command such an Army from other parts in defence of the Royal Princess Florisbella as should not onely be able to expel thy Master from the Souldans Dominions but also to destroy him and all his in the very heart of his own Kingdom And tell thy Master that since he hath neglected the gracious and favorable Propositions of the Souldan that he now expect no more but prepare himself for all the misfortunes that a cruel and bloody War can bring him And tell him that I the Knight of the Golden Image do resolve when next I meet him to bereave him of his life or lose my own in the attempt and hereupon I bid him mortal battel This was the answer of Don Bellianis and it was spoken with so much fierceness that the very fire issued from his eyes for anger and he could hardly utter his words for the inward vexation that he took at the demands of the Emperor Thus the messenger being returned Don Bellianis and Baltasano resolved both to assault him on the next day and use their utmost endeavors to gain the City and thereupon they provided all things ready for an assault CHAP. XXVII How Don Brianel Prince of Macedon was Married to Aurora Queen of Antioch and of the Tilts and Tournaments that was held at the Wedding and of an Adventure that happened there VVE will now for a while leave the two Princes of Greece and Numidia and all their companions and armies in their field encamped before the City of Pharez as you have heard in the foregoing Chapter and turn back to Antioch where we left the Princes Don Brianel of Macedon Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly Don Contumeliano of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia who attended there to assist at the solemnization of the Wedding There was so great joy for the return of the Quéen that most of the Nobility of the countrey resorted to Antioch to sée her and to tender her their dutiful Allegiance which she graciously accepted and they still stayed to continue the Triumph that should be at the Wedding The day being come and all things provided the Quéen and Don Brianel were married in great pomp and she that day was most richly attired so that notwithstanding all her sorrow in her travels she appeared to be one of the most handsome Princesses in the world Dinner being ended every one resorted to the Tilt-yard which was néer the Pallace where a Scaffold was erected and on that was placed two Chairs of State for the King and Quéen to sit and behold the Tournaments and Feats of Chivalry that was to be performed Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano and a young Knight called Trion or the Knight of the Wolf who was Son to Damartino the late Governor were the Challengers who undertook to Ioust and kéep the Field against all corners for six days and accordingly they being armed at all points entred the Lists and commanded the Trumpets to sound and the Herald to proclaim that if there were any adventurous Knights that would in honor of the King and Quéen break a Lance they were there ready to receive him which was no sooner done but there came a Knight armed in white Armor who taking a Lance entered the Lists and expected the sound of the Trumpet that he might begin his Course the Knight of the Wolf did the like and they bravely méeting brake their Lances in the encounter and so passed on at the next encounter the Knight of the Wolf had so good fortune as to overthrow the other Knight out of his Saddle and passed on being unshaken and expected another Assaylant when presently another Knight armed in azure Armor entred the List and doing his obeysance to the King and Quéen expected the encounter which was so fierce that he lost both his stirrops and the horse of the Knight of the Wolf was on his buttocks but he soon made him rise and so went bravely on when taking another Lance and resolving to be revenged of his late disgrace he ran so fiercely against the Knight in the azure Armor that he sent him from his horse to the ground with his Saddle betwéen his legs After this another Knight entred the List armed in a gréen Armor and on his Shield was painted a Knight leaning on the ground under a tuft of trées and he went by the name of the Solitary Knight This Knight after his due reverence to the King and Quéen pranced about the field with a great grace at last he arrived at the end of the Lists and taking a Lance from one of his pages at the sound of the Trumpets began his Caress and performed so well that he made the Knight of the Wolf lose both his stirrops he being very little shaken with the encounter At the second course the Knight of the Wolf in revenge of the former blow ran so fiercely that he threw the Solitary Knight horse and man both to the earth at which there was a great shout And thus did the Knight of the Wolf throw many Knights from their horses so that he that day dismounted sixtéen and the night coming on they left off that sport and retiring into the Court they disarming themselves fell to dancing In which exercise they were as perfect as the other so that they are as fit for Venus as Mars Much of the evening they spent in these kinde of exercises but at length they left off and conducted the King and Queen to Bed where the fair Princess gave to Don Brianel as full and frée possession of her Body as he had formerly given her of her Kingdom and there be received a full satisfaction for all the travels he had sustained in her service Much was the content they both received and I suppose there was but few Knights in the Court but did envy their happiness and would have béen glad to have had the company of so swéet a Bed-fellow as he enjoâ—ed in which enjoyment we will leave him and all the rest to their several thoughts till the morning which being come they all arose and the Quéen signified by her blushes that she had parted from that Iewel which till then she had preserved They being all dressed noon was come when they sat down to Dinner which being done they all went to the Tilt-yard to prosecute that Sport they had begun where every one being seated in the same order they were the day before the five Champions rid about the Field expecting the arrival of some adventurous Knight they had not stayed long ere they had their desire for there entred a Knight into the Field armed in black Armor causing his Horse bravely to praunce about the Field performed his Duty to the King and Quéen and then taking a Launce expected the sound of the Trumpet which being heard he put forwards but he was encountred with such force by the Knight of the Wolf that he was thrown from his horse and
there happened that which shall be declared in the chapter following CHAP. XV. How the Day of the Coronation being come there entred into the Court a Knight who termed himself to be The Knight of the Island of Pearls and demanded the Kingdom of Shyraz as his right and offered to defend his Title in single Combate against any one Knight which Combate Don Bellianis undertook and vanquished him and of his departure for Babylon THe Kingdom of Shyraz whereof the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana were now in possession had for many years belonged to the Souldan of Persia Father to the Princess who had given the same to his Daughter as hath already béen declared but we have not yet told you how the Souldan of Persia came by the same So it was that the Father of this Souldan onely had tribute for the same of one Gozmin a valiant Knight but the said Gozmin for some trayterous enterprize was dispâ—ssessed of the same He being executed and his sons for ever disenabled to possess the same for a just reward of their fathers treason and then the Souldan took the same into his own possession and ever after that took the immediate Profits thereof to his own use onely appointing a Governor there whom he placed and displaced as often as he thought fit and in this condition he left it to his Son when he died who as I told you gave it fréely to his Son in Law Duke Alfiron as a Portion with his Daughter Now this Gozmin left two Sons behinde him both valiant and stout Knights the eldest whereof lived in an Island in the Persian Gulph called The Island of Pearls The day being come wherein this great Ceremony of Crowning the King and Quéen was to be performed every one arose early either to assist at or behold the Ceremony The King and Quéen being ready mounted in a Triumphant Chariot and by four Vnicorns were drawn to the great Temple where they being arrived mounted on a Scaffold prepared to that purpose and then the Chief Flamin of the City after the ordinary Ceremonies placed two Crowns of Gold enriched with many precious Stones of inestimable value on their heads praying to the Gods to bless them with perpetual blessings and blessing all their friends and true and loyal Subjects and cursing all such as were or should be their enemies This Ceremony being performed they both descended from their Thrones and walking through the Temple remounted their Chariot riding therein through the City with their Crowns on to the Court where they were no sooner arrived but the Tables were spread with all manner of delicious Viands that the Countrey could afford many Healths going round the Table for the prosperity of the King and Quéen After Dinner was ended before any person did arise from Table the Herald at Arms according to custom did after the sound of an innumerable company of Trumpets again proclaim the said Duke and Princess to be King and Quéen of Shyraz Larr and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormus Maqueroone Kermoen Chusestan Sigestan and Farfestan Prince and Princess of the Gulph of Persia and of the Isles there These words he pronounced twice and at the end of every such Proclamation he said if any one had any right to the same or any part thereof he bid them come forth and declare the same This had béen done twice and the Herald was about to begin the third time when a Knight armed in an azure Armor commanded him to hold his peace which he obeyed and then the Knight going up to the place where the King and Quéen sat spake as followeth Duke Alfiron for by no other name shall I own you It is not unknown to most of the people here present that my Title to this Crown of Shyraz and all the Territories thereto belonging is just and good when they shall know that I am Son to the famous Gozmin sometimes King of this place I had long since expected that the Souldan would have restored me to my undoubted right but since I see that he hath been so unjust as to give it away I am to tell thee that if thou wilt enjoy it I must first be dead and therefore I will thee presently to appoint at thy Champion to defend thy Title and to enter into the Lists with me immediately not questioning but the Gods will so far do me iustice that I shall be enabled to destroy thy Champion Having thus said he held his peace This Spéech gave a wonderful astonishment to all the persons there present and gave the King and Queen a sensible trouble to be thus interrupted in the midst of their Solemnity The King answered That he was so well satisfied in the Iustice of the Quarrel that he was ready himself to enter the Field to vindicate his Right but the Queen diswaded him therefrom not questioning but that they should finde some other Champion Many Knights presently arose and desired