne Likewise those stout and valiant knights Brandimardo and Oristedes with no lesse furie and redoubled blowes did charge their aduersaries and put great admiration in all them that did beholde the battaile who saide that they twaine were two of the stoutest knights that were in all the world It was no lesse worthie of beholding the great conteÌ„cion that was betwixt the good Emperour Trebatio and the stout king of Arabia Rodaran whose blowes were of so great force that they wer heard a great way of and being an houre past since the battaile began the strong Pagan was greatly amazed at the great force and strength of the Emperour and sayd within himselfe that it was impossible for him to get any honour in that cruell battaile for that continuallie the force and lightnesse of his aduersarie encreased and a thing to be wondered at was his valiant courage of whome naturally his sonnes had receiued the like And the Emperour Alicandro and all those kings which were with him that dyd beholde him and knew him being greatly amazed said that he was one of the most valiantest knights in all the whole world and one that was most fiercest in battaile Then the olde king of Gedrosia sayde My flesh and my bones trâ—â—ble when I doe thinke of that I shall sée this Emperour doe in the field against vs he being in the middest betweene both his sonnes and it séemeth vnto mée that there is no securitie whereby from the furie of their armes we cannot make any defence and this good knightes that we haue on our part behold how many there is to the contrarie who doeth make resistance and detaine them till the other doth destroy these miserable people At which words all those mightie kings that were in the triumphant Chariot laughed verie much and imputed them vnto the great feare and little force the which the king had for that he was olde But yet time happened afterward that they did féele and know that the words which he spake procéeded more of wisedome and vnderstanding then of feare Likewise it was a thing worthie to be séene the furious and well foughten battaile that was betwixt the sonnes of the Gran Thiteon and the sixe knights their aduersaries for according as they were all strong and valiant it were enough to doe in this Chapter onely to declare of their valiantnesse for the force of the Gyants was wonderfull and they stroke their blowes with so great furie that either of them was sufficient to cleaue an armed knight downe to to the wast but yet they contended with such knights who knew verie well how to resist their great strengthes and made them to sweate droppes of bloud for that they hadde amongst them that mightie and strong knight Brandizel who by reason that he was verie bigge of bodie and of great force and hot in courage brought his aduersarie in a great perplexitie and all his armour broken and vnbuckled although they were a finger thicke and this was the eldest of the sixe bretheren with whome he combatted and the most valiantest and strongest on the other side did combat those two valiant warriors the king Sacridoro and the worthie Tartarian Zoylo and behaued themselues in such sorte in their battaile that they gaue them verie well to vnderstand who they were Likewise with no lesse couragious force those two most valiant knights Don Claros and Arcalus did oppresse with their mightie blowes the two Giants their aduersaries in such sort that in the space of one houre they brought them in that case that the victorie appeared to be theirs and for that those two knights were not knowne they were greatly amazed there at for their highe and strange bountie The good knight Flamides did make battaile with the younger brother of the sixe Giants and although the battaile betwixt them was well foughten and verie perilons yet for all that by reason that his armour was excelent good and he verie light and stoute he had the vauntage of his aduersarie Also the valiant king Florion and the king of Media made their battaile with mightie furious blowes but before that one houre was past of the battaile it was well knowen that the king Florion was the valianter of both At this time the foure princes had so entreated their aduersaries that they were verie wearie and faint and they likewise were well moyled for that they had receiued great and mightie blowes of them for they were stronge stoute and valiant Thus in this sort was this cruel battaile betwixt them all the best fought that euer was séene betwixt so manie knights for that all those that dyd behold them hadde their eares deafened with the continuall sounde of the hard and thicke blowes that were stroke amongst them and there could not have bene a greater noyse if therâ— hadde bene a hundreth Smithes together working and striking vppon their aâ—â—ells Likewise in this time it was a meruailous thing to sée and beholde Rosicleer with Bradaman
thâ—â— more and better then if all the knights in his court had spoken and sworne it And as a thing verified to be most true the King commaunded the Quéene that straight wayes she should deliuer vnto the Duke the faire Polisena for that she had chosen him to be her husband Now sir knights I pray you iudge what the gentle Lusiano might féele in his heart who found himself present at all that passed and had more conâ—â—dence in the loue and loyaltie of the Dutches then of the credit of those knights with great payne did suffer that reproch for that he would not discouer the secret betwéene them But when that he vnderstoode that which the king had commaunded he as then could not suffer it any longer but put himselfe before the king and said Lord and soueraine here I doe saie that all which the Duke Roberto and these knights hath saide against the Dutches of Austria is the greatest treason and falsehood that euer was sayde or inuented For that that shée is my legittimate spouse and she neuer gaue her faith neither her loue vnto any other knight in all her life but vnto mée and this will I proue vpon the Duke or vpon any of these thrée knights This Prince had â—â—arce concluded these words when that the Duke and these thrée knights layde hand vpon their swords against him and he dyd the like against them so that there had bene done great harme if that the king had not put himselfe betwixt them and parted themâ— commaunded that either of them should kéepe his house and not to come abrode Then the king being verie desirous to knowe whether it were true or not which the Prince Lusiano had said commaunded that the Dutches should be brought before him and asked her if that the Prince Lusiano were her husband or not Then she séeing that it was not at that time to kéepe it in silence sayde that it was true that he was her spouse and none other When the king vnderstoode that he commaunded that the Dutchesse should bée put prisoner in a strong tower beléeuing verilie that shée had made her selfe sure and giuen her word vnto both of them and the great good will which shée bare vnto Lusiano was the occasion that shee did falsifie and denie that which shée had promised vnto the Duke Roberâ—o and for that hee would cléere this doubt by iustice he gaue straight waies sentence that the Duke and the thrée knightes that were his witnesses should maintaine and defend that which they had spoken and sworne and that Lusiano and the Dutchesse should in the space of one moneth bring knightes such that vpon their iust quarrell shoulde take and make combat with them in this sorte that if those which are of the Dukes partie doe get the victorie that then the Dutchesse should bée his and straight waies to bee deliuered vnto him and to the contrarie if the Prince and â—is knightes doe get the victorie that then the beautifull and faire Polisena should be his the which sentence being declared vnto them they were all consent therewith for that the Duke thought that in all the whole world there were not to be found foure knights that against him and his companions were able to wage battaile And Lusiano hoping in his iustice as much as in his strength presupposed the victorie to be on his part but alasse Fortune hath fallen out cleane contrarie vnto his expectation for that this is the last daie of the moneth and in all this time he could neuer finde anie knight that durst take his part in the battaile one waie for that the other foure knightes were commended to bée so strong and valiant and féared of all others and other waies for that they thought of a truth that the Duke Roberto had reason for that it was verified and affirmed by thrée knights of so great credit so that now the Prince séeing himselfe al alone is determined all alone to goe forth vnto thâ— battaile this daie against those foure knights for that first he wil suffer himselfe to be slaine rather than to sée the faire Polisena deliuered into the power of the Duke so that this euening the battaile shall be tried the which cannot otherwise bée but that the gentle Lusiano must be slaine whose death vnto all people will be verie grieuous and he shall not bée so soone slaine when that the Dutchesse will kill her selfe with her owne hands for so she is determined to doe if that in the meane time God doth not ordaine some remedie for the same This is the occasion gentle knights of all this my great sorow which causeth me to come forth into these fields and high waies making my cries vnto the heauens and because I doo know the truth héereof better than anie other I cannot suffer to abide in the Citie to sée before my eies slain such two persons by a treason so manifest euill but come to sée if that in this short space I could méete with anie knight that wold haue compassion on them and now séeing God hath permitted that I haue met with two such knights as you doe séeme to bée héere I doe desire you by the great obligation in the which you bound your selues at such time as you receiued the order of knighthood that you would take compassion of that gentle knight Lusiano and of that sorrowfull and afflicted Ladie the Dutches if it so fall out that you shew them anie curtesie they be persons that will verie well gratifie the same and because you shall be fullie certefied of their iustice héere I doe sweare vnto you by that God that created and made both heauen and earth and afterwards by his death and passion dyd redéeme vs that all this which I haue told you is the verie truth of all that hath passed and againe the more to certefie you héerein you haue néed of no other thing but to beholde the ill fauoured face and barbarous countenance of the Duke and the gâ—eat beutie of Polisena whereby you may iudge the great vnlikelihood y â— the dutches should treate of loue with him in secret When the damsell had concluded the whole discourse of this treason the two knightes who were replenished with all vertue were moued vnto great compassion and gaue thankes vnto almightie God that he had brought them thether at that instant and thought it long till they saw themselues in battaile with the Duke and said vnto the damsel that they would goe with her and take 〈◊〉 with Lusiano for to defend his right towards the Dutches. And shée who verie well noted their gentle dispositions and the great riches of their armor by the which she was fullie perswaded with her selfe that they were knights of great estimation that her trauaile and comming thether was well emploied for that there was some hope by their aide on the parte of Lusiano much better than to battaile alone for the which she asked
put his swoorde vnto his throate and sayde thus Duke thou art but dead if thou doest not confesse the truth of this treason which thou hast raised against the Dutchesse of Austria Then the Duke séeing himselfe in that extremitie thought of truth that the diuine iustice was come vppon him and that he was some Angell sent from God for to destroie and kill him and fearing least both bodie and soule should bée destroyed he determined to tell the truth of all the whole treason so that he sayde vnto Rosicleer that hée should holde his hands and not kill him not for that he feared to die but to saue his soule he would tell him the truth thereof Then Rosicleer did assure him his life and gaue him his hand and dyd helpe him to arise from the ground and when he sawe the other knights in battaile he and Rosicleer went and did part them and put themselues betwéene them and sayd Sir knights let this your contentious battaile cease for there is no reason wherfore you should receiue anie harme but I alone who is in the fault and worthie to be blamed At which words saying Liriamandro had ouerthrowen the stout Ricardo Lusiano had brought Carmelio into a great perplexitie so that they had not much a doe to part them the which being done the Duke with an high voice that the king and all that were there about him might heare declared all the whole treason how and in what sort in all points as he dyd it and as you haue heard But when the gentle Lusiano sawe the honour of his spouse so cleere and the great fortune and victorie that he had in the battaile whereas before both the honour of his Ladie and his lyfe was cleane lost it cannot bée expressed the great ioy and pleaâ—ure that entered into his heart and how thankfullie he gratified Rosicleer and Liriamandro desiring them to shew him so much pleasure as to tell him who they were to take of his treasure all that was their pleasure and wills for that was too little for them in consideration of the great pleasure that they dyd for him But the ioy and contentment which the faire Polisena receiued no man is able to expresse Likewise the King and the Queene were verie ioyfull for they loued meruailous well the Prince Lusiano and the Dutchesse and meruailing verie much at the straunge bountie of the kniâ—â—tes they thought it long till they knew what they were for that they vnderstood they were not of that Countrie The king then commaunded that they shoulde come before him who straight wayes with Lusiano went before the king and when that they had done their dutie and before that they pulled off their healmes or treated of anie other matter they craued of the king that both the Duke and the Damsell might bee pardoned and although the king determined to punish them as they had deserued yet in the ende at their request hee dyd pardon them with this condition that the Duke with the Damsell should out of hand depart the Court and neuer more in all their liues to enter into the same The Duke straight waies gaue great thankes vnto the knightes for that which for him they had done the same daie after that they knew who the knights were he departed from the Court with his damsell and the reward which he gaue vnto her for her labour was that the same night he slew her in a Forrest being ashamed of that which with her he had done And this is the reward that all such ought to looke for for although there be many that would profit themselues of the treason yet in conclusion by great fortune there are few traitors that doe escape their reward surelie they ought not to be suffered amongst men for that there is no perill or daunger that may be compared vnto the mischieuous practise and pretence of a traitor no not the raging waues of the sea earthquakes whirle winds thunder boltes stormes warres no nor the furie of the elements for the proofe whereof I doe referre mée vnto the mightie Alexander whose â—lying in the aire and trauailing on the seas whose conquests of the whole world with wars and battailes none of all these were sufficient for to bring him vnto his end but onelie a traitor one of his owne retinue by treason did kill him If this example be not sufficient consider of Darius that was before him and of Priamus the mightie Achilles Minos Nisus Agamemnon Romulus Tarquinus Seruius and the minor 〈◊〉 the mightie Bompeus Iulius Caesar and many other Emperours and kings vnto whom no perill was so dangerous as treason ordained and wrought by their owne seruants so that with great reason the traitor ought to be abhorred as wel as they that doe inioy the benefite of treason rewarded as well the Damsell as the Duke Roberto who thought she went for to bée rewarded for her trauaile yet she receiued the iust punishment for her fault But now to returne vnto that which did remaine the Hystorie saith that after the king had pardoned and forgiuen the Duke he had great desire for to knowe whome the knights were Then Rosicleer and Liriamandro pulled off their helmes and knéeling downe before the king Liriamandro sayd Let your Highnesse know and be acquainted with this knight who is Rosicleer sonne vnto the Emperor Trebatio and of the Empresse Briana whom al the whole world for his great bountie ought to honor me for Liriamandro your sonne and of the Quéene Augusta my Lady mother who with newes of great ioy and pleasure doe come to kisse your handes When the king knew to be in his presence his so long desired sonne and the other to be Rosicleer his nephew it cannot be expressed the great ioy contentment pleasure he receiued at his heart as he that in all the world desired no other thing and as one from himselfe with great ioy he went embraced them saying Oh my sonnes what ioyfull and happie newes is this vnto me for that in it is accomplished the thing that I most desired before I should die how is it that you haue consented so long time to kéepe from me this great ioy The king had scarce concluded these wordes when that the Queene with incredible ioy great hast came vnto them threw her armes about their necks whereas she remained embracing of them both a greate while and could not speake one word for ioy Thus after there had passed betwixt them many wordes of great ioy in this their ioyfull meeting straight waies the Prince Lusiano came and kneeled downe before them and would haue kissed their hands as well for the great curtesie which they had done for him as also for y â— Liriamandro was his Prince and naturall Lord but they who had him in great estimation did receiue â—nd embrace him with great loue and ioy Then after him came vnto them the three valiant knights Ricardo Carmelio
