elder sister who â—ell in loue with a yong man sonne to the Steward of his house a youth very beautifull and wise and so excessiue was the passion of her loue that shée was constrained to discouer vnto him the affection of her heart The young gentleman who shewed not himselfe slow to chace in this a mourous Parke vanquished with the beauty and prouocation of his Lady loued her so extreamely that to come to the paint shee fell her belly to swell by his déede wherein shee vsed such cunning to couer the matter after the example of the poore deceiued Nymph Calisto for feare she had of the Goddesse Diana that when her prefixed time was expired shee was deliuered of a most faire daughter none liuing beeing priuy thereof except one wayting Gentlewomen to whom shee did impart the secret by whom this Princesse sent away this Babe to the young Gentleman who was father thereof who receiuing it as soone as it was brought strait waies went with it vp to the top of a litle mountaine not far from the Citty of Ormeda whereful sore against his will he was constrasited to committe it to the hands of Fortune to anoyd the scandall and dishonour which might haue come thereby And to the ende this little Baby should not be found out of any person hee laide it downe a good way within a thicket of bushes and brambles néere vnto a cleare fountaine whose water distilled from a high Rocke which ouershadowed it But the true directour of all things would not permitte this innocent and immaculate creature dying without Baptisme should beare the sinnes of her Parents but ordained for it a sweete meane of comfort as presently you shall heare At the toppe of the hill there dwelt an old Hermit leading a holy life in a little Cell which hee had built as well as hee might best for his purpose betwéene two open Rockes seperated onely by one Cleft thorough the which day might easily be séene to appeare on both sides wherein it séemed nature had done her endeuour to cleaue them expressely with her owne hand This holy man descending from his Cell as his custome was to drawe water at the Fountaine heard the crying and mone of one whom hee knewe full well not to bee horne long time before and appreching the place where shée was laide mooued with pitty tooke her in his Armes to carry her with him into his Hermitage praying God of his goodnes to preserue it from death Afterward baptizing it and giuing it to name Poncia hee nourished it with the milke of a Hindâ— which came euery day into his Caue hauing by good fortune not long before that time fawned néere the place So the good olde father brought her vp carefully and shée growing dayly more and more became verie beautifull and gratious in the appearance of her person In such manner that the venerable Hermite instructed her verie well teaching her about all thinges how shee should serue and Honour God And she might be abought thirteene or fourteene yeares of age when the blessed olde man departing this mortall life passed into life euerlasting and left behinde him this comfortlesse â—â—â—iâ—ng Hermitesse in the austere desert Neuerthelesse â—â— is vnfortunate little soule béeing sage and well brought vp â—â—mmended her selfe deuoutly vnto God that it would please him to take her into his protection which did not faile her of his pittifull 〈◊〉 and succour neuer refused to any which craue it at his handes for that the Duke her vnkle delighting much in hunting vppon a day made a méeting at the roote of this mountaine where it fortuned by chaunce that all the hunters dispearsing themselues in the woode to discouer some game a fawne by the opening of some dogges béeing put vp made way before the Duke who at that time was accompanied but with one onely Squire after which he gallopped his horse thinking to giue her a turne by the swiftnes of his horse gallop Notwithstanding the feartfull fawne séeing it selfe pursued so nere neuer stayed till it was at the Fountaine where the Hermite was wont to fetch water and there breathing a little whipt presently into the hole wherein Poncia was for it was one of the Fawnes of the Hinde which had suckled her and for somuch as it knew her well and suffered her to handle iâ— gently it did quickly also leape into her lappe with his two foreféet The Duke who pursued it to the verie month of the caue allghtâ—◠〈◊〉 from his Horse and entred the caue with his naked sword in handâ— wherewith Poncia was sore afrastâ— and dismayed at so strange a sight because that since shee had any knowledge or remembrance shée as yet had neuer séene anie other person in this world but the good Hermite now dead hauing neuer in her life gone further abroad than to the Fountaine which was at the Forrest side If the mayden were abashed the Duke was no lesse in a great maruelle when putting vp his sword into his scabberd hee thus bespake her For thy loue my Darling will I spare to kill this Hart which I haue taken so great paine to chace hither But tell me of curtesie who brought you hither into this deserâ— but for that she made him no answere he approching somewhat néere and taking her by her Lillie white handes he held and handled them gentlie knowing well by their fashion that the Vâ—rgin was came of some high and Noble blood By meanes whereof fluding her a little strange by reason of the feare which might haue seased her hart he beganne to shew her all turtelies hee could best deuise so that after a little the young Hermitesse emboldened hir selfe to aunswere him in this sort Faire Lord I cannot tell what hath mooued you to come in to this place to affright and to put almost out of her witte poore creature dedicated to the seruice of God seeing that you séeme to me a man of a farre diuerse and strange manner than was my Father who lieth a sléeps behinde this Alter is she only person of this world that I euer sawe in my life vntill this present houre I cannot tell who engendred thée quoth the Duke well I can assure thée that thy beautie hath so rauished my heart that I account it a most happie hower wherein I haue pursued thy little Fawne hither and knowe that I am Lorde of all this Countrie who destre to doe thée some great good if thou canst resolue to credit me in the thinge which I shall tell this séeing it hath pleased God replied Poncia to guide me into this Hermitage I beséech you permit not that any wrong bee â—â—ered to mine honour Feare not daughter said the Duke but you shall be greatly loued and tendred of me The God of heauen graunt if quoth the yong Nunne that it may be according to the decrée of his diuine pleasure The grace this Mayden had in her honest tattle pearced so deepe in to the