the King and Queen that they might have the Honor of the Combate but the King was resolved not to venture his Title in the hands of any but such a one as he should be very confident of his worth Don Bellianis thinking himself obliged to do somewhat was resolved to undertake the Combate and therefore arising from his seat desired the King and Queen to admit him to be their Champion and to put the trial of their Cause into his hands The King would willingly have excused it by reason of the many Obligations which he had already received from him but Don Bellianis who was resolved not to be denyed pressed them so hard that at length they condescended Whereupon he desired that the Combate might presently be performed To which the other Knight willingly consented and the place intended for the Iousts was the place appointed for the Combate to which place every one presently repaired much wondring at the presumption of the Knight of the Island of Pearls for so he was called and was known to be the best Knight in all that Countrey Don Bellianis having Armed himself presently repaired to the place appointed for the Combate where when he came be found the Knight of the Island of Pearls and the King and Queen and most of the Nobility seated near the Lists to behold this Combate Both the Combatants were armed with very good Armor Don Bellianis being armed with that famous Armor enriched with Basilisks and his Shield whereon was the Picture of the Princess Florisbella and mounted on an excellent Horse The other Knight was as well armed and mounted when taking each of them a Launce at the sound of the Trumpets they câ—uched their Launces and Don Bellianis with the great desire he had to hit his enemy missed his encounter but the other Knight did not so but hit his enemy so firmly on the Shield that Don Bellianis lost both his Stirrops whereat he was so extreamly enraged that throwing away his Launce without making any use thereof he
forced to measure his length on the earth which having done he retired and then there entred into the Lists a Knight armed with a white Armor as a New Knight and on his Shield he had two Keyes of Gold painted very artificially this Knight gave all the Spectators cause of admiration for he demeaned himself very courteously not onely in his saluting the King and Quéen but in his respects to all the Spectators and taking a Launce in his hand he ran against the Knight of the Wolf so furiously that at the first encounter he threw him to the earth to the great amazement of the Company who now took him for a very brave Knight Having performed so well with the Knight of the Wolf he faced about and expected to méet with some other Knight and be failed not long in his expectation for Fliorispiano of Swevia taking a strong and knotty Launce at the sound of the Trumpets met him with so great fury thinking to revenge his Companions quarrel but he was deceived therein for he onely brake his Launce upon his Enemies Shield without doing him any other harm and the Knight of the Keye having likewise broke his Launce took another and so they began a new Caréer but that second was more to the dis-advantage of Fliorispiano than the former for he lost both his Stirrops and was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to kéep him from falling at which he was much enraged séeing his Adversary still on horse-back and having onely lost one of his Stirrops but before he came to the end of the Lists he bravely recovered himself and so they did both and taking new Launces ran again but to the greater misfortune of Fliorispiano than before for he was now tumbled from his horse This gave much wonder to all present to think who the Knight of the Keyes was for he was wholly unknown there and came then by chance as shall be told you hereafter The Knight of the Keyes having performed so valiantly expected another Knight to encounter him when presently Contumeliano Prince of Phenieia prepared himself for the Encounter and taking a Launce in his hand went forwards to the Knight of the Keyes and said to him Sir Knight I have one request to make to you before we try our fortunes with the Lance which is that you would tell me your Name and of what countrey you are To which the Knight of the Keyes courteously replyed Sir Knight I am known by no other Name than the Knight of the Keyes and to tell you any other Name would little satisfie you for I was born in a Countrey so far from hence that it hath seldom here béen heard of and I le assure you I came hither by accident and never was in your company nor in this place before till this day and therefore if you have nothing else to say to me let us procéed with our Lances To which the Prince of Phenicia replyed I to my experience know Sir Knight that you do perform very well with the Lance therefore I pray grant this Request that if we chance both to break one or two Lances without any effect and neither of us have any advantage that you will procéed to the Sword where we may have more occasion to try our valors To this Request the Knight of the Keyes consented and so they forthwith brake off their discourse and began their Caréer Great was the fury with which both these Champions met and they resolving to shew all their strength brake their Lances in pieces and so passed on at the next encounter they resolved to perform better and so they did for they not onely brake their Lances as before but méeting with their bodies with great fury fell both to the ground Great was the admiration at this wonderful encounter and both the Knights were themselves much amazed but they nimbly got on their féet and the Knight of the Keyes being angred at this misfortune went to the Prince of Phenicia and said Sir Knight it was your desire before we tryed our fortunes with the Lance that if we should have no advantage with the Lance that we might end the Controversie with the Sword now since we have both had an equal misfortune and thereby are uncapable to end the difference with the Lance let us finish it with our Swords To which the Prince of Phenicia consented And so they drew their Swords and began a marvellous brave Combate to the satisfaction and admiration of all the Beholders they being equally resolved to make amends with their Swords for the default of their Lances laid on many lusty strokes The Knight of the Keyes being a young and lusty Knight behaved himself very nimbly giving his Adversary very many strokes and still avoiding those of his Enemy which so enraged the Prince of Phenicia that he should be so used before so many brave Knights his Friends and Companions that be resolved to fasten one blow on his Enemy that should end the Combate but he was deceived for though it was so mighty a stroke that the Knight of the Keyes was forced to lay one hand on the ground to save himself from falling yet he quickly recovered himself and gave his Adversary a mighty blow on the Thigh so that he was wounded there extreamly Which the King and Quéen séeing and doubting that what was begun in Iest and for Recreation would end in earnest and in the execution of one or both of their lives caused them to be parted much pitying that two such brave and valiant Knights should so injure one another upon so slender an occasion They being parted the Sport for that day ended and every one returned to the Pallace much wondring who the Knight of the Keyes should be CHAP. XXVII Who the Knight of the Keyes was and some of his Adventures and an end of the Tournament IN the west Part of Christendom there is an Island called Ireland in which Island the Knight of the Keyes was born in a City called Wexford scituated néer the Sea-side his Parents being Christians at the time of his Baptizing gave him the Name of Peter His Father was Earl of one of the Provinces of that Island called Munster and Brother to the King of that Island This was the place of his Birth where being the onely Son of his Father he was bred up with all the diligence and care that might be he providing Masters to instruct him in all things fit for so great a person At the age of eightéen years he being dubbed Knight begged leave of his Father to séek Adventures to which his Parents hardly consented in regard he was the onely Comfort and Ioy of their old Age but his importunity prevailing providing himself of things necessary be caused a strong Suit of Armor to be made and in respect his Name was Peter in remembrance of that holy Saint and Apostle be caused two Keyes to be painted on his Shield And providing himself
of her Father and Mother and therefore resolved to go home and visit his Parents At which discourse she was much troubled for her great love to him would not permit of any separation but she rather resolved to leave Father and Mother and all her friends than be without him and therefore it was resolved that she should go with him and he prepared a small Barque to that purpose which when it was ready at the time appointed he in company of his Princess entred she taking with her a good quantity of Gold and Iewels and so they departed and left Sardinia with a resolution to go towards his own Countrey No sooner were they gone but the Princess was missed at Court and the King after some enquiry hearing which way they were gone sent several Ships after them but it was in vain for a Tempest had forced the Barque in which the Knight and the Princess were quite another way and drave them on shore at another Island called Sicillia where their Barque being split they got on shore being both glad and sorry for their good and ill fortune where the Lady after some travel by land to finde a house where to repose themselves being weary sate down and drawing forth a little red Purse shewed her Knight the thrée Iewels he had given her at which he was joyful that she had not left them behinde and laying it by her she being very weary fell asléep and he lay lovingly by her but some ravenous Fowl flying by and séeing the red Purse supposing it to be a piece of flesh descended from the Skie and took it up which the Knight séeing and knowing what was in it he arose up looking to sée whither the Fowl would flie which did soon alight on a Trée but he soon followed her and disturbed her with throwing of stones at her till he forced her to flie away with the Purse he being more angry than before still followed her and she flying towards the Water side he still pursued her with stones which the Bird perceiving at length let the Purse fall into the Sea but it was in so shallow a place that he could sée it lye at the bottom but could not come at it it being a great way in the water he attempted many ways to come at it at last he discovered an old Boat hard by to which he repaired and finding a Staff therein he intended to push the Boat to the place where the Purse lay to the end he might recover it which he could not do for the Boat coming into the strength of the stream in despight of all he could do he was carried a great way from the place where he took Boat and at length he came into the main Sea when though too late he would have thrown himself into the Sea if by that means he could have got on shore Thus was his Princess left alone on shore sléeping in an unknown Land of whose misery we shall hereafter speak more But now we return to him who made heavy complaints not onely for