one another about the strange conceyts they perceiued in this Caue which made them to iudge that in times past it had béene the solitary dwelling of some noble man exiled from his Countrey but therein they were greatly deceyued For this ancient edifice was erected by the Enchantresse Mellia who kept that place a great while during the raigne of the king Armace her Brother Vrganda and she liued both at one time as it is rehearsed in the History of the Emperour Splandian Sonne to the valiant most magnificient king Amadis and the Princes Oriana his Wife Quéene of the great Brittaine When the Princes and knights had satisfied their mindes in beholding this place they returned to the Pauillions to their Ladies who welcommed them all very louingly and Primaleon sitting downe by his sister Flerida rehearsed to her the manner of the Caue where the two Princes were nourished which did not a little content her minde in that the place was not ruinated and put into obliuion This night they reposed themselues in the Forrest as honourably serued as if they had béene in the English Court and in the morning they prepared themselues towards the Castle being all the way delighted with such fiue deuises sent by the cunning of the Sage Aliart that euery one tooke great pleasure in this Princely iourney There were Hunters who pursued wilde Bores Harts Bucks and all such noble game and came wearily falling downe at the Ladies feete but when they offered to touch them they were presently skipping on the farder side of the Riuer these deuises so pleased the Emperor with all the company that they gaue great thankes to Aliart who frequented them with such pleasant pastime al the way as they rode At last they arriued at the Valley of Perdition where they had a sight of the Castle of Dramusiande which went somewhat to the heart of the Princesse Flerida séeing the prison wherein her louing Don Edward had so long remained The Emperour Trineus king Frederick fel into great commendation of the sumptuous building of the Castle then which they had not often séene a fayrer which mooued theÌ„ to intreate Dramusiande who was the founder of such a singular péece of workmanship to which demand Dramusiande presently gaue this reply My gratious Lords this Castle was first builded by mine Aunt Eutropa through her meanes it hath remayned thus long out of knowledge Trust me said the Emperour Trineus a Fortresse of such strength and beautie ought not to be in the hands of one who could imploy it to such great abuse but commonly we sée the wicked do thriue as well as the good and enioyas great account in this world as they that maintaine all their actions by iustice and equitie So riding on at last Dramusiande willed them to a suddaine stay where he began in this manuer to vnfold the cause Me thinks I sée at the entrance of the Bridge a séemly Knight ready appointed to the Ioust but I can perceiue no body that offereth him resistance which maketh me supose that he hath attempted to kéepe this passage At this vnlooked for accident they stayed to behold the Knight who was very well mounted on a gray Courser his Armour spotted with white and blacke which greatly pleased the eyes of the beholders In his shéeld he baâ—e the naked body of a Lady the beauty of whose countenance was so excellently figured that Altea for whom Floraman accomplished such chiualricus déeds at Constantinople might not séeme to offer comparison to this beautifull spectacle neither the faire Princesse Polinarda might not presume to equall her selfe with the braue shape of this Lady and at the lower end of this shéeld in letters of Gold was written Miragarda While Princes occupied their eyes in beholding the singular forme compacted in his shéeld they perceiued his Esquire come towards them who after he had done his dutie to them all began to salute them with these protestations Faire Lords and Ladies the noble knight my Maister whom you behold on the Bridge by me giueth you to vnderstand the cause of his trauailes vnto this place He is of a far countrey from whence he had aduentured himselfe in honour of his good fortune and at the command of his Lady whose humble seruant he remayneth at this houre to try his knighthood at this Castle which hath béene blazed abroad to be most infortunate But being here arriued he is aduertised how the Enchantment is fully finished and the strength of the Giant Dramusiande with all his retinew conquered by the valour and hautie Prowes of a knight named Palmerin of England who hath deliuered the Princes that were kept Captiue by the cruell meanes of the disloyall Eutropa which newes are most welcome vnto him in that he desired nothing more Yet for that he is loth to returne to his Lady being at the place where knighthood hath bene tryed and he to passe backe againe not approued of any he craueth to enter the Ioust with such as are disposed referring the Combate of the Sword because he will aduenture for pleasure This challenge encreased such courage in the knights that they entred into strife who should first runne with the strange knight which the king perceuing returned the Esquire with this answer My friend tell thy Lord his enterprise is worthy perpetuall renowne if he containe such courage in proofe as both his Message and himselfe giueth in show his Lady shall haue occasion to vse him according as his valiant attempt deserueth The Esquire receiuing the kings pleasure returned to his Lord to whom he had no sooner made it knowne but Tremoran shewed himselfe before the bridge inuiting the strange knight to the Ioust who stayed not to accomplish his desire but encountring him with such a pleasant charge that Tremoran was forced to leaue his saddle This chance somewhat displeased Luyman of Burgondie who thinking to reuenge the repulse of Tremoran was sent himselfe to kéepe him company Belcar being desirous to shew his prowesse among the young Knights couched his Speare against the strange Knight who sent both Horse and man to the ground when presently Don Rosuell tooke the cause in hand and was made pertaker of the same mishap In like manner Guerin Frisol Blandidon Floraman diuers other were serued which moued the King Polendos vnto such choller that he would haue ventured against the strange Knight had not the prince Don Edward perswaded him to the contrary Then there went a great murmuring amongst the knightes who supposed the Sage Aliart had brought this Champion by his Art to be a disgrace vnto all their attempts and that he had vsed such meanes vnto him as he might not be vanquished but herein they greatly deceiue themselues for it was onely the noble force of the knight which was continually animated by beholding the faire face of his Ladie which was so brauely proportioned in his shield Floraman being greatly bent against the Knight and
committed themselues to the mercie of the Seas whereon we intend a while to leaue them and returne to the Esquyre of the Knight of the Sauadge-man who fearing least the Ancient Knight would offer some iniurie to his Lord and Maister failed not to take which way hee iudged would bring him to Constantinople Hee trauelled all the first day and Fortune was so vngentle to him as hee could not méete any person to demaund his way but on the next day as he passed ouerthwart a Forrest he perceiued vnder a trée Knight very richly Armed hauing in his Shielde which was borne by his Esquire a golden Tyger in a field of Sinople wherevpon hee presently rode to the Esquyre whome when he behelde he knew that it was Syluian and the Knight before him to be the Noble Palmerin of England whose presence gaue the Esquire more assurance then he had before neuertheles with the teares trickling downe his cheekes hee beganne to the Prince after this manner My Lord albeit the newes I haue to declare vnto you of my Brother and my Maister the Prince Florian bee not so agreeable to you as I would they were yet can I not but I must needs report them being perswaded that it is in you to remedy this misfortune which is chaunced to him Then discoursed he whole circumstance of the matter to the Prince Palmerin who commaunded the Esquyre to bring him presently to the place where his Lorde passed the Riuer to goe to the Castle which stoode on the high Rocke hée being very grieuously passionate as well for the misfortune which had happened to his Brother as also breaking his voyage to Constantinople to which place his earnest affection called him Then hee complained greatly on Fortune who did applye her-selfe as hee thought to no other ende but onely to breake his determined purposes in dayly presenting him with continuall perils wherewith he could by no meanes escape without great losse of his blood and danger of his life in these gréeuous agonies he fellowed the Esquire vsing as speedy diligence as might be least some should offer his brother discourtesie and they arriued at the Castle on the next day about the euening tide when the Esquire shewed the Prince the Riuer which he could not passe speaking to him in this sort You may now my Lord behold the dangerous passage where I lost the knight of the Sauage man my noble Maister to which words the Prince made this answer Cursed may they be that were the first inuenters of these cruell enchauntments the extremitie whereof hath bene the ouerthrow of many a good and hardy Knight and hath made wretches and â—owards to triumph in their misfortune Then came they downe to the riuer where the Prince Palmerin and the Esquire could not finde any Beate for prssage nor yet the man that had conuyed the Prince ouer by reason whereof they went along by the Riuers side till they came to a place where the water parted in twaine and an entrance there was into a little Isle whereto the Prince prepared himselfe to goe as he sounded the depth of the Foord but a Knight who had couered his armour with the Skinne of a wilde Beast which he had slaine cryed aloud to the Prince in this manner Noble Palmerin be not so hardy I desire you as to passe ouer for the water is farre more déepe then it séemeth and you may suddenly fall into vnrecouerable danger which to preuent I counsell you to goe downe a little further along by the Riuer side and I will not faile to shew you the place where you may goouer in most securitie Palmerin well noting the words of the Knight that spake to him presently stayed his horse and maruailing who this Knight should be at last he knew him to be his brother the Sage Aliart whereupon he came to his brother Florians Esquire and commanded him to goe to Constantinople and stay there for that his presence did hinder him when he was disposed to conferre with Siluian about the faire Polinarda and he tolde him that he should sooner heare tydings of his Maister at the Court then in any other place The Esquier would haue gladly kept the Prince Palmerin company but he would in no wise suffer him but commaunded him to goe to those places where he might soonest haue vnderstanding of his Lord and so the Prince departed from him when in small time he came to a place of the riuer which was more broade and lesse déepe then the knight â—ried againe vnto him that he might there venture hardly because it was the surest place of passage The Prince staied not but on the assurance he had in the Knights word he entred the Riuer which was not so déepe but they passed ouer very easily the rigor of the water hauing not the power to hurt the Prince so they recouered the other side safe and soundly which the Knight perceiuing he came and offered himselfe to take the Princesse horse but he would not suffer him then he alighting came embraced the Knight with these words What should I thinke my Lord and Brother that you so friendly come to succour me in my greatest néede certainely I may assure my selfe that Florian my Brother shall be deliuered from his present danger by your meanes which is of so great authoritie and furnished with so high singular knowledge My gratious Lord answered the Sage Aliart is it your custome not to make any account of any mischance that may happen because you imagine that your knightly prowesse is able to aduantage you in euery attempt but I pray you at this time to forsake such opinion of your selfe and be perswaded that Florian your brother is in great danger of loosing his life for which I am very hartily sory in that Fortune would not suffer me to finde him in this place But so it is as I haue gained the knowledge by perusing my Bookes that a Knight did cause him to forsake the Emperors Court to bring him hither to this Castle rendring him into the handes of a Damosell Giant the Daughter of Collambra who is mother to the Giants Calfurnien Camboldam Brocalon Baleato whom you and your brother Florian haue slaine It séemes to me said the Prince Palmerin that we should forsake this Castle and prepare our selues towards the Profound Isle to embarque our selues to trie if Fortune will so much fauour vs as to permit vs his recouery but I feare me some misfortune is come to him already the feare whereof confoundeth me in extreame griefe whereto the Sage Aliart thus replyed My Lord it is not necessary that we should goe trifle the time in the Profound Isle for if Florian be lost this will be the greatest hazard that can come vnto vs wherefore I thinke it most conuenient that you doe your endeuour to séeke him foorth not sparing day and night to trauaile and I will take my course another way wherein I will vse such diligence
suspition of me I giue you to vnderstand that I am called Primaleon Sonne to the famous Emperor of Constantinople When the Tristfull Knight heard these wordes he was ouercome with such extreame sorrow and heauinesse because he had entred Combat with his Father Primaleon that he had much adoe to sustaine himselfe which the Prince séeing came to him with these words Florendos let no grieuous motions séeme to abate your courage for I had knowledge of you before we fell to the Combat as for what hath passed I franke and fréely forgiue being glad that I haue tryed your right to be of such reputation The Tristfull Knight knéeling downe and in great humility kissing his Fathers hand hée sustained him graciously in his armes and great were the salutations that passed betwéene them Pandritia being glad to sée the Prince Primaleon conducted them both into her House of Sadnesse where they were lodged in a goodly chamber and their wounds attended by the Ladies with very diligent and louing respect CHAP. LII How Primaleon and the Tristfull knight being healed of the wounds they had receiued in the combat by the courteous entertainment of the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia after they had staied there a little space and Primaleon certifying her of the happy deliuery of the Prince Don Edward they both departed from thence the Prince toward Constantinople and the Tristful knight in his iourney towards Spaine when Pandritia likewise for these ioyfull ridings left her House of Sadnesse and went to the Garden of Damosels And how after Primaleon and the Prince Vernar were arriued at Constantinople the Soldan Bellagris sent a Messenger to the Emperor who gaue him to vnderstand of the dealing of the Soldan of Babilon who had staid his army to contend with certaine Lords of his dominions that rebelled and entred into armes against him FLoredos the Tristfull Knight and his noble Father the Prince Primaleon made their abode for the space of certaine dayes in the carefull Castle of the solitary Pandritia where they were so carefully visited and their feeble estates so louingly tendered that in short time they recouered their perfect health In which time Primaleon had certified her of the prosperous successe of the Prince Don Fdward whom she verily supposed to be dead long before so that shée conceiued such great delight in this report as at the request of the Prince the left her House of Sadnesse and returned to her Mansion named the Garden of Damosels vsing more pleasant conceits then for a great while she might suffer to thinke on Primaleon hauing borne her company longer then willingly hee would and declared to her the the names of the Knights that were prisoners with Don Edward as also the manner of their happy deliuerance accompanied with the Tristful Knight he tooke his leaue of her she being loath they should depart so soone but perswaded by their earnest affayres gaue them the courtesie and so they left her They twaine thus ryding together the Tristfull Knight desired his Father that hée might leaue his company because the affection to his Lady directed his trauaile into Spaine who not denying his sonnes request because himselfe was minded to ryde alone to the ende hee might make the better proofe of his valour imbraced one another the Tristfull Knight riding towards her for whose swéete sake he liued in great affliction and anguish of minde where at this time wée will leaue him and returne to the Prince Primaleon who not encountring any aduenture by this time is come to Constantinople whereas full often he wished himselfe because he had heard of the Soldanes Army which was of such force that it caused the whole Empire to stand in great feare Primaleon being entred into the Citie kept close his Beuere because he would not be knowne to any but intended to come suddainly vpon his friends which wold make him to be the better welcome Being come to y◠Pallace hauing deliuered his Horse to his Esquire he went vp into the great Hall in the same Armour that he vsed against the Tristfull Knight which was very much defaced with the blowes he had receiued causing great astonishment to all that were present who gaue him way to come before the Emperour Then knéeling downe and desiring to haue the Empresse and the Ladies present he would discourse 〈◊〉 his Highnesse what had happened lately in England which the Emperour desirous to heare yet not knowing what or who he was all this while receiued him from the ground saying That the honour of the place from whence he came should make him a great deale the better welcome and so he conducted him to the Empresse chamber where by good hap the princesse Gridonia Polinarda and Bazilia were present when the Emperor tooke occasion to begin as thus Faire Ladies this Knight commeth from the Court of England and would not declare his message to me vntil such time as he might come to your presence before whom he desireth to shewe his Ambassage which I wish to be otherwise then I thinke for because of the tariance of my sonne Primalaon whose absence is no small cause of my heauinesse With that the Emperour sate downe by the Ladies whom Primaleon began to behold very earnestly because he perceyued them growne into great alteration especially the Emperour his Father whose countenance was much changed then when he saw him last and the Princes Gridonia had greatly offended his faire face with the continuall mourning shée vsed for the absence of her Lord so generally beholding them all and staying from speaking an indifferent long space to the great amazing of the Emperor as also the company of the courtly Ladies at last he vnclasped his Beuer began in this order I desire you my gratious father to pardon my long silence as also the great time of mine absence from your royall Court hauing no other Message to present you but the good health of your noble friends in England as also of your Sonne Primaleon who humbleth himselfe before your gratious presence The Emperor was suddenly wrapt with such an inward ioy y◠for a great time he remained as it were in a trance in like maner the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda al the Ladies who came running altogether imbraced him with such ioy as it is impossible for me to giue iudgement thereon After hée had vsed curtesie to them al the Princesse Bazilia came kissed his hand to whom he said Faire Sister feare you not your Lord Vernas will not long absēt himselfe frō you but you shal haue him here right soon I dare warrant you Then was he vnarmed when the Emperour could not satisfie himselfe till he heard the ioyfull newes lately chanced in England but when he vnderstood how Palmerin was sonne to the Prince Don Edward and his daughter Flerida he receiued great contentation in that he was nourished in the company of the princesse Polinarda who concealed her ioy from any one Dramacian