and Ambardo and offered great curtesie vnto the two Princes who did them great honour and made them friends with Lusiano as persons that were without blame in the treason 〈◊〉 But when these newes were published in the court there came so great number of people to sâ—e Rosicleer Liriamandro y â— the pallace wold not holde theÌ„ al people meruailed at their strange dispositions but in in especiall of Rosicleer for that they sayd that in all things he did resemble the knight of the Sunne his brother he that was so famous and feared in that Court for that they partlie vnderstood and heard of his wonderfull acts and déeds vnto the king it was notorious all the whole Hystorie of Rosicleer from the time of his first creation bringing vp with his daughter the Princesse Briana till such time as hee was knowen vnto the Emperour his father and Empresse his mother Of all the which the king was verie ioyfull pleasant and loued the Emperour Trebatio and his sons as he did his owne sonne Liriamandro and for that he had not vntill that time heard of the successe of the wars that he had against the Emperour Alycandro he was verie sorrowfull and full of care and thought long till y â— hée had heard some newes thereof and if he gaue anie aide succour of knights vnto the king Oliuerio it was not for anie hatred or ill will that he bare vnto the Emperour Trebatio but for to accomplish that wherin he was bound vnto the king Oliuerio because his sonne Prince Edward was slaine in his seruice was fullie perswaded that all the whole armie of the king Oliuerio was not of sufficient power for to doe anie harme vnto the Emperour Trebatio yet afterwards when he vnderstood of the mightie power of Pagans that were come vpon Grecia it grieued and repented him of that he had done so that if it had not bene verie much against his honor many times he was moued in conscience for to go and succour him in person with all the power that euer he could make being verie desirous to know the whole successe thereof in all points he requested the Princesse for to tell him who as those that knew the truth thereof in the presence of the Quéene and all those worthie Princes and knightes of the Court did giue him to vnderstand as well of the successe w t the king Oliuerio as with the Emperor Alycandro y â— which being published amongst them they al receiued great ioy in as ample maner as though it had touched either of them in perticular but in especial y â— king the quéene in y â— they saw how much to their honar they had accoÌ„plished their promise vnto the king Oliuerio as also of the high estate wherevnto their daughter the Empresse Briana was exalted so that they could neuer satisfie themselues in giuing thankes vnto almightie God for those great benefites shewed vnto them When these things were passed straight waies came thether Leonardo and his wife the fained parents of Rosicleer with whom Rosicleer receiued great pleasure as he that had great desire for to sée him for that which he was indebted vnto them the which he did meruailouslie well gratefie in all points their great seruice done vnto them for he carried them with him vnto Grecia whereas the Empresse Briana did make them owners of great possessions so that they were verie well content and thought their trauaile verie well emploied the which they had in the bringing vp of Rosicleer Likewise Rosicleer reioyced verie much with those Gentlewomen with whom he was brought vp in the Monasterie of the Riuer and the most part of them he carried into Grecia whereas he did verie much for them all Then for that the king dyd beare great good will vnto the Prince Lusiano and had him in high estimation he straight waies commanded that his spouse the Dutchesse of Austria should bée deliuered vnto him After this sort within few daies that their nuptialls were celebrated with great honour and triumphs which those knights his friendes dyd ordaine in the which the gentle Lusiano dyd so much that he got vnto himselfe honour for euer after And in the meane time of all these sportes and feasts Rosicleer and Lyriamandro did declare their message vnto the king desiring him in the part and behalfe of the Emperour Trebatio and of the Empresse Briana that he woulde thinke well for to goe with them vnto Constantinople for to reioyie themselues of the victorie and ioy the which the Emperour and the Empresse doe receiue Likewise they gaue great and lawfull excuses wherfore the Emperour Trebatio did abstaine from comming into y â— Countrie for that he had in his court such mightie Princes and Lords that there had ben no reason for him to leaue theÌ„ Then the king and the Quéene as they which desired no other thing coÌ„manded Straignt waies that all things should be put in a readinesse néedfull for their iourney and for that we haue other matters to declare for the conclusion of the first part of this Hystorie there is héere no more to be said but that Rosicleer and Liriamndro did passe awaie the time in Hungaria till such time as they were readie to depart as shall be tolde you in the next Chapter following How the king Tiberio with the Queene Augusta Rosicleer and Liriamandro departed out of Hungaria and tooke their iourney towards Constantinople Chap. 46. WHen the daie appointed was come of their departure the king and the Quéene with all the other worthie Princes and knightes of his Court departed out of Viana tooke their iourney towards the mightie Empire of Grecia in the which they trauailed many daies without happening anie thing worthie the telling in the end whereof they ariued within two miles of the mightie Citie of Constantinople and when the Emperour Trebatio had knowledge of their comming with great ioy and pleasure he and all those mightie Princes and valyant knights together went out of Constantinople with so great maiestie that it séemed all the whole worlde were ioyned together the number was so excéeding great so that the king of Hungaria and the Queene Augusta his wife with all those that came with them were wonderfullie amazed to sée so royall and worthie knighthoode to come forth of Constantinople for of truth they neuer woulde haue thought that so many as there were might haue béene receiued in the court of anie Prince whatsoeuer he were in al the whole world But when the king and the Emperour sawe one an other they both went met together did embrace the one the other with such great loue as ought to be betwéene Father and sonne and as though they had knowen one another long time before And if before the king Tiberio and the Queene Augusta did account themselues happie fortunate to haue so high a Prince for their sonne in law yet now they did much more
when they sawe his person presence to be so strange wonderfull for alonelie by his semblance and proportion they knew him for father of the two brethren the knight of the Sunne and Rosicleer aboue all other Princes that came in that worthie crew The king and the Emperour had not yet fullie concluded the louing words of their first méeting when that the Quéene Augusta came vnto them and with the selfe same loue wherewith she did embrace her sonne Liriamandro did embrace the good Emperor Then came the knight of the Sunne who aboue all the rest might be séene he was of so gallant and tall statuâ—e offered to kisse the kings hands but the king would not consent vnto it but embraced him and the king clasped him verie hard betwéene his armes saying Oh happie and fortunate kinsman I doe now finde my selfe in great securitie for that I am in the armes of him that alone did defend himselfe from all my power made my kingdome to tremble and quake tell me I praie you if that you haue forgotten that anger or not if you haue not then am I fullie perswaded that I haue no securitie in my owne Countrie of Hungaria much lesse in Grecia My good Lord and grandfather said the knight of the Sunne your highnesse in whatsoeuer place you are is in great securitie from my handes for although I would procure anie outrage yet am not I sufficient to doe you anie harme and if I were fortunate against your knights it was nothing else but the wil of God to saue and deliuer me for that afterwards when you should know me you should not haue so great reason to bée sorrowfull as now you shoulde bée if I had at that time béene slaine Then the king said Ah my sonne if that had happened my life could not haue endured so long but God who doth know the secret of all things that shuld happen vnto vs did guide and gouerne all things in such sort that it is come to this point and instant wherein I doe account my selfe the most fortunatest Prince in all the whole world not onelie in knowing thée to bée my sonne but in recouering you to bée my friend The king had scarce concluded these wordes when that the Quéene came to embrace the knight of the Sunne but he did offer to kisse her hands and there passed betwixt them many swéete and amorous wordes such as might passe betwéene the mother and the sonne at such time as of long time they had not séene the one the other The Quéene Augusta receiued so great ioy and contentment to haue him in her presence that she knew not almost where she was Then approched vnto them the king Oliuerio with the Emperour Alycandro and all those mightie Princes and Lords wheras passed betwixt them great curtesie with such dutie as appertained vnto so high and worthie estates In this noble méeting they spent a good while the which being finished the Emperour Trebatio accompanied himselfe with the king euerie one â—hose his companion as best liked him and began to returne towardes the mightie Citie of Constantinople The knight of the Sunne and Rosicleer did carrie betweene them the Quéene Augusta who went with so great ioy and pleasure that she knew not were she was to sée her selfe in the middest betwixt so worthie nephewes When the Emperour Trebatio had opportunitie he sayd vnto the king Now is my desire fullie accomplished in that I do sée your Hignesse in this Countrie for although all other thinges succâ—eded vnto me prosperous as I haue desired yet had I no conclusion of all this my victorie neither could I receiue anie glorie therein till now I haue your Highnesse in my presence and doe honour and obey you as dutifullie as your owne naturall sonne And if the great obligation in the which you were bound vnto the king of great Britaine had not béene betwixt vs I and the Empresse Briana many a time long ere this had come vnto you to haue craued pardon for that which is past with lisence and consentment for that which was to come For although the Empresse Briana séemed to receiue contentment to be with mée in Grecia yet receiued I great griefe for that I could not accomplish of my part the dutie which I owe vnto your highnesse When that the Emperor had concluded these words then the king who receiued great pleasure thereat sayd Soueraigne Emperour if that you haue receiued great ioy contentmeÌ„t and pleasure at my comming into Grecia how much more reason haue I to reioyce and receue pleasure to haue so glorious a sight of your person and presence being accompanied and honoured with the most highest mightiest Emperours and kings of all the world and mounted vnto the highest estate of honour that fortune may extend the which is apparaunt before my eyes also endued with such sonnes that there is not the lyke knightes in all the whole world And here I doe acknowledge that I am not worthie of so high a kinseman and in that you haue saide of my consentment it might haue bene excused for that I doe sée it cléerely before myne eies to be the will and permission of God by whome all thinges hath bene gouerned for the which neither I nor any of your aduersaries could withstand or resist And séeing my daughter hath brought vnto mée the highest and worthiest Prince of all the world to be my sonne in law and that this marriage was made by the diuine will and permission from whence hath procéeded so excelent 〈◊〉 what haue I to saye vnto it but giue vnto the soueraigne creator infinit thankes for his great goodnesse shewed vnto mée And doe most heartelie desire him to let you enioy for manie yéeres this high estate into the which you are exalted and also the high and worthie progenie that he hath giuen you With many swéete and courteous wordes the Emperour Trebatio did gratifie with thanks all that which the king had sayd So passing betwixt them these and many other things in communication which were to long here to rehearse they came vnto the 〈◊〉 of Constantinople whereas the king of Hungaria and the Quéene Augusta were wonderfullie amazed for to sée the great knighthood of that Court for that with great difficultie they might passe the wide stréetes the multitude was so great so that it was a good while before they could come vnto the mightie pallas but when they came thether they all alighted and entred into the mightie broad court whereas the Empresse Briana dyd receiue them with that ioy and pleasure as you may immagine and there passed betwixt them many louing and sweete words as betwixt Fathers and children the which I doe let passe to eschue tediousnesse And the royall Empresse Briana was so gallant faire that her Father did not know her she was so chaunged Yet they well perceiued in her the ioye and pleasure she receiued and the more to
chap. 20. 86 Of the great succour that came to the Emperor Trebatio c. c. 21. 93 Of the second battaile the Greeks had with the Pagans c. ch 22. 94 How the Prince Meridian had vnderstanding of the comming of his father into Grecia c. c. 23. 99 How the king Oliuerio with his host ariued in Grecia what else happened Chap. 24. 102 What Rosicleer did after the battaile and how by his meanes the king Oliuerio was reconciled c. Chap. 25. 11 How it was concluded in the caÌ„p of the Pagans to challenge the Greekes how it was accepted by what knights chap. 26. 18 How that Claridiana came vnto the caue of Aâ—tidon what happened there chap. 27 112 How the Princesse Claridiana went a land at the Iland of the diuellish Fauno and what she did there Chap. 28. 126 The life the knight of the Sunne lead in the solitaâ—ie Iland how he was fouÌ„d by his Lady c. 29. 130 Of the stout battaile fought between fifteene knights of the Emperor Trebatio and fifteene of the Emperor Alicandros chap. 30. 1â—8 How the Pagan Bramarant being angrie at words spoken by Meridian Brandimardo departed c. Chap. 31. 146 How the knight of the Sun and the princesse Claridiana after they were departed from the solitarie Iland did deliuer c. chap. 32. 150 How the knight of the Sun with out knowing Meridian or Brandimardo made battaile for theÌ„ with Bramarant Chap. 33. 154 How BramaraÌ„t after he was come vnto himselfe returned againe to seeke the knights and what he did when he found his father dead Chap. 34. 160 How the princes Liâ—dabrides had vnderstanding of the comming of the knight of the Sun c. c. 35. 166 How Bramarant destroied all the Idols in the campe and how the Emperour Alycandro to appease him caused to bee brought with honor the graÌ„ CapioÌ„ c. c. 6. â—72 What the Greekes did and how the king Lisâ— the faire queene Radamira came to aide the Emperor Trebatio c. chap. 37. 174 Of the rigorous and bloudie battaile that was betweene the people of the Emperor Trebatio those of the Emperour Alicandro c. Chap. 38. 176. How the Emperour Alycandro sailing by sea was through a tempest by the which he was driuen vnto the strong Iland wheras they were taken prisoners he and the Princes Lindabrides c. c. 39. 198 How Rosicleer departed out of Constantinople in the demand of the knight of the Sun how the knight of the Sun in following the Emperor Alicandro ariued at the strong Iland c. chap. 40. 201 What happened vnto Rosicleer after his departure from Constantinople chap. 41. 210. How the Emperor Alicandro his companie departed from the strong Iland vnto the Grecian Empire c. chap. 42. 215 How Rosicleer and Liriamandro at the commandement of the Emperor Trebatio went into Hungaâ—a to make themselues knowen to the king to giue him to vnderstand of all that had passed in Grecia chap. 43. 220 Of the great treason that the duke Roberto orâ—ained to haue the faiâ— Polisena to be his wiâ—e ca. 44. 226 How Rosicleer Liriamandro the gentle Lusiano had battaile with the Duke Roberto and his companions chap. 45. 