habitude and secrecâ—s you might boldlie haue reposed in mee that I should not haue continued so long ignoraÌ„t of your royal race My Lord answered Arnedes embracing him herein I beséech you hold mee excused in respect that straying so far from the French Court I determined to doo somewhat in actions of Armes that might be worthie report of my progenie before myselfe were knowne to anie one And béeing concealed I might best doe it considering no way els could I reach the top of my desire but anie thing wherein I employed myselfe might rather redound to my disgrace than commendation Certainely replied Primaleon if by déeds of Armes you desire to publish our name me thinkes you should hasten the day of Turney considering your Royall geniture and thereby expresse your knightly valour and resolution Ah my Lord saide Arnedes interrupting him it pleaseth you to account mee among men of desert though far vnworthie am I to bee seene in anie such assembly Notwithstanding if good will may incite forward a generous minde by puissaunce to witnesse some part of his strength I hope I should not be reputed amongst the weakest No truelie answered Primaleon but rather amongst the strongest where honourable victorie will set on your head a triumphall Crowne But leaue wee these spéeches till some better conuenient time and goe wée to the Emperour who will be most ioyfull hearing these news So mounting on horse backe with the Ambassadors they rode to the Pallace where gratious entertainement was commanded them by the Emperour And in this time Pinedo made knowen to the Prince Arnedes how he past into Fraunce to finde Recinde whome now hee came to acquaint with the death of his Brother and how all the Barrons and people of Castile would willingly accept him for their Lord and King Of these tidinges was the Frenchman not a little glad that his Cosin Recinde whome hee loued as himselfe was heire to the Scepter of Castile But yet was hee as sorie on the other side because he could heare no report of him wherfore perswading Pinedo that hee hoped of his short returne in that the Tourney at his mariage would be a meane thereof which was published through all the parts of the Empire he thought it néedlesse anie further to pursue his search Now the Emperour who in this space had vnderstood the discent of the Prince â— Anedes when hee saw him enter the Hall with his Sonne Primaleon arose from his seat to embrace him saying How happens it my Lord Arnedes that you would all this while so cunningly dissemble with vs in shade wing of whence and what you were wherin you haue done vs gâ—â—at discourtesie and lest such honour as your vertues deserued Tell me I pray you wherefore did yée so conceale your selfe knowing how happie I would haue thought my selfe to haue vnderstood of you with out thee sayning My Gratious Lord replyed Arnedes most humblie I in treate yee vse no such wordes on my behalfe because I know my selfe vnworthie of them much lesse of the honour I haue receiued in your Countrie which a better man than I can no way deserue But neuer could any quiet enter my thoughts till I beheld the Maginficence of your Court and that to my poore power I might do you seruice poore and slender in truth is it in respect of my good will which is equall with the most affectionate seruant you haue among whom I desire your Grace to repute mee as the man whome no one shall out-goe in zeale and deuotion of minde And a great discountenaunce of heauen haue I accounted it that no occasion hitherto woulde happen whereby I might liuelie expresse the true affection imprinted in my heart It suffiseth answered the Emperour what alreadie you haue done proofe enough to giue you the reputation of one of the best Knightes in the worlde And as for me if I be not depriued of the fauour considering the loue I beare yee I shal euermore continue my former opinion and repute my selfe happie in making alliance with you when you shall thinke expedient to yeeld thereto Arnedes who saw the passage open whereby his soule might soonest be conducted to rest and by him likewise that had the onely key thereof was marueilously ouercome with thy when taking the Emperour by the hand to kisse it in signe of thankes he said Well may I now vaunt my self to haue attained the height of humane solicitie beeing offered by your Grace an alliance so honourable for which I know not how to shew my selfe thankfull in discharge of the dutie wherein I stand bound but onely by continuing your humble 〈…〉 and day by day to confirme the indissoluble bend wherein I am euerlastingly wrapped by this extraordinarie fauour Notwithstanding if my vnsayned affection to remaine your obedient seruant or dutifull Sonne if you please may stand for an earnest pennie Then intreat I you to accept thereof as I present it to the end I may hereafter be so readie in performaunce as now I am in heart For euen as the greatest clap of thunder followes the fairest day and nothing else in suddennes may be compared thereto as readie shall I be vpon receit of the verie coniectures of your desires to satisfie the same than if I should giue attendance vppon commandement The Emperour beeing maruellous glad to heare him vse such honest speeches gathered very well with what shaft hee was wounded that the matter now opened by conference was but only to seeke a speedie balme or medecine for the hurt receiued Hereby he tooke occasion to let him â—it by him which drew on manie glaunces still to the same purpose but among the rest when the Emperour heard the whole storie of Recinde his Cosen he could not chuse but greatly wonder thereat Hereof was Mâ—lioia ioyfull beyond measure because she intirely loued the Spanish Prince yet could shee not compare with Philocrista in contentment of spirit by reason shee wanted the amorous obiect which she had nor could she participate in those vnspeakeable pleasures wherewith the harts of the other twaine were specially delighted On the morrow the Emperour caused the Pallace to bee richlie adorned with tapistrie of gold and siluer and his most sumptuous Iowels to be placed in open shew that the French Ambassadors should behold his stately pompe they likewise comming into the Hall attired in their fairest and costlâ—est habillimentes were receiued by the Emperour with exceeding Honour and to him by faire Philocrista they presented their Letters of crdence the effect whereof hereafter followeth The Letter sent from the King of Fraunce to the Emperour Palmerin To the most high and magnanimous Prince Palmerin de Oliua Emperour of Constantinople true mirrour of Chiualry Lewes by the grace of God King of Fraunce wisheth health condigne to his excellent mightines THe assurance giuen me of the renowne of your generositie my most deare Brother which is spred to the very furthest most barbarous and hidden regions of
THE FIRST BOOKE OF PRIMALEON of Greece Describing the knightly deeds of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former Historie of Palmendos brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon LONDON Printed for Cuthbert Burby and are to be solde at his shop by the Roiall Exchange 1595. The first Booke of Primaleon of Greece Describing his Knightly deedes of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former History of Palmendos Brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon c. CHAP. I. How the Ambassadours of Fraunce came to Constantinople where they were Honourablie receaued by the Emperour who hauing heard the effect of their Ambassage and conserred theron with the Prince Arnedes affianced him immediatlie to his Daughter Philocrista by whose hand the Ambassadours presented the Letters of credence from the King their Maister IN the Historie of Palmendos after which this Booke of Primaleon followeth you haue hearde of the Loue betweene the Prince Arnedes 〈…〉 Philocrista Daughter 〈…〉 Emperour Palmerin and 〈◊〉 a Courtier was sent to aduertise the â—ing his Father thereof That hee might â—nâ—ay the like good fortune â—s Palmendos had done with his mistresse Francelina and thereby confirme a generall reioysing The messenger béeing carefull to dispatch this businesse made such haste in his iourney as in short time be arriued at the famous Cittie of Paris where the King vnderstanding the will of his Sonne quicklie resolued to conclude these assures Electing as chiefe in this Ambassage the Duke of Orleaunce