his own misfortune but that of his Princesses And thus his Boat was at the mercy of the Sea for thrée days he expecting every moment when he and the Boat should be devoured by the Sea but his Destiny having prepared him for more better fortunes at last he was forced by the impetuousness of the waves on a little Island in the Mediterranean Seas called Zante where when he came on shore he praised God for his safe deliverance from the Sea not without many tears for the less of his dear Princess There when he had in some manner recovered his health which was impaired by his long fasting he hired a small Ship to search up and down all the Islands of the Archiepellago to finde his Princess out not knowing the name of the place where he had lost her but all was in vain for he had lost her quite another way Thus being crossed at his ill fortune he at last landed at Constantinople and then not caring whither he went such was his sorrow for the loss of his dear Princess His destinies after many weary Iourneys at last brought him to Antioch where he arrived at the Triumphs held at the Solemnization of the Wedding of the King and Quéen and there he performed such Knightly Déeds of Chivalry as hath béen told you in the foregoing Chapter The next day after the Combate betwéen the Knight of the Keyes and the Prince of Phenicia all the Champions resorted early into the Lists and there the two Knights desired of the King to give them leave to finish their Combate but the King would not assent thereto but ordered that they should both desist there from and in regard there had béen so much equalling in the Knights both at the Lance and Sword neither of them should be accounted Vanquished or Vanquisher and that they should neither of them come into the Field all the following days of the Tournament but that the two Knights Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore should kéep the Field onely which at last they all assented to and they performed it to their great honor for in that time they dismounted many hardy Knights but still kept the honor of the Field till all the days of the Tournament were accomplished CHAP. XXVIII How Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Contumeliano Fliorispiano The Knight of the Wolf and The Knight of the Keyes did all take their leaves of the King and Queen and journeyed towards Babylon to meet with Don Bellianis THese Iousts and Tournaments being ended and most of the Nobility departed to their own Dwellings the Knights Don Clarineo and his Companions desired leave to depart in quest of their Brother Don Bellianis and the King and Quéen hearing that he was at Babylon or thereabouts knowing of the Wars that was betwéen the Souldan of Babylon and the Emperor of Trebizond and that Don Bellianis was engaged therein they not onely consented to their departure but also would have furnished them with many brave Knights to have gone with them but they refused that kindness The Knight of the Wolf likewise knowing their intentions and that in their company he should be certain to get glory desired his Father Damartino to give him leave to accompany them which he did likewise consent unto knowing the worth of his Companions would be able to kéep him from harm Thus were they accompanied and ready to go when Peter of Ireland the Knight of the Keyes being almost bereaved of his senses for the loss of his dear Mistress the Princess Magdalena and being resolved to search all the World over but he would finde her and having a very great estéem for the Princes Don Clarineo Lucidamore and the rest of their Companions for the great worth and valor that he saw them endowed with he came likewise to them and desired them to admit him to be a Companion in their adventurous Travels To which his request they soon consented for
your Vertues but also an affection for your Person and if you are pleased with her and think the enjoyment of her Person will be any recompense for your great Labors be confident that you may have a free possession thereof and We shall think Our selves happy that We can have so brave a Prince for Our Son in Law by whose power and magnanimity we question not but we shall be able to defend this Empire Don Bellianis having heard this immediately fell on his knées and notwithstanding all the resistance of the Souldan kissed his hand and straitly embracing him in most humble manner thus replyed Ah Mighty Sir What Thankes or Returnes am I able to make for this so immense and most desireable Favour were I possessed of the whole Worlds Empire I should yet esteem my self too mean a person to enjoy so great a happiness as that of the Person of your Incomparable Daughter whose rare Perfections commands all the Potentates in the whole World to be at her dispose And Sir assure your self that for the future it shall be my endeavor to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forward and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came néer the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliments and made a Congratulatory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the middle of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Fetters of God and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladies The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her Divine Countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies representing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious than the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazled the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess away he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly Banquet being prepared they all sat down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was Married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Solemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came thither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to render their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were extream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness these great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by
assistance will be of little effect The Knight of the Basilisks gave attention to this advice and knowing not onely the person that gave it but that it was also very good endeavored by his own example and actions to retire to the City and so he and his companions did with all their Forces onely with the loss of two thousand men which were killed in the Battel and retreat And the Souldan and his Son the Knight of the Images séeing themselves forced to retire from the City walls by reason of the approaching of the night which was now coming on retired into their enemies trenches with a resolution to abide there till they could take the City but they were prevented as hereafter shall be declared CHAP. II. Who the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions were and how the Siege was raised and the Souldan and all his Forces retired to Persepolis SO soon as the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions were entred the City the Emperor caused a strait Guard to be placed on the Walls and then retired to the Pallace where he was welcomed by the two Princesses Persiana and Aurora but greatly was the Ioy of all increased when the Knight of the Basilisks discovered himself to be Don Bellianis Knight of the Golden Image and his Companions to be his two Brothers Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly and his Cousin Don Brianel of Macedon but there was one Knight who continued still unknown to all but the Duke Alfiron who being unarmed knew him to be his brother Don Gorino and indéed to him they were very much engaged for his help and assistance for he was not onely a good Knight himself but he had brought twenty thousand valiant Knights and Soldiers with him to aid his Brother and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions overtaking him in their return from Antioch and understanding that his design was onely to relieve the City of Bollera and their Iourney being intended for the same place they discovered themselves to him to be friends to his Brother the Duke Alfiron and thereupon they joyned themselves together and arrived at the City in so fortunate a time that had they not come as they did the City must néeds have béen taken by the enemies by reason of their great forces and the small power that was within to oppose them but their arrival in so fortunate a time caused the Souldan to loose his Design and made him retreat as we have before told you with the loss of one hundred thousand men and many valiant Knights and Giants But however he was resolved not to leave the City walls till he had not onely taken it but also destroyed it and razed it to the ground in revenge of the Injuries he had received of Duke Alfiron and his Companions But here we will leave him without the City and return to our Champions within who little feared him and all his Forces The Princess Aurora being informed of the return of Don Brianel sent for him to give her an account of his Adventures in Antioch and it was not long ere he accompanied with his two Companions Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore came into her presence and falling on his knées to kiss her hand she refused to grant it but raised him and his Companions from the ground with much fréedom and joy he being somewhat emboldened by her fréedom did arise and salute her which she courteously received and then she seating her self in her Chair caused other seats to be brought for Don Brianel and his Companions where they being seated and Don Brianel knowing for what cause he was sent for immediately declared unto her the good success of his Embassie and how that by the assistance of those two Knights there present and of their brother Don Bellianis as also by the advice and help of Palineo and Damartino he had slain the Vsurping King Tramolcano and the Count Garino and reduced the Kingdom to her obedience and that there was nothing now wanting but her presence to make her subjects happy and that they were all ready to obey her in every thing and in the mean time till she could come thither they had sworn Oaths of Allegiance to Damartino according to her orders and command This news greatly contented the Princess and she returned many thanks to Don Brianel and his companions after which they departed from her presence and went to the place where the Emperor his Son and Duke Alfiron with the rest of the Commanders were in Councel about what was necessary to be done as well for the defence of themselves as for the offending of their enemies and there it was concluded to send Don Clarineo to Persepolis to attend the landing of two hundred thousand men who were come from Greece with the Emperor and gave him orders that he should conduct those Forces directly t◠Persepolis to assault it that thereby the Souldan hearing thereof might be enforced to withdraw his Forces to aid that City and so they should be left frée This determination was immediately put in execution and Don Clarineo in company of fifty Knights presently departed and travelled so long that night that the next morning they arrived within two leagues of Persepolis and then they took another way and went somewhat about that they might travel undiscovered and so they did till they arrived at the Sea-side where they immediately embarqued themselves and ranging about the Sea for some time they at last discovered the Navy and approaching to them went aboard the Admiral and immediately causing the principal of the Captains and other Commanders to come aboard he declared the will of the Emperor to which they all promised ready obedience and thereupon they presently set sayl for Persepolis and they had not sailed six hours before they discovered the shore where they landed without any interruption and leaving a sufficient company to guard the Navy they immediately marched on to Persepolis where they arriving endeavored to enter but were strongly repulsed by the Souldans Forces and the place being very well fortified they were forced to retire and fortifie themselves in Trenches near the City till they had further orders from the Emperor The City of Persepolis being thus assaulted some of the Forces went immediately to the Souldans Camp before Bollera to certifie him thereof where they arrived one morning early just as the Souldan and his Son with all their Forces were going to assault the City but they were much astonished with this news and did greatly wonder from whence all those Forces should arrive however commanding the Messengers to silence they resolved to give the On-set to the City before they departed and thereupon went forwards with all their accoutrements of War Perianeo Knight of the Images being extraordinarily enraged immediately got a Ladder and mounted the wall where he soon either cut in pieces or tumbled down all such as were placed there to oppose him and