229 How the king Tiberio with the Queene Augusta Rosicleer Liriamandro departed out of Hungaria and tooke their iourney towards Constantinople ca. 46. 235 How the Prince Claramante was nourished in the court of the Emperor Trebatio of other things that was spoken by the wise Artemidoro Lirgandeo with other things that happened ca. 47. 238. How the faire Lindabrides by art of the two wise men Artemidoro Lirgandeo was inchanted the order of the inchaÌ„tmeÌ„t c. 48. 240. How the valiant worthie princes did proue the aduenture of the disloiall tower and what hapned of the successe thereof ca. 49. 243 How the Emperor Trebatio with all those high Princes and worthy knights Ladies and damsels that were in Constantinople went to sport theÌ„selues a hunting into the wildernes of Grecia c. c. 50. 246 How the stout Pagan Bramarant came vnto the place whereas the Empresse Briana with all those faire Princesses and Ladies were c. chap. 51. 250 FINIS THE THIRD PART of the first Booke of the Myrror of Knighthood VVhat happened vvith the Knight of the Sunne the night before the daie that hee should be married to the Princesse Lindabrides CHAPTER I. IN the second part of the first booke of this Historie it hath bene shewed vnto you how that the Princesse Claridiana at such time as the knight of the Sunne departed from her gaue vnto him a Damsell called Arcania for to go with him and â—o beare him companie till such â—ime as he should returne againe And the great charge which the Princesse had giuen vnto her as well in the discouering of the great loue that she bore vnto the knight of the Sunne as also to haue a great care of all things that should passe with the Princesse Lindabrides in that iourney that afterward she should thereof giue certaine and iust relation The Historie doth now saie that Arcania did neuer depart nor was absent out of the companie and conuersation of the knight of the Sunne so that she did see and vnderstand all that did passe and how that the marriage was concluded in such sort that there was no remedie Her sorrowe was great â— caused in her much heauinesse to thinke of the great griefe that her Ladie should receiue when she should vnderstand the newes thereof it séemed that her estate woulde litle profit to pacifie her hearing that the knight of the Sun is married to the Princesse Lindabrides This damsell Arcania determined that night to depart towardes her owne Countrie and thinking that she should doe well first to giue the knight of the Sunne to vnderstand of her departure At such time as he was in his bed with great light in the chamber she entered in and finding him all alone she said God blesse the good knight of the Sunne He answered Thou art welcome my good friend Arcania what makest thou heere at this time of the night I come said she to take my leaue of you for that I meane to returne vnto the Princesse Claridiana my Ladie and mistres for whereas she is forgotten and no memorie of her seruice I know not what reward I shall looke for of my part How is this said the knight of the Sun Hast thou no hope that I will gratifie thée for all thy good seruice Doest thou not know y â— if I should forget my selfe there is the Princesse Lindabrides my Ladie who wil reward thée in ample maner Hope I haue none at al in you sayd Arcania for he that hath falsified his faith made vnto the most highest precious damsell in all the world he will ill obserue and kéepe it with so base and poore a damsell as I am Of the Princesse
their sailing that I might reuenge this my great wrath and ire vpon him that hath offered me this iniure So in vttering these and other wordes of great griefe sailed Don Siluero making so great â—â—mentation that his knights by no meanes could giue him anie comfort And to the contrarie sailed Rosicleer as one from himselfe with great pleasure hauing in his armes her whom he so much loued with so great glorie that it was wonder and alwaies thought to be worthie of so excellent 〈◊〉 well Likewise the Princesse Oliuia although she was not as yet in quiet of the great trouble in the which she was brought but yet séeing that she was cléere from the 〈◊〉 of Don Siluerio in the companie of him whom shée loued more than her selfe shée was satisfied of all those troubles and griefes past and receiued great contentments thought it better to be drowned in that déepe sea in the companie of Rosicleer than to liue vpon the land with so great importunances of her father and Don Siluero And as these two faithful louers were together with great contentment making manifest by words the great glorie that they receiued in their hearts Then fortune who neuer is content that men should remaine in one manner but mingling sorrow with pleasure like vnto the whéele of Amyl she turned about in such sort y â— she did shew her selfe enimie vnto Rosicleer in the midst of all his pleasures y â— in a small time he was driuen without repentance of his sins to yeeld vnto death For that being his ship with all the whole fléete of the Prince entered into the Tirreno sea at such time as the one after the other sailed with prosperous windes Out of the partes of the Leuant there arose vpon a sodaine so mightie a winde and with so great force that 〈…〉 not onelie against them in staying the swifte course of the shippes but also did moue the waters in such sorte forcing the waues to swell and to rise of so greate height that it did signifie vnto them great danger and perill thâ— which 〈◊〉 a little time did so much increase that the déepe waues did shew themselues cruelâ— and 〈◊〉 against the 〈…〉 beating their sailes to the â—asts tearing them in péeces with so great force that they could not take them in but tumbling 〈◊〉 ships from one part to another 〈◊〉 towards that place wheras the force of that outragious winde would carrie them This tempest endured with them one whole daie and a night in the end whereof all that were in the shippes committed themselues vnto the fâ—rie of the sea and imploied themselues in no other thing but in pâ—aying vnto God to deliuer them from that great perill In this sort they passed all that daie and the next night till in the morning at the breake of the daie the tempest ceased and the ship of Rosicleer and the Fléete of Don Siluerio were all together driuen into the porte of Cerdenia be whole Nauie of the Prince were twelue great ships besides other small Princes whereof foure of them with the tempest were driuen into some other partes and were not there present And for that there were in the eight ships more than foure thousand knights Don Siluerio receiued so great ioy for to sée by him the shippe of Rosicleer as though he had bene made Lord ouer all the world commanded straight waies that all the whole Fléete should bée put in order the which was done and began to assault the ship on euerie side with so great alarum that it had ben sufficient to haue terrified a great many of more ships than they were But when Rosicleer sawe himselfe compassed round about and assalted with so many ships he left the Princesse Oliuia in a cabine in the poope being the highest part of all the ship in so great confusion that he thought she wold haue died and he with more courage to die in the defence of his praie than anie feare that he had of that great multitude of his enimies tooke vnto him his armour and descenâ—â—d into the wast of the shipps whereas hée found the good king Sacridoro all armedâ— with his swoorde in his hands in a readinesse to make his defence but when that he sawe him his hart was ready to break with the great griefe he receiued and the water ranne downe his chéekes calling to remembrance how many times that good knight had put his lyfe in aduenture for him and how that he neuer came vnto that estate whereby he might haue made him some parte of recompence for the same He went vnto him and embracing him with great loue he said Oh my good and perfect friend how peruerse and contrarie hath fortune shewed her selfe vnto me that so manye times my friendship hath put you in daunger of your life God doth know whether we shal be slaine or no in this conflict yet iurelie your death shall be more grieuous vnto me than mine owne To whom this good king Sacridoro with a valiant courage did aunswere saying My verie good friend this is the greatest glorie that I can receiue and the thing that I haue in most estimation and séeing that death is ordained for all mortall creatures wherein may I better emploie the same than in your seruice Come on let vs goe and make defence that our enimies enter not vpon vs let vs venture our liues and offer it as a sacrifice for to accomplish that which is due and doth appertaine to our honours and high estate This good king had not so soone spoken these wordes but the knightes of the Prince had grapled their ships together and boording the one the other in such sorte that they might well leape out of the one into the other Don Siluerio accompained with the most valiant knightes that were with him with his sword in his hand his shéeld on his arme he put himselfe formost of them all to the ship side and with a loude voice he saide O Rosicleer yéeld thy selfe straight waies vnto my curtesie surrender the prise that thou hast in thy power for that fortune cannot so much fauour thee for to escape out of my handes But Rosicloer being readie for to receiue them at the shippe side with his sword in his hand answered neuer a 〈◊〉 but yéelded him selfe vnto fortune At that time the Princesse Oliuia by the importunitie and good dicretion of her damsell Fidelia put her selfe vpon the poope of the ship in such sort that she might be séene of all that were there in the Fléete with a naked sword in her hand and with a high voice that it might bée heard of all the people she sayd O all you knights that appertaineth to the king Oliuerio my father if there be anie in these shippes doe not shew your selues at this present so contrarie vnto me but to fauour and helpe the Gâ—éeke Prince for that many daies past I haue chosen him to be my naturall
coulour and the earth shal séeme as though it had rained much bloud The huge and mightie riuers shall burst out of their course and the wide and broade seas shall chaunge the coulour of their profound waters shewing the great earthquake that shall come Then afterward the daie shall come that the Sunne at noone tide shal be 〈◊〉 loosing the greater part of his light and brightnesse aâ— which verie instant the migâ—tie shepheard shall be in great care and perplexitie and all his slock dispearsed abroade and at the point to be lost but straight waies the San shal 〈◊〉 his whole brightnes the Lion brought by the stout Lions by her immortat déeds shall recouer his lost name and by his comming the mightie shopheard shall gather together his good â—locke and with â—o great courage shall returne vpon those hungrie Waluâ—s 〈◊〉 Tygers that they 〈◊〉 kil the most part of them and those withshall remaine shall slie and leauâ— the Countrie desolate And héere the Griffins that came 〈◊〉 the new world against the mightie shepheard shal lose their furious wrath and betwixt them and those of his â—lock shal be made great friendship and very profitable The she beare with the mightie he beare shal be taken prisoners by new enimies being deliuered by the stout Lion shal be made friends with the mightie shepheard And at the request of the Lyon and Lionesse they shall come together and of that societie shall proceede one that the deedes past shall make all mortalitie â—e forgotten Beare this in your minde for as I haue saide so it shall come to passe This Prophesie béeing written by the wise Artemidoro the Emperour and all those worthie Princes and Knights did behold it And as they vnderstoode verie little what it did signifie they were greatly amazed at the great vnderstanding of the wise man and desired him to declare somewhat the meaning thereof but he excused himselfe saying that it was not giuen vnto him for to declare that which was to come but to make manifest vnto them by figures for that if it should fall out to proue to the contrarie it would be the occasion of great daunger harme perill But yet notwithstanding all shal come to passe in such sort that the time shal declare it and make it most manifest These many other things did this wise Artemidoro declare vnto them that if they had not bene of noble courage his prophesies had put them in great wonder feare So they being in great ioye pastimes and pleasures in the mightie Citie of Constantinople although to the contrarie great sorow griefe vnto the knight of the Sunne for that the Empresse Claridiana his mistresse was not there present this Historie doth leaue them till time doe serue for to tell you what Don Siluerio dyd that returned vnto great Britaine How the Prince Don Siluerio without all hope of the recouery of the Princes Oliuia her returne vnto great Britaine and of all that was determined in the court of the King Oliuerio Chap. 8. THE wrath and anger was very great that Don Siluerio receued in that he was past all hope of recouerie of the princesse Oliuia by reason that the most part of his knights were slaine and she remaining in the power of Rosicleer the thing that he most loued in all the world without any hope of recouerie And againe séeing that the princes his friends with the king Alamades that went in his companie became his enimies and likewise remembring the great furie and stoutnesse of them with whome he had the battaile with great complaints wepings and lamentations he bewayled his misfortune which was vnto him so contrarie and so fauourable vnto his enimies So in the ende of certaine daies after his departure he ariued in great Britaine and going a land he sent the king word of his ariuall appareling himselfe and all such knights as came with him in black and mourning apparell and so entered into the mightie Citie of London whereas the king did receue him to whome with great sorow and griefe he gaue the King to vnderstande of all that had happened vnto him at the sea And because at that present the rancour and mallice which he had against the Emperour Trebatio was great in him for the death of prince Edward his sonne he was very glad that he had so good occasion and oportunitie to arme himselfe against him therefore did not onely comfort y â— prince Don Siluerio to folow his poysoned enterprise to take reuengement against him but did rather procure to kindle his wrath the more in saying that vnto them both it should be a perpetuall dishonour if they did not procure the reuengement the iniurie offered was so great and that it were better for them to dye in the quarrell then to liue in so great dishonour for euer Then the Prince who desired no other thing but verie ioyfull to see that the king was wholly of his minde and determination made a great Othe that he would neuer take to him wife in marriage till such time as that great iniurie done by Rosicleer were reuenged So that straight 〈◊〉 it was agréed betwixt them both that it should be 〈◊〉 praâ—â—ise to take reuengement The King commaunded all the nobles of his Court to come together to a parle being come together he put them in remembraunce of the death of his sonne prince Edward how he was slaine by the Emperour Trebaâ—â—o and then of the spoyling and carying away of the Princesse Oliuia donâ— by his sonne Rosicleer shewing and perswading them by many reasons how much they were bound to procure reuengement of that great iniurie And although that there were some to whome the determination of the king semed nothing good yet in the ende they all concluded and agréed that all should be done as he thought best and that out of hand they should begin to muster and procure souldiers and men of war to be made in a readinesse for to passe the seas and to enter into Grecia And although Don Siluerio had there with him manie knights of Lusitania yet did he promise to retourne into his countrie and to bring from that kingedome and also oâ—t of Spaine a great number for that he that was Kingâ— of Spaine at that present was a verie great friend vnto his father and he was verie certaine that he would not denie to helpe and ayde him with all the force and strength he could possible He béeing willing to put all things in effect tooke his leaue of the King and departed straightwaies from great Britaine and put himselfe vnto the rough and boysterous Seas taking his voyage towards Lusitania In the meane time King Oliuerio did ordaine and made in a redinesse all the people that possible he could and writ his letters vnto all kinges that were his friends as well Christians as Pagans geuing them to vnderstande of the great iniurie and wrong done vnto him in murthering his