a verie wise prudent Lord commanding also that the Marquesse of Oliuet the Countie Peter one of the bost knightes in his Court should be are him companie with manie other Barrons so sumptuouslie accoustred as euidentli declared how far the French excéeded al other Nations in magnificence and good partes whereof at this time wee haue no leysure to speake The King hauing giuen them his Letters of credence and instructions concerning the summe of their charge he deliuered them sundry precious gifts which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes But before their departure there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castile to aduertise Recinde howe his Brother béeing deceased without issue all the people verse much reioyced that the Scepter of the Kingdome should fall to a Prince so valiant When the King of Fraunce heard these newes by the gentleman of Spaine named Pinedo be made answere how Recinde was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople where as hee heard by credible intelligence hee daylie wonne great honour and renowne Hereupon Pinedo determined to passe into Greece with the Ambassadors and comming to Tolloain Prouence they embarqued them selues on the Mediteranean Sea where sayling with winde at will it was not long before they arriued at Constantinople euen at such time as Arnedes was in his wonted passions of loue No sooner were they entred the Porte and bad cast Anker but the Duke of Orleaunce commaunded a generall iouysance in applauding heauen for their happie nanigation whereof the Emperour béeing aduertised he sent to know the cause of this reioysing When he heard the arriuall of the French Ambassadors he was right glad thereof hoping Arnedes woulde now recouer health by some good tidinges and therefore sent spéedily to acquainte him therewith intreating him to bee of good courage séeing the Lordes of his Countrie were come so happilie It were needlesse to demaund if Arnedes were wel pleased with these tydinges considering the present cure hee found in one moment hée reby which shewed that herein consisted the onelie medicine for his malladie this made him leaue his bed and goe with Primaleon to the Emperour who séeing him come so 〈…〉 was not a little glad of his good recouerie and said Me thinks Sir Arnedes that the arriuall of these French Gentlemen hath reuiued and verie well strengthened you Well haue you saide my Lorde answered Arnedes because it is the onlie meanes of my restoring Philocrista who knew full well the depth of his amorous desiers reioyced maruellouslie at this fortunate occurrence so that by outward view of her countenance might easilie bee discerned the inward content of her bart and whence procéeded this alteration wherein by silence shee bewrayed to the French Prince what boldlie she durst not vtter in spéech and whereof he néeded no interpreter but with like signes returned thankfull requitall minding to goe presentlie to the Porte to sée by whome the King his Father had sent this long expected message The Emperour commaunded manie of his Barrons with him for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassadors to the Pallace and in signe of greater fauour Primaleon himselfe went with Arnedes who sent his divarse before to let them vnderstand his comming to the Porte Whereupon the Duke of Orleaunce with his company immediatly laÌ„ded where first beholding their yong Prince they ran hare-headed to kisse his hand when he haning seuerallie embrased the thus spake to the Duke of Orleaunce My noble Cosen how many pleasures hath your art shall héere inriched me withall in sooth farre more than you can easlie thinke on But tell mee I pray yée ere we passe any further how sares the King my Noble Lorde and Father So well as your heart can desire my Lord answered the Duke and as one wounderfull longing spéedilie to sée you wherefore his will is that making so little stay héere as possible you can you vse some hast in returning to your Countrie of Fraunce Herein shall I most gladlie obey him replyed Arnedes ere many dayes after this hée expired in meane space giue honour to Primaleon here the Emperours Sonne who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome yée Primaleon maruelled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselues to Arnedes which made him imagine that he was Sonne to their King in regard whereof vsing the greater kindnes to the Duke of Orleaunce and the other Ambassadours he desired theÌ„ to resolue him concerning the estate of Arnedes who hitherto had not disclosed himselfe to anie one My Lord said the Duke this yong Prince is out Soueraignes Sonne who in respect of his earnest desire to be seruice to the Emperour your Father thought it méetest for him to come vnknowne to this Court and héere to remayne so concealed till hee should perceiue his priuate deseignes fall out to his owne contentment Concerning which the present message committed to our trust by the King his Father I hope will sort to good and successefull end with the help of him whome I pray so spéed vs as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed In good faith said Primaleon turning himselfe to the French Prince I haue very great reason to complaine of you Arnedes that you would thus long hide yourself from me for although you resolued in comming hither that no one should know ye yet you might haue exempted me from that vniuersall number considering the
this hemisphere caused mee immediatly dispatch my Ambassadours toward your Maiestie to intreate that you woulde consent to an alliance which I haue purposed if you please betwéene our houses according to the ordenaunce of the last will which the into king of famous memorie my most Noble Father whom God absolue left me when he payd his mortall tribute to nature And because I haue instructed the bearers hereof in all the pointes and articles which on our behalfe you are to bee acquainted withall I shall need to vse the lesse discourse by Letter reposing onely on then sufficiencie Requesting you that in this cause you will giue them credit or what else they shall thinke méete and determine concerning the marriage of Arnedes Prince of Fraunce my Sonne as if I were with you my selfe in person and looke what honor shall be done to them in your Countrie I will account it as receiued by my selfe But least happilie you should repute it strange that thee â—est Sonne of so great a house as this should come to your Court so meanely attended therein I desire yée consider his earnest affection to accomplish some memorable déede vnknowne whereby you may easly gather how gladly he would goe beyond or equall the best Your affectionate and perfect friend The house of Fraunce This Letter béeing read the Emperour tooke the Ambassadours into his Chamber where after hee had heard at full the summe of their message immediatlie hee called together the Princes and Lordes of his priuie Councell to let them vnderstand his intent concerning these affayres This by their aduise was immediatly confirmed for good as well to accomplishe his promise to the deceassed King of Fraunce as also in respect Arnedes behauiour was so generally commended béeing a vertuous Knight and verie forward to Martiall exercise But aboue all the rest Primaleon was most willing and readie in consenting to this alliance knowing the earnest desire of his Sister to sée herselfe the wife of Arnedes another Adonis and for beautie well might Philocrista bée resembled to Psyches or rather if you will a