your Commands which though it was altogether untrue yet he expected your Daughter as a Guerdon of his merit accordingly your Highness though much against the good will and liking of your said Daughter caused them to be Married but he for his other wicked doings was justly slain and the Knight of the Golden Image and his companions vindicated her credit and mine as to your Highness is fully known but such was the continual anger of your Highness that contrary to the word of so great a Personage you kept me in prison till both my self and your Daughter were released by means of the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and many other Knights who with your Daughters free consent caused us to be lawfully Married as in justice we ought whereupon your Highness hath since still followed us with all the violence possible endeavoring to destroy us but the Gods be praised we have hitherto valiantly defended our selves from all your Forces and question not still to do But however our inclination to peace is such that we humbly and heartily desire it and that you will give us your Royal word for the same in expectation of which or of such other Answer as you shall send I rest Your Son and Subject Duke Alfiron This Letter being read the Souldan was much perplexed that any one should in so open a manner declare his unjust actions and charge him with unjustice told the messenger that he might depart and the next day he would send an Answer by a messenger of his own The Knight being gone the Souldan and his Son entred into consultation what was necessary to be done and the Knight of the Images knowing that the Emperor of Greece and his Son Don Bellianis and many of their kindred were in the Camp of Duke Alfiron for they had learned so much by some prisoners they had taken of the Emperors Army they therefore resolved to be revenged of all their wrongs in general and that they might the more easily bring their determination to pass they concluded that the Knight of the Images the two brothers Caroliano and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace should enter in Combate with the Emperor of Greece his Son Don Bellianis Duke Alfiron and any other Knight of their Army and in order to this their resolution the Souldan writ a Letter and sent it to the Camp according as he had promised The messenger that carried the Answer of the Souldan arriving at the Camp was conducted to the Tent of the Emperor where he and the rest of the Commanders being assembled he delivered the Cartel to Duke Alfiron who immediately causing the same to be opened they read as followeth The Letter of the Souldan to Duke Alfiron and his Companions I Know not what reason thou hadst to contradict or hinder our will in the marriage of our Daughter to Don Gallaneo or any other to whom it was our pleasure to bestow her but that thou wouldest shew thy self false to our Imperial Crown and Dignity in taking part with our greatest enemies and those whom we have the greatest cause to hate such as is the Emperor of Greece and his Son and many of the Knights of their linage by whose help and assistance thou hast falsly stollen away our Daughter and dost still unjustly detain her and with whose help thou endeavorest to destroy this our Empire contrary to thy Allegiance Therefore we let thee to understand that our pleasure is that thou either presently send us our daughter and assist us in the destruction of those Christians our mortal enemies or prepare thy self to be chastised according to thy demerits but if thou thy self and they are still so hardy to resist us we have given leave to our noble Son Perianeo our Cousins Caroliana and Boraldo and Gramalis of Thrace to meet thee and the said Emperor and his Son and any other Knight you shall chuse to mortal Combat promising that our Army shall not during the Combat hinder you and we expect your performance of the same conditions This if you will do we shall be ready to perform tomorrow before our City gates this is all at present from Your Lord the Souldan Great was the amazement of the Duke Alfiron and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty and the rest of the Pagan Knights when they understood that the Emperor of Greece and his Son and kinsmen were those who they had so long entertained amongst them but they were soon satisfied when the Emperor Don Bellaneo arose from his seat and spake as followeth KIngs of Armenia and Tessifanty and Duke Alfiron with all the rest of your Companions it cannot be unknown to you how unjustly the Souldan your Master has endeavored oftentimes to take away my life as the undertaking of Don Gallaneo doth sufficiently testifie and I do not conceive but any of you being so wronged would use his utmost endeavors to revenge himself in order to which I came from Constantinople accompanied with these Forces but they have done little yet in prosecution of my revenge As for my Son he came not hither to injure the Souldan but to do justice to the Princess of Aurora who is truly Princess of Antioch and to destroy that Usurper Don Gallaneo who usurped the same Since our arrival many occasions have presented themselves whereby we have lost much blood in your Cause and have wronged none of you and do resolve still to continue constant to you till we shall cause the Emperor to do you justice and that shall be our satisfaction therefore resolve your selves what Answer to return him for I and my Son will undertake the Combat After the Emperor had finished his Spéech the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty thanked him and his Son and the rest of the Knights for what they had said and done and resolved that since the cause at present was but to bring the Souldan to do Iustice that they would still continue with them and force him to do it or venture their lives and fortunes in the compelling him thereto And Duke Alfiron who was one of the persons that was challenged answered That he was of the same opinion with them and thanked the Emperor his Don and the rest for the assistance they had given him and told them that he was willing to accept the Combat propounded whereupon Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia desired that he might be the other Combatant which was granted and the Messenger was sent to the Souldan to signifie the same accordingly CHAP. IV. Of the Combat between the Eight Knights and of the end thereof NO sooner had the Golden Charioteér of Heaven set forward on his dayly Iourney to illuminate the world with the refulgent Beams of his Countenance but all our Combatants prepared themselves for the Combat Don Bellianis of Greece in whose heart was not onely revenge but jealousie desired that he might combat with his Rival Perianeo Knight of the Images The good Emperor his Father resolved to
a Pillar of Marble on which was engraven in brass these words following Souldan it is necessary for the preservation of the life of thy dear Son and his Companion to carry them to such a place as I have provided but assure thy self that they shall be both healed of their wounds and the young Siconian Lyon shall make large amends for the loss of his Father delivering thee and him from the Paw of the Grecian Whelp in the mean time rest contented for when thou art in the greatest danger of thy life thou shalt be delivered This Pillar and the Prophecy thereon was beheld and read by many and Don Bellianis and his Father went to Duke Alfiron and took him he being in a swoond and sorely wounded and delivered him to some who carried him to a Tent and both the Knights Contumeliano and Boraldo with weakness and loss of blood having long wrestled together fell down in a Trance but Caroliano was quite killed with the blow he received from the Emperor The field being thus cleared of the dead and wounded the Souldan came from his Seat to sée what was engraven on the Pillar which when he had read it immediately vanished away Thus this Combat being finished the Souldan with all his Guard returned to the City in great sorrow carrying with them Boraldo much wounded and the dead body of Caroliano and the Emperor and his Son returned to their Tents with the wounded body of Contumeliano Alfiron being sent before CHAP. V. How the Souldan of Persia and the Emperor of Greece concluded on a Peace and that which happened afterward THe Souldan of Persia was extreamly discontented for the loss of his Son and Gramalis of Thrace but the Inscription on the Marble Pillar somewhat satisfied him but when he had considered the end of the Combat the death of Caroliano and the desperate estate of Boraldo and how that all the Knights on the other part were alive and but two of them any thing hurt with their wounds he resolved with himself on Peace considering that he knew not what was become of his Son and therefore it was very necessary for him to take care of the welfare of his Daughter The Letter of the Souldan of Persia to Duke Alfiron DUKE We greet thee well For as much as the lives of many valiant Knights have been lost in the late Controversie between Me and Thee which hath been great grief of heart to me for the loss of so many of our Subjects whose lives we ought to conserve And to the end that a period may be put to this bloody War we advise thee forthwith to send our Daughter Persiana to our presence that we may understand from her own mouth whether she be contented to receive thee for her Husband which if we finde she be willing to do we promise thee upon our Imperial Word to give her to thee accordingly and with her such a sufficient Dower as thou thy self shalt be well contented And likewise we on our Royal Word promise that so soon as the Emperor of Greece will send