thereof excéedinglie 〈◊〉 ioyfull beléeuing of a certaine that it was not possible for him to loose his kingdomes hauing so valiant and strong a sonne So at such time as the Letter of the Emperour Alicandro came vnto his hands there was present with him his sonne Bramarant who when that hee heard the Letter read he tooke a great desire for to goe with them into Grecia and thought the time long to sée himselfe on the iourney and requested his Father that hée might goe with him for that hée would that his mightie power were manifest vnto all the worlde Then Bradaman who desired no other thing did graunt him lisence and out of hand they entered their iourney towards the Court of the Emperour Alycandro Bramarant caused to bee made for himselfe armour all of little bones of small fishes that they finde in those seas of so great hardnesse that neither sword nor anie other weapon could cut or breake it it was of the same making that the Princes Meridian his armour was which afterward the knight of the Sunne â—ad yet this of Mâ—â—idian was more â—iâ—er and of greater â—orce Bramarant caused his armour to bée garnished with golde and precious stones wherwith after they were made hée was so proude and furious that hee had neitheâ— seare nor dreade of all the worlde Then Bradaman called before him twelue kings Captaines of his Ilandes who were as the Hystorie declareth great and mightie Gyants and in the companie of them and his sonne Bramarant tooke his iourney towards the Court of the Emperour Alycandio So when they came thether they were of the Emperour meruallouslie well receiued and entertained as of him that séemed to haue great néede of their helpe In the meane time y â— they there tarried till all the whole hoast were ioyned together Bramarant did many mightie feates of armes wherein he gaueâ—ful testimonie who he was putting so great wonder in all them that did behold him that with great admiration they sayd that the Gods did put vpon that knight all their powers and strengths for the punishment and destruction of the Christians Wherewith the Emperour was verie ioyfull and did them all great honour and it seemed vnto him that if they alone with their people should passe into Grecia they were sufficient to destroye the whole Empire and power of the Christians How the Emperour Alicandro did consult with the Nobles of his Court about their iourney into Grecia and what Bramarant did concerning the same Chap. 10. AFter that the Parliament was proclaimed by the commandement of 〈◊〉 Emperour Alicandro there were few 〈…〉 Lordes amongst the Pagans in Asia but came thether and bâ—eing all together in the greate Citie of Neptaya the Emperour entered into the Parliament house with all his whole assemblie of Kings Princes and other noble men wheâ—eas there was placed his Emperiall seate in his roome appointed hangâ—â— round about with cloth of golde and somewhat more below was the places for the rest made of verie fine and shining siluer whereas this mightie Emperour when he was set in his Emperiall seate which was all of fine gold and precious stones and all the other kings and Lords euerie one in his degrée which was to the number of more than one hundreth silence being commanded with great maiestie of his roiall person hée dyd pronounce vnto them these wordes following LOiall subiets true vassalls and my verie friendes immortal thanks I render vnto the high Goâ—s not onlie for that it hath pleased them to place me in this high and sacred estate in making mee Lorde ouer so many Countries and innumerable riches but also for that it hath pleased their ditâ—ne maiesties to consent which is a thing more to bee estéemed than all the rest that amongst so many mightie kings and noble Lordes that are héere present and subiect vnto this sacred Empire there is not one amongst you but hath béene and I suppose will bée loiall and faithfull which is the thing that Princes ought to haue in greatest price for that it is no lesse perillous and daungerous vnto a King that hath a peruerse and an vnreasonable subiect than for a man of meaner or baser sorte to haue a strong and mightie enimie So that now for that I am fullie perswaded and certefied of the great fidelitie truth that you haue alwaies vsed vnto me I haue requested you al to come vnto this assembly Court of Parliament for to communicate with you couching a matter whereof you are not ignorant not for that therein you should do ought to accomplish my will but that you should aide and helpe me with your good counsailes for that in great and profound matters one must propone and many must determine I thinke it is not néedfull to make much relating thereof because it is well knowen vnto you all how the knight of the Sunne and sonne vnto the Emperour of Grecia came into this land and was receiued entertained by vs with so great loue and good will as though it had bene the Prince Meridian our sonne Likewise how that it was our pleasure to marrie him vnto the Princesse Lindabrides our daughter the which was almost concluded and celebrated whether it was his euil hap or vnhappie fortune vpon a night he departed and left our daughter flouted vs astonied ashamed in recompence of the great honour that we did and shewed vnto him All the which doth not grieue vs so much for our parte for the euill sact done vnto vs as it doth for the great offence done therein vnto the immortall Gods beleeuing that a greater could not haue bene inuented vpon the earth nor a thing more contrarie against their diuine maiestie What Emperor King Prince or Knight amongst mortall men that durst be so bold as to refuse or take vnto his wife the Princes Lindabrides being successour descending from the diuine stocke but this onelie knight of the Sunne Of truth and with great reason may the diuine Gods execute their wrath vppon vs if so be that we doe not reuenge this great iniurie done vnto vs and offence vnto their diuine maiesties and with no lesse reason their diuine iustice may fall vpon you if that not onely with your subiects and goods but also your selues in person doe not procure to make this reuengemeÌ„t A man ought to haue a respect vnto the griefes offences done vnto themselues but much more the wrongs which are done against the high Gods We doe well vnderstand that for to take reuengement of the knight of the Sun it cannot be so easilie done but it will cost vs many people and much treasure yea and our owne persons in the performance thereof but yet considering your mightie power strength and valiant hearts we doe beleeue that it doth not astonish you neither do you feare to take vppon you this iourney for that greate delayes doth proceede of little prudence and feare of great cowardnesse but heroicall knightes such
as doe procure to haue a fame in al the world with equal courage ought to offer their persons in doubtfull attempts as well as in prosperous affaires with like constancie to harden themselues against afflictions as vnto delights pleasures Of our owne part we doe saie y â— although our yéeres doth require more to take rest â—ase in our owne Countrie than to trauaile into another yet if it so be concluded that we shall take this iourney vpon vs so farre off and so costlie wée will that you doe no more therein than you sée vs to doe as trauailing by the waie nauigating by Sea cléering our passage assaulting our enimies in all these wée will bée the first and not the last To conclude our verie good friends are desirous to be reuenged of this great iniurie done vnto vs by the knight of the Sun that you wold not thinke agreeing héereto with vs that these our white haires shall lacke good wil for to passe into Grecia for that if once wée come thether wée hope in the immortall Gods not alonelie to bee reuenged of this iniury done vnto vs but also to make subiect vnto our consecrated estate that whole Empire And wée are fullie perswaded that the diuine prouidence hath permitted this offence to be done that we should haue occasion for to destroie the whole power of the Christians We do not meane héereby to bring vnto your remembrance how oftentimes it happened in times past in this Countrie the Emperors Captaines of Rome came not onlie to make reuengement of the iniuries offences done vnto themselues but also for them that were their friends subiects vnto y â— Empire of Rome in executing whereof they did neither respect the largenesse of their iourney expenses of their treasures neither the trauaile of their persons so y â— their camps armies were as coÌ„mon in Asia as in Italie or Rome so that in consideration if those onelie for the honor of their friends did little estéemâ— their long trauailes into those Countries wherefore should we thinke it much in reuenging of our owne iniuries to passe into Grecia Wée desire the high Gods y â— no such cowardnesse may be found in your noble minds neither so many mightie kings Princes as be here present to consent to the contrarie but y â— this great iniurie should be reuenged Now séeing that we haue declared vnto you the occasion of calling you together vnto this our court of Parliament we do desire you so let vs haue your iudgements vpon this that we haue proponed hoping to haue it in so ample sort as alwaies wée haue receiued at your hands When all those that were present with the Emperour had well heard the words that were spoken and that concerning the same he had asked their counsailes yet his determined purpose was for to passe into Grecia so that ther was amongst them some that were verie glad and ioyfull for the same and other some that did not like of the iourney as it is a naturall thing amongst men in like affaires to be of contrarie opinions The Emperour at that time did looke for their answere but nothing was supplied til such time as they did all together desire the old king of Gedrosia in the name of them all to answere vnto the Emperours proposition for that he was estéemed in all those kingdomes to be wise and one that was well séene in the warres and as it hath béene told you in this Hystorie he was well seene in Astrologie who being by them verie much importuned arose vp and spake as followeth The speech which the olde king of Gedrosia made vnto the Emperor Alicandro before all those high kings nobles concerning the passage of their armie into Grecia MOst high and mightie Emperour our Lord I would verie faine excuse my selfe to giue my iudgement considering this grieuous case which you haue declared vnto vs for that you haue it for custome to aske counsaile of your nobles in causes of importaunce and things requisite And yet in the end saie they what they can yéelding their iudgements according vnto reason all things must be done according vnto your desire will whether it be good or bad giuing to vnderstand that the counsaile which you doe aske of your nobles subiects is more to complie with them than anie good will you haue to be counsailed But yet for all this although I doe know that my iudgement in this case will bée as much as nothing and will bée conceiued to another intent purpose contrarie vnto my meaning yet will I declare it for that héereafter you shall not complaine at anie time of the olde king of Gedrosia in that he did not aduise you in time that you might proue your fortune And héere I protest before the immortall Gods that this which I doe pretend to saie vnto you is not so much for the feare dread the which I haue of the Gréekes as it is for the great loue good wil which I do beare vnto you and to al our Countrie I would not most mightie Lord that you shuld put so great confidence trust in this your puisant high estate thinking therewith to be verie firme and sure voide of the subiection of vncertaine and immutable fortune and neuer to slide or fall from the high throne in which you are exalted if you do beléeue this to be true There are many things past in this world long since of mightie Princes that if you will enter into iudgement of them rightlie as you ought for to doe you shall plainlie sée and perceiue that it is all false and contrarie as a spectacle of many Caesars Romanes in which time past were Lords and rulers ouer all the world as Iulius Caesar Caio Caligula Nero Claudio Galba Oton Vitelio Domiciano Comodo Pertinax Basiano Macrino Heliogabilo Belusiano Valeriano Galiego Probo Iuliano Bauio Constantio Valente Graciano Valentiniano and an infinit number more which hath béene ouerthrowen from the imperiall throne in the which Fortune did exalt them and no other occasion to the same but that all humane things hath no securitie nor firmnesse and hée that is exalted and set in the highest of the whéele of mooueable Fortune the same is most apt and readiest to fall And in this thing you may beléeue me that looke how much the humane power doth surmount so much is the Empire or what estate so euer it be subiect vnto fortune and all the great fire laden with wood is charged with the mightie windes in the highest partes euen so likewise most mightie Emperour this estate is not so high but it hath with it great perill so that you néede not to goe and séeke other daungers in strange Countries so farre from this that when it shal fall out all thing to succéede and bée prosperous vnto you yet shall it bée greate meruaile if you doe returne backe againe aliue into your owne countrie how
their determination was all to be slaine at that instaÌ„t for that although on the part of the Emperour Trebatio there were so valiant and worthie knights that were able for to ouercome a mightie armie yet on the other part was those two Pagans Bradaman Campion and Bramarant that dyd so great destruction on their aduersaries that it semed that there remained not one before them whereas they went on the other parte went those furious and valiant knights Meridian and Brandimardo with the twelue Gyants in their gard and kéeping staying so many of their enimies that they were all stained in bloud and made great way whereas they went Likewise there was that stout knight Rodaran and the king of Media with other valiaÌ„t kings and knights Pagans which did great harme vppon their aduersaries and although those dyd so worthely on their parts so likewise did those valiant knights on y e part of the good Emperour Trebatio so much harme on their enimies that the Pagans bagan to lose ground by little and little And as the worthie Rosicleer went discouering and ranging throughout the battaile he by fortune met with the Gran Campion who was all alone slaying and killing all that euer was before him câ—mming vnto him he stroke him so cruell and strong a blow vpon the wast that he had parted him in two péeces if it had not bene for his good armour which was such that his good sword could not enter into it yet for all that the blow did so bruse and crush his bones and flesh in such sort that Bradaman felt that blow not to be like vnto the blowes giuen by other knightes which was the occasion that with great furie he turned himselfe about and repaide the same with an other like vppon his shoulder that he had ouerthrowen him to the ground if y â— he had not embrased himselfe about his horse necke then began these two to strike the one vpon y e other very strongly and the battaile betwixt them endured till the closing vp of the night when that they could not know the one from the other then the Pagans began to withdraw themselues a part and these two knights were constrained to part theÌ„selues but Bradaman went away with so great anger that one alone knight should make him so strong resistance that no one of all his men durst come into his presence At this time came more then one hundreth thousands Pagans which the Emperour Alicandro did send a fresh after that it was tolde him that much people had issued out of Constantinople but their comming was to little purpose for that it was night all the troupes of the Pagans were retyred and méeting the one with the other they returned vnto their trenches there to take their ease vntill the day following for that they ment to encounter with their enimies with a fresh supplie Then the Emperour Trebatio for to retire all his people dyd sound his horne the which he alwaies carryed with him like a good Captaine at the time of warre at which sound all the Gréekes assembled together and leauing a part the king Oliuerio aud all his people in good order he retourned vnto the Citie with all that noble crew of knighthood whereas they were receiued with great ioye and pleasure of the Empresse Briana and of the farie Oliuia who did not a little reioyce when that she vnderstood what Rosicleer had done for the king her father and it séemed vnto her that it was a good meane to obtaine friendship which was at that time the thing that the most desired and to the contrarie it was a great griefe corasiue vnto her heart that betwéene the king Oliuerio and her spouse Rosicleer should passe any contention or euil wil. Thus leauing them the Historie doth returne vnto the king Oliuerio who gathering his people together sound that he lacked more then the halfe of those he brought into Grecia likewise he commaunded great fiers to be made at the light whereof he pitched his tents and made his trenches verie nigh vnto the citie of Constantinople whereas it was giuen him to vnderstand that all the people with whome his armie had the battaile with were Pagans and were come into Grecia against the Emperour Trebatio and of the great power that the Emperour Alicandro had there and how for that he thought that they were come thether in fauour of the Gréekes he sent out his knights for to giue them battaile But when that king Oliuerio and Don Siluerio vnderstood the trueth thereof with verie anger and fretting they were ouercome and requested the death for that on the one part they saw the most part of their knights destroyed and the power of the Pagans deminished the which if that it had not so fallen out the reuengement of the Emperour Trebatio had bene verie certaine But that which greued them most was that which Rosicleer did for them and how much they were bound vnto him for deliuering of them from death and it seemed vnto them to be such a byt to withdraw them from their wills and desires to make their reuengement determined before they came foorth out of their owne countries who with great confusion and verie pensiue in thinking what was best to be done they passed away that night in their trenches and commaunded good watch to be kept till the next day wherein passed many things as shal be tolde you in the Chapter following ¶ What Rosicleer did the next day after the battaile and how by his meanes the king Oliuerio was reconciled to the Emperour Trebatio and the prince of Lusitania and he were made friends Chap. 25. THE Gréekes were verie glad and ioyfull for that which had passed with the host of the king Oliuerio and the Pagans and all people did allow the great polesie of Rosicleer which he vsed in causing theÌ„ to ioyne the one against the other in battaile which was not a little profit vnto them for by that meanes his enimies were lessened more then one hundreth thousand The next day following after the battaile when that both the hosts that of the Emperour Alicandro and that of the king Oliuerio were both in sight of the Citie of Constantinople being none tide past Rosicleer had a great desire to goe forwards with that which he had determined which was to procure friendship with the king Oliuerio onely for the great good will which he bare vnto his welbeloued princesse Oliuia also for that in the which he was bound vnto him for the great friendship receiued at such time as he was in great Britaine And with this determination he did apparell himselfe with the ritchest garments and robes that was possible likewise the princesse Oliuia the Quéene Arquirosa in the most gallantest maner that they could Then after that he had conference with the Emperour his father giueing him to vnderstand what was his determination to doe he straight waies caused the princesses to be mounted