excepted to whō she was accustomed to disclose her secrets Great was the pleasure for the returne of Primaleon whom the nobles and gentlemen of the cittie came dayly to welcome but to their greater content within a while after the Prince Vernar with a great many of the Princes knights of Greece arriued at the Court whose company was not so long desired as now they were ioyfully and hartily embraced In the middest of this great triumphing and solace a Messenger sent from the Soldane Belagris presented himselfe before the Emperour who disclosed his message in this manner Illustrious Prince the Soldan Bellagris my Lord and master in humble duty kisseth the hand of your excellency giuing you to vnderstand that so soone as he was arriued at his court he was aduertised how the Soldon of Babilō hauing with him a great and puissant armie prepared himselfe to ouerrunne your country and Empire and to make a generall spoile of your people and Dominions your estate being weakned through the losse of those knights who haue left your Court to séek the aduentures of great Brittain But when he was taking Ship and his Army at poynt to hoyse their sailes word was presently brought him how certaine Lords in his Realme had leuied a number of his owne subiects to enter armes against him for that they were able no longer to suffer his oppressing tyranny Vpon this occasion he stayed his armie to bring them in obeysance that had béene so hardie to rebell against him which thing he can hardly do without the losse of 20000. Pagans but when he shall finish with them thou he intendeth to visite you Which that you might preuent my Lord thus willed me to make knowne vnto you wishing to sée the houre of his own death before your imperiall estate should be any way be distressed Gramercy my good friend said the Emperour at this instant I perceiue the great good wil which the Soldane thy Lord hath alwaies borne vnto me to whom I pray thée commend me with honourable thankes protesting to do as much for him if as God forbid he stand in the like néede I thinke it best for you to take your rest a while because hauing endured so long trauail you cannot else chuse but be very sore laboured yet first I desire thée to rehearse how fareth thy Lord since his coming home My Lord answered the Messenger euer since his arriual hath delighted to discourse of the strange aduentures which not long since are brought to ende in great Brittaine which how rare they be I know your highnesse hath heard wherfore I néed not to reherse them You say true quoth the Emperour and assure your selfe that the imprisonment of the English Prince Don Edward will cause the Castle of Dramusiande to remaine in perpetuall and renowned memory Thus concluding their talke the Emperour went to the Empresse chamber where in the presence of the Ladies he rehearsed the Message from the Soldan Bellagris and on the morrow the messenger departed bearing with him the Emperours letters to his Lord. Now was the Court and Citizens replenished with as great ioy as before they were filled with heauinesse when they stood in feare of the Armie of the Soldan of Babylon CHAP. LIII Here the History discourseth at large of the Tristfull Knight who after hee was departed from Constantinople in the company of the other Princes and knights that went to pursue the search of the Prince Don Edward through occasion of ill weather on the scas landed vpon the Coast of Spaine And how in trauaile he came to the Castle of the Giant Almarol where he became enamoured of the faire Miragarda for whose loue he foyled the Giant and kept the passage there a great while in the honour of her picture BEcause the Authour hath all this while made no mention of the prince Florendos who at this present tearmeth himselfe the Tristfull Knight and endeuoured himselfe likewise in the search of Don Edward now as well to excuse his owne negligence as also to fauour the hard Fortune of this Knight in trauayle you shall bée perfectly resolued of all his procéedings At such time as he departed from Constantinople in the company of diuers Knights who pursued the Prince Primaleon euery one taking a contrary way his course directed him to a hauen of Sea where imbarking himselfe in a Merchant of England time and occasion so serued that they tooke their departure Hauing endured so long on the seas that they knew themselues to be within a ken of England on a suddaine a contrarie winde came vpon them and held them in such danger betwéene hope and feare that at last in great hazard of their liues they chanced vpon the Coast of Spaine where they tooke landing on a Rocke which at this day is called Lisbone Florendos séeing himselfe so farre from the place whither he directed his course and would haue so gladly attained rode on ouercharged with extreme heauines complaining on fortune for his vnlucky trauaile After he had passed through the Prouince of Portingall and by his hautie Chiualrie obtained a generall commendation he happened to come to the Riuer Thesin where ryding on contemplating his amorous thoughts he espied a goodly Castle scituated vpon a Rocke which gaue him great occasion of pleasure to behold it This Castle vrged him to aduance his course thither but there lay a blocke in his way which was a great let to his former pretence for vnder the gréene shade as he rode he perceiued three Ladies of such singular beautie as in all his life time he supposed neuer to haue séene the like These Ladies continued a very serious discourse among themselues so that they tooke no héede to the arriuall of Florendos who gaue a great good liking to them all but especially shée that sat in the middest to whom the other twaine shewed very great reuerence being of most stately beautie as also of a singular and erquisite behauiour But shall we say that Florendos was enamoured at this faire spectacle O no hee could as well eschew it as the Bird fast caught in the Fowlers snare and he liked her no better then he that did most honour and heartily loue her so that hee changeth his mirth into mones his talke into teares and his whole cogitations to a Louers complexion aiming the whole course of his affection on the Lady whose face had the power to detaine his fréedom and her behauiour the operation to be chiefe starre within the compasse of his Sphere Still he stroue with himselfe to goe backe againe and shun the blaze that had set on fire his sences but affection had hung such a clog on his conceits and one looke brought his heart into such a Labyrinth that Ariadnes thread could do him no good but only the saint that had giuen him this glaunce While he remained in these muses such occasion the Ladies receiued that they leaue the field and walke into their
noble Palmerin Then Siluian being not fully resolued what he were best to do tooke his way strait to great Brittaine where arriuing at the Castle of the Giant Dramusiande who entertained him with kinde and louing courtesie he discouered to him the losse of his Lord when presently Dramusiande clapping his armor on his backe promised neuer to returne vnto his Castle without he might attaine the good recouery of the famous Prince Siluian seeing the affection of the Giant to be so great to his masters welfare as himselfe could wish presented himselfe to serue him as his Esquire till he might be so happy as to finde the Prince againe thus leaue we them to the good fortune of their trauaile Returne we now to the noble Palmerin of England who enduring the sharpe brunts on the Seas too long as he thought at last the ship staying at the side of a Rocke where the Sea had left an Iland which was vnhabited and there he forsooke the ship being very glad that he had gained the shore Leauing the Sea side he betooke himselfe to trauaile in a little path right before him which in a little while brought him into a faire gréene Meddow in the middest whereof was placed a Marble Stone of the height of a man with an inscription vppon it Take heede thou goe this way no further When he had read this Posey the Stone being placed there as he supposed to cause all Passengers be afraide they knew not of what his minde was greatly moued to sée the end of this accident and being accompanied continually with a hauty courage he went on taking great pleasure to behold the high Rocks and the greene Trées which spread their boughs so brauely ouer the path as he went Palmerin séeing no aduenture would happen all this while the Marble Pillar giuing such a terrifying manner of words went on still without any feare till at last he was be nighted when laying him downe in the grasse to take his rest he made his Helmet his Pillow and so determined to sléepe there for that night But such were the motions in his mind that the more he thought to take quiet rest the farther off he was from his intent For one while the remembrance of his fayre Polinarda presented it selfe as best worthy his memory because hée had béene so long absent from her yet durst not enterprise to come into her presence and thē the losse of Siluian whose counsell alway serued as an especial remedy to his amorous assaults and wanting his company now in this heauy case hee was forced to vtter diuers and sundry complaints Thus spent hée all that night in a Courtly debate betwéene reason his earnest desire the one to perswade him from that dangerous kinde of trauaile and to exclude from his mind the fond allarmes giuen by his fancy the other how continually it wrapped him in an intricate or endlesse vexation of his sences But as often we sée Reason is subiect to the amorous Desire so the prince not able to resist the aspiring drifts of his eger passions resigned both his will and wit to follow the loue and amitie he had begun to his Lady and Mistresse When hée had wasted the night in this small order of rest the chéerefull morning deliuered her faire countenance he went on still musing on the wordes he had read vpon the Pillar which he estéemed to be flat mockage because he could perceiue nothing that deserued such a forewarning But as he trauailed in a faire plaine field still vsing his minde with his former exercises hée came to a Fountaine of singular beautie the Pillars whereof was of fine wrought Azure the water issuing forth at the mouthes of diuers beasts very artificially made The Prince standing a good while in a muse at this Fountaine how so much water should ascend vp such a high Mountaine and why such a faire thing should stand in such a vacant place could not readily thinke with himselfe what he might iudge thereon for at the lower end of the aforesaid Pillars lay two cruell Tygers and two fierce Lions who as hée supposed kept Passengers that they should not drinke at this Fountaine This strange sight made him somewhat abashed and to stand in feare that it was some Enchantment practised to get him into some present danger because the beastes behaued themselues in such order as though they might easily be brought vnder subiectiō of the chaine which was of such bignes as was requisite to holde such furious beastes yet were they tyed at such shortnesse that they had very litle scope of walking Palmerin knew it was néedles to aske leaue to drinke at this Fountaine of those that had no reasō to make him answer albeit they were too strong in force to offer him resistance wherefore he attempted to try the friendlinesse of Fortune and to put his life in hazard vpon this aduenture Then aduancing himselfe to taste of the water vpon one of the Pillars in letters of Gold was engraued these words Behold here the Fountaine of the wished water And going a little farther he espied an other which was thus He that hath the courage to drinke of this Fountaine shall bring to ende any enterprise that belongeth to the aduancement of Honour and Fame so that he shall accomplish as much as may be comprehēded in the strength or prowesse of a man But ouer against it was written these words Passe and drinke not This made the Prince not a little astonied in that as the one gaue him encouragement to approach the fountaine so the other stood in the way to hinder his determination But yet he concluded to try the aduenture in that he iudged it was impossible to méete with an occasion of more hautie enterprise CHAP. LVII How Palmerin encouraged at this rare aduenture entred the sight against the Beasts that kept the Fountaine and at last albeit with great danger he vanquished them all then approched to drinke of the water Also when he departed from thence he arriued at a Castle whereon he sawe foure Shields placed and being vrged by the Poesies hee sawe written on them to try the ende of this vnlooked for accident hee entred the Combate against foure knights that came forth of the Castle whereof he slew three and saued the life of the fourth to discouer to him the ende of this strange aduenture MAny were the doubtes the Prince conceiued in his minde as concerning what might happen by this gorgeous spectacle because the poesies were placed in such vncertaine manner that he verilie supposed it was but some trappe or secret fetch to allure him to venture on his owne destruction Wherfore hee determined to depart from thence and not meddle with the Beasts because he saw their faire shew of gentlenesse was but onely to haue him approch the Fountaine When he had walked a little way from thence he began to accuse and blame himself that either seare should cause him
to liue solitarie in this habitation till the Gouernors of my Kingdome had chosen me such a Phéere as might in all respects satisfie the will of my late deceased Lord and Father But Fortune the enemy to al mine actions permitted an vnknown knight to happen to this Castell whom I made such choise of that he was the onelie man I loued because I neuer liked any but him so that according to my affection I concluded him as Lord both of mee and all my Princely possessions But hee neither regarding bountie nor beauty applieth himselfe so disdainful to my gentle desire that he rather taketh pleasure in irons wherewith I haue charged him then in the Princely offers whereto I haue chasen him And although his great despising me is an insupportable torment yet haue I dissembled my disquietnes supposing that his affection to some other hath ouercharged his wittes so that he could not perceiue the honour wherewith I presented him And yet this opinion I vsed fondly with my selfe that no ladies beauty was sufficient to win him from me the Princesse Miragarda onely excepted whose report filleth euery Climate with extolling her benefit Yet because I had some doubt of her I commanded one of my Damosels to take her iourney thither to see if my beautie might not stand equall with hers if so be she were onely perfect without comparisoÌ„ then had I determined to set the knight at libertie but if I were found to deserue as high a title as shee then would I reward him with punishment according as his disdainfull nature did worthily deserue Horian well noting the proud minde of Arnalte determined to cause her abide in her vaine opinion as thus Truly Madam I would with you not to vse any other torment to the Knight then to let him persist in his obstinate and pâ—ruerse minde for in the ende the punishment of his owne follie will be all when himselfe shall lament the state of his losse And hereupon assure your selfe that that Princesse Miragarda is as faire as she is famed yet are you very liâ—le beholding to the Knight considering that if both your features were liuely to bee seene in one vniforme it might hardly be iudged which should be soonest abased The Princesse Arnalte was very wel pleased with these words of FloriaÌ„ stedfastly setting her couÌ„tenance vpon him euen as lightly she grounded her loue on Palmerin so according to the mutability of an vnstedfast womaÌ„ she began to grâ—w in as great good liking of him vtterly abolishing Pelmerin out of memory as though she had neuer seene him in all her life Wherefore being in euery part replenished with an vnspeakeable ioy she tooke each of the knights by the hand and returned with them into the Castell where against their comming the Table was ready couered but before they sat downe Florian desired to sée the knight at whose request he was immediatly sent for But when Florian and Pompides had a sight of him they were not able to conceale the great ioy they sustained especially Siluian who as they imbraced his Master he cast himselfe at his féet being neuer so glad in all his life as he was at this present Which made Arnalte so amazed that she wished they were al departed her Castle Wel downe they sat and were feasted with honour and great reuerence the Supper being ended Palmerin and Pompides were lâ—dged in one Chamber together and a very faire ChaÌ„ber was prouided for the Prince Florian to whom she gaue such friendlie entertainement that they staied there the space of