away his Forces that we will Disband ours and make such Peace with him as shall be thought convenient And we do further promise that we will not onely forgive thee and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty all the wrong thou and they have done us by this late Rebellion but also give such Writing signifying the same under our Hand and Seal as shall be thought fitting Therefore fail not forthwith to send us our Daughter that we may put and end to this unhappy Difference Signed The SOULDAN After these great Personages had heard the Determination of the Souldan there was none of them that rested discontented for these Wars had held them a long time from prosecuting their other Adventures And therefore Don Bellianis being more than ordinary desirous of Peace that he might once more go visit his incomparable Lady the Princess Florisbella arose and spake as followeth Most Renowned Knights I see no cause why we should not all conclude with Peace since the Souldan hath sent us such fair Propositions wherefore my opinion is that the Princess Persiana be forthwith sent for that the Souldan may receive the satisfaction he desires which I am confident she will give him And since the Souldan is so reasonable I am fully satisfied for my onely business was to restore the Princess Aurora to her kingdom of Antioch which was usurped by Don Galleneo who since he is dead we have gotten possession of it I am confident we shall perswade the Souldan to confirm her in the possession of the same and that he will give us all the satisfaction we shall desire After this Spéech was ended there was not one of the company but rested contented and thereupon a party of five thousand Horse was immediately dispatched away under the Conduct of Don Gorion Brother to Duke Alfiron to conduct the Princess thither and the Messenger of the Souldan was sent back with another Knight of the Duke Alfirons part to signifie to the Souldan that all that he desired on behalf of his Master and the rest of the Kings and Princes should be performed to his own satisfaction which Message being delivered to the Souldan greatly contented him CHAP. VI. How Don Gorion arriving at the City of Bollera delivered his Message to Don Brianel and how the Princesses Persiana and Aurora left the City to travel to the Camp DOn Gorion and those who went in his company made so much haste that in a short time they arrived at the City of Bollera where they were soon admitted to enter and arriving at the Pallace were quickly permitted to come into the presence of Don Brianel who in the absence of the Duke was Governor of the City Don Gorion then in short gave an Account to Don Brianel of the success of the War and how at last they had received a Letter from the Souldan wherein he signified his desire of Peace and that there was nothing wanting for the consummation thereof but the presence of the Princess Persiana Don Brianel was very well satisfied with this Message and went immediately to the two Princesses to certifie them thereof which when they heard they were both very well contented the Princess Persiana in that her minde was wholly accomplished and the Princess Aurora in that she now hoped ere long to be fully setled in her Kingdom wherefore they both prepared themselves to depart the next morning and accordingly commanded their Damsels to get all things ready Don Brianel this evening sought for an opportunity to discourse with his Lady the Princess Aurora and thereupon coming into her Lodging to know what Commands she would give him against the next day he found her all alone wherefore resolving not to let stip this opportunity he began to her as followeth Madam It is now many moneths since I had the happiness first to see you ever since which time I have had a desire to
were conducted to Shyraz by Don Bellianis of Greece and the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty where by the way they met with an Adventure THus having left these two Princes and Ladies in all content and pleasure let us return to the Princess Persiana and the Company that attended on her who travelled many days without happening on any Adventure at length Don Bellianis being very pensive travelled one day before the rest of the company and being very melancholly for the thought of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella on a sudden he heard a voice call to him saying Sir Knight I beséech you tell me where is the next City that I may go quickly to it and procure some aid to some persons of great quality that stand in néed of help Don Bellianis giving attention to this discourse and séeing it was a Lady that spake to him he thus replyed Fair Lady if you be not in extream great haste I beséech you relate to me the occasion of your travel it is possible that I may furnish you with that assistance you expect Ah Sir Knight replyed the Lady it is not in the power of any one particular Knight to effect that which must be done therefore good Sir either answer me the question or permit me to go forwards Lady said Don Bellianis not far from hence there is much company coming who will be with us presently therefore I pray relate to me your business while they come to us and then I shall furnish you with such help as shall be néedful The Lady understanding that he spake nothing but reason thus replyed Know then Sir Knight that I belong to the vertuous Princess Mattarosa Daughter to the King of Numidia and Niece to the Souldan of Babylon this Princess hath for many years lived at the Court of the Souldan her Vncle in the company of the Princess Florisbella her Cousin but of late her Father being grown old and desirous to dispose of her in marriage before he died sent her Brother Baltasano to the Court of the Souldan to bring his Sister to him Baltasano after he had continued some time in the Court of the Souldan desired leave to depart with his Sister to her Father that expected them to which it was a long time ere he could get the Souldans consent in regard of the great love that hath béen betwéen her and his daughter Florisbella About two moneths since there was great Iousts and Tournaments held at the Souldans Court in honor of his Coronation Day at which time many strange Knights and Gyants repaired thither to do their utmost devoirs amongst the rest that came there was one Gyant called Altifer the Proud Lord of an Island in the Sea and his two Brothers and forty Knights This Gyant beholding my Mistress the Princess Mattarosa began to affect her and performed some things for her honor hoping thereby to get her good will but she who always hated him as well for the deformity of his mind as body would by no means consent to come into his company much less to receive him as a Servant and he having desired her of her Vncle the Souldan and her Brother who both refused him went away with all his company in much discontent resolving to put in practise some treasonable action that he might obtain her Our Princess and her Brother who suspected no such treason some time after he was gone having taken leave of the Souldan and the Prindess Florisbella departed in the company of twenty Knights for their Guard but we had not travelled above two days when this Traytor Altifer with all his company set upon us slew many of our Knights and took the Princess and her Brother prisoners I séeing that they were taken fled from them and have followed them these thrée days to sée still where they lodged at night and endeavoring to finde some help to relieve them and Sir Knight this is the last day before they will embarque themselves for the Island whereof he is Chief and then all the means that I can use will be ineffectual for their Release This Sir Knight is the substance of my Message and therefore pray fail not to give me the best directions you can Don Bellianis having heard this Discourse and considering that in relieving the Princess Mattarosa he should do his Princess her Cousin a considerable service resolved to undertake it and therefore the Company being now come up to him he went to the Princess Persiana and her Husband and recounted to them the Damsels discourse and told them that he must beg leave of them to go and relieve the Princess and her Brother promising them to return with all spéed possible as soon as he had effected his Enterprize They not onely consented to his departure but also gave him leave to take what company of Knights he desired but he choosing onely twenty of the most hardy left the rest to conduct them to Shyraz and so he took his leave and departed with the Damsel who séeing her Iourney turn to so good account was very thankful and rode on apace to assist her Princess CHAP. XIII How Don Bellianis went with the Damsel of the Princess Mattarosa to relieve her out of the hands of the Gyant Altifer and his Company And how he and his Company overcame the Gyant and his two Brethren and Company and Released the Princess and her Brother Baltasano And how she knew him to be the Knight of the Golden Image and how she and her Brother left him to depart towards Babylon IT was yet but early in the morning when Don Bellianis and his Company parted and therefore we will leave them in their Iourney towards Shyraz to tell you what befel Don Bellianis who travelled so long with the Damsel that at last they arrived in sight of a Castle seated on a Rock which when the Damsel espied she said Sir Knight this is the Castle where the Gyants and the other company lodged this night and I believe they are not as yet come out of it because he that is Lord of this Castle is of kinred to the Gyant Altifer and therefore I pray let us attend herefor their coming forth Don Bellianis therefore advising with himself left two of his knights to attend there whilest he and the rest travelled on the way the Gyants were to take and there they hid themselves in a thicket of Trées It was not fully an hour before the two Knights came galloping a main to Don Bellianis informing him that the Gyants and their company were come out of the Castle and were coming thither-wards with the prisoners The Prince Baltasano they tyed on a horse with his hands behinde him and so they did to about twelve Knights more that were prisoners and the Princess Mattarosa and several of her Damsels were carried before certain Knights on horseback and did make great lamentation The Knights did likewise advise Don Bellianis not to set on the Gyants