vpon verie gallant and well dressed palfries and mounted himselfe vppon a mightie great horseâ— and put himselfe in the middest betwéene them And béeing in this maner in the great and wide court whereas the Emperour and the Empresse with all those valiant kings Princes and knights did behold them and a new they began to meruaile to behold their great beauties and gallant dispositions And as it hath bene declared vnto you before in this Historie that Rosicleer was of a high stature and well proporcioned of his bodie according vnto his height for that continually vnto that time he did encrease daylie more more as well in the one as in the other and ioyntly with this his face was perfect and well proporcioned verie white and faire and of a merrie couutenaunce and there was none that did behold him but had a great delight to sée him he was at that time apparailed in a Iacket of cloth of golde garnished round about with a great number of precious stones and a hat vpon his head after the Gréeke fashion full of verie fine Rubies and Diamonds and carryed no other weapon with him but that precious sworde of the Quéene Iulia at his girdle which was suteable vnto the apparell he ware for that the scabbert was garnished with gold and precious stones he was mounted vpon a big and lustie horse all baye sauing he was full of black spots which became him verie well and being in this maner on horse 〈…〉 to be a Gyant and in beautie and fairenesse Narcissus On the other part was the Princesse Oliuiâ— with Arquirosa so faire and richlie apparailed that it was verie strange to behold and Rosicleer being in the middest betwixt them there could not a more gallanter sight be séeâ—e of thrée persons So in this order they tooke their leave of the Emperour of the Empresse and departed out of that mightie pallas being accompanied with all those mightie and valiqnt Princes and Knights till such time as they came into the fielde out of the Citie whereas at the request of Rosicler they all retourned back againe and they thrée alone wont toward the compe of the king Oliuerio being verie much looked at of at the people of the citie and with no lesse admiration they were looked at by them of the campe when they came nigh vnto them and not knowing the pretence of their comming they could doe nothing but behold them and abyde the time to vnderstand the effect of their comming When they were come vnto the camp they asked which was the tent of the king Oliuerio and being shewed by a knight that was there they neuer rested nor staied till they came vnto it at which time the king shas within accompanied with the prince of Lusitania and with the other princes of Scotland and Ireland consulting whaâ— were best to be done in their affaires but when they saw them knew Rosicleer and the Princesse Oliuia all apparailed after so gallant a sort they were wonderfully amazed and were silent to heare what should be their demand There was no mouing amongst them till such time as Rosicleer descended from his horse who straight waies alighted y â— princesse Oliuia and the quéene Arquirosa and taking them both by the hands they entred into the tent then the king and all that were with him did arise from their seates and dyd salute the one the other with such courtesie as appertained vnto so high persons and although that Don Siluerio was greatly amazed and his bloud did rise when that he saw the princesse Oliuia yet when that he saw her in the power of Rosicleer and considering the great reason she had therevnto he dyd not let to haue a great regard vnto the Quéene Arquirosa and liked very well of her and said with in himselfe that next vnto the princesse Oliuia she was the fairest gentlewoman that euer he saw in all his life and greatlie desired to know what she should be His desire was quickly accomplished for that Rosicleer putting himselfe before the king hauing the princes the Quéene by their hands said HIgh king of great Britaine I will not call you mightie for that according vnto the opinion of wise men there is none amongst mortall men can attaine to so glorious a name sauing alonely he may call himselfe mightie that is Lorde and gouernour ouer men and hath the power of all fortunes he at whose will the Heauens doth moue the windes doth blow the waters of the sea doth arise and rage and by him the earth with all beasts plants are sustained Here I doe giue you the name of high for that séeing your selfe in what estate you are in you may know how perilous and slipper it is and how readie you are and open vnto the thundering blowes of fortune Many things doth men begin and put in vre who cannot bring it to passe as they would and according vnto their mindes but in the ende it finisheth cleane contrarie vnto their expectation and this procedeth onely for that it is in theyr hands to begin them and in the power of God to giue the conclusion vnto his pleasure Our hearts he valiant and couragious for to attempt against all the whole world and doe not consider and sée that humaine force is so féeble and weake that one little and hidden euill doth ouercome it and whatsoeuer blow of fortune doth ouerthrow it This we ought to haue alwaies in our remembraunce because we should not put our selues in difficult things for that if afterwards it doth not fall out according vnto our mindes then should we not haue any occasion for to be angrie neither reason for to complaine vs of fortune for that the whole fault is in our selues and with more reason we may be angery with our selues You doe well vnderstand how that the Prince Edward your sonne with fortie thousand good knights of great Britaine came into Hungaria with what intent I doe not iudge but according as it was notorious and manifest vnto all he came for to destroy the Emperour my father for to make the king of Hungaria Lord ouer all Grecia and for that this was an attempt as vniust as difficult it was in his hands to begin the same but in the hands of him that hath power ouer all to conclude the ende according vnto his will If the Emperour my father was to be blamed herein iudge you and then sée if there be anie reason for him to make restitutioÌ„ to whome fortune would seme fauourable but now let that goe for that I doe beléeue you are certified And touching the marriage which I made with the princesse Oliuiâ— without your lisence I will giue you to vnderstand that if you doe well consider and looke into all these things passed then should you verie manifestlie and cléerelie sée that it is not for anie iniurie towards you but that the diuine prouidence hath ordained the same for to euitate and cut off the
promise vnto me with the precious Quéene Arquirosa is of so great highnesse valour that with iust reason I may thinke that shée will bée the occasion that I shall conclude friendship with you yet God who doth know the secrets of all things I doe take to witnesse that I am not constrained by loue to take you for my friend but onelie your great vertue doth binde me therevnto and this being a meane betwixt vs I saie that this is the greatest friendship that euer I might receiue of anie humane creature this thing which you doe â—ffer vnto me not being of me dâ—serued to giue me so high a damsell and worthie a Princesse to be my wife whom from this time forwards if she be so pleased I do receiue for my Ladie and Mistres likewise I do desire her to conceiue so wel of me to take me for her owne héere I do desire the king Oliueâ—io my Lord to aunswere vnto the rest y â— remaineth I hope in God y â— his answere shall be such as he is bound to giue vnto so excellent a sonne and therewithall Don Siluerio concluded his reasons the king with great contentment with that which he had said but the answere which the king made was in embracing Rosicleer and the Princesse Oliuia with shedding many teares that trickled downe his chéekes with pure loue he said Oh my welbeloued children God forbidde that in mée should raigne so great ingratitude against his soueraigne maiestie and to let you vnderstand and know the great curtesie that he hath shewed vnto me in giuing mée so good fortune as by his owne handes is come vnto me so precious children héere I doe receiue you and I doe loue you and will not haue neither do I looke for anie other contentment in all the world The almightie God doth know and he is a good witnesse therevnto that I came not forth out of great Britaine with so great a multitude of knightes for anie euill will that I had but for to accomplish that wherein I was bound vnto the Prince Don Siluerio and now séeing that he is content and satisfied there remaineth no other thing but let vs goe vnto the Citie of Constantinople whereas I may acknowledge and know the Emperor and Empresse for my brother and sister and aide and helpe him with these few knights that doth remaine When the king had sayd these wordes Rosicleer and the Princesse Oliuia did knéele downe before the king and by force did kisse his hands but the king with words of great loue did cause them to arise embracing them many times and went and embraced the faire Quéene Arquirosa and said I doe now acknowledge that all these things are ordained by the will and disposition of almightie God in that I doe see so excellent a Damsell hath béene reserued and kept and now at this time come hether to the satisfactiâ—n of the Prince Dâ—n Siluerio and I beséech his almightie maiestie to giue you so good fortune as I doe desire for my selfe and therewithall Rosicleer and Don Siluerio did embrace one another from that daie forwards there was betwixt them great loue and friendshippe Therewith came all the rest of the worthie Princes and Knightes such as knew him in great Britaine and talked with him who neuer forgot the greate friendshippe that was betwixt them Lykewise the knighâ—â—s of Spaine for the valiant déedes which they sawe him 〈◊〉 in the battaile as also for the greate fame which 〈…〉 heard of him with excéeding good will came and offered themselues to bée his friends Then hée who had them in great estimation did offer vnto them the like and estéemed them for the most stoutest and valiantest knights that were in all the armie Thus after that they had bene together in these ceremonies receiuing the one the other a good while they all mounted vpon their horses and the princesse Oliuia and the Quéene Arquirosa vpon their palfraies and tooke their waie towards the Citie of Constantinople the Prince Don Siluerio lead the Quéene Aâ—quiâ—osa by the bridle with whom he vsed many loue trickes and amorous discourses and shée likewise answered him with a gallant grace and curteous demeanour giuing thankes vnto almightie God for that so worthie a Prince had gâ—uen him vnto her for to be her husband and receiued great contentment They had not long trauailed in this order towards the Citie but theâ— sawe a farre off come out of the Citie a great companie of gallâ—nt and glistering knightes comming towardes them it was the Emperour â—rebatio accompanied with all his nobles and valiant knightes who beeing aduertised by a Page of Rosicleers of all that passed and of their comming towardes the Citie issued out to méet them and when they came nigh the one vnto the other the king and all those that were with him weâ—e greatlie amazed at the gallant and gentle disposition of the Emperour and of all those worthie Princes and knightes that came with him and sayd that all the flower and worthinesse of knighthood in the world was there ioyned together Then straight waies the Emperour went towardes the king Oliuerio and the one receiued the other with so great loue and with such excéeding courtesie as commonlie is vsed betwixt so high persons and at that instant was there confirmed betwixt them such and so great friendship that neuer after so long as they liued was separated Then the Emperour receiued the other knightes with so gallant grace and demeanour that they all receiued great contentment at the sight of him but most especiallie the king Oliuero that was talking with Bargandel Lyriamandio and the Tartarian Zoilo and the king Alamades who all together went and kissed his handes crauing pardon of all that was passed Then he with great loue did embrace them all pardoning all the rancour and euill will that he had against them and it séemed verie well vnto him in y â— they had shewed themselues so faithfull and had accomplished all that they ought could doe no lesse but beare the like to them againe So from thence they all returned vnto the Citie but when they came vnto the mightie Pallace the king and all those that came with him were in great admiration to sée and behold vpon the fore front of the same all y â— who le Histories of the knight of the Sunne and said that by his figure he resembled verie much Rosicleer which was verie true for that there was no more difference betwixt them but that the knight of the Sunne was somewhat in his face more furious and more fatter of his bodie but of one stature in all other proportions of their bodies were all one and resembled one another verie much so that the remembrance of those valyant and worthie déedes which were there so naturallie set forth vnto them that knew not thereof that it put in them so great admiration that they saide with great reason the knight of the