eight daies Then Florian and the other Knights would néedes depart ieauing the Princesse very pensiue and sorrowfull to depart from his company she desired so faine but he made her promise that so soone as he could he would returne to her Hereon they all departed merrily away the Princesse Arnalte greatly commending her good fortune in that she hoped of the Prince Florians returne when she had no doubt to win his heart but he being a litle out of her sight was fallen into such obliuion of her that he made a iest to his brother Pompides of the great fauour Arnalte had bestowed on him CHAP. LXVII How Palmerin of England Don Florian his brother and Pompides being departed from the Castle of the Princesse Arnalte met the faire Florenda daughter to Arnedes King of France at whose request Florian ran with twelue Knights who kept the Princesse company in her prograce And how during the time of the Iust a Damosell came and intreated Palmerin to haue his helpe in the finishing of a strange aduenture with whom he presently departed and after the Iust was ended Pompides and the Prince Florian rode after Palmerin to giue him aide if hee stoode in neede of any WHen these thrée Knights were thus departed from the Princesse Arnalte Palmerin by the way râ—de with Siluian aside to whom hee expressed the great perpleritie wherein he remained for the loue hee bare his faire Lady and Mistresse Polinarda to whom he feared to approach because of the coÌ„mandement she gaue him at such time as he departed from Constantinople Whereto Siluian vsed this kind of perswasion what she had giuen him in angry spéeches was rather to try his constancy then to mooue him conceiue any opinion of discourtesie But Palmerin would hardly giue any credance to his wordes because he supposed we had heard already that he could not vanquish the Tristfull Knight entring the Combate on the controuersie betwéene the beauty of her and the Princesse Miragarda which oppressed his minde with many grieuous thoughts and was much displeasant to Florian and Pompides who were altogither ignorant in the cause of his heauinesse When they had ridden for a few certaine dayes they came at last into a valley in the Kingdome of France where vnder a fine shadowe of Trées they perceiued foure faire Tents erected whereupon was placed twelue goodly Shieldes But that which was most to their admiration was a braue company of Ladies who disported themselues there vnder the gréene Trées The Knightes reioycing to finde company in such a solitarie place betooke themselues presently toward the Tentes but on a suddaine came foorth of one of the Tents a Knight attyred in a very faire Armour all thicke beset with golden Glasses who hauing put on his Helmet mounted on his Stéede and tooke a strong Lance in his hand preparing himselfe couragiously to enter the Iuste When Palmerin perceiued the intent of the Knight he caused his company to stay a while when presently an Esquire addressed himselfe from the Ladyes saluting the Princes in this manner God saue you Gentlemen Florenda Daughter to the famous King of France who abideth in these Tents with her courtly attendants by me gréeteth you in all courtesies possible giuing you to vnderstaÌ„d that delighting her selfe to ride in Prograce she stayeth here in this pleasant valley til the heat of the day be somwhat more declined And for as much as
remaine in one Knight and he neuer to haue assayed a more perillous aduenture Often they staied and fell to it againe the Prince hauing slaine two of them and the Lady vsing reprochfull wordes vnto them that they fiue had not the power to preuaile against one which set the other in such a chafe that they began to charge him with vnmercifull blowes seeing they had no way to escape from him because on the one side the sea hindered them and into the Castell they could not retyre for the lady within had commanded the gate to be made fast Wherefore two of them fell downe dead before him when the last Knight séeing the danger he stood in tooke the point of his Sword in his hand and humbled himselfe before the Prince as thus Most worthy Knight since fortune hath allowed you the honour of this victorie and that you haue preuailed against all my companions let pitty enter into your heart to saue the life of him who most humbly submitteth himselfe to your mercy I grant thée thy life said Florendos because I will not bée thought of such a bloody mind to kill him that is not able to resist me Then sat he downe to rest himselfe the Lady vsing great care to bind vp his wounds when the Lady within the Castle standing in feare lest her stubbornnes might procure the greater iniury sent one of the damsels who opened the gate which Florendos séeing tooke the Lady by the hand and entred the castel where they met the Lord that had béen prisoner so long who imbraced his Lady with very great thankes for bringing the Knight that had won him his liberty to whom he began in this order Worthy sir your Knightly déedes haue gained such honour that I cannot make estimation of them according as they haue worthily deserued but if it shall please you to rest here a while we will yéeld you what courtesie we can and then we will depart together Florendos gaue him great thankes and stayed there to sée the Lady that kept the castle but he could not attaine to his desire because she had made her selfe fast in her Chamber so that no one might come to haue a sight of her Then went he to sée the place where the Lady vsed to imprison the Knights amongst whom he found the Prince Guerin who reioyced maruelously to see Florendos and knowing that he had finished this hard aduenture he accounted himselfe happy to be in his company After that eight daies were expired they departed in a Galley from thence to the house of the Knight and the Lady where Guerin and hee found themselues so gratiously vsed as if they had béen in the Court of Constantinople Within a while after they tooke their leaue of the Knight and the Lady who gaue to each of them a very good Horse and in their trauelling together they parted from one another because Florendos desired to iourney alone that he might better approoue the aduenture which Fortune had reserued for him CHAP. LXXV How Palmerin Florian and Pompides in their trauaile met with a Damosell who brought them to the Castle of Dramorant the Cruell where they found Albayzar with the shield of Miragarda who had vanquished twelue knights and slew Dramorant the Lord of the Castle PAlmerin and his brethren continuing in their trauaile towardes Constantinople riding thorow a Forrest saw a Lady come riding towards them in very great feare who being come somewhat neare them Florian staied her Palfray saying Faire Lady I pray you to shewe vs the cause of your feare Alas sir quoth she how can I stay to report any thing séeing I dare scant assure my selfe in your company for when I enterprised my iourney to the Court of the French Quéene two knights came and resisted me endeuouring them selues to abuse mine honour But Fortune was so fauourable to me that at my cry a Knight came who defended my cause and behaued himselfe so worthily against them that in open fight he slew them both Then passing by a Castle at the end of this stone wal he was assailed by twelue Knights who I feare me will be the death of him if he be not spéedily holpen by some good rescue and trust me Gentlemen the losse of him would be very great being one of the most hardy knights in al the world I pray you Lady said Florian bring vs to the Castle where the knight remaineth in such danger as you seeme to report for it were great pittie to suffer such a knight to die for lacke of helpe Although quoth she I was otherwise determined yet will I bring you to the place as well to try your worthinesse as also shew my good will to the Knight who in his owne danger hath pleasured me so much This said they rode on together in short time they heard the clattering of the weapons where they found the knight to haue slaine fiue or sixe of the Knightes behauing himselfe also very manfully against the other whereat the Prince fell into great admiration which the Lady séeing how they sate still and looked on began to enter into these wordes Why Gentlemen if you determined to doe nothing when you came it had béene more honour for you to haue kept on your iourney rather then to suffer so good a knight to be slaine in your presence and you stand by refusing to aid him which maketh me iudge that your weapons are very ill bestowed on you Faire Lady answered Palmerin the Knight doeth so well discharge his dutie that we should offer him great wrong if we presumed to aid him for so might we cut off the praise which he should worthily beare in the obtaining the victory which is the only cause of our stay Mary if we should perceiue the Knights to haue any dangerous aduantage ouer him then would we shewe him such ayde in their resistance that you should recall your words and haue a better opinion of vs. While they continued this Parle the Knight who was the famous Albayzar of the twelue knights had left but foure aliue which vrged Florian to this opinion in words I belieue that this knight is ordained to darkē the déeds of all Knights yours onely accepted déere Brother Palmerin wherevnto I know he neither can nor may approch neuerthelesse I know not any one that professeth knightly Armes but would striue to exalt his déeds seeing the behauiour of so noble a Champion In fine they perceiued all the Knights to be slaine except two who were constrained to yéelde themselues to this noble conquerour when presently came forth Dramorant himselfe very brauely mounted strongly armed which Albayzar seeeing mounted on his horse came to the prince Palmerin and his Brethren in this manner I pray you gentlemen to bestow one of your speares vpon me to receiue the knight that prepareth himselfe against me assuring you that I will not forget to remēber your courtesie in so doing Sir said Palmerin
you send with all spéed to séeke the prince Albayzar through whom you may recouer the king Polendos and your knights other way I cannot perceiue that may pleasure them or profite you My Sonne answered the Emperour if the imprisonment of Polendos and my knights were perpetuall I would not séeke to set them at liberty by this meane for I had rather they should enioy the death then to accomplish that which might be my continuall reproach for this difference I alway craue betweene me and all the world that the good may be perfectly discerned from the euill Albayzer is not guilty in the iniury which the Turke doeth séeme to offer my Knightes therefore it were against honour that he should suffer for anothers offence but this is it whereat I am most amazed that Targiana will suffer this great discourtesie considering the honour she receiued in our Court. My deare Soueraigne quoth the Esquire there is no cause to complaine of her for her intreaty could no way preuaile with â—er Father whereupon hee rehearsed the whole discourse â—nd manner of their imprisonment which the Emperour haâ—ing heard departed with the Empresse into his Chamber very â—rie where we must forsake him and returne to the Prince â—lorendos He trauailed so long accompanied with the noble Albayzar â—â—at being in the Dominions of Spaine they came to a faire â—astell which Albayzar knowing very well began thus to open his intent Sir Florendos I haue heretofore passed this place in the greatest danger that euer I was in fror through giuing aide to a Damosell whom bloody minded wretches sought to dishonest I slewe them with ten more as also their Lord named Dramorant the Cruell who kept this Castell at which exployte the noble Palmerin of England Florian and Pompides his Brethren were present and can testifie what I haue spoken Therefore I pray you let vs goe to the Castell for that I assure my selfe the Lady to whom I gaue it at such time as I deliuered her out of danger will receiue vs with a courteous and friendly welcome I am content quoth Florendos séeing we haue no other place to lodge in this night that I can sée néere here about Thus breaking off their talke they had not rid two stones cast but they beheld foure armed Knights come towards them and an Esquire who came before them vttering these words to the Prince Florendos Sir Knight the great Astribor sendeth strait commandement that you and your companious do presentle yéeld your Armour vnder his obeysance the deniall wherof shall cause him vse more cruelty toward you then he would willingly offer to any good knight No other thing doth he request of you except you can report to him tydings of a knight who hath sâ—aine Dramorant his Brother sometime Lord and rightfull possessor of this castle which was giuen by that Knight to a Damosell whom he keepeth in prison till Fortune send the Knight hither to sacrifice them both to his Gods for reuenge of his brothers death Albayzar aduanced himselfe to make answere but because he was vnarmed Florendos thus replied to the Esquire Goe tell my Lord Astribor that I am not the Knight he would so gladly finde but I am well acquainted with him and am sure that hée hath slaine his Knightes deseruedly as for mine Armour because I cannot very well spare it I am câ—ntent he shall goe without it at this time except I had more knowledge of him how to haue it when I shall returne Well said the Esquire since you will not yéelde it by gentle meanes you must prepare your selfe against these Knights who are here appointed by sufficient authoritie to take their Armor away perforce who refused to yéeld it according to custome Florendos seeing the Knights prouided to Ioust he encountred with them and sent two couragiously to measure their length on the ground the one being slaine outright the other so sore wounded that he was not able to recâ—uer himselfe Then came foorth Astribor himselfe very brauely mounted and séeing Florendos destitute of a Launce he gaue his Horse the spurs and ran against him with such force that Florendos was constrained to fall to the ground but recouering himselfe he dealt with Astribor in such couragious manner that bringing him vnder his obeysance he cut off his head in recompence of his disloyall actes Certaine Knights that were in the Castell and had séene their Lord and Master so conquered lett their Armour coÌ„ming toward the Prince Florendos to whom in reuerent manner they yéelded themselues But he would not enter the Castell before the Lady might come soorth of Prison whereupon Albayzar entred and found her in a Dungeon very cruelly vsed so that a great while she could not remember him but at last shee fell on her knées and to reward his gentlenesse submitted her selfe to kisse his hand who would not suffer her but sustained her courteously in his armes willing her to thanke the Prince Florendos and not him because he was not suffered to beare Armour The Lady at these words fell into a great rage and as though she were distraight of her wits began thus to say Cursed be he that hath so dishonoured yon for credit me knightly Armes were better bestowed on you then on him or any of his linage wherefore I am thus perswaded that Ladies shall haue losse of so good a knight as you whose heart aud hand was euer ready to aide them Albayzar not suffering her to runne so farre in his praise framed his talke to another purpose desirous to knowe in what maner Astribor had happened thither Syr quoth she you shal vnderstand that this Astribor was brother to Dramorant the Cruell a man of more malicious nature then euer was the Giant his brother he was no sooner aduertised of his death but with ten knights he came vnto this Fortresse where finding small force to resist him he entred cauâ—ing all he found here to be put to the sword reseruing me in prison till he might chance to haue knowledge of you when then he intended to burne vs both together and till he might come by you he ordained this custome which is so worthily finished Albayzar being certified of euery thing at his pleasure caused the Prince Florendos to be vnarmed and his woundes were very carefully respected by the Lady who had good knowledge in the Art of Chirugery There they stayed longer then the Prince Florendos willingly would for no place were it neuer so pleasant could satisfie his fancy but onely the place where remained his best beloued CHAP. XCVII Of that which happened to Palmrin of England in the company of the Damosell of Thrace SVch spéede the noble Palmerin of England made in the company of the Damosel with whom he trauailed that without any aduenture to hinder them they quietly entred the kingdome of Thrace whereat the Damosell was very ioyfull séeing euery thing fell so fit as she desired and the labour she had