where the two Giants and all their Knights were either slain or vanquished Thus was this fight happily ended to the eternal honor of Don Bellianis The Damsels of the Princess presently applyed some remedies to the wounds of Don Bellianis his Knights and then every one mounting his horse they rid on the Prince Baltasano was very thankful for this assistance and promised Don Bellianis an eternal friendship thus they rode on together sometime till at length the Princess her brother were resolved not to procéed in their journey with so slight a guard but to go back to Babylon to which place they invited Don Bellianis who made his excuses for the present promising them that within a moneth he would not fail to wait upon them there and thus after many several discourses they coming to a way that went towards Babylon they took their leaves of Don Bellianis and parted thither-wards leaving him and his Knights to travel to the City of Shyraz to méet with the Princess Persiana and Duke Alfiron CHAP. XIV How Don Bellianis and his Knights overtook the Princess Persiana Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Company and how they all entred into the City of Shyraz DOn Bellianis and his Knights travelled so fast that within thrée hours after they overtook their company for the Princess and her Husband made but easie marches and had stayed at a Town not far off to dinner When Don Bellianis came before the Duke and the Princess they asked him how he had sped in his Enterprize whereupon he gave them such an account that they rested very well satisfied they were now come within two leagues of Shyraz and many of the Nobility had already come to them to give them the welcome which they thankfully received After they had passed the Tapyrian Mountains they came to a great River called Bradamir which watereth the City and afterwards falleth into the Persian Gulph with twenty miles circling about on the land when they came near the City it was the pleasantest thing in the world to behold so stately a Building twenty stately Temples appeared at one time and the Pallace with its lofty Towers made an extraordinary splendor in the eyes of the spectators Infinite was the resort of the Plebeans that came out to behold their New King and Quéen and when they were a mile off from the City the Chief Magistrates came out to do their homage to the King and Quéen and in this manner they entred the City which is one of most ancient and famous throughout all that part of the World Here Art Magick was first hatched Here Nimrod after the Confusion of Babel lived and was buried Here Cyrus the most excellent of Heathen Princes was born and all but his head intombed Here the Great Alexander glutted his ambition and drunkenness Here the first Sybilla sung our Saviors Incarnation Hence the Magi are thought to set forth toward Bethelem and here many Kings have swayed their Scepters in fine it is a place defended by nature inricht by trade by art made lovely the Vineyards Gardens Cypresses and Temples ravish the eye and smell in every part swéet and delightful These excellent persons were received into this most delightsome place with a great deal of solemnity and joy and in all the principal places of that City and all other places of the nation they were immediately Proclaimed King and Quéen of Shyra z Lar and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormis Maqueroon Kermoen Chusestam Sigestan and Farsestan Prince and Princess of the Gulph of Persia and of the Isles there These were the titles and great was the joy and acclamations of all that vast kingdom which reaches above six hundred miles round about If I should recite to you the many shews pageants and triumphant arches that were built and the several congratulatory Spéeches that were that day made to their new King and Quéen I should as much weary you with the reading and my self with the writing thereof as they were that day wearied with the hearing of them and indeed they were so tedious that although they came to the City by two of the clock afternoon yet was it nine of the clock at night before they came to the pallace whither they being arrived they dismissed most of their subjects and being much wearied they went to take their ordinary repose which thorough weariness every one enjoyed except Don Bellianis whose desires were wholly fixed on the incomparable Florisbella from whose presence he had béen so long absent that he was in great doubt of his reception into her service but the promise that day made him by the Princess Mattarosa did somewhat consolate his disturbed fancy Thus spent he the whole night in continued contemplations till day appearing he rose and went to salute the King and Quéen and humbly besought them since he had séen them safely received into their kingdom they would be pleased to give him leave to depart about his more weighty affairs This discourse much troubled them hoping that they should enjoy his company for a longer season but since he was so desire us to be gone they prayed him that he would do them so much honor as to stay ten days longer in which time they intended to be Crowned Don Bellianis not well knowing how to deny any thing to persons so bliging consented to this Request provided that as soon as the Solemnity was ended they would no longer desire to detain him from his other Adventures To which they both engaged themselves and thereupon that day the King issued forth his Commands to all persons concerned to repair to the Court on that day seven-night to assist at the Ceremonies which were accustomed at the Coronation with free liberty for all Knights as well Christians as Pagans to go and come at the same time and during their stay to shew their Valor and Manhood in Tilting Iousting and all other Knighty Exercises This Proclamation being sent abroad occasioned many knights to resort to the Court so that by the time prefixed for the Triumph as well the fields adjoyning to the City as the City it self was filled with Knights so that it was a most delectable sight to behold and most delicious to hear the sound of so many Warlike Instruments as was at that time heard And the King caused certain Earls to be made on the out-side of the City within which the Knights were to Tilt and perform their Déeds of Knighthood and caused a Throne to be placed there for himself and his Quéen and Seats for the rest of the Nobility where they might sit and sée the Tournaments and he further ordained twenty Knights of his own who were commanded by one Don Lorino Son to his Brother Don Gorino a young and hardy Knight to resist all strange Knights These things being thus ordained all people waited with a great deal of impatience till the appointed day for the Solemnity of the Conoration was come which day being now come
drew his Sword which his enemy likewise did and gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow on the Helm The Knight of the Island of Pearls having given his enemy two such notable strokes without receiving any did certainly assure himself of the better of the Combate but was quickly of another minde when Don Bellianis being throughly enraged lifting up his Sword gave the Knight so mighty a blow that he tumbled him down from his Horse But he soon recovered his Legs and Sword and went on to kill the horse of his enemy which Don Bellianis séeing he quickly dismounted and assaulted his enemy with many strokes which were returned with great strength During the time of this Combate with the Knights their Horses began a fierce Combate for they ran violently against one another and lifting up their fore féet wounded each other and what that could not do they performed with their téeth biting one another in marvellous manner to the great astonishment of the Beholders Thus continued they a good while but in the end Don Bellianis his Horse caused the other to run away which was taken notice of to be a good Omen to his Master who in the mean time was not idle But resolving so soon as this Combate was finished to be gone therefore he did his utmost endeavor to vanquish his enemy whom he had so wounded in several places that it was impossible for him to continue much longer But Don Bellianis being much vexed at the rediousness of the Fight lifting his Sword very high gave the Knight so great a stroke on the Helm that he cut it in pieces and wounded his head in such manner that he fell to the earth when presently setting the point of his Sword to his Breast be asked him if he would acknowledge the King and Quéen to be his lawful Sovereigns To which the Knight replyed He would never consent to any such thing during his life Whereupon Don Bellianis without any more ado immediately cut off his Head and then he went to the Herauld and commanded him to go forward with his Proclamation which he accordingly did in open field with the general acclamations of many thousands of people who were there present Thus this Combate being ended Don Bellianis went to the King and Quéen and desired them to give him leave to depart immediately which they were very unwilling to do but he telling them that he was confident that they would have no further service to employ him in and that he would ere long return and visit them they consented to his departure but the King was very desirous for him to take some number of knights along with him which he wholly refused But the Quéen offered him a Dwarf which she brought with her from her Fathers Court whose service for the Queens sake he accepted and so he presently departed on his Iourney in company of his own Dwarf and that which the Queen gave him and they attended with all their Train retired to the Pallace CHAP. XVI How Don Bellianis travelling to Babylon met with a Damsel that was sent to finde him and how he returned with her to the Souldans Pallace WIth great Ioy and Content travelled the worthy Don Belâ—ianis towards Babylon being very earnestly desirous to arrive in the presence of his Lady and in this manner he travelled two days without happening on any Adventure The third day being mounted on Horse-back early in the morning he had not rid above an hour contemplating on the divine Perfections of his most excellent Lady and ruminating in his thoughts what service he should do that he might pretend to somewhat of her favor and wishing for some extraordinary Adventure that he might shew forth his worth at length he met with a Lady attended with two Knights who came riding on amain They no sooner saw him but the Lady who knew Don Bellianis by his Armor and Shield immediately with excess of Ioy eryed out Oh most fortunate I that have so soon finished my Iourney by méeting with the most Magnanim us and Valiant Knight that ever drew Sword and that at such a time when there is the greatest néed in the world At which words the Knight of the Golden Image much wondred not knowing how he should be discovered in so strange a Countrey But the Lady soon satisfied him of that doubt by telling him that she belonged to the Princess Mattarosa and was one of those that was with her Mistress released from the power of the Gyant Altifer and his Companions by the strength and power of his invincible arm Don Bellianis much wondring to sée her courteously asked her in what health her Lady was and the cause of her travel To this Sir Knight replyed she I shall give you an answer on condition that you forthwith go along with me to Babylon and there present your self to my Mistriss and the Princess Florisbella and there receive such Orders from them as they shall give to which Request he readily consented wherefore they setting forwards on their Iourney the Lady began her Discourse as followeth Know then most valiant and redoubted Knight that never since the Walls of Babylon was built by the brave Semiramis was greater sorrow within that City than there is now and never was there greater cause of mourning for it is not a wéek since one of the greatest pieces of Treachery was committed that ever was heard of One day the Souldan our Dread Lord accompanied by his Emperess Silviana the Princess Florisbella the Princess Mattarosa my Mistriss and many other great Personages having béen a Hunting were met by a grave old Man and two Damsels they were all thrée drawn in a Chariot and coming near our company they all made the most pitiful complaint in the world The Souldan taking compassion on them demanded what was the cause of their so great Complaint To which spéech the old man replyed that he being travelling to Babylon with those two Damsels and his Daughter two Knights séeing his Daughter of admirable beauty desired her company to abuse her which she not consenting to they endeavored to force her and in the end notwithstanding all the resistance they could make they drew her out of the Charriot intending to execute their lusts upon her but she resolving rather to die than lose her honor so long resisted them that one of them must inhumanely drew his Sword and gave her so great a wound on the head that she immediately fell as dead to the ground which they seeing immediately mounted their horses and departed leaving my poor daughter stretched along the grass strugling for life In this manner we all remained making excéeding lamentations when an old matron coming by and being told the occasion of our complaint commanded us to bind up the wound and lay her in the Chariot telling us that she was not to be cured but by one single touch of the fairest hand in the world now sir we are going to Babylon to