with him who went forth and met with them a good mile off The manner which they vsed for to giue his sepulchre with more honour according vnto the vse of their Countrie was that they laide the dead corse vpon a verie broade and smooth marble stone all white whereas they burned and consumed the bodie all to ashes and in the meane time that hée was a burning all the principallest of the whole armie were placed round about the fire all couered with robes of Sackcloth so long that it trailed vppon the ground and made great sorrow and lamentation and praied vnto their Gods to receiue him into their companie in which time all the praiers which his sonne Bramarant made was no other but blaspheming against all the Elements and against nature for that they had power for to consume and burne the bodie of the Gran Campion his Father Thus when that the bodie was all consuned and burned the ashes remaining vpon the Marble stone the which was taken and put in verie rich vessells of golde wherevnto they put water and stirred it together and put the vessells vpon a faire Table Then the Emperour Alycandro the more to honour the Gran Campion beganne first for to drinke of the same mixture and after him Bramarant and after them in order all those Kings Princes and worthie Knightes that were in the Campe till such time as they left no mention of the water and ashes so the mightiest Lords that were in all the Paganisine made their bodies the sepulchre of that mighty Pagan and this they had amongst them for the most honorablest burying that could be With these and many other thinges moe which the Emperour Alycandro commaunded to bee done for the Gran Campion making great lamentation for his death Bramarant was somewhat appeased and lost great part of that outragious furie and wrath which he had conceiued and vnderstoode and procured no other thing but onelie how and by what meanes he might make terrible and cruell reuengement for the death of his welbeloued Father Then after certaine daies were past of the truce which was taken with the Gréekes they beganne of all partes to prepare and make themselues in a readinesse against the battaile that was determined and was thought to be of both partes the brauest and most cruellest and bloudie that euer was séene vpon the earth for that the Emperour Alycandro had commaunded that the first daie that the Gréekes should come forth for to giue them battaile that all the people of their Campe shoulde procéede against them for that they wold at once conclude that enterprise and not to leaue their aduersaries anie force and strength at all for to return againe vnto the fielde for although there were many battailes betwixt them as the Hystorie hath shewed you yet there went not forth the third parte of the people that was there with them which were so many in number that there might well bée made of them thrée mightie armies and of truth there was neuer séene in all Asia nor buropa so many and so valyant stout and worthie knightes gathered together as were at that present in the fields of Constantinople Now let vs leaue the Pagans in readinesse for the battaile to come and let vs veturne vnto the Gréeks that were in the mightie Citie of Constantinople What the Greekes did and how the king Liseo and the faire Queene Radamira came to aide the Emperour Trebatio and what happened besides Chap. 37. IT was a thing of great wonder vnto the Gréekes to sée themselues closed within the Citie and so compassed about in their owne fields for their enimies were so great and infinit a number of Pagans that it might well be sayd that they had against them all the whole force of the world for there were in the field an infinite number of barbarous people of different and diuerse Nations and the most part proude and terrible Gyants that the like were neuer seene in all the world but God of his goodnesse created such heartes in that mightie Emperour Trebatio and in his worthie proicnie as also in those high Princes and stout worthie valiant knights that were in his companie that not onelie they were without all feare and dreade but also had great force and courage for to destroie and ouercome all those that had compassed them about and there were few or none amongst them but receiued great contentment to be there at that present for that the Emperour Trebatio séeing with him his sons and so many worthie Princes knights receiued so great ioy and pleasure that he thought himselfe to be the most happiest and fortunatest Prince in all the world And of the knight of the Sun of the faire and soueraigne Empresse of Trapisonda it may wel be said that ther was neuer sâ—â—ne two hearts with so great contentment for that hauing one the other in presence either of them thought themselues in paradise although you must vnderstand that in all this time the knight of the Sun could neuer bring to effect his desire with the roiall Princesse for she was of so high a courage y â— the knight of the Sun neuer durst in heart cause her to receiue anie anger neither woulde shée consent to anie thing that was against her honour the which she had alwaies before her eies more than anie damsell in her time With no lesse ioy than they liued those two faithfull and perfect louers the faire Princesse Oliâ—ia and Rosicleer who being in presence together thought themselues cléere of all sorrowes and griefes the which the one had sustained for the other whereat the king Oliuerio receiued no small glorie and contentment for y â— it séemed vnto him y â— with no other Prince in all the world he could not haue married his Daughter so highlie and worthilie as he had married her neither coulde she haue bene exalted to no higher estate So that he all those that came with him from great Britaine were wonderfullie amazed to sée the mightinesse of the Emperor Trebatio the highnesse of his Court so furnished with a greate number of worthie Princes and valiant knightes as also with so many faire and precious damsells that of truth it might be spoken that there was neuer seene so great highnesse and maiestie in the court of anie Prince before y â— time And the Pagans that came forth of Persia with the king Florion meruailed greatlie to see the orders of the Court of Grecia for by the sacrifices ceremonies of the Christians for that they did see and behold them euerie daie to be done with great iumptuousnesse reuerence they were partlie inclined to thinke well of the lawe and faith of Iesu Christ true God and man and trucâ—â—e although there were many that died for this loue which the knight of the Sunne had wich the 〈◊〉 Lyndabâ—â—les yet grew there not so little effect 〈◊〉 of these famous wars but that by occasion of 〈…〉
contrarie vnto that which they lookâ—â— for For if you doe call vnto your remembrance the knight of the Sunne where wée left him vpon a lyttle baâ—ke vnder the woode side beholding the battayle as hée cast his eie aside towardes that place hée sawe those people comming out of the Forestâ— whereat hée was greatlie amazed and if dyd not a little molest and grieue him for that hee sawe they were Pagans and in so great exeremitie for to enter into the battayle But committing himselfe vnto almightie God desiring him if it were his pleasure to graunt the victorie vnto the Christians And therewithall descended from the place whereas hee was and put himselfe in the plaine whereas that most dreadfull Organte with his people should passe and béeing there with his speare in his hande abiding his comming he sawe comming towards him a bigge knight and verie well made whose proportion dyd giue him great contentment hée was mounted vppon aâ—mightie great horse and was armed with armour brodered about with golde and precious stones so fresh and bright that it seemed thereby that it should be the first time that hee was armed with them and béeing verie much delyghted in his gallant disposition hée was desirous for to knowe who he was but hée hadde no time for to informe himselfe thereof for that at the same verie instant approched that dreadfull Organte who came a good space before his people and was mounted vppon a mightie and straunge beast not inferiour vnto the bignesse of an Elephant verie strong and as light and swift as anie horse and by reason that hée was so mightie and huge of his person béeing on horse backe hee séemed lyke vnto a Tower his countenaunce and expectation was so terrible and grim that it was sufficient for to put feare and dreade in anie knight how heroycall and valyant so euer hée were But this flower and mirrour of all Knighthood who neuer made anie other account but vnto that which reason and honour did binde him without anie feare and dreade came vnto him and sayd Gyant tell me whether thou doest goe with so great hast Then the Gyant verie wrathfull and angrie at that demand beholding him with a fierce countenance answered and said As thou art one if thou were one hundreth I would make the answere to be verie déere vnto thée but yet whether is it that I shoulde goe but to make mightie riuers of the Gréekish bloud bloud Then the knight of the Sunne sayde first before that thou doest attempt that enterprise thou must combat with mée for I doe tell thâ—e that before thou canst make great riuers thou must first make littâ—e brookes Then with great furie throwing out smoake from his â—ealme this dreadfull Organte tourneth about his mightie beast and sayd in this manner Oh Iupiter how hast thou giuen vnto one alone knight so great hardinesse that being armed in the field he durst challenge and dosâ—e the dreadfull Organte And when he had taken of the field so much as he thought sufficient for his course with his Speare in his hand which séemed to bee a high and mightie Puâ—e tree he came against the knight of the Sunne who so fast as his Cornerâ—no could â—unne came against him and according vnto the great furie that eyther of them brought it séemed that the earth dyd thunder and quake but whâ—n they ioyned to make their encounter the Speaâ—â— of the Gyant was 〈◊〉 all to pâ—â—es vppon the 〈…〉 of the knight of the Sunne and considering the 〈◊〉 thereof and with what force and furie it was broken it had beene sufficient to haue ouerthrowen a wall for that it made so great a noise as though a thunderbolt had fallen from heauen and yet for all this it made no more 〈…〉 that good knight than if it had ben but a small 〈…〉 but he made his encounter 〈…〉 in the middest of his 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 that he thriâ—â—â— through and through not spâ—â—â—ing his thicke and 〈◊〉 of make but with the force thereof he made the point of his Spears to 〈◊〉 all bloudâ— at 〈…〉 wherewith he ouerthrâ—w 〈◊〉 and his beastâ— the 〈…〉 that some Castle had 〈…〉 Lâ—kewise 〈◊〉 worthinâ—sse ofâ— that 〈…〉 was sufficâ—ent for 〈…〉 he was verie desirous to know who he was she came thether in that sort out of the Citie for to sée the estate of all the whole campe vpon that littâ—e mountaine whereas the knight of the Sunne was as he had done before whose generous heart hauing no power to kéepe her selfe in 〈◊〉 anie longer being in presence of him whom she so much â—â—ned and knowing him receiued great contentment 〈…〉 that worthie encounter â—he went vnto him and sayd 〈…〉 them vpon them my good friend and leaue not one of them a liue But when the knight of the Sun knew her it could not bée expressed the great ioy that he receiued But by reasâ—n that the people of Organte drow nigh vnto him he had no time to make her answere according vnto his 〈◊〉 desire but onelie he sayd My good Ladie hauing 〈◊〉 good 〈◊〉 and succour as I haue of you I haue no reason for to feare all these people although they were many more than they be Thus they both together went towards the battaile and gathered many people that were scattered abrode from the fight In the meane time that they were doing this the people of Organte came vnto the place whereas their Captain was slaine and were verie strangelie amazed for to sée him in that case with so terrible and mortall a thrust and could not imagine that anie mortall man could giue it and being all of them verie desirous for to be reuenged of his death they went towards the campe and with a great noise and shouting they put themselues into the middest of the battaile in such sort that by reason at that present thâ— battaile was in ballance and that to enter in a fresh was the occasion that the Gréekes receiued great damage and the whole battaile like to haue bene lost for that the Emperour and the rest of the principall knightes were detained and a foote as you haue heard But at this instant the knight of the Sunne and the most excellent and roiall Princesse Claridianâ— with more than thréeâ—thousand knightes such as were dispearsed and gone abroade and by them gathered together pressed themselues into the battaile with great fuâ—ie and force making great and mightie slaughter in such 〈…〉 was more filled with bloâ—d and all those of their parte recouered force and strength and to the contrarie parte the Pagans séeing so great slaughter and destruction of their people beganne to giue waie and to loose grounde Now at this time might bée séene verie well accomplished the Prophesie of the olde king of Gedrosis for that according vnto the great destruction that the knight of the Sun and the royall Princesse made on their enimies it séemed that there were not people inough in all the whole campe
for to satisfie their furious appetite and there was not 〈◊〉 one in all the whole armie that was in perfect securitie from their furious and bloudie handes Within a while the knight of the Sunne came into the place whereas was the good Emperour his Father a foote and so weary that almost he could not lyft vp his arme to his head hée and the two Spanish knightes although they had done greate and meruailous 〈◊〉 and incredible wonders yet were they at the point to haue béen slaine for that they were charged and assaulted by the king of the Gandaros and with two mightie great and deformed Gyants with an infinite number of other people who brought them into a meruailous perplexitie But quicklie they were rescued and their enimies deceiued of their praiâ— for when the knight of the Sunne knew him to bée his Father with a new force more than of a knight hée strâ—ke one of these Gyantes such a blowe vnder the gorge of â—is healme that hée cut his head cleanâ— from his bodie The which béeing done with great lyghtnesse hée turned himselfe about and with both his handes hée stroke such an ouerthwart at the other vpon his wast that almost 〈◊〉 vnto his saddle bowe hée parted him in two péeces and the royall Princesse stroke such another blowe vppon the healme of the king of the Gandaros that with the increâ—ible force thereof shée cloue his head quite downe vnto hâ—s téeth and ouerthrew him dead at his féete The bloud waxed colde within their bodies and theyr members shaked of all them that did sée these mortall and deformed blowes in especiall those Pagans that were ther nigh at hande who had compassed about the Emperour and the other two Princes so that it was not néedfull of anie other occasion for to cause them to depart thence for that they gaue them such entertainment that they all fledde awaie and put themselues into the battaile and thought not themselues in anie securitie wheresoeuer they shoulde become And although the good Emperour Trebatio had time and space inough for to mount vppon his horse yet hee was so wearie that he had no force for to doe it Likewise the two Spanish knightes were readie for to lie downe with wearinesse The which beeing séene and perceiued by that good Knight with a trice he alighted from his horse 〈◊〉 and tooke the Emperour his Father in his armes and with his owne strength he put him into the saddle and gaue vnto the two bretheren other two horses and with his owne handes he mounted them The which béeing done in spite of all those that were against them hée tooke vnto himselfe the horse of the king of Gandaros which was both strong and swift and with great lightnesse he leaped into the saddle and passed forwardes on leauing the Emperour Trebatio no lesse amazed than ioyfull and content to see the wonderfull déâ—des of his sonne who with new force and strength the which hee recouered with that sodaine ioy and pleasure pressed forwardes into the battaile being in the middest betwixt the two Spanish knightes and dyd such 〈◊〉 acts that it seemed he had but as then entered into the battaile Then the knight of the Sunne came vnto the place with the Princesse Claridiana whereas they found on foote the princes Bargandel and Lyriamandro Rodomarte Rodoâ—eo Flâ—â—ndes and Florinaldus by whose comming they were quicklie set at libertie and had space for to mount them selues on horsback the which being done he did the like vnto the Tartarian Zoilo the king Sacridoro neuer staied til he 〈◊〉 whereas the stout Oristedes was which was a strange thing to beholde to sée the great number of dead bodies at his féete round about him but by reason that hée was ouerpressed with so many against him hée was verie wearie and almost out of breath which being perceiued by the knight of the Sunne with a great good will he did succour him slaying and ouerthrowing to the ground all those that he found against him and of the thrée kings of the Indias the royall Princesse ouerthrew two of them dead to the ground and the third ranne awaie for if he had tarried his golden crowne the which he had on his head would little haue auailed him Then the good Troyan being verie glad of that aduantaged succour tooke vnto him a verie good horse and mounting vpon him they all together thrust themselues into the battaile and neuer staied till they came whereas the two Princes Brandizel and Claueryndo who were compassed round about with those gyantine knights but quicklie they were deliuered out of their hands and â—â—â—unted vpon other horses At this time were ioyned together the Emperour Trebatio with all the rest of the worthie and valiant knights with the knight of the Sunne and the royall Princesse Claridiana and all was néedfull for that the Emperour Alycandro accompanied with those Gyants his gard and with the most principallest kings of their hoast came vnto that place of the camp making such destruction and slaughter that they alone had béene sufficient to haue got the whole victorie of the field But being discouered by this generous companie they all together moued towardes them whose encounter was a thing worthie to haue bene séene for that the knight of the Sunne the royall Princesse with the mightie Emperour Trebatio Don Claros and Arcalus the two princes Brandizel and Claueryndo the king Florion and the king Sacridoro with the Tartarian Zoilo All the together made their encounter against the ten Gyants of the Gard of the Emperour and that which séemed not to be beléeued and impossible to bée executed amongest all them that were in the whole armie fell out nâ—we deane vnto the contrarie for that euerie one of these worthie Princes missed not but ouerthrew his aduersarie to the earth either starke dead or sore wounded and although some of them of the Emperour Trebatios part were vnhorsed yet quicklie and with a trice they were mounted againe And of other twelue kings that were mightie and stout and of great valour that came in companie with the Emperour Alycandro there remained but two of them but all the rest were ouerthrowen and slaine by Baâ—gandel and Lyriamandro Rodomarte and Rodofeo Flamides and Florinaldus the sonnes of the gran Torcato and the stout Rogelio When these Pagan kings were slaine and ouercome although the number of Pagans were infinit yet they beganne to loose ground for that they had no other Captaines for to gouerne them but onelie that mightie Pagan Bramarant who was deteined in battaile with Rosicleer and the two worthie knights Meridian and Brandimardo if there had bâ—ne many in the campe lyke vnto them before the Pagans would haue yeelded anie ground there had bene greater destruction and bloud shed more than there was but by reason that they were but two onelie they were not sufficient for to gouerne and rule them although they did make so greate slaughter that they