his sword and offered resistance when presently the beasts vanished he knew not which way Then Palmerin leaped into the Boate and with all diligence rowed himselfe to yâ— farther side but when he was landed there hée had more cause of maruaile because now hée sawe no way how to get vp vpon that Rocke Walking a litle aside hée beheld a Rope that reached to the ground from the top which was so slender and rotten that hée thought it not able to abide the waight of his Armour wherefore to make himself the lighter he determined to leaue his Armor there yet not knowing what occasion he should haue to vse it when he should come to the top of the Rocke he bound himselfe about the middle with the Rope when presently hée was pulde vp with maruailous speede and when he was at the toppe he could not perceiue them that had drawne him vp Then he knew he was in the Field where the beasts were slaine and that euery thing the Enchauntment presented to him was for no other cause but to abate his courage where fore he addicted himselfe so aduenturous that all the feare in the world had not the power to dismay him CHAP. C. How Palmerin ended the Enchantment of the Princesse Leonarda FOr all that night Palmerin rested himselfe vnder a Trée and in the morning he beheld the Towers very brauely wherefore he walked on and at last espied his Horse tyed to a Trée in no worse case then when he left him So mounting vpon him he rode a little further where hee met with two Knights who without any words couched their speares against him the first receiued vpon his Shield and the Knights presently vanished away the second burst his Lance vpon him whervpon Palmerin followed him to requite him with a blow of his sword but he lost the sight of him in like maner as he did of the other knight Then Palmerin looking about espied a man readie to draw a Bridge which was the passage ouer a water which made him to gallop thither apace so that he entred the gate before he had the power to locke it When he-sawe himselfe in so faire a Castle he aduanced himselfe to sée the brauerie of the Chambers but two Giants came and laid at him with their Maces so that he was enforced to fall on the ground but recouering himselfe thinking to fasten halfe a good blowes on them they were gone nothing remaining before him but a great smoake This caused him to make the lesse estimation of any thing that chaunced and whatsoeuer resisted him hee would but little force of so comming into the Court of the Castell he perceiued a little gate on high in the wall whereto he must ascend by a paire of staires so narrow and dangerous that a man would haue hardly trusted himselfe on them Palmerin desirous to sée the ende of his labours aduentured to goe vp vpon them and when he was on the middle steppe all the walles about him beganne to shake very vehemently so that Palmerin doubted the whole Castell would fall vpon him and till came to the top of the staires the Enchantment lasted where he was no sooner come but a general terror did shew the Enchantment to be fully ended Palmerin entring through that little doore came into a darke entrie where there was a great gate made fast with great Lockes and boltes of Iron and hard by the gate lay a mightie Serpent whose horrible bignesse and oughly forme made the Prince to be greatly amazed about whose necke vpon a Chaine was hanged the Keyes that should open the gate The Prince knewe not how to passe this gate except he might winns the Keyes from so terrible a Porter whom hee charged with many noble strokes and the Serpent breathed such horrible veneme and smoke hauing the Princes Swoord in one of his nostrilles that with a terrible â—ore hee slewe through one of the windowes The people séeing it flye ouer the Cittie which made them iudge that Palmerin as then was in some painefull trauaile for whose good successe they prayed very often When he saw the Serpent was gone he found the Keyes on the ground wherewith he vnlocked and opened the gate entring into so faire a Hall that the Perilous Isle where Eutropa cast her selfe into the Lake nor the sumptuous Castle of the Sage Aliart Obscure Valley might compare with this rare and excellent Monument which was so engeniously deuised by the King of Thrace He walked all about and found all things new to bee in perfect estate for that the Enchantment was fully finished but at last he came to a Chamber where he perceiued certaine Damosels talking and by them stood an armed man who likewise tooke pleasure to conferre with the Damosels The Prince loth to trouble them entred into a verie faire Garden where on a gréene banke by a faire Fountaine he beheld diuers Ladies of excellent beautie but especially the faire young Princesse Leonarda who had no sooner espied him but she came to him very courteously in this manner Credite me Sir Knight I finde my selfe so largely beholding to you that I cannot recompence you so nobly as you haue deserued but in time I shall endeuour my selfe to requite the honourable bounty receiued at your hands meane while I shall request you to accept my good will in satisfaction of your noble déedes which are imprinted so déepe in my heart that I shall not faile to accomplish what your Prowesse hath bound me in My gratious Lady answered Palmerin the beauty which Nature hath aboundantly adorned you withall is sufficient to content the greatest trauailes attempted by the hardyest Knight in the world if so be Fortune had allowed him the lybertie to receiue so great a benefite of such a gratious Lady But séeing the aduenture here so wonderfull that these present put them past into darke obliuion I shall intreate you to tell me if I haue any greater danger to passe then this which it pleaseth you to present before me for trust me I shall dispaire to accomplish them knowing right well that the hope of so rich a Treasure as is your beautie ought to be reserued for the Knight who is indewed with greater Prewesse then my selfe These words procured a swéete blushing in the Princesse face whereof to be resoued she replyed thus I know not Sir Knight what danger you sustaine at this present because all the dangers and hazards of the Castle tooke end at such tune as you came into this Garden But then to breake off their talke there came in the Lords and Gouernours of the Citty who séeing the Serpent fly ouer the Citty which they knew very well to be the end of the Enchantment they came with great Maiesty riding to the Castle where comming into the Garden they humbled themselues on their knées before the Princesse Leonarda offering likewise to kisse the hand of the noble Palmerin which he would not suffer but receiued them courteously as
they concluded to haue her brought where their ship lay at Anchor to carry her with them to Constantinople because the Emperour should dispose of her as he thought méete and they stayed not long to put their intent in execution but caused her to be conueied in a Chariot to the Port where their ship rode leauing her there in the company of the Sage Aliart vntill they had determined further for the state of the Island CHAP. XVIII Of that which happened to the noble Prince Palmerin of England before he departed from the Profound Isle IT so fell out out as the Historie reporteth that Collambra ouercome with excéeding griefe and anguish of minde was brought into such a weake and féeble estate as she fell on the ground in a trance being no otherwise reputed theÌ„ for a dead body Then the Prince Platir who desired the ruine of her whole progeny commaunded his Esquire to take her vp but shée was so heauie and weightie as they hauing no other helpe could scantly lift her so bringing her downe the staires conueyed her into a Chariot with certaine Damoselles that attended on her and so she was caried away from her Castle to the ship being followed all the way by a number of men and women on foote who made such woefull and bitter lamentations as it mooued them to pitie who had béene greatly iniured by her crueltie When they were come to the ship they conueyed her thereinto with two damosels of hers who would by no meanes depart from her but determined to beare her company take part of the ill fortune that might happen to her such so great was the amity they bare vnto Collambra who séeing her selfe in the ship and in the custodie of them that were her enemies being depriued of al hope to come backe againe she determined to cast her selfe into the sea iudging that to be the onely way to end her sorrowes so to be frée from the practises of her foes Berolde Platir the Sage Aliart being in yâ— ship with her but Palmerin by no meanes would come where she was endeuoured to coÌ„fort her as much as they could come where she was endeuoured to comfort her as much as they could but she made no account of their perswasions for she said without he might sée her daughter Arlencea againe she should neuer giue euer her sorrowfull wailing which she continued in the company of those Knights who knew very wel that nothing was such a soueraigne remedy to desperate folkes as death it selfe wherefore they concluded to leaue her in the company of the Sage Aliart to preuent any crueltie she might offer on her selfe as for Platir and Berolde they went on shoare and comming agaâ—ne to the Citie they found the Prince Palmerin among the people who desired him to accept their faithfull homage as to their onely Prince and soueraigne in respect of the great and insupportable tryanny from which they were deliuered by his noble prowesse Palmerin receiued their courtesie in very gratious and gentle manner but in no case would he accept the gouernment of the Isle for that quoth he it appertaineth to my brother Florian of the Forrest otherwise called the Knight of the Sauage man hée hauing aduentured his life to destroy those tyrannous Rulers which sometime did possesse the same as for me and these my friendes we came hither onely but to finde him But if so be my brother Florian refused to be your gouernor I will not faile to satisfie your iust and reasonable request whereto reason commaundeth mee to condiscend and till the time I vnderst and my brothers minde in his name I will receiue and make account of your homage and assure your selues I will sée you haue a gouernour that shall like you all in the meane time I pray you makes account of me and behaue your selues as good and obedient subiects to him who with great danger of his life and losse of his blood hath bought and redéemed your quiet libertie The principall Lords of the Island who were there present before the prince made answere that they would in all things fulfill his commaundement as those that honoured him with vnfained reuerence in sight whereof they resigned vp to him all their Castles and Fortresses the keyes whereof they humbly deliuered him Palmerin in hauing visited their Castles and set all things in due and necessarie order for the better encouragement of the inhabitants of the Island hée gaue the Forts and Castles into their hands againe who had the custodie of them before commaunding them to be very carefull and respectiue in the well guarding and ordering them vntill such time as his brother arriued there The Prince Palmerin was entertained by the people of this Isle very honourably and he caused the treasure which belonged to Collambra to bée locked vp within her Castle that it might bée deliuered to his Brother Florian but as he was about to appoint a Porter at the place of most assurance in this Castle he perceiued Siluian to enter accompanied with the ancient Knight who had béene the Hoste to the Prince at his first arriuall in the Isle for he being enformed of the victory which Palmerin had atchieued against the Giant Espouuantable would néedes come with Siluian to the Cittie the sight of whom did not a little reioyce the heart of the Prince Palmerin The ancient Knight being come into his presence humbled himselfe at his féete with these words My gratious Lord in that I haue not vsed you with such entertainement as your nobilitie deserued I humbly desire that you would vouchsafe to pardon me Palmerin arose and tooke him vp and imbracing him very gratiously spake thus vnto him I haue not forgotten the excéeding friendship wherewith you vsed me when I was in your house for the which I account my selfe greatly beholding to you and for that at this present my power will not stretch to make you any sufficient amends I pray you to accept the gouernment of this Island the Lord thereof I know will be very well contented therewithall for if Fortune vouchsafe to call me to any dignitie I will not faile to remember your great kindnesse Doe you thinke my Lord answered Argentao which was the name of this ancient Knight that the people here will admit any other gouernor then your selfe Yea truely answered Palmerin for that he which is the Lord hereof is my brother to whom this Island doth appertaine by duty I feare me my Lord saide Argentao that some harme hath happened to him by them of the stocke and Image of the Giant Brauorant but since it standeth so with your gracious pleasure to call mée vnworthy wretch to so great credite and honour which I knowe it is your will I should not refuse I estéeme my selfe the most happiest man aliue desiring you to vnderstand the will of the people for if they doe not imagine well of me preferment it were better for me to content my selfe
labouring to auoyde that motion that either might séeme to her person displeasant or by any sinister meanes to make shew of her disprofit destred him to appoint such prouision for her that there she emight discharge her heauy burthen and not to depart before she sawe the fruits of her labours To which reasonable request the Prince right courteously consented being right glad to fulfill that occasion that might be to her content and for that cause as yet he refused the gouerning of the kingdome appointing the whole affaires thereof to the wise discretion of King Fredericke his father vntill such time as he saw the Princesse in better estate of her health And in this order sought he ech vnfrequented place of passage and eche solitary habitation to remooue his Tents when pleased the Princes déeming those places to his better content then the youthfull delights of the King his Fathers Court But as the fayrest colours soonest fadeth the freshest flowre soonest withereth and the cleerest day quickly cloudy euen so the man to whom Fortune dooth anouch most fréendlinesse is soonest intrapped by he dissembling falshood and when least he thinketh of any secret doubt he is deceiued by sudden daunger So this valiant and renowned Prince whom Fortune had encouraged by his admirable conquests and aduaunced his name in respect of his Noblenesse new reclaiming her former and woonted courtesie causeth him to taste her present crueltie and where before she helde his Honor as best woorthie her fauour now in a chollericke humor breaketh of her fréendship causing him to knowe though she had holpen him long she was now minded to hurle him downe at last The time being come of her appointed treacherie and the meane deuised to accomplish her crueltie shée caused Don Edward to leaue the company of the Princes Flerida and all other his Lords and Ladies who were there present with her and walketh to the Sea side which was not farre distant Returning agaiue hée caused the tents to be pitched foure miles from the Forrest on a pleasant gréene platte by a little running riuer which delighted the minde of the Princesse the place was so fine and fitly chosen out On a sudden there was heard a great tumult in a thicket of trees neare adioyning to sée what it might be the Prince mounted on Horsebacke and rode to the place where casting his eyes aside hee espied a wilde and mighty Bore which sight the Prince was not a little glad of but with diuers of his noble Lords made present pursuite after Don Edward still rid after the game that the other had quite lost the sight of him which they sought againe to recouer but all was in vaine for the day being cleane spent and waxing somewhat darke caused them to retyre againe to the Princesse Who séeing her Lord Don Edward not returne with them fell into great dismaying and doubting of his safetie which she had iust cause to doe for that this his sudden departure was greatly lamented through the Realme of England and all kingdomes in Christendome before they had his presence againe The strayed Prince being thus allured by Fortune affecteth his game with such great delight that he neuer minded the Princesse distresse but gaue himselfe wholly to his present pastime not fearing for foreséeing what might be the perill His Stéede with tediousnesse of trauaile waxeth stract in his limines which caused the Prince to stay and alight for the darkesomnes of the night had lost his game and the fayning of his Horse required to haue rest Don Edward resting him at the foote of a Trée beganne at last to call to minde the desolate estate of the Princesse Flerida and the griefe his Lords would conceiue for want of his company Faine he would haue slept but could not for still the doubts that assailed his mind one while for the Princesse another while for his Péeres first to thinke how his absence would cause her to iudge somewhat of his vnkinde dealing then how his Lords would stand in feare of his danger these and a thousand more tristfull terrors with held him from receiuing that swéet rest he gladly looked for Alas thought he how hard is his hap to whom Fortune is aduerse how contrary his good lucke that awaiteth her liberality the one is a thing euer to be doubted and the other ought at no time to be desired The night is spent in these and such like cogitations and at the appearence of the day his eyes began to waxe heauy as commonly it happeneth vnto those whom conceiued sorrow denieth the required rest at last very griefe of it selfe constraineth them to slumber This carefull Prince hauing obtained such quietnesse as the extremitie of his paine would permit him stretching forth his armes calleth againe into question the retchlesse regard he had of himselfe so lighly to leaue his Lady and so vngently to forsake his company which although it happened against his will he iudged they would not accept it so in worth Then mounting vpon Horsebacke rode on to finde his company so vnaduisedly lost but Fortune still denying his pretended purpose by how much he estéemed himselfe néere to his comfort by so much the farder of she set him to the contrary yet hasting on in hope at last he arriued in a great Groue of Trées the thicknesse and height whereof caused him to fall into admiration with himselfe Through this graue ran a faire and cleare Riuer wherein he perceiued the resemblance of a Gallant and curious Castle as strongly fortified as rarely edified the sight whereof somewhat asswadged the egernes of his gréefe likewise the pleasant ratling of the gréene leaues with the mellodious harmony of the pretty chirping Birds exiled the former heauines of his heart and caused him to remember the gladsome time wherein he spent his labour to gaine his best beloued during the warres of the Emperour Palmerin where first he named himself Iulian. In these pleasant conceits hee rid along by the Riuer side so rauished with his inwarde delight that he little suspected the imminent daunger for vnto that place did he chéefest frame his desire which Fortune had appointed to worke his distresse Don Edward beholding the braue scituation of this Castle so curious in workemanship and costly in outward resemblaunce the Bridge at entring whereof was so large that foure knights might easily haue Combatted thereon no lesse insued at his suddē arriual then he meruailed at this his strange aduenture The Porter of the Castell with double diligence more then deserued thankes set open the gate to allure him in which the Prince perceiuing misdoubted no daunger or any secret guile in his gallant prospect because he neither sawe any to resist his entrye and the Porter being vnarmed made him doubt the lesse It last more on a youthfull courage then an aduised care he aduanced himselfe to the Gate of the Castle desiring to know the name of so pleasant a place who protected a thing of