second Venus The mariage béeing concluded on the morrow following they were affianced together with very stately and magnificent triumphes so that both in the Pallace and thorough the Cittie was nothing but disportes and pleasure to the no little content of the Emperour and Empresse as well for the comming and knowledge of Palmendos as for this loue knot betwéene Philocrista and the Royall Prince of Fraunce And now dooth Primaleon arme himselfe for knighthood that hereafter hee may bestowe his time in those commendable occasions Here the French Authour confesseth his fault for hauing intiteled the whole booke the first Booke of Primaleon both that which goes before called by me the History of Palmendos the name agréeing with the discourse and this where Primaleons chiualrie doth now but begin His reason is that the young Prince béeing verie daintylie brought vp and not of yeeres to receiue the order of Knighthood he tooke occasion in meane while to report the braue behauiour of his brother Palmendos But now shall wee speake of the gentle Prince himselfe the onely mirrour of honour and Armes as by reading his History you may perceiue CHAP. II. How Primaleon intreated the Emperour Palmerin his Father in the presence of the French Ambassadoures who prepared themselues to the Grecian portes that hee would giue him the order of Knighthood And how the Lorde of the enclosed Isle sent him a Sheeld and a Sworde wherewith hee tooke his order And what hee sent to the Emperour which he afterward sent to the King Florendos his Father requesting his presence at the mariage of faire Philocrista TO begin the narration and discourse of the déeds of our Primaleon who in his yongest yeares exercised himselfe so well in vertuous Disciplines whereof according to his verie naturall inclination and desire he declared himselfe a studious louer as one might iustly name him the true miracle of perfection So among other endowments for the spirite of wisedome he might be compared to Salomon for beautie both exteriour and interiour to the gentle Gréeke Alcibiades and for magnanimitie councell millitarie strategemes and such like to valiant Scipio the African or the subtill Hanniball of Carthage especiallie in this time of his youth when he had not receiued his order of Knighthood But now fit time therfore being come hée sell on his knée before his Father armed with a light Câ—â—ret which had no other beautie or brauerie then the plaine fashion which most he affected for his help in fight and with humble gestures hee intreated one request The Emperour very willingly made him graunt thereof as the like hee did to diuers others who this day demaunded his gratious fauour seeing him so bountifull in honour of this feast My Lord saide Primaleon the request which at this instant I desire your Grace not to denie mée is that I may be armed Knight by your hande in this armour on the day of the feaste for the nuptialls of Philocrista my sister for to make the same the more magnificent I hope to prouide a Tourney worthy the view of your Maiestie wherto I beséech you graunt me licence of safe conduct for all Knights whatsoeuer because I intend to haue it published in diuers Countries This had I graunted quoth the Emperour with all my hart albeit thou hadst not bound mee thereto by promise because these are the thinges that highly please me and very honorable is it to sée such solempnities at mariages especially of such a Princesse as thy Sister is My Lord sayd Abenunco to Primaleon I humbly beséech you to preferre me in this action in that I likewise earnestly desire to receiue my order of Knighthood with you so please the Emperour to honor mee with so much fauour The like request made Arnasin sonne to Duke Ptolome who was equall with them in youthfulnes of yeares wherwith Primaleon was not a little content Immediatly were Heralds of armes dispatched into diuers Regions to publishe the Tourney and the day purposed for the beginning of the sportes which shoulde continue during the feast with Court royall openly kept at the mariage of the Princesse Philocrista assuring all knights that pleased to shew themselues there to bee entertained with honour euerie way equall to desert Meane while was Arnedes seated by his affianced Mistresse more faire and brauer adorned than the daughter of Tindarus when Paris Alexander was euercome with her loue they bothe ioying yet with modestie and bashfulnes as neither durst enterprise the hardines to speake the first woord in which mute passions they rather resembled the two beautifull starres Castor and Pollux than humaine creatures possessed of life and moouing whereuppon Melicia smiling thus spake to them Ah that mine eyes were so happie that they coulde now behold him for whom my heart indures most passionate martirdome I would not show such pusillanimitie as you doe séeming as though you scantly knewe
brauâ—ly was in so profound a thought calling to minde the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in trauersing the â—eltique Belgicke Gaule that he shewed outwardly some apparent token of gladnes and seeming to be in the Countesse thoughts and to feele the same pleasure which he receiued remembring the perfections of his Lady answered him merrily in this sort My Lorde I foresèe well the paine and trauell which will lie vppon your necke in this charge and howe much courage she giueth you whom you loue so perfectly that in her fauour you enterprise so Knightly an exployt Whereuppon I assure my selfe that beside the praise which shall remaine vnto you shee shall estéeme you much more considering the great hazard into which you expose your owne person But that I may condiscend vnto your request albeit I should bee very sorry if I shoulde accorde you any thing which might turne you to any hurt I grant you fréely to execute your enterprise therein and in all other honest and loudable 〈…〉 of Chiualry Gratious Lord replied the Countie as long as my soule shall dwell in his passible bodie I will alwaies endeuour in all places to manifest the praise of her merite according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to giue me whollie vowed yea fatally destinated to her seruice when my forces shall not answere my hart which in this respect is mexpugnable I shal augment onely but the number of these who cannot bring their driftes about thanking you in all most humble affection of the fauour which you shewed me in giuing me such licence in your house After these speeches and manie other which they had together the Countie retired himselfe into his lodging whereas soone as he was come he commaunded that on the morrowe they should plant in the place before the Pallace an inclosure which should haue in Diameter and circomference of the Center vnto the ends foure and twentie sethome in latitude and eight and thirtie in longitude which was done with high railes in so sufficient proportion that sixe Knights might easily fight together afront besides hee would haue a doore made hard by where he gaue order to set vp a Tent a Bedde a Kitchin with Offices al which was necessarie for so sumptuous a recreation The next day at Sunne rising be armed himselfe at all points and mounting vpon a double Courser hee came to appeare within the listes where were manie Knights disarmed to kéepe him companie whome he vsed verie magnificently in the feast The first man who came within the listes was the Duke of Drante vassall to the King of Thessalie young in age but lustie and verie skilfull in managing