of all things necessary for so great a Voyage as he intended to take he took his leave of his Parents his Mother giving him thrée rich Iewels at his departure and her Blessing and so he departed taking shipping for England where he arrived and performed many valiant Déeds of Arms But his resolution being to sée strange and far Countreys he soon took shipping again and crossing over the Narrow Seas arrived in France where at the Court of that King he performed brave Feats at Arms at the Marriage of one of the Noblemens Daughters And leaving a great fame of his Valor behinde him he travelled thorough all France and arriving at Marsellis he again embarqued himself intending to sayl to Constantinople resolving there to spend some time in séeking out Adventures but as he was sayling thither the Ship was forced to put in at an Island called Sardinia and being advertised that a great Feast was held there in Honor of the Kings Coronation-Day and that there was many Knights there who approved their valors in running a Tilt and such kinde of honorable Exercises he resolved to spend some time amongst them which he did to his great advantage for he so well demeaned himself that he got the sole honor of the Tournament and he carried himself so courteously to all that he not onely got the good will and affection of the King and Quéen but also of their Daughter the beauteous Magdalena who was so wounded by the little God Cupid that she knew not what to do in vain was it to smother her affection which she strived by all means possible to do but could not so that an ancient Woman her Nurse with whom she had béen bred did discover that somewhat was the matter more than ordinary with her Mistriss and although she used many ways to finde what should be the matter yet she failed in all till at length the Princess not being any longer able to smother her affection discovered it to her Nurse begging of her not onely to kéep it concealed but also to give her the best advice that she could The Nurse now knowing the Disease of her Mistriss began to apply Remedies and like a discréet person told her that it was altogether unfit for her who was the Daughter of a King and so great a Beauty as she was that the greatest Princes in the world might account themselves happy in the enjoyment of her that she should set her love and affection on a simple Knight one who was but a private person and it was unknown whether he was nobly descended or not To which the Princess soon replyed That she was confident he was not of mean Parentage but of Princely Birth in respect of the Princely Endowments and Qualifications that she saw he was endued with and therefore if she would do her any service it must be in this occasion to finde some way to discourse with him and gain some knowledge of him from himself for she was resolved in her love and that it could not any wayes be diverted The Nurse séeing this desired her to smother her passions as well as she could that the King and Quéen might not discover any thing from her and that she would take some spéedy occasion to give her some satisfaction In these tearms she left the Princess who promised to be guided herein by her advice and sought opportunity to speak to the Knight which she soon found for he was as déeply in love with the Princess as she was with him and desired nothing more than to have an opportunity to speak to this old Lady who he saw was very conversant with the Princess and did believe was her Confident They being both equally desirous of one and the same thing méeting together she began to him thus Sir Knight I much marvel that you keep your self so concealed for I very well know that the King Queen and the fair Princess Magdalena would be very glad to know your Linage and Countrey especially my Lady Magdalena and if you would be pleased to tell it to me I shall inform her therein which I know will be a great satisfaction to her The Knight hearing this discourse and perceiving that it was occasioned by the Princess gave her this Answer That since his departure from his Parents he had not discovered himself to any and that the Princess should command more from him than any person in the world but she must excuse him in this particular onely you may certifie her in general that I am born of Princely Parentage and that I am her very humble servant And I pray Madam said he remember my hearty love and service to her and give her on my behalf this Jewel And thereupon he gave her one of the Iewels his Mother had given him which the old Lady received and so they parted She in all haste coming to the Princess gave her the effects of her discourse and the Iewel at which she was extreamly satisfied and still every day was more and more entangled and ensnared in the bonds of Love and thereupon she caused the old Lady to have another Conference with him At which second Conference he told her that if the Princess would be pleased to grant him private access to her he would give her a satisfactory account of his Estate and Condition the which the old Lady promised to effect and thereupon he gave her another Iewel to present to the Princess in his behalf which she did accordingly and then the Princess was more satisfied then before longing for the appointed time when he was to come Which prefixed time being come he accordingly came to visit her and was admitted into her Presence where after his Civilities tendered to her he discovered himself to her and of what Linage he was and not onely so but séeing how matters went he discovered his love to her At which she was not at all discontented but told him of hers to him to the great satisfaction of them both and there they so ordered the matter that they concluded to be at the dispose of one another during life and he in testimony of his love gave her another Iewel more worth than both the former all which he had as I told you formerly received of his Mother and she in return took a Gold Chain from her neck and bestowed it upon him the which he received in hearty good will All this was done in private not so much as the old Lady being present and when they had thus done and the old Lady was come after many farewels though unwilling he departed This business being thus concluded on he lived long time in the Court and still was in the same credit with the King and Quéen At length he was resolved further to try the Constancy of his Princess and thereupon took an opportunity to speak to her and told her that now he had béen there a long time and saw no way how to gain the good will
saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other and so they both agréed to retire to their own Forces to sée how the Fight was maintained and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries they arrived at their own Camp where they saw the two Knights of Hope and the Flaming Sword bravely engaged with six couragious Knights and yet they defended themselves very valorously they soon joyned with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights In the mean time the Emperor being frée endeavored to withdraw his Forces and coming to the two Kings of Albania and Georgia after some Complements he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces which being done they all retired into the City but with the loss of twenty thousand men Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very gates When they were entered the City the Emperor conducted the two Kings to the Pallace where he entertained them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenthed themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with all his Forces issued out of the City with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparrel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into his Enemies Camp where with his own arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followed him imitating his example slew many of their enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition be furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleaved him down-right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were néer him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom he at length found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side Thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both parties that came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which that they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran furiously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his Stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights before he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way thorough all this Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he reached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off of one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and
came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did well enough to maintain the Fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that they caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner flie This gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the néerer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those who fled informed themselves of the manner of the Fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolved to receive them but they still made haste and arriving néer the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirâ—ops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blyws they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had dismounted and stain above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with their Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him He coming néerer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great pains have you taken to come thus far to my assistance The Phenician courteously replyed to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me Then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Fliorispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keyes and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through the Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he flew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were néer him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him Greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself so assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to see who it was that hindred his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead None of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up néer the City walls and the Prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he