misse of his purpose Tssus passed the young Giant his time in pleasure and Don Eodard acqusinted himselfe with his former sorrowes as it chanceth vnto those who of long time are kept from the sight of them they most desire as well for the want of his espoused Ladie as also the griefe the King his Father would conceiue for his ill luck But yet the gentle pastime that Dramusiand would often vse with him caused him to spend the time in pleasure that else he would haue wasted in mourning Thus leauing the captiue Prince in his forced content we will returne to the Prince Flerida whom we left in the Forrest sorrowfully expâ—cting the glad returne of her Lord Don Edoard CHAP. III. How the Princesse Flerida awayting the returne of her loyal spouse Don Edoard in the Forrest was deliuered of two goodly yong Princes and how a Sauage man walking by her with two Lions tooke them from her to feed his Lions withall And of that which happened to sir Pridos sonne the Duke of Galles in his search of the Prince Don Edoard WHile the Princesse Flerida with no lesse griefe of mind then agony of her whole person remained in the Forrest expecting that which came not as well to abandon diuers chollericke humours that ouercharged her impatient mind as also to exile the eger passions which were still approching her weake nature shee busied her selfe in gathering flowers accompanied with the faire Attaida and diuers Ladies and Gentlemen for that this time of recreation was more correspondent to her good liking then heretofore she could conceiue the opinion to like any On a sudden she fell into remembrance of her Lord Don Edoard whose long absence she admitted to some misfortune or else vngentlenesse in himselfe disdained her presence In which of these resalue her selfe shee was doubtfull for that in the one she might conuict her selfe of rash beléefe though in the other she might stand vpon good occasion Betwéene these cogitations she spent the whole day yéelding her complaints likewise to the vncomfortable night approching which indéed séemed to her more obscure more griesly and more despairable then any night passed to her remembrance So that vpon this hard motion she fell into a resolute opinion neuer to heare good tidings of her lord Don Edoard for that the knights who had spent their labour in his search were returned without any tidings The Lord and Ladies perceiuing these passions to be more extreame vpon her then any heretofore beganne to cast with themselues whether they might depart and leaue her in these fits or stay still with her which was to their great griefe at length they thus concluded to abide the returne of the Duke of Galles for whose absence likewise the Princesse was more agréeued then she would haue bene had he bene present This vncomfortable night gone and the chéerefull deawes of Phoebus displayed ouer the earth the duke of Galles returned a glad sight to the Princes and no lesse ioy to her attendants for that she hoped of wished newes of her Lord and they to heare what was become of their Soueraigne But their expectations were farre disappointed for he was as ignorant of the Prince as they which caused a fresh hurt vpon the olde griefe neuerthelesse he intreated the Lords to take themselues to trauaile it might so fortune he perswaded them that they should haue better successe then he had In the meanetime he would abide with the Princesse to comfort her for that she had vowed neuer to returne from thence till shée had heard some tidings of her best beloued The noble Gentlemen of no lesse loyaltie to their Prince Don Edoard then loue they bare to the Princesse Flerida addressed themselues presently to fulfill this request Among whome Pridos eldest sonne to the Duke of Galles and chiefe Gentleman attendant on the Prince rode along the sea shore where he mette with two of his companions who likewise endeuoured themselues in the search of Don Edoard with whom he determined to returne for that he was past hope of any good successe Neuerthelesse to auoyd the euill conceit of the Princesse and the angry moode of his aged father hee left them and rode on very solitary sometime exclaiming on Fortune for his hard hap and then againe blaming his solly when he perceiued no remedie In midst whereof he brake forth into these or the like spéeches If it were méete for mortall creatures to blame or inuey against their heauenly Creator then both iustly and by good reason may I claime the like occasion whose sorrow can not enioy one houre of succor whose mone be admitted on halfe houre of mirth or whose extreame griefe but once taste the sauour of halfe a minutes rest The Horse haung laboured all day can take rest in his Inne at night the little Bird can comfort her selfe on euery twigge the Fish can sport and make pastime to himselfe in the Riuer in briefe euery creature enioyeth a quiet and pleasant life man onely excepted who excelling all creatures both in forme and feature is inferior to them all in tranquillitie of life So that surueying the whole course of mans life both from the beginning and to the end I will admit the Phylosophers sentence Either neuer to be borne or quickly to die A good while he continued these carefull complaints longer would haue done had not the presence of a Damesell caused him to forget them who was mounted on a black Palfrey and attired likewise in blacke garments who comming still toward sir Pridos made him somwhat amazed yet took courage againe in hope to be certified by her of some glad â—idings as coÌ„cerning the strayed Prince Don Edoard The Damosel behauing her selfe very curteously with no lesse audacitie of wit then exquisste qualities of maiden ciuilitie taking Sir Pridos Horse by the bridle saluted him with these spéeches Sir Knight if my presence doe argue a presumption or my boldnesse to breake off your silent cogitations seeme not Maydenly in me or more then modestie in your eye let humble intreaty passe for the one and the tydings I bring craue pardon for the other The paines you take are to very small purpose and the griefe you ouerloade your minde withall to as little auayle for proofe whereof giue eare to my words which shall somewhat ease your minde and héere make an ende of my trauayle Don Edoard your Prince whose noblenesse hath euer bene more famous then his late aduentures hath proued fortunate he liueth yet depriued of his libertie and captiue to him whose anger will not be asswaged of long time which he must stay to his griefe my sorrow Wherefore on thy knighthood I charge thée to certifie the Princesse Flerida how daungerous it is for her to vse such great impatience as may cut off her time yet not abate his troubles And how she might manifest a princely magnanimitie of minde in conquering this griefe by valure of her patience because Fortune is
Prince Don Edoard as also to the noble Primaleon withdrew themselues to their lodgings and armed themselues presently posting with all spéed they might after the aduenterous Primaleon some taking one way and some another As well those that vsed the Triumphes for their Ladies sakes as also those whose redoubted behauiour hath both wonne the honour of the field and dignitie of fame All with a mutuall consent aduentured limme and life that the report of their déedes might manifest the renowne of their knighthood And because you shall haue knowledge who behaued themselues most worthy cōmendations in this no lesse famous then rare aduenture I will bewray some of them to you that yonr gentle opinion of their paines may yéeld them in recompence part of a condigne praise The first that tooke the courage to hazarde himselfe in the field had to name Polendos King of Thessaly Sonne to Frisol the King of Hungaria accompanied with his brother Belcar The next was the Prince of Allemaigne son to the Emperor Trineus and named Vernar who honoured the beautie of faire Bazilia youngest daughter to the Emperour Palmerin to whom he was newly maried and stood in doubt how to proceed least Fortune should not be so fauourable to him as he expected which caused some slacknesse in good will Neuerthelesse after he had considered the honor of Mars and sharpe cōflicts of Venus how the one was lasting in Fame and the other linked to an effeminate fancie hee determined to follow his Companions driuing into obliuion the pleasaunt conceyts that hee often estéemed in his best beloued vsing this perswasion with himselfe That hee which vanquished himselfe with the vanitie of Fancy and yéeldeth the libertie of his will to fond affection is more méete to handle a Lute then a Lance and better to court a Lady then deserue the braue name of a Captaine In this perswasion hee departed intending so knightly an opinion in his minde that the honour of his name should expresse his noblenes and valure of his bounty be estéemed of his fayre Bazilia Thus was the city of Constantinople as it were desolate wanting the noble knights which were thence departed which caused the Emperour to visite the chiefest places in the Citie to the no small content of himselfe ioy of the Citizens who little minded the absence of the noble Gentlemen in that the Emperor so louingly vouchsafed thē his cōmpany Thē departed Argolant frō the Court of Constātinople toward the realme of England bearing answere of his Ambassage from the Emperor to his Lord soueraigne how y◠losse of the Prince Don Edoard was blazed in the courts of diuers noble Princes As in the court of Armedes King of France his Cousin Son in law to the Emperor of Constantinople as also in the court of Recinde K. of Spaine in the court of Pellagris the Souldan of Niquee with the noble Maiortes many Princes more to whom the losse of the English Prince was as grieuous as to himself For proofe whereof the imployed paines of diuerse noble mindes might remaine as witnesse who walked the Forrests and vnknowne passages in many Countryes that Martiall behauior was neuer more estéemed thē it was during the search of this strayed Prince Argolant being departed from the Emperour after many dayes Trauell hee arriued at the English Courte whereas to the king Fredericke the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida hee deliuered the answere of his Message who were greatly satisfied in hearing the Noble Attempts of the Grecian Knights by whose endeuoured paines they had good and prosperous successe CHAP. VI. ¶ How Primaleon endeuoring himselfe in the diligent search of the prince Don Edoard happened to meet with the Funeralls of the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia Daughter to the K. of Lacedemonia the which she solemnized for the vnkinde repulse she sustained by the Prince Don Edoard NOw Primaleon determining his secrete escape from the Cittie of Constantinople as I haue before declared commaunded his Esquyre to bring his Courser and Armour and closely to conuey all his Equippage and furniture behind the Storehouse of his Sister Flerida for that none should be priuie to his intent but only he The Esqu failed not to accomplish the pleasure of his Lord. And being come to the appointed place he armed the Prince except his Shield and Helmet which he bare himself so mounting on Horsbacke they both departed vowing to rest in no place till hee might recouer some wished tydings of his Brother and Friend Don Edoard without whom he would neuer returne to Greece again Long he trauelled before he encountred any aduenture worthy the rehearsall But at length arriuing in the bottom of a valley in Lacedemonia whē the Sun was declined to the west parts he was discoraged for that the night was obscure vpon him beside thicknes of the trées made his passage more tenebrous thē else it would haue bene so that very hardly he could finde his way Wandring on still vsing his minde with seuerall Imaginations at least to the comfort of himselfe and ioy of an Esquyre who sorrowed to sée his Lorde so suddenly pensiue hee espyed a gailant troupe of Ladyes bearing in theyr hands lighted Torches eache one well mounted on a lustie Stéede attyred all in blacke and framing their voices to great lamentations Primaleon surprised with great griefe of minde to sée such fayre Ladyes weare the habite of Mourners tooke the boldnesse of himselfe to beholde what they were and drawing himselfe somewhat nearer to them to them perceiued the chiefe Lady and Mistresse of them her Palfrey trapped with black Veluet her Vesture of the same and foure ancient Knights in the middest bearing a Funerall couered all with blacke Veluet Primaleon perceiuing their heauy lamentations and that they were nothing abashed at his presence but helde on their Iourney as though they had not séene him he tooke such an earnest desire in himself that he must néeds demand the cause why they mourned in that manner Then presenting himselfe before the chiefest Ladie whose faire face had sustained a great blemish by the abundance of teares that issued from her Eyes in this manner he prepared himselfe to giue the Onset Faire Lady impute it not to flattery that I call you so nor to Folly in so much as you are so but rather of your nature cannot admit your own praise for the perfectiō of your mind being answered in perswasion of my vnfeigned meaning which estéemeth you as I haue said albeit farre inferior to that I could say It is no more my desire then vnder duety I may demaund nor my Sute no otherwise disposed then may stand with your Honour to replie and my honesty to request I being a friend to all Ladies and foe vnto none insomuch that a moytie of their desires should rather hinder me by mishap then dishearten me by any danger So that in briefe my request is thus why you frequent this solitary place accompanied with these who are equal
had giuen him who being séene of the Emperour and all the Ladyes had the generall verdict to be the séemelyest Knight that entered there since the Tournament began The Knight of Death was somewhat offended to sée euery one such make estimation of this Knight against whom his malice so increased that he auouched to worke him the greatest iniurie he could It chaunced the knight of Fortune to lift his eyes to the Windowes where in the Empresse Chamber hee perceyued his faire Polynarda whose presence made him as it were cleane beside himselfe but Syluian being disguised that none should know him rounded him in the eare saying Syr you are now in place where you must vse your strength and not your studie be mindfull of your Ladie but not to the detriment of your owne life These wordes awaked him when hee thus talked to to himselfe My déere Mistresse I would thinke my selfe most happie if you would remember mee in courtesie not that I feare mine enimie but that it would giue me the greater courage to maintaine your Beautie These words thus ended the Regardaunts demaunded of him the Picture of his Ladie as it was the custome to which he thus answered I am loath to shew my Ladies fauour for that it is as daintie in sight as it is dangerous for me to showe Neuerthelesse if I be vanguished I will not bee hée that shall breake your Order but will shewe you that I estéeme aboue all Riches This answere was accepted and at the sounding of the Trumpets they encountred one another couragiously with such laudable behauiour in fight as was greatly commended of euery one At length the Knight of Fortune threw his enemie against the ground with such violence that euery one thought he had béene slayne downe right and sâ—epping to him hee would haue smitten off his head but the Emperour commaunded the contrarie graunting to him the Conquest with the Tentes of the knight of Death and the picture of Altea to vse at his pleasure Then came the Emperour and the Ladyes downe to see the knight that daâ— wonne this honour â—ut hee perceyuing them comming and fearing to be knowne called Syluian to him and slipt away among the Throng secretly which highly displeased the Emperour till hee vnderstood that he would not haue himselfe knowne Then the Knights triumphed the Ladies reioyced though ignorant of the Lady for whom the Knight of Fortune aduentured and so they accompanied the Emperor ioyfully to his Pallace the knight of Death being brought after them very sore wounded and lead by his Esquyres Thus may you sée fayre Ladies the vncertainty of Fortune who raiseth when she list and throweth downe when she list so that it is better to kéepe at her foote in a quiet estate then presume to her head and gaine so sore a fall CHAP. XXVI ¶ Howe the Emperour in honour of the good lucke that had chaunced ordained that night a braue Dauncing wherein he greatly gratified the Ladies And how on the next morning he went accompanied with the Empresse and all the Ladies to the Tent of the Knight of Death where the Ladies tooke the courage in the behalfe of their Knightes to ransacke and spoyle the Sepulchre of Louers AFter that the Emperour had séen this braue Conquest he desired the Ladies that Night to ende the Triumph with all Courtly pastimes both of Masking and of Dauncing which request all generally gaue consent vnto except the Princesse Bazilia who still mourned for the absence of her Lord Vernar When the knights that had bin vanquished by the Knight of Death heard of this generall ioy they to make theyr Ladyes amendes for the repulse they had sustayned came into the great Hall where Courting their Ladies they daunced and passed the Night with honest and decent talke in their delightfull exercise The Princesse Polinarda as by the mutuall consent of the Ladies she bare the superioritie of beautie from Altea so had she commendation for her stately behauiour in the Daunce which graced her person maruellously and made the more liuely apparaunce of her beautie On the morrow the Emperor was desirous to sée the Tent of the Knight of Death wherefore hee gaue commaundement that his Dinner should be there prouided and so walking thither with the Empresse Gridonia the faire Polinarda King Frisoâ— and Florendos with diuers of his Knights and Ladies where they were brauely and royallie feasted When Dinner was ended they went to beholde the whole Tent where at the first entrance was placed the Statue of the faire Altea whose beautie made excuse for all the Knights in that they were conquered by one whose fayre and splendaunt hewe was estéemed excellent and that the knight of Death had good occasion to take it heauily for her whose Beauty was comparable to any the Princesse Polynarda excepted Then went they to sée the Sepulchre of Louers where the Ladies beheld the names of their Knights with their Armour and Deuises they had made in the behalfe of their fauors a thing which displeased some of the Ladyes in that they should be thought Prisoners to the knight of Death which moued the faire Onistalda seeing the bashfulnesse of the Prince Berolde here Seruant to begin thus Faire Systers it séemeth we are beholding vnto none but onely the hardie Knight who hath done vs this honour to defend that by his valour which else had bene depriued from vs for euer And because we will no longer be subiect in this Prison of our Loue I will take the hardinesse vpon mee to set first hand to the spoyling of this Sepulchre Wherewith shee tooke vp the Table wherein was the Image of her own beauty which the Prince Berolde presently caught from her and hid it vnder his Gowne Then euery Lady began in such order that they had quickly defaced yâ— Sepulchre of Louers vsing such courage in their dealings as the Amazonians when they came to the ayde of the stately Towne of Troye where the Greekes were no more earnest in their desire then these Ladyes were in the destroying the Sepulchre of Louers The Emperour vpon this sight was very sorie that he could not gayne the knowledge of the knight nor for whose sake this honour was done therefore he knew not to which Ladie to impute it yet hee somewhat perswaded him selfe that inâ—time he should knowe him partly coniecturing that it was the Noble young Palmerin which caused him to vse comfortable spéeches to the knights that had to their great heauinesse bene captiues in the Sepulchre of Louers Then walking vnto his Pallace the Empresse caused the Image of Altea to be taken downe and brought into her Chamber where she placed it according as her rare perfections did deserue which was taken in very yll part by all the Ladyes that their Beauty should vs disgraced by a straunge Daine and shée so highly estéemed in the Empresse fauour The Knight of Fortune made great haste doubting least he should be sent for backe and so