Armes who loued with a singular affection a daâ—nsel his subiect faire and marueilous gracious who finding the doore of the Tilt shutte thrust it open with the great end of his Launce to enter in therefore soone mounted the Earle on horsebacke and taking his sworde in his hand demaunded the Duke whether hee would Iouste or Combat wiâ—â— him I will haue but the Iouste quoth the Duke for that I thinke quicklie to make you confesse her whome I loue to excell in beautie and good grace the Ladie for whome you enterprise an exploit which seemeth to passe your cunning It were a thing almost miraculous replied the Earle if with so great reason as I haue to make good mine enterprise I should be vanquished by the first assailant Saying so they went to campe themselues at the two ends of this place then comming violently to encounter they shiuered both their Launces and dashing one another with their shields they passed brauely the rest of the carriere whereof the Earle was verie sorrie when he cried to his aduersarie Knight take yet one staffe more for the encounter of this first Iouste hauing béene so fauourable vnto you I will see how you will behaue your selfe in the second Then shall bee séene manifestlye the iust occasion I haue to Iouste answered the Duke taking another Launce with the which comming couragiouslye to charge him he mist his blow in striking which the Countie did not but running aright carriere sent him ouer his horse croupper with a tumbling cast downe to the ground Saying with a ioyfull courage An other time venter not with me in the listes if you haue no better reason to combat To that the Duke answered him nothing for hee founde himselfe ashamed to haue voyded the Aâ—son before Francheline his soueraigne Ladie and many other Lords and Knights who beheld them through the Pallace windowes But rising vp he put off gently his Coate of Armes and afterward beeing remounted he departed out of the Tilt-yeard to goe whether it pleased God to conduct him whereof Palmendos had so great remorse because of the vassalage which hee owed vnto the Father of his affianced Ladie that with some apparance of reason hee would haue entred the listes himselfe to haue reuenged him Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knightes from whome the Countie still carried away the honour and hanbergions So that about Sunne setting when hee retired for that day he felt himselfe verie wearie and ouerpressed with the burthen that he was faine to sustain notwithstanding the iâ—iâ— which rauished his spirites more and more made him forget the dolour and wearines of his members Thether came Arnedes with all the French Knightes to feast him and to kéepe him companie the greatest part of the night where to stay our selues no longer the Earle continued sir whole daies before he was vanquished of anie doing marueils of Armes as well at the Iouste as at the Combat at the sword making great cheare and banquetes to those who visited him whereof the Emperour meruailed much no lesse of his prowesse and valour than of his magnificence and sumptuositie which hee continued vntil the seauenth day following when there came thither two Knightes one whereof tooke awaie within few houres from the Earle all the honour hee had wonne in the former dayes as you shall presently heare CHAP. VII How Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos being departed from Constantinople passed by the Duchy of Bort where Tyrendos vanquished at the Iousts the Knight who kept a passage out of the Cittie for the loue of the Duchesse and what fell out afterward vpon this occasion WEE declared a while since how Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos departed vnknowne from Macedon to go to Constantinople and riding great iournies passed by the Duchy of Bort whereof was Lord an aged and grayheaded father who in his youthfull yeares loued rest and his delights better than the Courtlie life or any millitarie exercise He had two faire Daughters and one Sonne estéemed a verie valiant Knight who against his Fathers will was gone to Constantinople and at his second mariage did this oldman take to wife a verie yong Ladie excéeding his daughters in beautie whereof a rich gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured before and after the Duke
shee for whose loue the French Lord fought is not so perfect in beauty but she yéeldeth and giueth the first place into you Aduertising you more-ouer that he and his companion remaine from this present houre your most 〈◊〉 and obedient Knights as hoping if it please you to doo them so much honour that they may accomplish the Lawe of the Ioust of County Peter vnder your name to employ themselues so in this place that the renowne of your beauty shall flie throughout all climates of the Leuant Hee that had there séene the comely beauty of Melissa should not haue sailed to haue ludged of the tamour aâ— her two Alabaster cheekes couered with a transparent and 〈◊〉 Lawne for the shame that seazed her hearing him speaâ—â—â—â— in her fauour Nor could she answere a worde to the young-man shee founde her selfe so confounded when the King her father who was there with the Emperour 〈…〉 this Embassage in good part said vnto her Daughter I will not beléeue but the Seigneur who sendeth you such a present knoweth you and though it were for no other respect at least you ought to receiue it and to honour him who sendeth it you for loue of his generous minde I know not my Lorde quoth Melissa then who may bee the Knight whose curtesie seemeth not to approch his force taking this hardlesse to giue a present to a Damsell whom he knoweth not which notwithstynding for that it is your pleasure I will accept of it You shall aduertize your Master quoth shee to the Page he greatly mistaketh to presume so much of my beauty as to continue the Ioust of the Earle for mee who haue deserued no such honour at his hand Neuerthelesse I thanke him for his good will in â—ccompence whereof if I can doo any thing for him you shall assure him from mee I will employ my selfe with as good will as I pray God to preserue him and his companion also from all incumbrances which may impeach his valiant enterprise for the small occasion they haue to charge so heauy a burthen for so little beauty as mine makes me feare they wil be vanquisht if their prowesse and dexterity doo not supply this default Then the young youth making a low obeysance to thanke her for this curteous answere tooke his leaue gratiously of her And turning to Duke â—ustace who was neer esâ—â—eâ—ought him to tell the Emperour and his company that who so euer had any desire to ioust against this Knight-vanquisher and his companion should appeare vpon the Battiers where hee should finde them alwaies ready which hee did without delay The Emperour misdoubting one of these Knights to be Belcar told if incontinent to King Fâ—isol who assured him the contrary for that he supposed hee had hardly lest the company of Florendos Now did Belcar all that day nothing but breake stanes for there was no French Knight but came to doo his best against him hoping euery one to reuenge the County Peter but the like chaunce befell them as did to him before for this Desendant was rough and a very good horseman which was his inheritance he helde from King Frisol his father who was esteemed one of the best men at Armes of his time That same day Belcar dismounted beside the Frenchmen about twenty Knights the most redoubted of the Court whereat the Emperour wondered much so that