seemed not to be anie humane creatures But now was the time come of the good fortune and destinie promised vnto the Emperour Trebatio to shewe it selfe fauourable and the Prophesie before sayde by the olde king of Gedrosia to worke effect and accomplish the truth thereof in confirming of the same for that the Pagans began to retire and night drew on and it wared darke they receiued great feare in such sorte that they put themselues vnto flight and ranne awaie with great shame so that a little before the shutting of the euening the Pagans put themselues in such feare and hast in running that there was no force of resistance in them but to be all slaine by the Gréekes who followed them at their héeles And the Emperour Alycandro when that he sawe himselfe left alone without his strong gard and mightie kings his vassals that were wont to kéepe and beare him companie and all his people to run awaie before him ouercome and cleane without anie hope of victorie he larged the raines vnto his horse and ranne about the field complaining verie much against the Gods whome he tooke to bée his parents and kinsfolke as also against Fortune for shewing her selfe so contrarie against him but most he complained against himselfe for putting so great confidence and trust in his owne power in that hée would not giue anie credit vnto the good and true counsailes of the olde king of Gedrosia and going in this sort he came vnto his Tents and taking the faire Princesse Lyndabrides and the rest of the Ladies and Damsels that were with her with other such things as conueniently he could hée fled downe vnto the sea side whereas was all his whole Fléete whereof the Christians had burnt a great part of them such as were at the Sea for although the saide ships of the Christians were but few in number yet when that they sawe the great destruction that was made on the land they recouered great courage â—or to assault them that were at the Sea in such sorte that they set fire on manye shippes that were in the Fléete in spite of them that were there for that they found small resistance Thus as I haue saide before when the Emperour came vnto the Sea side there was so great hast of embarking that with great trauaile hée embarked himselfe into a shippe with those that came with him and being embarked yet he thought not himselfe in anie securitie but in great hast caused the Sailes to bée spread abroade and launched themselues into the Sea leauing all this troupe and power ouerthrowen in Grecia Then the Prince Meridian and Brandimardo when that they sawe how that the people were dispearsed and that by no meanes possible they coulde not staie them from flying and running awaie Then went they from one place vnto another séeking of the Emperour Alycandro but could not finde him till such time as they came vnto the Sea side whereas it was tolde them how that hée was embarked into a shippe and departed with the Princesse Lyndabrides and the other Ladies and Gentlewomen that were in her companie amongst whome was the faire Princesse Floralinda spouse vnto the Prince Meridian who when that hée vnderstoode of their departure dyd straight wayes embarke himselfe in another shippe and followed after them In all this while the Gréekes vnderstoode in no other thing but in killing and slaying of Pagans as they ranne awaie and made such slaughter as in all the daie before was not the lyke at which time all the water in the Tirreno sea from the â—geo vnto the Euxino was redde and turned into the coulour of bloud with the great quantitie that were slaine as well on the sea as on the land which was a thing of great terrour and wonder to beholde But the knight of the Sunne when he sawe that the battaile was dispearsed and how that the Pagans sledde before them hée made no farther account of them but went and sought for the Emperour Alycandro and the Princesse Lyndabrides fearing that in the moouing and running of the people they should receiue some damage or harme The which he would not that it should so fall out for anie thing in all the world for that hée considered verie well in his minde how much he was bound vnto them for the great loue which they bare vnto him And when he came vnto the Tents he went from one vnto another enquiring for the Emperour and it was tolde him how they were fled and gone wherewith he gallopped his horse till hée came vnto the sea side whereas hée sawe the Pagans making great hast for to embarke themselues and many of them did swimme aboord because they would not abide the furie of the Greekes a land Then the Knight of the Sunne came vnto one of those Pagans and put the point of his sword to his face and sayd that hee would kill him if hée dyd not tell him newes of the Emperour Alycandro Then the Pagan who sawe him depart for feare of death tolde him how that he was departed from thence in a ship with the princesse Lyndabrides and all her Ladies and gentlewomen Whereat when the knight of the Sunne heard of their departure he was verie sorrowfull as well for the perill in the which they put themselues as also for that hée would haue done vnto them the honourâ— and seruice that they deserued and for that his valiant courage could not suffer that they should depart in such sorte with a setled purpose and determination full of vertue he put himselfe into a Boate and caused the Marriners to rowe him vnto a good ship that was there at hande whereas he found certaine knights that did resist him at his entrie whom he slew and threatned the Maister and Marriners that he woulde lykewise kill them if they did not gouerne the ship right that waie which the Emperour Alycandro was departed and gone Then they who sawe the great destruction that hée had made in so short a time being greatlie amazed thereat and with great feaâ—e did obey all that he commanded so that in companie with the other ships they hoised saile and departed through that bloudie sea whereas we wil leaue them in their iourney and returne vnto them that were left in the field At this time the good Emperour Trebatio when he saw the night come on a pace and that it waxed darke being verie wearie he all his companie in killing of pagans began to blow and sound his rich horne which lyke a good Captaiâ—e he carried alwaies about his necke and he dyd sound it iâ— such sort that in all those broade and wide fields it was heard at which sound all his people dyd obey his commandement and gathered themselues together But yet in all this time the battaile betwixt Rosicleer and Bramarant neuer ceased but rather as then was more furious and kindled in wrath and they did no other thing but procure to charge the one the other with
of the Sunne was taken prisoner by the parents and friends of Florinaldus they were strangelie amazed to see the great and mightie edifices of the Castle that â—eemed weâ—e burned and destroyed and such relikes as remained as péeces of towers and wallâ—s with their foundations did put gâ—eat admiration in al them that passed thatâ— waie and béeing veâ—ie desirous to knoâ—e what was the occasion of so great destruction they stayed and procured â—o sée if they could fiâ—de anie 〈…〉 that could giue them relation thereof and by câ—aunce they found certaine men that did dwell in the sâ—me place wâ—o declarâ—d vnto them the whole circumstance of that which the knight of the Sunne had there done from the first contention that he had with Floâ—â—naldos till after he was clâ—â—re out of prison whereas he was and how the Castle with all the towers wer destroied and left in that order as they â—aw it the which when they vnderstoode without lacâ—ing anie part thereof they were wonderfullie amazed as well aâ— the strange buildings which séemed to haâ—e 〈…〉 at the valiant and worthie 〈◊〉 of the knight of the Sunne and they who had séene by experience many of his wonderfull deedes sayde that with great reason they ought to put in obliuion the acts done by the ancient and fâ—mâ—us knights of whose worthie deedes the world doth resound for that the knight of the Sunne was such a one that not one of them might bée compared vnto him In this sorte when they had heard the whole discourse of their desire béeing verie glad and ioyfull thereof they gaue great thankes vnto him who had made it manifest vnto them and departed from thence and hauing vnderstanding how that the king was in a â—itie called Viana which was vpon Danubia they tooke their iourney along the riuer vpwardes towards the said Citie and hauing trauaâ—led many daies thetherwards in the end they came within thrée miles of the mightie Citie about the houre of one of the clocke in the after noone at which time the great heate of the Sunne vnto such as doe trauaile is most troublesome and beeing troubled with the great heate these two knightes determined to put themselues out of the high waie and to enter into a verie faire and fresh Orchard that was there at hand and there to rest and recreate themselues till the force of the heate were past and looking towards the Citie they sawe comming towards them a damsell mounted vppon a Palâ—â—aie with so great speede as her palsraie coulde runne and as one that made hast to accomplish some great necessitie And séeing her to come with so great hast they were verie desirous to knowe the occasion thereof which made them for to staie vntill her comming thether and drawing more â—gher vnto them they â—awe that the wept and made great lamentation in such sorte that shée was all wet with teares But when shee sawe the two knightes shee began to weepe more pittifullie and to lift vp her lamentable voice saying after this sort Oh iusâ—ice of God how do you permit that so great treason be done vâ—to so high a damsell as shée is that there is not a knight in all the world that will defend her iustice and qâ—arrâ—ll Thâ—se two knights when they heard these words were more desirous than before to vnderstand the effect thereof and put themselues before the damsell and staying her haâ—â—ie iouâ—ney one of them said Damsell we praie you to let 〈◊〉 a while this your complaint and wéeping and declare vnto vs the occasion of this your great sorrow for that we are knightâ— that with a verie good will will offer our persons to put remedie therein if it bee a thing that with reason and with our honours wee maye performe Then the Damsell when shee heard those curteous wordes did verie much beholde them and sawe that they were knightes verie stronglie and richlie armed and of a gallant and stout proportion shee coniectured that they shoulde bée knâ—ghts of great bountie and straungers in that Countrie for that at anie time shee had not seene in the Court of the king 〈◊〉 of so gallant and warlike disposition and hauiâ—g more hope than shee brought with her shée answered them 〈◊〉 sayd Sir knights a heauie thing it is that you doe demaund of mée to cause mée now for to stay and declare vnto you the dolorous care that I haue within mée the which onely for to expresse will cause my griefe to renew and increase and I doe beléeue that there is no heart so hard but of my sorrow will take great compassion But for that you haue vsed vnto mée so great courtesie in your words and againe the good disposition of your persons doe giue mée to vnderstand that my labour shall not be in vaine for to giue you to vnderstande of the greatest treason that euer you haue heard of the which was done vnto a faire Damsell of high estate and is the occasion of all this my sorrow You shall vnderstand sir knights that in the court of the king Tâ—berio of Hungaria who is at this instant in the citie of Viana the Quéene Augusta wife vnto the king Tiberio â—ath in her companie manie Ladies and gentlewomen of great beautie and high estate of all the principallest of Germania amongst whom there was one who as well in beautie as in riches and estate did passe and surmounâ— all the rest and is the Dutches of Austria called the faire Polisena for that her great beautie and fairenessâ—e as they say is equall vnto that that was of the daughter of Pâ—â—aâ—o When this damsell came vnto the age of twelue yéeres her father dyed and for that she was so young and tender of age although heire vnto that high estate the Queene Augusta did take her into her companie and it is now full foure yéeres since her first comming into the court In which time as she increased as well in beautie as in yéeres manie worthie knights of high estate and renowme that saw her dyd procure by all meanes possible for to marrie with her amongest whome there was none that she could fancie or beare any good will or perfect loue vnto but the gallant Lusiano prince of Suâ—uia who was the gallantest proporcioned and stoutest knight that at this present is to be found in all the prouinces of Germania It is now more then thrée yéeres since this Prince did begin to loue and serue her in which time for her sake he did many valiant deedes worthy to be put in memorie Likewise the faire Polisena being no lesse ouercome vanquished with his loue did not loue him with any other entension but to marrie with him thinking that with no other knight she might better match her selfe then with him so that these two were verie conformable together in their wills and desires as I who was a third person betwixt them do know and am a witnesse to the same and also doe iustifie that betwixt