disped among faire Ladyes The Princes was so well pleased with this good agréement that giuing each of them harty thanks she returned to her Chamber and the King not a little pleased at this good euent commanded the knights should bée brought into his Pallace where such respect should be vsed to them that in short time they might recouer their former good health But the Knight of Fortune would not accept the knights offer at that time but departed with the Gentleman his Host to his house againe whether being carefully brought in a Chariot such prouision was ordained for him that by the helpe of the Gentlemans Daughter who was maruailous expert in the Arte of Medicine his weake estate was relieued into indifferent good plight Then was the Damosell sought for who was the cause of this Combate but answere was made that so soone as they had entred the fight she secretly shrunke away thorow the preace so that they could gaine no knowledge of her The knight of the Sauage man was conducted to his Chamber where hée had such great attendance in the curing of his wounds as by any meanes they could deuise what might best serue for remedy For neuer were his hurts so dangerous as those that he had receiued at this Combate nor his life in greater hazard then it was at this present which made the Princesse so diligent about him that she enterprised as much as the simplest that had any occasion to trauaile for his health The King was greatly displeased that the knight of Fortune would not vouchsafe the lodging in his Pallace where we will leaue awhile the two vnknowen brothers till they haue attained their health that thē we may haue more occasion to speake of them And loth were I to be forgetfull of the Knights of the Court of Constantinople who assembled themselues in tranaile in the Forrest of great Brittaine trusting to the tickle dealings of fléering Fortune Who if she fauored them a day frowned on them againe for a months space after and when they thought themselues in surest estate of good hap then were they néerest to their owne destruction CHAP. XXXVIII How Eutropa the Enchantresse who had sent this Damosell that procured the Combate betweene the Knight of Fortune and the knight of the Sauage man caused al the Grecian Knights to come before her Castle where they seuered themselues in maner of two Armies And how she sent two Damosels more who by their faigned reports set such a discord betweene both parties that they prepared themselues to a dangerour Battaile EVtropa the enchantresse and Aunt to the Giant Dramusiande seeing her Castele stored with good Knights and fearing the time drewe nie to preuent her wicked purpose she sought to set such discord among the Knights that were lately arriued in England as they should without knowledge spoile the liues of each other For to this ende and purpose she framed her intent that if she could execute her will on the couragious Knights who endeuoured themselues in the search of the strayed Princes she would set such strife and enmitie thorow all Christendome that the Paganes should ruinate and spoile all the Dominions and be Lords ouer the kingdoms and Countreys And the better to bring her deuises to passe shee sent Damosels continually abroad through the circute of great Brittaine to set strife and discention betwéene all the trauayling Knights and the Damoselles were so diligent in theyr Mistresse commaund that they daily brought many good Knights into hazard and danger as you haue partly heard and shall doe hereafter One of these Damosels was the occasion of the Combate betwéene Polinarda and Knight of the Sauage man the very same Damosell brought the Horse and Armour to the Prince Platir and his companions She also set the strife betwéen the Knight of Fortune and the Knight of the Sauage man for this Damosell had teares at her commaund and such subtill reports for the auaile of her Mistresse that shée was onely beloued and estéemed with Eutropa yea shee referred the whole substance of her practise to the deceitfull reports of the Damosell The Knights that were lately come from Constantinople and remained a while for their pleasure in the English Court were enforced by these craftie meanes to take their departure and to séeke the aduentures that were in great Brittaine So when the Combate was ended betwéene the knight of Fortune and the Knight of the Sauage man they disguised their Armour changed the deuises of theyr Shieldes least they should be knowen and put themselues in trauayle which way they were inforced to finde the Castle of the Giant Dramusiande Eutropa had brought all the knights into the field where the Castle stoode seuering them in two companies and a Riuer running betwéene them where their Tents were pitched and such prouision appointed as thogh they had determined to fight a maine Battaile On the one side was the Prince Gracian Onistalde Dramain Francian Polinard Tremoran Claribal and Emeralde the Faire on the other side was the Prince Berolde Dridan Belizart Guerin Estrellant Germaine of Orleance Platir Floraman Blandidon and Crispian with diuers other And both the sides brought into such estate that they neither could tell what the other were nor by what meanes they were brought into that place At last foorth of the Castle came two Damosels the one accompanied like a persō of great grauitie the other hauing no body with her but a yong Gentleman that was her guide who presently went to the Pauillions next the Castle and the other to the Prince Gracian and his company that were on the further side of the Riuer After she was come into the presence of the Princes very gently and courteously entertained preparing her selfe to a deceitfull course and intermedling her talke with teares shée beganne in this manner Sir knights the crown of your noble déedes and continuall Fame of your well imployed Knight-héed is sufficient to irritate your vsurping enemies and to confound all such as swell against honourable duety so that their owne drifts shall prepare their iust destruction and their euill deuices runne into contempt of the whole world As concerning the presumption I haue vsed in my rash entry with the bold behauiour you may perceiue to my reproch I shall desire you first to consider the extremity of my griefe and then to pardon my enterprise when you are priuy to my Passions This auncient Castell which you may here behold doth belong to me that haue liued in it both a heauy and happy time in that in times past I haue béene better acquainted with pleasant conceyts then for a long time I could enioy the like tranquility as they to whom my misfortunes are very well knowē can witnesse the great alteration of my former estate For Fortune among all the liberall benefits she had bestowed on me as wealth to maintaine me and a quiet gouernment to protect me gaue me a Daughter so perfect in beauty so
minds They being in some doubt to gaine the ouerthrow suddenly entred the field Platir Floraman Francian Germaine of Orleance Vernar Polinard with others so that as then began the brauery of the fight which as it was well worthy past not without notable praise and the English Knights came still afresh to fiercely on them that the GreciaÌ„ Knights were through néere constraint vrged to retire But behold on a sudden to aide the Grecian Princes there entred thrée strange Knights very brauely mounted the first of them bearing in his shield on a grouÌ„d of sand the God Saturâ—us compassed about with Starres the second had for his deuise in a gréene field the Image of the House of Sadnes the â—hird would not haue his Shield knowne and therefore bare it couered These thrée séeing how the English Knights preuailed maruellously in their resistance couched their Speares and ran among the thickest of them whom to the great danger of both sides began a fierce battaile so that Vernar Tremoran Teneâ—rant and others were faine to be carried out of the field they were so sore wounded In like manner were diuerse of the English side till the Reâ—â—eite was sounded when the Prince Gracian with his company retired into his Campe and the English Knights conducted the Emperour and the King into the Pallace where sweet musicke and other delightfull exercises ioyned them all friends in their former vnity CHAP. XLVII How the three Knights that came to the Tournament were knowne to be the Knight of the Sauage man the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley and Blandidon And how Aliart discouered in the presence of all the Princes how Palmerin of England and Florian of the Forrest were the sonnes of the noble Don Edward and the Princes Flerida for proofe whereof he brought the Sauage man and his wife who had nourished the two young Princes so long in their Caue into their presence by whom this great ioy was fully confirmed WHen the Triumph was ended and the Emperour with King Fredericke returned into the Pallace the Tables were ready prepared when immediately they sate downe to take their repaste being seiâ—ed in such honorable and comely order as the princes were greatly in loue with the court of England Against supper was done the King gaue in charge that the Knights should prepare themselues to the dancing which done a sumptuous Banquet should presently be serued on the tables The Dancing and the Banquet finished and they sitting pleasantly ieasting one with another they entred the Hall the thrée Knights who had behaued themselues so brauely in the Tournament Many desired to come néere them because they would know of whence they were but to hinder their intents such a mist on a sudden arose in the Hall as the lights were dimmed the Torches burned very scarcely and the Ladies being dismaied caught their Knights in their Armes To put them out of this feare the mist departed and the Hall was as cleare as it was before when straight way they beheld in the middest a Lion and a Tiger enduring a great fight together and to set them at vnitie there entred a faire Damosell with a golden rod in her hand wherewith she touched them both and they humbled themselues at her féet This done shee departed and they arose againe in the forme of two fierce and vntamed Bulles which caused such an astonishment to all the beholders that they wished themselues to be foorth of the Hall But the Knights séeing their Ladies so greatly discouraged perswaded them that it was but some deuise artificially prouided for the delight of the Emperour but they would hardly beléeue them because the two Bulles fought so vehemently the one against the other and being ouercharged with wearines of fight fell to the ground breathing from their mouthes an horrible and ougly blacke smoke as was before The Hall auoided of all these accidents and in the same estate it was at first they might behold that thrée Knights with their heads vnarmed so that he who would not haue his shield known was found to be the gentle Knight of the Sauage man who presently went to the king and kneeling downe kissed his hand with these words My gracious Soueraigne I earnestly intreate at your hands this Knight may receiue the courteous entertainement your Grace will afford him at my request for this is the Sage Aliart your Maiesties most affectionate seruant to whom your griefe hath been so displeasant that he thought himselfe not in perfect quietnesse till he might manifest his humble deuoite to your Grace King Fredericke who had often heard report of the Sage Aliart by reason of the renowne and fame was spred abroad of him stoode in a doubt how it should bee hée because his youthful yeeres was much vnlikely to embrace so great cunning and learning as was euery where famed of him neuerthelesse giuing credit to the Knight of the Sauadge man hée embraced him with these salutations Certainely sir Aliart I am bound in duty to make good account of you as well for your vertuous dealings which doth iustly deserue it as also for bringing me my Fatherlesse Knight inso sound and good disposition of health wherein you haue not onely honoured me but likewise approoued the vnspotted faith of your Knighthood My gracious Lord answered Aliart the desire I haue to manifest the loialtie of my seruice vrgeth me to this opinion that might I liue neuer so long I could not accomplish so much as duty doth require in me respecting the great friendship I haue found at your Graces hand vndeserued But maâ— I vnder your Soueraigne pardon presume to disclose so great a secrete as shall both content your Highnesse as also this illustrious assembly The King supposing some glad tydings toward requested all the Princes to vouchsafe their audience when being euery one quietly placed to their owne content Aliart humbling himselfe to the Princesse Flerida began as followeth Madame it were hard for me to distinguish betwéene your extreame griefes passed and the swéete solace you enioy at this present for albeit this is to be thought beyond comparison yet in time when you were heauie your wofull complaints were equally as vehement as they that were priuie to their aduerse case could easily beare with the vrgent cause But referring long discourse of matter you are to estéeme your selfe highly honoured by this no lesse hauty then happy and famous Knight of Fortune who for your sake hath suffered the annoiance of paine in recompence of the dangerous trauaile you sustained for him at such time as you were deliuered of two Children in the vnfortunate Forrest when your Lord had left you For when the Sauage man had taken him and this redoubted Knight your Sonne Florian his Brother to sacrifice them to the rauenous iawes of his gréedy Lions pittie so pierced the heart of his poore and louing wife that shée saued them from the bloody slaughter and nourished them as carefully as she did this other
Amor Yet haue I one hope which will be my chiefest remedie in this extreame affliction that Death will spéedily finish my heauie complaints and cut off the miseries wherwith I am so cruelly assaulted Wherfore my good friend Armello as thou wilt manifest thy wonted curtesie and pleasure me now in mine extreame néede take here my Horse and Armor and depart to Constantinople and there giue forth for a certaine truth that Death hath claimed his due at my hands and that I haue ended my life in this vnfortunate aduenture wherein I know thou shalt not do amisse because my griefe doth assure me I shall ende and that right soone Onely let me request at thine hands that thou conceale my late mishap to thy selfe and let neither friend nor foe vnderstand it but say to euery one thou art a witnes of my death Armello hearing the words of his Master which strooke into his heart a grieuous and extreame passion with the teares in his eyes he began in this manner Trust me my Lord I know no place that can content me more or be any thing like to my desire then in your oppression to beare you companie whom if I should forsake God knowes the danger might happen to you as also the sorrow I should conceiue of my selfe Neither doe I thinke it expedient to blaze abroad your death because a number of mishappes might arise thereby which entring seuerely the minds of your friends will much more séeme displeasant to your Parents and alliance Wherefore a while beare with the furie of Miragarda and thinke not but her own rash dealing will ere long moue her vnto repentance by that time shee hath considered your faithfull seruice how her aspyring minde hath beene honourably maintained by you shee will recall her vngentle wordes and recompence you with that you haue deserued worthily therefore expect a while good Sir and all will frame well enough I warrant you I know answered Florendos the perfection of thy trustie zeale is so carefully bent for my welfare that in the despaire I am at this present I haue small occasion to thinke on it For I know my fault is such as I shall not be fauoured and her ingratitude so seuerely bent against me as were all the torments in the world adioined they might not deserue comparison with her great displeasure Yet what is that knighit in all the world that would haue been vanquished seeing he defended the onely Phaenix of beautie or where is he that would not haue made hazard of his last extremitie being encouraged to the Combate by such an excellent meane And can such crueltie dwel in such a poorelesse person or such an angry minde harbour vnder so faire a face Well Foâ—san hâ—c â—lim meminisse iuâ—abit But tel me how can I esteeme of my selfe hauing been conquerour ouer so many and could not bring in obeysance this one knight Certainely I perswade my selfe that on him I haue vsed lesse prowesse then in any aduenture wherein thou hast seene mée Wherfore I haue good occasion to take it heauily to lament the honour I haue lost being exiled from her gracious presence Therefore good Armello receiue here my Horse and Armour and suffer me to walke alone in heauinesse that am the cause of mine owne hurt After he had ended these spéeches