he sent Primaleon to them to know who they were who gladly did this Embassage with Palmendos entreating them to repose that night in the Emperours Court who gaue them such charge for the great desire he had to know them Gentlemen answered Belcar desire his Maiesty to pardon vs this once for that wee cannot leaue this place without incurring some blame beeing departed from our houses with full detemination to make our selues knowne to none This is a point of small curtesie quoth the Constantino Politan to refuse the honest offer which the Emperour maketh you with so simple excuse as you finde now And who are you faire Syr quoth Belcar faining not to know him who tearme vs discurteous I am Primaleon replied hée Sonne to the Emperour who sendeth to intreate you by mée to doo him this honour I haue done then presecuted the Desendant because I knowe you haue not as yet receiued the order of Chiualry Assuring you that for your praiers nor for the entreaties of the Emperour shall you preuaile further with me than as I told you before I will not importune you any further sayth the young Prince then being somewhat offended and when hee had so said he returned into the Pallace with Palmendos who was so wrath with this thwart answere that hee purposed on the next morrow to Arme himselfe to the ende to chastiâ—e his arrogance When the Emperour vnderstood they had disdained to graunt his request hée did but laugh at it saying they must he let alone in their obstinacie to sée what might bee the 〈◊〉 Neuerthelesse Palmendos would be reuenged and without saying ought to any body went secretly to endosse the Coat of Armes in which he vanquished the Tourney which we haue described before and came withall with a great Eaunce in his hand within the Barriers So soone as Recindes spide his Armour hee knewe it and who carried it on his back which he let his companion know requesting him not to Ioust against him for the Emperours sake Whereunto Belcar answered bee coulde willingly forbeare notwithstanding he oâ—â—ht not to refuse so good occasion to proone his valour against so 〈◊〉 a Knight for if he dismount me at the Ioust quoth hee I shall not thinke it any shame or dishonour for mee seeing hee is the Achilles of our age with whose valerous exployts all the Orient reseundeth When hee had done his speech hee did his best endeuour to make him feele his forces and running one against the other very roughly such was their encounter that Belcar had taken measure of the earth had he not taken hold of his horse-maine And Palmendos liked not very wel the knocke which he gaue him but it was néedefull for them to breath a little Then charging a fresh with new Launces for that the first flewe in pieces to their Gauntlets they met together with so sodaine a sury that they made the ground tremble vnder them where Belcar sound himselfe much bruised what with the blow and the fall in his Armour Then Palmendos who lost onely his stirrups glad of this reuenge demaunded his Hanburgeon aduising him if he would not fight at the sharpe to depart the field Other battell quoth Belcar séeke not I against thee for small hope haue I to gaine more honour by the sword than I haue already at the Ioust and for that also I estéeme and loue then too well to make further tryall against thée knowing right well by this encounter I should haue but ill spéede if I procéeded further Palmendos hearing him say so mittigated a good part of his indignation and
shall you neuer vnderstand by my meanes quoth the Spaniard hereof can I well aduertise you that happen to mee what may I will not couch my Launce against you You will tell mee then a reason quoth Arnedes or you shall presently die of my hand Such inhumanitie shall I neuer sée in you replyed Recindes albeit I had no will to desend my selfe By the liuing God said Arnedes hastily you wil constraine me to bée discourteous indéede and therefore at your owne perill be it I can no longer forbeare quoth the Emperour then who heard this controuersie but I must néedes knowe who are these two Knightes nowe in fielde for me thinkes I see none other than the true representation of Belcar and Recindes When he had thus saide he descended with manie Nobles after him and finding the two Combattants yet in dispute the one séeking to knowe why his aduersarie woulde not encounter him the other excusing himselfe that hee might not tell the cause willed Arnedes to goe aside And taking Recindes Horse by the Bridle hee prayed him of all loue that hee woulde satisfie the great desire hee had to knowe him My Lord quoth he I cannot doe it without insâ—â—â—ging my faith therefore I pray you vrge mee not to be perâ—urde Assure you replyed the Emperour you shall neuer sée me depart from hence before I knowe and looke you in the face so that by excuses you may not preuaile Therefore I pray you put off your helmet and thinke in so doing you shall not breake your faith and promise For Gods sâ—ke replied Recindes do not offer to force me in your countries This force will I offer you answered the Emperour for that in my mind it stayneth neither your honor nor mine The Knight in a perplerity not knowing what to say further seeing it was a matter of constraint held his peace and not a word Then Belcar who had verse well heard all the whole circumstance seeing hee coulde no longer conceale himselfe threwe incontinent his helmet to the ground and went to fall on his knees before the Emperour in kissing whose handes her saide My Lord pardon vs if it please you if wee haue not béene so prompt to obey you as your greatnes requires for wee determined at our departure out of Macedon to come vnknowne into this place to exployte before your eyes some honourable attempt wherein you might take some delight pleasure Notwithstanding seeing wee are frustrate of one intention hauing perfourmed nothing worthie to giue you contentment it is the verie reason why wee dissembled our selues vnto your Maiestie of whom both the one and the other of vs two reputeth himselfe a most happie man to haue receaued so great honour Ah my deare friends quoth the Emperour then you be exceeding welcome into my Court wherein I may well assure my selfe cannot be founde two Knighte in whom can be found so much anâ—â—rosity as in you onely but tell mee I pray you whether the King my most honourable Father will come speedily vnto this Cittie My Lord answered Belcar I am sure it wil not be a wéeke before he arriue here For he was readie to depart when I entreated him to let vs goe before to bring you newes thereof The Emperour maruellous ioy full of this aunswere turning himselfe with a laughing countenance towardes the King of Hungarie saying to him Brother receaue to you Belcar your Sonne whose vertues and good manners make him so amiable that euery braue man of good iudgment wold be to him in steede of a Father in this behalfe As the Dominators of Greece spake these words Belcar falling vppon his knees kissed honourably his Father King Frisols hand who embraced him with great loue the trickling teares standing in his eyes and at length the French Prince seeing his Cosen Recindes in face ranne vnto him with open Armes to giue him the accolladâ—e and could not almost speake for extreame gladnes which seazed his heart in recognising him Which the Spaniard perceauing alighted quickly from his Horse to embrace him and after they had shewed manie familiar louing cherrishings one to another he went to doe his dutie to the Emperour who receaued him most ioyfullie as