their hands for to kisse theÌ„ for the great curtesie they offered vnto her and therewith she returned with them towards the Citie againe and sayd Oh that it were Gods will Sir Knightes that my fortune might be this daie so happie and prosperous as it was vnto another damsell in times past who brought vnto this Court a strange knight for to defend an honourable Ladie from the power of the stout Aridon who alonelie dyd not kill him in battaile but afterwards had so much power and force for to defend himselfe from all the power and force of the King 〈◊〉 maintaining battaile a great part of the daie with more than two thousand knightes till such time as night drew on and they all thought it best to leaue him so that he went free awaie and none of them all able to hurt or doe him anie outrage who afterward was tolde vs to bée the knight of the Sunne and sonne vnto the Emperour â—rebatio and of the Empresse Briana daughter vnto my Lord the king Tâ—berio and if it were not for the greate warres as is tolde vs that doth detaine him and also for the great 〈◊〉 that the king hath against him the Dutchesse would haue sent vnto him in commending her whole cause in hope that hée woulde haue had some compassion on her All this time Rosicleer and Lyriamandro did greatlie reioyce to heare tolde the wonderfull acts and déedes of the knight of the Sun for wheresoeuer they went they found all the world full of his great fame Thus in trauailing they talked of these and many other things till at thrée of the clocke in the after noone they entered into the mightie Citie of Viana at such time as the great place was full of people tarrying for to sée the battaile that should bee made betwixt the Prince Lusiano and Duke Roberto Then they put themselues into such a place whereas they were verie secret and commanded the damsell to goe forth at such time as the Duke and his knightes were in the place that then she should come and tell them for that they woulde not bée séene till such time as they were in the field and for that in this next Chapter you shall vnderstand the whole truth of all that which passed I doe conclude this and referre mée to the next Of the great treason that the Duke Roberto ordained for to haue the faire Polisena to bee his wife Chap. 44. NOw the Hystorie faith that all that which the damsell had told vnto Rosicleer and Liriamandro was most certaine true but yet there was another secret vnknownen and knowen vnto none but vnto the Duke and another damsell of the Dutchesse which was this insomuch as the Duke Roberto had lost all his hope for to haue at his wil the faire Dutchesse Polisena he determined within himselfe to vse some other meanes which was the worst that euer was procured or done by anie knight for when hée sawe nothing could preuaile him he then laboured with all diligence for to know which of the damsels that waighted vpon the dutches was y â— basest of linage poorest for y â— these two things in inconstant minds be easiest to accoÌ„plish their lusts and desires And when he had learned out this and found that there was one amongest them that serued the Dutchesse which had these qualities or better to saie inconueniences he did secretlie practise to talk with her the which being done what with requests gifts and faire promises in the end he brought her vnto the bent of his bow and hauing her at his commandement as he would wish vpon a night at such time as the Moone did shine most cléerest hée practised with her that she should apparell her selfe with the same apparell attire of her head that the Dutches her Ladie did weare the daie before being so attired shée shoulde come forth into a gallant fresh garden which was vnder the window of the Dutches whereas many times shée would recreate her selfe with her damsells and could not bee seene of anie by reason that the wals were so high being there she should present her selfe to be the faire Polisena and hee would méete with her in the sayd garden whereas betwixt them they would plight their faith troth of matrimonie how that he would take her into his armes as though she were his spouse and lawfull wife When this and all the rest which the Duke requested was concluded with that damsell he then began to increase the friendship which before he had begun with those thrée knighâ—s Ricardo Carmelio Ambardo who were thrée of the principallest knights of most credit that were in all the Court vnto whom many times before because he would haue their friendshippes more surer he did impart the secret great loue which hée haâ— with the Dutches did not onelie declare vnto them the sharpe answeres which she gaue him but rather sayd that he was verie well beloued of her and how that she had promised him many times to receiue him for her husband although shée dyd delaie the time from one night vnto an other Then after a while when that they were partlie perswaded of the truth the daie before the night that he had conâ—orted with the Damsell to come forth into the garden hée went vnto these three knights and in great secret he sayde vnto them these wordes It is not vnknowen vnto you my Lordes how long time I haue trauailed with sorrow for to conclude this loue that I haue alwayes had with the Dutchesse to no other intent and purpose but to marrie with her and to haue her in that honour as her high estate and great worthinesse doth deserue shée hath driuâ—n mée off from daie to daie dilating the time and hindering mée of that great glorie and contentment the which I hoped long ere this to haue inioyed as you doe verie well knowe but now by the good successe that alwayes I hoped for of this my Matrimonie it hath pleased God that the Dutchesse hath now conserted with mée that this next night that commeth she will come forth into a garden that is on the backe side of her lodging where as she willeth me to méete her and there she wil accomplish all that I haue desired and for that I doe know and haue proued by experience the inconstancie and varietie of womens heartes I am verie desirous that you my Lordes would shew me so much pleasure as to go with me thether and to be in secret there whereas you may heare and sée all that passeth because if it shoulde so fall out by my euill fortune that the Dutchesse of Austria for feare of displeasing the king or Quéene or by anie other occasion that shuld moue her now pretended purpose shall denie and flie from this her promise that then you if occasion did so serue as witnesses of that ye sawe may declare the truth of all that which you haue séene
in this Chapter following How that Rosicleer and Liriamandro and the gentle Lusâ—ano had battaile with the Duke Robertâ— and his companions Chap. 45. AFter that the Damsel of the Dutches was departed from Rosicleer and Liriamandro she went straight waies into the place appointed for the battaile whereas she kept her selfe verie close till such time as the Duke and his companions came foorth all foure together and armed with rich and glittering armor mounted vpon a great and gallant horse had with them so gallant semblance that they semed to be knights of great valour worthinesse as well in their armour as in their gallant proporcion In this â—ort they ridde about the place and when that the king Tiberio and the Quéene Augusta with all the principallest of the court were set in their places at the windowes of the mightie pallace then straight waies came farther the gentle Lusiano all armed in blew armour garnished about with golde and rich stoones which was conformable vnto his estate and was mounted vpon a mightie horse trapped with blewe veluet and bordered with gold and was in all things of so gallant and gentle disposition that ther was not one in all the place but when they saw him did receue great sorrow and griefe in such sorte that there was amongst them a great sound in maner of a lamentation for that they made rekoning that he was a dead man and there were fewe amongst them but would haue giuen a good part of their goods vpon condicion that the gentle Lusiano might cleere himselfe of that enterprise in especial the king and the Queene who loued him almost as well as though he had bene their owne sonne and would haue bene verie glad if y â— the prince 〈◊〉 would giue ouer that demaund for that they beleued y â— the Duke Roberto had reason on his side and again as it was likely they thought it impossible that he should escape from that battaile with his life Then the king commaunded that the Dutches should be brought foorth for to see and behold the battaile that was ordained for her sake who very much against her will was brought vnto a window of the pallas but when she saw her gentle spouse her heart was all couered with sorrow and griefe and as dead she fell down to the ground whereas her life had bene in great perill if that within a short space she had not bene comforted with the comming of the two knights So soone as the damsell saw that it was houre time with a trice she went vnto the In whereas she had left Rosicleere and Liriamandro and giuing them to vnderstand of that which had passed and how that they were readie to goe to battaile They straight waies mounted vpon their horses and with all the spéede possible came vnto the place at such time as the Iudges did part the Sunne and the field vnto the knight readie to leaue them to their battaile And as they pressed to enter into the place all the people dyd make them large and broade way for to passe as well to cleere themselues from the furie of their great hast as also for that they sawe them to be armed with so precious and rich armour and of so gallant proporcioÌ„ that straight waies they thought they came vpon some set purpose and determination When they came vnto the place whereas the knights were without speaking euer a woord they plased theÌ„selues the one on the one side and the other on the other side of the Prince with their speares in their hands readie for to goe vnto the battaile Then the Damsel who was well knowne went vnto the king and saide You shall vnderstand worthy and mightie king Tâ—berio that I this daye going forth of this citie because I would not see the death of the priâ—ce Lusiano by my good fortune I met with these two knights who wheÌ„ as they vnderstood by mée the occasioÌ„ of my sorow and griefe hauing no other occasion but as they are bound by reason and Iustice are come hether with mée and will defend the cause on the part and behalfe of my Ladie the Dutches. Therefore on their parts I am come vnto your highnesse to request you to graunt theÌ„ licence for the same for so much as they be strangers and would not erre in any thing that is dewtifull vnto your seruice The king who all this time dyd verie well behold the two knights and lyked them meruailously well was very glad and ioyefull at the words of the Damsell and hauing some hope more then before of the deliuerie of the Prince by the ayde of those two knights aunswered and sayde that the Duke and his companions were foure so that Lusiano might likewise take vnto him other thrée companions and that there was no reason in him for to denie them therefore the knights might doe what their pleasure was and that he should be well content therewith The Duke and his companions when that they sawe how that Lusiano had companions made no rekoning theroff for that if they were tenne of them they hoped before an houre were ended they would bring them vnto their endes But the Prince when that he sawe himselfe in the middest betwixt two such knights receiued no small contentment for that they séemed to be of high estate great renowme as well in their rich armour as of their gallant and stoute proporcions But in especiall Rosicleer for that there was not a knight in all that place but he had foure fingers vauntage of him in height so that it séemed vnto him that in all his life he had not séene a knight of a gallanter disposition And hauing no time for to speak vnto them he bowed downe his head in token of humilitie giuing them thankes for the great courtesie which they shewed vnto him At this time the houre was come and the trumpets began to sownde making a great noyse whereat the Duke his companions with their speares in their hands set spurs vnto their horses running with al furie possible The other thrée knights sâ—acked no time to runne and receiue them so great furie that it séemed a whirle winde and made their encouÌ„ters the one against the other in this sort The Duke Roberto and the gentle Lusiano made their encounters together all alone in such â—ort that by reason they were both â—rong and valiant knights they brake and sheuered their spâ—ares all to péeces but iustling together with their horse and bodies they both fell downe vnto the ground who with great lightnesse arose vpon their feete anâ— as mortall enimies made battaile together with their swords Liriamandro made his encounter with Ricardo who was a gallant knight And now whether it was for that he was in presence of his parents or by his great bountie and worthinesse Liriamandro ouerthrew the stout Ricardo horse and man to the ground And although by the force thereof he lost his stirrups yet lyke a good knight
manifest her glorie she did shew vnto the king Tiberio and vnto the Quéene Augusta her Mother her third sonne who was the faire Prince Claramante and at that present was norished in the court with his Mother with so great care as in this next Chapter following shal be declared vnto you for the which this Historie doth leue of all the surplus of this receiuing and comming of the king of Hungaria and the Queene Augusta for that they remained a long time after in the court whereas they declared at large the one vnto the other the whole circumstances of all that had passed and from that day forwards the king Oliuerio and the king of Hungaria were great friends as well for the kindred that was béetwixt them by the marriage of Rosicleer vnto the Princesse Oliuia as also for y â— in times of necessitie these two kings did verie much the one for the other But in especiall the king of Hungaria setting apart the great loue that he bare vnto his sonne in law and neuew he would accomplish his dutie bound vnto the king Oliuerio and ayde him with his people to goe against Grecia as hath bene told you in this Historie All this noble crue remained certaine daies in the Citie of Constantinople in which time they spent their time in no other thing but in mirth pastimes triumphes which were made as well by strange knights as by them of Grecia and might well be saide that there was ioyned together all the magestie of the world How the young Prince Claramante was nourished in the court of the Emperor Trebatio of other things that was spoken by the wife Artimidoro and Lirgandeo with other things that happened Chapter 47. IN all the time that the Emperour was in Constantinople there lacked not the two wise men Artemidoro and Lirgandeo who were of the Emperour Trebatio and of his sonnes and of all that were in the court verie much estéemed and honoured for that their great wisedome vnderstanding did deserue the same and they knew that they had in charge to write and put in memorie all things that should passe And although for that as then it was not time for to discouer the secret loues of the knight of the Sunne they would not in this part make them manifest neither of the Prophesies before saide although the most part of them hath come to effect yet in all that euer these two wise men dyd write they neuer writ any thing of this faire youth the Prince Claramante sonne vnto the Emperour Trebatio but onely one chapter which was written by the wiâ—e Artemidoro of his wonderful Natiuitie The occasion hath bene as I beléeue the great trouble which they had in penning of such things past as séemed to be most necessarie in this part of y â— Historie And now for that it semed they wer all occupied in trâ—umphes feastes these wise men were at more leisure so that both of them did write of the youÌ„g prince Claramante as of a person whome they knew afterwards should be made great accompt of They said that at the season that the Emperour Alicandâ—o remained in Constantinople Claramante was nourâ—â—â— brought vp in the pallas of the Emperour his father and was of the age of thrée yéeres the semeliest whitest and fairest creature that was to be found in all the worlde for that his force séemed to be a celestiall Seraphin as may be immagined here amongst men his haire was lyke vnto thrids of gold Likewise of stature tall such as did well appeare in him y â— when so euer he should come to his perfect groth he should be iof bigge stature hée was of a grâ—cious semblaunt and merrie yet had he therewithal so great seueritie that of himselfe he séemed to haue the deitie of a Prince But to conclude what shall we saye of this childe the wise men say that in all things he dyd so much resemble his brother the knight of the Sunne that many times as shal be declared vnto you in the second part of this mightie Historie the one was taken for the other Oh happie and fortunate Claramante saith Liâ—gandeo that vnto such a knight and soueraigne Prince thou arte compared wherein can we more eralt thée but in this thy age to attribute y e excelencies which thy brother had being but a childe But after y â— he was an armed knight this faire childe was of all knights Ladies and damsells so welbeloâ—ed that none would willinglie depart out of his companie And now for that he was so amorous all people receiâ—ed with him great pleasure and sport but aboue all other he was estéemed and beloued of the precious princesse Lindabrides For that he did resemble so much that figure the which she hadde printed in her heart she could neuer leauâ— him out of her armes so that when the childe should depart he conceiued a displeasure and the princesse an inward sorow for his absence equall to the absence of the knight of the Sunne The occasion thereof was for that she dyd cocker and make more of him then any other the childe conceiued a greater loue vnto her then vnto the Empresse his mother that nourished him with her breastes so that the child could neuer be from her wherat the Emperour the Empresse receiued great pleasure and it was the occasion that they loued and bare a greater good will vnto that royall Princesse And as vpon a day in the mightie quadran were ioyned all those mightie Princes and knights and all the Ladies and damsells of the court shâ—wing great ioye and pâ—stime there was amongst them the olde king of Gedrosia for that he and other fiue kings vassailes vnto the Emperour Alicandro after the blouddie field was done were taken prisoners by reason they were ouerthrowen from their horse they could not flye out of the campe as other dyd as it hath bene toulde you in this Historie before that this king was very wise and well seene in deuinations and partly knew of things to come and tolde many things vnto the Emperor Alicandro before he departed out of the gran Tartaria that afterwards came to passe that if they had giuen credit vnto his good counsell the Emperour had not bene brought vnto that extremitie in the which he was Not for that those things which are ordained by God may be eschued but for that all men hath frée will to apart them selues from such things as be euill hurtfull but if God doe first determine and predestinate any thing it is for that he doth know to what ende the frée will of man will â—row vnto Being there in that conuersation with the king of Gedrosia and séeing the great pleasure and pastime that was amongst them giueing a great sigh that was heard of them all he saids Oh miserable world that for one pleasure alone thou doest giue and retourne two thousande griefes and sorowes In saying these words he hild his peace and