he forsooke Armello and wandring along by a Riuer side till at last he sate him downe vnder a Tree desirâ—us to receiue a little rest but the vexations of his minde would hardly suffer him When hee awaked hee perceiued a great heard of shéepe féediug in the Pasture ground by him and vnder a tree neere by hee saw a Shepheard playing on an Instrument whereto he recorded so many swéet ditties that Florendos tooke great pleasure to sit and heare him perswading himselfe that the Shepheard was not of such base condition as he seemed because his deuises was so excellent wel ordered both in the commendation of Loue as also the great iniuries he had receiued thereby The Tristfull Knight well noting his complaints and that Fortune had conducted him to the place where he might enioy a partner to liue in heauinesse he came and vsed such friendly meanes that in short time they grew into good liking of each of other Florendos béeing very glad that hee had met such a friend to the solitarie life After that the Shepheard had vttered the secrets of his mind and the Tristfull Knight had bewraied the sum of his griefe they vowed such amitie to remaine betwéene each other that no misfortune should haue power so sunder their friendship Armello hauing stood musing a good while that his Master was gone out of sight and determined to trauell without any company he came backe againe to the castle of Almarol where at the foote of the Trée directly vnder the Shield of the faire Miragarda he placed his Masters Shield and Armour among the vanquished Knights And there in the presencâ— of Miragâ—rda hee vttered so many rufull and grieuous complaintes that they would haue mooued any gentle heart to compassion but shee being entered into such great disdaine esteemed them not worthie of any account but triumphed in the paines of the Tristfull Knight whom at this time wee will leaue in the Shepheards company Now the prince Palmerin hauing his wounds wel cured and prouided him of a new Armour because his other was cruelly defaced returned to the castle of the Giant Almarol intending not to depart from thence before he had conquered the Tristfull Knight When he was arriued at the Castle he heard the lamentations that Armello vsed whereby he vnderstood that the Tristfull Knight was the renowned Prince Florendos which moued him to great displeasure because he had entred the Combat against him And then he supposed that the hatred of Miragarda might worke an occasion of some greater mischance in that the losse of so valliant a Prince as Florendos was might cause the great griefe of the Emperour Palmerin as also the Lords and Ladies of his royall Court These thoughts vrged the Prince to so great vnquietnes that he could not determine whether he might abide there in that place or pursue after the Prince Florendos to cause him abandon that Tristful kinde of life and be a remedie to eny misfortune that might annoy him by meanes of the princesse Miragarda whom he supposed to be the fayrest Lady that euer he had séene Thus musing vpon a thousand matters as also the beauty of Miragarda to compare with the heauenly hew of his Lady Mistresse at last remembring the effect of his duty hée set spurs to his Htrse and galloped from thence not respecting which way he went but desirous to attaine the Citie of Consantinople CHAP. LXII How the Giant Dramusiande accompanied with Siluian arriued at the Castle of the Giant Almarol where being amorous of the Picture of the Miragarda hee entred the Combate with Almarol and foyled him And how Miragarda gaue
will so taking leaue of the Princesse Florenda and all her noble company he posted apace that way as the Prince Palmerin tooke standing in great feare lest any mischance should happen vnto him CHAP. LXVIII How the Damosell hauing brought Palmerin from the faire Florenda conducted him to the Castle of the Duke of Ronsillion where he enterprised the Combat to redeeme three Ladies whom the Duke kept as prisoners there to put them to death GReat hast made the Lady that conducted Palmerin all the way vsing no words till they came to a litle village in the Dukedom of Ronsillion where she desired the Prince to stay a while and she would go in the village where shée would not stay but returne to him presently In the meane while Palmerin tooke off his Helmet and sat him downe to rest him because he was somewhat weary with trauaile when the Damosell returning and beholding him to be so young and beautifull she despaired with herselfe that he was not able to fulfill her earnest desire for which cause she presently fell into teares Palmerin not knowing the cause of her sorrow desired her that she would expresse it to him whereupon she began to answere him thus Alasse Sir Knight no other cause haue I to lament in this order but that I am the onely infortunate woman in the world who haue trauelled through the whole kingdome of France thinking to find a valiant and renowned Knight but now I perceiue I am greatly deceiued For when I thought to intreat the Princesse Florenda to giue me one of her most strong and hardy Knights I finding you in the company of those who vnhorsed her Lords with great valiancie I had so good an opinion of you that I intreated you to follow me not rehearsing the perillous danger I should bring you too So that now being at the place where you should put your déedes in proofe I finde you so young and of such small force that I am voyde of all hope to haue any good successe Faire Lady answered Palmerin I shall not faile to doe as much as my power will permitte and perhappes cause you to haue a better opinion of me then I see as yet you are willing to vse Therefore I desire you to tell me to what intent you haue caused m◠to trauaile with you and doubt not but I will aduenture my life to doe you seruice in what thing soeuer O Sir quoth she how happy were I if the effect of your deedes would agrée with your wordes for in this Village there remaineth three Ladies Prisoners the Daughters of one of the most noble Lordes in this Countrey who because their Father would not giue them in Mariage to the Duke of Ronsilion and his two Brethren they found the meanes to murther him and these three Ladies they kept here in a Castle to whom they haue graunted the commodity to finde a knight that can preuaile in the Combat and then they shall be restored to their former libertie So that this is the prefixed and appointed day when the Combat must first be tried against Bramerin the chiefe gentleman belonging to the Duke and one of the most renowned knights in all this Countrey If it chance that he be vanquished then must you hazard your self against Cliaster and Alfarin his two kinsmen yet all these being conquere will not returne this victorie for then must you deale with the Duke and his two brethren who are knowen to be such stoute and noble Knightes that no one will conceiue the courage to deale with them Yet must the Ladies this day finde a knight to auenge their quarrell or else the Duke hath sworne they shall loose their heades and to put the Ladies in some hope I went and told them I had brought a knight who would vndertake to deale in their cause which the Duke no sooner hearing but hee began to be greatly offended Surely saide Palmerin I must néedes venture my selfe again those that will take vpon them to vse cruelty to any faire Lady and will alwaies disallow that a King or Prince should suffer any iniury to be vsed to a Lady within his Dominions and in token that my deeds shall agrée with my words I will goe presently to the abiding of the Duke where I will inuay so much against him that his owne wicked will shall worke his ouerthrow The Damosell perceiuing the noble minde of Palmerin and the little doubt he had to deale with his enemy vsed better affectition to him now thē she had before whereupon she broght him to the Castle where the Duke made his abode to sée the ende of this noble enterprise CHAP. LXIX How Palmerin being come to the Castle entred the fight on the behalfe of the three Ladies wherein hee vanquished Bramerin and slew Cliastar Alfarin And how he fought with the Duke and his two brethren against whom hee preuailed and restored the Ladies THe Prince and the Gentlewoman being come to the Castle where where were assembled a great multitude of people to sée the Combate the drawe-Bride was let downe by the Dukes commaundement when Palmerin prepared to enter the Castle but Bramarin being prouided and seeing his enemy before his face came vnto him with these wordes Abide Sir Knight and before you approach any farther you must deale with me but I belieue you haue made such an ill bargaine that when you see your ware you will not bragge of your peny worthes Trust me Sir answered Palmerin how euer it happen I must hold me content but I am of this opinion that to whom the right belongeth to them will returne the best aduantage and therefore I am fully determined to the fight because I feare I shall lacke day-light to finish mine enterprise Syr sayde the Knight you shall not néede to complaine on the lacke of time for I warrant you wee shall ende and that right soone at least wise if so be that I chance to faile you shall deale with such fellowes in the Castle as will be loth to prolong the time with you So giuing scope to their Horses they met with their speares so nobly together that Bramerin was throwne to the ground void of any féeling which Palmerin perceiuing alighted from his Horse and set his Sword to his throate with these words Yéeld Varlet and sweare henceforth neuer to iniury any oppressed Lady or by my Sword thou shalt die the death Bramerin séeing his life to stand in such a ieopardy deferred not to fulfill his desire When Palmerin mounting on Horseback again entred the Castle and in the Court espied Chaster and Alfarin each of them in a very faire gréene Armour thicke beset with Azure flowers who when they beheld Palmeria they ran both at once against him very fiercely but with his Sword hee saluted one of them so soundlie on the head that he made him sure enough for doing any more harme Which his fellow perceiuing came behaued himselfe with very great courage against
the Prince but in the ende Palmerin brought him vnder his obeysance when demaunding if he would yeeld he made answer no because he thought some would come to his reskew but Palmerin séeing him so obstinate failed not to send his head from his shoulders Al this while he was so happy to escape without any hurt whereupon he came to the gentlewoman and asked if there were any thing els wherin she would haue him to imploy his seruice Certainly sir quoth she I see no danger can withdraw your coruage but now you must hazard your selfe against the Duke his Brethren and their vse is to Combat aboue in the Castell where I pray God to send you as fortunate successe as hitherto you haue had against these iii. knights in hope wherof I will not leaue your company but be partner of al the Combats you shall try to deliuer these three distressed Ladies After the Gentlewoman had thus concluded her talk she shewed him the staires which he ought to ascend where he might find the Duke and his brethren when Palmerin commanding Siluian to stay his comming without tooke his sword and went vp till at last he came into a very faire Hall where he beheld three Ladies sitting attyred all in blacke and endued with such singular beauty that he greatly lamented their vngentle oppression He had not long stood beholding them but he perceiued thrée Knightes very well armed to come before him and to the Ladies one of them began in this manner Faire Ladies why should you procure so great misfortune to your selues and also labour to worke our ruine and destruction you are the cause our three knights haue béen so cruelly abused whose deathes I entend to reuenge so sharpely and your liues shall satisfie part of our losse wherat your Champion shall be but little pleased and we not with all this fully satisfied The Duke who spake these words came from the Ladies accompanied with his Brethren bearing all one manner of deuise in their shields which was Cupid chased away leauing his Bow and Arrowes all bloody and broken in peeces the Duke aduanced himselfe to Palmerin on this wise Sir knight suffise your selfe with the slaughter of my knights and yeelde your selfe friendly into my hands for surely it would bee to my great griefe to bée the death of so good a Knight whereto Palmerin shaped his answer Sir thing not to abuse me albeit I am in place where you suppose you may command me for I am come to no such ende but rather to constraine you to vse recompence to these ladies whom you haue so highly offended then for any fauour I seeke at your hands With that the Duke and his Brethren strooke freely at Palmerin and he on the other side charged them couragiously the Ladies weeping destred God in the force of the Prince to shew some fauour and louing regard vnto them for they well perceiued how dangerous the fight was especially on his side to contend against three Yet in the end such was his valor and high good fortune that by one and by one he ouercame them all but the Duke seeing his Brethren vanquished and himselfe left alone to abide all the hazard tooke occasion to pause with these words I pray you Sir Knight if your thinke it good to tell me your name and of whence you are that I may know him I shall vanquish or at least that shall remaine victor ouer mee Sir said Palmerin the knowledge of me is so needelesse that I will no stand to satisfie your desire first let vs make an end of our Combat and then perhaps I will let you vnderstand more Belike quoth the Duke you make such account of the victory that you will admit no leisure to Parley well since you are so bent I do not yet conceiue such weaknesse of my selfe that I will make sute to you for any fauour Then they began againe the great effusion of their blood witnessing the perillous danger of their fight but at last the Duke was constrained to fal downe at the foote of the Prince as il pleased as he was shrewdly handled especially because he thought neuer to see his Lady and Mistresse againe Wherefore humbling himselfe he desired the Prince to saue his life who being alwaies accustomed to great pittie and seeing him so affectionate towardes his Lady tooke him from the ground in his armes promising to vse the matter in such sort that he would make him to be highly esteemed of her The Duke receiued the Prince offer but vpon this condition that if she scorned to be mercifull vnto him then should he presently bereaue him of life because it was vnpossible for him to suffer such furious and sharpe assaults as hee daile proued for her sake CHAP. LXX How Palmerin hauing conquered the Duke and his brethren procured such meanes with the three Ladies that he caused them to be married together And how Florian and Pompides arriuing there Palmerin departed with them towards Constantinople AFter this great broyle was fully finished and all thinges ordained in a decent order on a suddaine there entred the Hall about twentie Souldiers and two Knightes very well armed who spake aloude that it was necessary he should be slaine that had killed the most famous and noble Knight of the world wherewith they came to Palmerin who defended himselfe with his Sword intending to be his Butcher that should first lay hands on him But the Duke séeing so great a tumult risen without his knowledge put himselfe betwéene them desiring a farther pause that all matters might be taken vp quietly Then was the Duke canducted to his Chamber and Palmerin went to the Chamber of the Ladies where his woundes were very diligently dressed by Organel the Dukes Chirurgion who was as carefull for him as euer hée was for the Duke his Lord. During the time that Palmerin staied with the Ladies he reported to them the great estimation both the Duke and his Brethren made of them how also the cause of his sharpe dealing was onely because they denied his loue with diuers other reports which the Ladies esteemed both laudable and honest so that they granted themselues onely to bée ruled and gouerned by the aduise of Pâ—lmerin because he had stood so much their friend and therefore they promised to graunt what he did thinke well of seeing he determined nothing but what might stand with his owne honesty and maintenance of their honour Palmerin was so ioyfull to sée the Ladies conformable to his appointment that he made more account of the conquest of them then he did of the honour he receiued in the Combate Wherefore he walked to the Dukes Chamber where after hée had imbraced him he declared the good agreement and conuersioÌ„ of the Ladies whereat the Duke receiued such content that for a great while he remained as it were in a sound but being come to himselfe againe he began in this manner to vtter his speeâ—â—â—s Sir knight if