did likewise all the â—eigneurs and Barrons of the Court whereof the greatest part esteemed themselues verie happie if they might come next to offer them the gentle welcome and if all the beholders were very glad of this sodaine and inexpected ioy whereof euerie one had a good share that of Pinedes was so abundant that it could not be expressed hauing seene him perfourme the valiant and famous acts which you haue to fore vnderstood Then tooke the Emperour Recindes by the hande and the King of Hungarie his Sonne Belcar whome they lead straite to the Pallace where beeing disarmed they went honourably to kisse the Empresse hand who entertayned them with most kinde spéeches During which Melissa who heard them by the only instinct of the vnspeakeable ioy which she felt in minde reuested in the superficies of her face such a naturall beautie that it was an admirable thing to behold Full well did the two knights marke it when they came to doe reuerence to Philocrista Francheline and to her who represented the third Goddesse So that thinking her selfe thrice happie to haue bin knowne worthie the presents of two worthy and excellent Princes embraced many times her brother Belcar amiably Neuerthelesse with more than a singuler affection and without any meane as it falleth out manie times to those who are striken with the same Dart that shee was shee entertained Recindes her loyall and perfect louer And beleeued firmely by that which her Brother sent her when the youngman brought her the first coate of Armes that shee knewe indéede the whole discourse of their secretes wherein she found great consolation shewing oftentimes to her louer by many signes gratious aspects and other duâ—â—â— Embassages of loue what was her intention which Recindes did the like for his part toward her In this meane time Belcar was busie in beholding the extreame beautie of Franchâ—line whereof he was greatly astonished not without thinking Palmendos a most happie man to haue won so much honour in winning her for his wife And albeit hee was well contented with Alderine the onely Lady of his heart yet hee could haue wished to haue had this for his Mistresse which passion could not be so well dissemble but in embracing Palmendos hee must néedes tell him in smiling manner Truely Sir it was for my great good I was not present at the bridge of Carderie when you arriued there for obtayning nowe so caste victorie of me what would you haue done when your heart was so much pricked forwarde to purchase so rich a treasure as Francheline is No marueile then if you haue shewed that prowesse vpon me which euerie man hath manifestly knowen in you seeing before your eyes a beautie sufficient to make able the most coward and faint harted knight that
this profounde contemplation shee could not countermaunde her spirite but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse when she thus brake foorth Lord God now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to represent before mine eyes the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor sent forth two most lamentable scréeches and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes as shée was alwaies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fauourites So that the Emperour who was very sorrowful for this presage gaue great héede vnto it with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering some siniser accident was presaged But he dissembled it as well as he might without shewing any outward appearance but said incontinent to the Queene Madame I beseech you most humbly let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly seeing you being yet farre from death shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion My sonne replied the Quéene then Death hath this by nature that there is none liuing in this world who can stew himselfe so strong against it that he may anoyde it our predestmation being such we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute whereby ensueth that for any thing I haue now saide I can neither retarde it nor hasten it any thing the sooner When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace shee embraced the Infant Flerida who seemed vnto her the â—aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life before and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide Fayre Daughter I pray God he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth wherein I thinke well neither maide nor wise can bee founde to come once neere your Paragon Most true was that which the Queene spake for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse iudged her to be a Venus in beauty and a Pallas in prudency But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court and in the euening Primaleon besought the Emperour againe that hee woulde the next day following giue him the order of Knighthood and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenuâ—â—cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits except Primaleon and his â—ead companions who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell whether the Emperour comming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter hee was so attainted with her loue that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse the extreame desire which set him on and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise that which he could make good there The Masse beeing ended hee humbly besought the Emperour hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptisme before he came to the order of Knighthood For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores hee would no longer liue in Paganisme Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity So that vncouering his head the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently cheâ—sing for his Godfather the King Florendos who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act For testemony whereof he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes the Greekish Monaâ—ke turned himself towards Primaleon saying Sen request of my most honourable father it would please him to arme you Knight with his hand for if I haue purchased some little honour in this world I can assure you all procéeded from him who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood which I hope will be augmented more in your person if it please him to enrich you therewith Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin and I vnto Abenuncq your companion Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfather beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vnto him his sworde of Armes whereof hee excused himselfe saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes who were there prayed him so instantly that in the end he was constrained to condiscend thereunto and giuing him as well his fatherly blessing as the militarie acoladoâ— hee soone made him Knight the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight and afterwards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order The ceremonies were done with so great pompe that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell so that the dinner staying for them after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recouered the Tables rounde the Squiers of the kitchin were not long before they serued in their first seruice So comming from Church they went strait to dinner where the Emperour sate downe with his father the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably and as such a magnificent Feast â—e séemed so Royall a companie of Princes After the tables were taken vp the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired that the onely aspect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires which tooke so déepe roote therein that they could neuer afterwards hee 〈…〉 Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many matters Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruellous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you to make you Ladie and Mistresse of one of the most valiant Knights who liueth vnder the zodiacke besides he is in all other thinges a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches He of whome I speake