should willingly not only hear her but also give her consent thereto provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valor deserving and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto The Princess Mattarosa very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in procéeding replyed That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valor Vertue and Princely Descent in the whole world and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to and says she I shall not néed to name him further for this Character does sufficiently testifie that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece The Emperess replyed That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughters minde and says she I am sure that he has deserved more of her than all men living and could I finde that she would be willing to accept of him I would not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you this but also to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever stâ—ce I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a person not onely fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his minde herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefâ—re they all wished for an end of the War In these tearms they were when a Knight armed at all points came into the presence of the Souldan and dâ—ing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupâ—n the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord SInce my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for although your Forces did rather diminish than increase yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Souldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavors we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Souldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Souldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your Incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I finde my self capable of any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that He himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given
for the Ioust when presently entred a Knight in black Armour having the Figure of Envy painted on his Shield This Knight coming at a time of Mirth in such an unaccustomed manner caused great Admiration in all the Beholders but the Actions which he did gave them greater cause of anger for no sooner had be placed himself at one end of the Lists in the head of all his Knights but he ran with great violence against the Prince Clarineo intending to kill him with his Lance for which purpose his Lance had a long Spike of Steel at the end and was made of the strongest Wood but he missed of his aim for he onely ran the Prince through the left arm and there brake his Lance. All his Companions did run with the like violence and intended the like mischief but some of them were thrown from their horses but they being thus armed did much mischief to several of the Princes Knights killing fiftéen out-right The Prince Don Clarineo séeing himself thus wounded quickly drew forth the piece of the Lance that was left in his Arm though with much pain and presently drew his Sword séeking about for his Enemy who had done him this mischief resolving to be revenged of him for the Injury he had received but it was some time ere he could finde him and then he saw him perform wonders for he killed ten of his Knights and laid them at his féet At length he came to him and having his Sword ready drawn assaulted him with great fury but it was to little purpose for the Sword of the one was sharp and the others was blunt and without an edge this disadvantage he was wholly unsensible of his anger and rage not giving him so much time as to consider thereof But at length he not onely found himself full of wounds and faint for loss of blood but looking about he saw most of his Knights lye dead about the Field In this condition did he remain when about one hundred Knights came to his Assistance but they prevailed not much in regard that they were all armed as the others were with blunt Swords and Lances and the anger they were in caused them to be unmindful of the danger they ran into The Knight of Envy and his Companions being all very valiant Knights still laid about them with great eagerness and fury to the loss of the Souldans Knights and to his great grief and sorrow who knew not how on a sudden to prevent so great a loss Don Bellianis and his Relations were extreamly angred herewith who were all unarmed or at the best had onely blunt Swords according to the Agréement of the Tournament but extream great was the Cry Noise and Confusion of the Princesses and Ladies fearing lest they should all have béen destroyed in this unfortunate Skirmish This raised the anger of our Grecian Prince to such a height that he was ready even to run amongst the throng unarmed as he was when suddenly he saw another Troop of above one hundred and fifty Knights enter the Field who soon testified to whom they did belong by the strokes which they gave for at every stroke blood followed their Swords so that he soon knew them to be his Enemies which he séeing and being now so far come to himself as to consider the danger he caused all the Ladies to depart and he himself with all his Friends ran hastily to their several Chambers to arm themselves which they did in the best manner they could and returning to the Field they found that above five hundred of his Friends and Knights were either slain or wounded He soon made head against his Enemies and assaulted them with a great deal of rage and anger to the great help of his Friends and to the loss and discouragement of his Enemies Many were on both sides slain by the hands of Don Bellianis and his Enemy the Knight of Envy who now met together and began a furious Fight to the great amazement of all the Beholders They were both greatly wounded and astonished at each others strength when in the midst of their fury there appeared over their heads a great Cloud which breaking there was séen and heard great Thunder and Lightning which amazed all in the place and a great Darkness was over all the place for the space of a quarter of an hour at the end of which there appeared a small Castle in the place of the Combate and by it lay Don Bellianis along on the earth and many of his Friends There also appeared an ancient woman who taking a Bottle put it to the mouth of Don Bellianis and some of the Water that was in it passing into his body he revived and arose and looking about him saw that which was happened and saw the old Woman and knew her to be Bellona the Enchanteress who desired him to go about the Field and pull off the Helmets from the Heads of those Knights that lay there that she might assist his Friends which he did accordingly and there they found his two Brothers Clarineo and Lucidamore Contumeliano and Peter of Ireland with many others much wounded to whom she gave some of her Water and they presently arose in very good estate and condition much wondring at that which had happened Don Bellianis séeing this did suppose that all that had happened this day had béen done by Enchantment and therefore he asked Bellona who and what these Enemies were and whether they were real men or onely Enchantment To which she replyed That in general they were men and valiant Knights as he and his Companions could well enough testifie that they were his Enemies and came to disturb the peace he was in and that they might not for the future be in a capacity to injure him further she had provided that Castle which she shewed him and whereinto she said it was necessary they should be put in order to which they all went about the Field and as many of the Knights their Enemies which were about fifty as they could finde yet alive were presently put into that Castle This being done Don Bellianis and his Brethren Friends and Knights in the company of the sage Bellona set forwards towards the Pallace but they were soon met by the Souldan and his Emperess the Princess Florisbella and the rest of the Princesses and Ladies who had already heard of the good health of their Knights and greatly rejoyced thereat Thus they all being together returned to the Pallace where they being seated the sage Bellona spake to them thus Most Noble Souldan and Emperess and you others Kings Queens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies It is many years since I foreknew the misfortune that would this day happen to you and many days and nights have I spent in considering of a way to prevent this mischief but I could not finde a better expedient than what I have now executed You are all now in good health and the ill that was intended is now prevented so that you may assure your selves that you are out of all danger of any present harm What they are that thus disturbed you you need not care to know at this time for they are safe enough from doing you any further mischief wherefore proceed now in your Mirth since nothing whatsoever shall be able to disturb you She having spoken thus held her peace and the Souldan and the rest gave great thanks to Bellona for the great Service she had done them Thus Reader we will make an end of this Part of this History leaving our Princes in great quiet and in the Third Part we shall tell you who were the Knight of Envy and his Companions and the cause of their coming at this time As also an end of the Wars between the two Empires of Trebizond and Babylon and what became of the two Princes Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace in the Pleasant Island and many other pleasant and delightful Adventures FINIS An Advertisement THe four first Parts of that Ancient and Honorable History of Amadis De Gaule formerly printed in a large Volume in Folio and now grown scare and dear are Epitomized and Contracted into one Volume in quarto and are intended suddenly for the Press to the satisfaction of those who have the Fifth and Sixth Parts of that History lately printed Also the Seventh and Eighth Parts are now in a good forwardness so that if the Stationer receives encouragement you may in time have all the Parts of that History in English You may in short time expect the Third Part of this History of Don Bellianis as also several other Histories of this nature Bookes printed for Andrew Kembe at St. Margarets-Hill in Southwark THe Batchelors Banquet Canaans Calamity Or The Destruction of Jerusalem Titana and Theseus Don Flores of Greece The Garland of Love and Good Will Francis Spira Christmas Carrols The Fathers Legacy The Fifth Part of Amadis de Gaule The History of Palladine of England The Second Part of the Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece VVith other Histories of this nature FINIS