somuch as you cannot stay heere any while taking my leaue of you I will now presently depart â—oying neuer to rest quietly in my bed vntill I haue brought this myne enterprise to a good passe God be your guide and conduct replied Gridonia and so well direct your actions that you may obtaine a triumphant victorie ouer your enemie to the ende hee may haue no more occasion to redouble the anguish wich he hath so liuely imprinted in my soule And vpon this point giuing him the last adieu shee retired straite to her Lyon whome shee could not abide to heare him make such terrible roaring which séemed to euery one to signifie some great 〈◊〉 Likewise Valido returned to the Duchesse very pensiue and doubtfull to obtaine for his wife so beautifull a Damosell in somuch that licencing al the Knights who accompained him vnto this place to depart he tooke along with him but two onely the one béeing sonne to the Earle Marco the same whom the Emperour Palmerin slew because he accused Diartes and Cardonia of treason to reuenge himselfe of the Emperour pricked forward Valido very much to pursue his pointe the other who was Diartes Sonne would willingly haue hindred him for that it angred him to the verie death that in his company should be any ambush plotted against the Emperour in such sorte that the Prince of Bohemia went accompanied with two persons contrarying one another in desire wherof he knew nothing Afterwardes imbarking himselfe hee had so prosperous gale that within few dayes hee came to surge within the hauen of Constantinople where hee disembarked being west appointed with his two Knights both disarmed and beeing arriued before the Pallace hee sent the Emperour worde hee was a Knight who required safe conduct into his Court because he came thither to defie his Sonne vpon a treason which he had committed who beeing aduertized thereof meruayled greatly that any man would be so hardie to come to accuse him of that whereof he neuer thought much lesse euer put in effect especially beeing an act of a Traytour which was the vice he euer had in greatest detestation But the Emperour as he was sage and well aduised imagined incontinent that it proceeded but of the death of Perrequin for the which he was so sorrowfull a man by meanes whereof he thus schooled Primaleon My Sonne let vs consider the different whereuppon this Knight purposeth to accuse you wherein for ought he can say vnto you answere him not arrogantly nor with the least iniurious word For so much there is nothing more in besâ—eming Princes and Knights descended of noble houses than to vse discurteous and vile spéeches Hearken what hee shall say vnto you and answere him honestly alleadging what you shall best thinke méete for the iustifying of your innocencye For oftentimes the proude language giueth occasion of incouragement to the aduersarie in battaile the best Champions are knowne to be vanquishers in déedes and not contenders in wordes Therein my Lord and Father answered Primaleon and in whatsoeuer as it shall please you to commaund me will I neuer whilst I liue disobay your will At this instant Valido entring the great Chamber bowed not himselfe towards she Emperour so much felt her him selfe troubled and perplexed with this Battaile but looking rounde about him a prettye while after hee had a little cooled his choller hee drewe néere vnto the throut where the Emperour sate making vnto him this speech All ouer the globe of the earth is your generous conrage Noble Emperour of Constantinople well knowne made famous since the time when as a wandring Knight you passed like a pilgrime ouer the greatist part thereof seeking neâ—s of your Father whome anyed you know not And since you haue beene placed in this honour and highnes of estate no man can say you haue done the least iniust set to great small or meane which thing I foreseeing on mine owne behalfe I haue 〈…〉 as to come 〈…〉 to domainâ—d a Combat hoping for good or badde which may befall mee I shall haue no wrong offered mee herein So 〈◊〉 I say for that I come to complaine of Primaleon your Sonne touching the death of Perrequin of Duas whome hee new in Tourney wherein hee would néeded be present to honour the more 〈◊〉 feast of 〈◊〉 Children trusting hee will not â—enie but that vpon the assurance which her gaue to euerie one hee hath massacred him verie trecherouslie And you Primaleon â—f you heare this I knowe not what excuse you may alleadge against mee who doth auouch it to your sate that it was done in Treason against him Primaleon who gaue attentiue cure to these iniurious spéeches rose vppe with manye other Knights and Barrons aunswering him thus Good Syr it 〈◊〉 you are verie ill aduised to come to seeke his riuenge who following this fatall and vnluckie destriue â—â—ded hys â—â—yes in a Tourney wherein I doe not dertie but that I flewe him with my Sword vppon the like assuraunce no you doe name at thiâ— presence because of â—â— disloyality For during the space of thrée monthes together I could neuer get me ridde of him but still I found him before mee or behind me at my backe with full intention to haue â—â—aine mee by his owne handes But God the onely searcher of hearts who knew well his disloyall malice fauoured mee so much that I preuented him before the execution of his trecherâ—â—â— dessein giuing him that measure which hee would hauâ— offered vnto me Notwithstanding if you haue so hot a desire to combat mee vppon this point as you make semblant behold I am readie to enter the Listes when it shall please you to the end I may by my best endeuour shewe to all the worlde that the quarrell is false and wrongfullie vndertakeâ— on your behalfe This contenteth me wonderfull well replyed Valido to sée you not to refuse the combat which shall bee a sufficient witnes before all that the truth is such as your conscienâ—e 〈◊〉 well tell Then Primaleon fell on his knées before the Emperour demaunding leaue of him to enter the Combat for this effect and afterwardes in token that he accepted the Combat heâ— presented him a gloue which hee tooke at his handes very sorâ— against his will béeing ignorant which of the two had the better right on his side for if hee had perceaued the least smoke of the peruersâ— and malicious intent of Perrequin hee would neuer haue mistrusted that his Sonne shoulde bee â—anquished Which the Bohemian Prince seeing to shewe hee was verie glâ—d of this acceptation did reach vnto him one of the lappeâ— of his Harnesse which the Emperour tooke also Deputing presently the Dukes Pâ—holomey and â—ustace for Iudges and Marshals of the field to the end they should with all equity maintayne the right of bold the Combatants These Dukes who stirred not from the Emperours Court to obey their Masters commandement conâ—ucted Valido incontinently within the Barriers where they