daies he came to a very strong Bridge at the foure corners whereof was foure very faire strong Towers erected being desirous to approch there vnto he espied a Knight willing to passe but an other denied him saying if he would leaue his Shielde behind him and giue vp his name to be signed in writing as was the custome of the Fortresse he should be permitted to passe quietly Such an ill custome answered the Knight was not ordained to hinder such as my selfe but rather for such as could not make their part good against their enemie this sayde he gaue his shield that he bare to his Esquire and receiued another of him and so encountred with the knight of the bridge but he not able to withstand the force of the Speare was dismounted from his Horse and throwen into the water Horaman somewhat abashed at this hardy encounter approached néere the Bride where he behold in the Esquires hand the Portrait of the faire Princesse Miragarda which made him desirous to stay to sée how this enterprise would take conclusion The Knight of the bridge was no sooner giuen the turne ouer but there in one of the Towers one sounded a Horne very vehemently at sound wherof a knight came forth bearing in his hand a mighty Axe wherwith approching to the knight he charged them with many sharpe and dangerous strokes but in the ende such was the valour of the other Knight that hee laide him flate vpon the ground giuing his place to another because he had no leisure to arise Then came foorth a tall and ougly Giant bringing in his hand a Mace of iron to the knight he deliuered these taunts Thou destroyer of my blood doe thy duty to defend thy selfe for to reuenge the horrible iniury thou hast offered me I intend to cutte thy body in so many pieces that the Fowles of the ayre shall be glutted with thy carkasse The knight refusing to giue him any answere couered himselfe with his Shield so that betwéene the Giant and him began a terrible and dangerous Combate but in the ende the Knight who was named the valiant Albayzar so coniured the giant that he left him not while there was any life in him Albayzar being very sore wounded and seeing no more resistance come entred the Foretresse where he stayed till he was able to deale with Floraman who desired to haue a sling at him for to get the Shield of the faire Miragarda For being in that low estate he did estéeme it great dishonour to assaile him because couragious mindes rather desire to encounter those who haue might to resist them then to deale with such as haue no power to defend themselues Wherfore he past the Bridge not knowing whither he were best to take his way for his desire was not to absent himselfe farre thence because he would not loose the commoditie to sight with Albayzar in the meane time he wasted away the idle houres in this woonted silent and amourous Passions CHAP. XLXIIII Here is declared to whom the Fortresse vpon the Bridge belonged where Albayzar behaued himself so worthily and why the Custome was ordained And of that which happened to Florendos sailing in the Galley with the Lady IN circumstance of the History it is mentioned that the Duke Artilio in Spaine had a daughter who liuing to enioy his possessions after him was nourished in company of the faire Belizarda daughter to the King Recinda But loue hauing gained the power of the aforesaid Lady caused her to be fancied of the Prince Onistalde with such continuance betwéene them that in the end their desires happened to take effect But after the Prince had receiued the order of Knighthood in the Court of the Emperor Palmerin hee changed his minde and became affectionate towards a Princesse in the Emperors Court so that he forgat the Duchesse in such sort as neuer since his departure it was her fortune so sée him The Duchesse perceiuing his vnkind dealing and shée not able to erâ—lude it from her memorie ordained this Custome at the Bridge where she had a Castle and caused the passage to be kept by the Giant Lamortan with two Knighes more of his linage who suffered no Knight to passe the Bridge without leauing his Shield and name in writing perswading her selfe by this deuise at length to recouer her beloued Onistalde For his sake were many Knights in great danger who assailed themselues in that strange aduenture till the valiant Albayzar came who ended the custome to the great griefe and vexation of the Duchesse Neuerthelesse for the bountie and valure she perceuied in him she commanded that hee should bee honourably vsed till he had recouered the hurt of his wounds so that Albayzar stayed there in the Fortresse of the Dutchesse a good while till at last he departed from her and tooke his iourney toward Constantinople Now as concerning the Prince Florendos who saled al the night with the Lady till in the morning they discouered a Castle in the middest of the Sea which was very artificiall founded vpon a Rocke where taking occasion to strike on shore she began to Florendos in this manner Sir Knight now will I declare for what cause I haue brought you to this place letting passe my boldnesse vnder your knightly courtesie Within this Castell abideth a Damosell of as little vertue as beauty who vnderstanding that I had espoused one of the fairest Lords in this Countrey deuised the meane to acquaint her selfe with him by reporting that a Knight had depriued her of one of her Castels so that by her intreaty she won him to stay her Champion in her distressed cause At the time as she had gotten him to her Castle she fell into such vnlawfull liking of him that she vowed neuer to suffer him to depart from thence vnlesse such a Knight came as could preuaile against fiue Knightes of maruellous strength but against more then one Knight shee will not suffer Champion to enter combat so that I stand in doubt neuer to recouer my louing Lord and Husband againe Faire Lady saith Florendos send you to summon these fiue Knights to the sight meane while I will prouide my selfe to stand in your defence Shortly after he aduanced himselfe toward the Castel gate he espied the fiue Knights to com forth at a false doore who were all strongly armed and to the Prince one of them began in this order Sir knight wee esteeme it best for you to yeeld your selfe seeing Fortune hath been so much your enemie to conduct you hither so shall you find vs friendly to you where otherwise you may incurre your selfe double despite Trust me said Florendos first I intend to trie your crueltie before I will vse any regard of your gentlenes afterward I will make you answere of my further intent Vpon this they came and assailed the Prince and he likewise behaued himselfe with great agility against them so that they confessed they had neuer found such valour to
approached the Coach and lifting vp the cloath he beheld a knight lying in gréene armor so imbrued with blood that one could hardly iudge of what colour it was This mooued Florian to great heauines and being desirous to know the cause of his misfortune he came to one of the Esquires willing him to report by what mischance the Knight was slaine The Esquire hauing small leisure to stay made him shortly answere in this sort If you desire to vnderstand the infortunate hap of this knight follow me and I shall bring you to the aduenture where you may atchieue such rare renowne that neither death nor time is able to extinguish out of memorie Surely quoth Florian I haue alwayes desired to imploy my selfe where I supposed to be the greatest danger yet could neither feare dismay me nor any doubt hinder me And thus concluding his spéeches he followed the Coach desirous to sée the ende of that the Esquire had told him Palmerin and Pompides séeing him gone so soone walked softly along the valley when in a while a Damosel presented her selfe before them mounted on a blacke palfray and saluted them in this manner I desire you gentlemen that one of you would so much fauour me as to goe with me to the succour of a Lady whom thrée knights endeuour to abuse to put herto death in most cruel maner Pompides hearing the coÌ„plait of the Damosell began as thus to the Prince Palmerin Séeing this present enterprse doth not require your force to be showne therein I pray you giue me leaue to accompany the Damosell that I may try how Fortune wil assist me in this cause Palmerin who desired to be alone in the company of Siluian was very glad that Pompides should assist the Damosell so taking leaue of each other Pompideâ— departed about his enterprise and Palmerin to the accustomed remembrance of his Lady Polinarda wherein he wasted so much time that he could not repaire to any place of lodging but was glad for that night to take his rest in a little thicket of trées Where he had sooner laid him downe but he heard one complaine in very doleful maner when drawing neare the better to heare him the night being so darke as they could not descrie one another he heard the heauy waight begin as thus O fond Florendos why doest thou thus complaine of thy griefe séeing thy Lady Miragarda doeth take such delight therein that she forceth not of his vtter ruine who submitteth himselfe chiefely vnder her gratious regard I knewe right well that all trauaile may be ended in the desire of one to doe you seruice but what shall he doe to whom you vse such entertainment that you may not permit him leasure that doeth you most honour nor will suffer him to be forgotten and depriued of life whereby hee might haue lesse occasion to complaine of your crueltie So ending his moâ—es with a grieous sigh he sate him down and fel asléepe then Palmerin perceiuing it was the prince Florendos determined oftentimes to make himselfe knowne but fearing to hinder him of his enterprise changed his minde bewailing as much the heauines of Florendos as he did the extreame case of his owne misfortune And when the day appeared hee departed as secretly as he could thence away desiring to attaine the Emperours court where he might conclude the seuerall motions of doubt and feare which Loue presented to his oppressed minde CHAP. LXXVII How Florian accompanying the Coatch with the dead knight met on the Seas with Arduramet the bastard Brother of the valiant Albayzar where they defied each other to the Combate And what haphened to Pompides following the Lady FLorian of the Desart kéeping company with with the Coach the three Esquires being a great way out of sight from his brethren one of them began thus to conferre with him Syr seeing you desire so much to knowe the Knight who is slaine and that you seeme affectionate to reuenge his wroÌ„g if neede were giue eare and I wil discourse thereof to you at large You shall vnderstand that this Knight is named Sortibran the eldest Brother of the famous King Frisol whose worthinesse hath 〈…〉 beene such that hée euer bare the name of the most 〈…〉 in all his kingdome So it is that Fortune very little 〈◊〉 to him as yester-day conducted an Esquire 〈…〉 who with wéeping teares desired Soâ—â—bran to 〈…〉 doubtful cause wherto he courteously gaue his consent not thinking on the trecherous intent of the Esquire who brought him into a place wherefoure of his enemies awaighted his comming and setling himselfe against them all in the ende Sortibran was there cruelly slaine We being aduertised of this great mishappe came to fetch him to his Castle where he might see his wounded body honourably interred meane while one of his young Sonnes is gone to the Court to sooke some knight that will reuenge his Fathers death Therefore if you desire to Dsisist and succour him in this case you shall not onely enlarge your eternall renowne but also shall worke such occasion that none may or dare presume to commit any such Treason Florian promising the Esquires to accomplish them request rid on with them till they came to the Sea coast where they entred a Galley that attended their comming and hauing there shâ—â—â—ed the body of Sortibran they sailed away with a pleasant gale of winde Not long had they been on the Seas but they were discouered by foure Turkish Galleyes 〈…〉 presently and borded them when 〈…〉 who was a Moore 〈…〉 into their vessell where beholding 〈…〉 Florian and iudging him to be a noble Knight he entertained him very courteously commanding the Esquires to cast the dead body of their Lord into the Sea and the next morning they heysed sailes to goe on their iourney This Arduramet was the bastard brother to the Prince Albayzar who was trauailing to seeke him to giue him to vnderstand that the Soldane of Babylon his Father was dead after whom it was his right to succeede his place Arduramet in talking with Florian demanded of him that any time he had heard of the Prince Albayzar and reported such marks and tokens to him that he knew well it was he that had vanquished Dramorant the Cruell Then bethinking him of the Combat assigned betwéen him and Albayzar to be performed in the Emperours Court and that his businesse had so chanced as he could not meete him there at the appointed time he begaÌ„ to be greatly offeÌ„ded with himself in so much that Arduramet desired him to shew the cause of his heauinesse But when he had vnderstood each seuerall clause in a great anger hée began this to rage Thinkest thou there is any Knight in the World that may or dare attempt against my Lord and Brother Albayzar certainely thou art much beholding to Fortune from deliuering thée from so great a danger Neuerthelesse if thou hast so great a desire to shew thy prowesse as here thou dost séeme to vse
in protestation let vs now goe to the Court of the great Turke where I will make thée confesse before the Princesse Targiana that Albayzar is the most honorable knight liuing on the earth and she the onely and perfect Goddesse for beauty Beside if thou thinkest he hath offred thée any wrong if thy stomacke serue thée thereto reuenge thy selfe on me who will die in his cause for proofe wherof receiue there my Gloue if thou dare Florian who desired to manifest his valour in strange countries receiued very gladly the challenge of Arduramet who thinking to honour his Brother with the Conquest of Florian went to the Court of the great Turke where to their determination at this time we will leaue them Let vs now remember Pompides who trauailed with the Damosel till they came to a thicket of Trées where he heard one make a very great clamour and looking aside beheld a Knight offering monstrous dishonour to a Lady and two Knights sitting by on Horsebacke laughing at the simple shift she made to defend her selfe from the villainous intent of the knight Pompides not able to suffer so great shame in his sight couched his launce against him that abused the Lady so that he ran him cleane thorow the head and laid him dead on the ground before him and dealing roughly a while with the other twaine he serued them both of the same sauce as the iust desert of them that would abuse themselues in so vile a sort Then came the Lady and submitted her selfe at the féete of Pompides but the feare she sustained by their crueltie would hardly suffer her to vse any spéech wherefore Pompides taking her in his armes and seing the heauy estate and great perplexitie he comforted her in this manner Faire Lady let no feare as now séeme to dismay your mind for here is no body but such as will imploy themselues in your defence My Lord quoth shee these bloodie minded men haue brought me into such feare that albeit I sée dead before my face yet the remembrance of their crueltie doeth still make me afraide wherefore I desire you to depart and leaue me to mourne my great mishap else shall I still be fearefull as the Bird on the branch in danger of the Fowler Pompides began to smile to sée the little trust the Lady reposed is his company neuerthelesse minding to satisfie her desire who was very beautifull as also of a vertuous and honest disposition he departed from her accompanied with the Damosel that had brought him thither Who reported to him how the Knights that would haue rauished the Lady met with her as she trauailed toward the Court of king Frisol who were newly come from the slaughter of Sortibran and méeting with her endeuoured by their faire spéech to allure her to their lust but when they sawe she would not consent they would vrge her to it perforce So Pompides departing from her followed after Palmerin because he desired to trauell still in his company CHAP. LXXVIII Of that which happned to Palmerin of England after he was departed from the Prince Florendos and how while hee was fighting with the Giant Bracandor Albayzar arriued there and holpe him to ouercome his enemies AFter that Palmerin had left Florendos sléeping at the Trée he came into a Forrest halfe a mile from the Citie of Buda where the King of Hungaria lay and there he perceiued a company of Knights and Ladies by a Fountaine wherefore fearing least their company might bee some hinderance to is trauaile he turned his Horse to ride an other way for it was all his intent to abandon place of resort because hee might the better commune and dispute of his Loue. As he was ryding he turned his head and espied these pleasant company by the Fountaine to be very fiercely fighting together wherfore he turned againe to goe thither where he sawe this great conflict but before he came all was done and quiet because the enemy had takē them that gladly stroue with resistance who were the Duthesses of Pontus and Duracā trauailing to the Court of their noble Father in the company of the prince Ditree who in this vnfortunate skirmish was slain Which vrged Palmerin to great heauinesse when he saw him as also the heauy cry the Ladies made being in the hold of Bracandor a mightie Giant inhabiting there in a Rocke and had ten Knights there daily waiting on him Palmerin pitying the Ladies mishap couched his speare and ran against the Giant with such force that he laid him along on the earth in manner as though he were starke dead which the ten Knights standing by séeing came altogether running vpon him but he defended himselfe so wel that they had not the power to vnhorse him for his hardy blowes made them quickly coole their courage Bracandor being risen vp againe commanded the knights to retire because he would reuengo his iniury himselfe wherevpon they gaue ouer when the Giant and Palmerin sternly dealing with one another Bracandor in the ende began greatly to faint The Knights seeing the danger he was in forced not of their Maisters commaund but came and beset the Prince Palmerin who albeit he receiued many dangerous hurts paide them their due but little to their profit The Ladies continued in prayers for his good assistance estéeming him the best knight that euer they had seene and Bracandor seeing the maruellous force of one onely knight beganne to blaspheme his God and ran in such violent manner against the Prince that had not God indued him with great pollicie and force the least of his blowes was sufficient to haue slaine him Bracandor beholding six of his knights slaine through his dangerous woundes and dispaire of himselfe fell to the ground Palmerin being well pleased to be rid of such an enemy in short time sent the other foure to beare their Maister company to whom he came offering to take off his Helmet that hée might haue presently cut off his head But Astapardo came foorth accompanied with ten knights and charged him so sudainly that he had not leisure to commend himselfe to his Mistreffe Palmerin was reduced into very great perplexitie yea and his death appointed in this furious skirmish had not the puissant Albayzar presently arriued there who seeing the great iniury was offered to one knight and that it was he which gaue him his speare when he fought against Dramorant the Cruell he ran against Astapardo in such manner that his speare went quite thorow his body and Armor and the other behaued themselues so well that the most part were slaine the rest saued their liues by flight Palmerin séeing himselfe deliuered from so great a perill came offered great thanks to the Prince Albayzar but he not suffering him to vse any such courtesie without making knowne what or who he was set spurres to his Horse and rid away in great haste Then Palmerin returned to Bracandor and finding him to be as yet aliue he commanded
the Esquires to leade him after him and so he rode to the City of Buda accompanied with the Duchesses and the Ladies who were very sorie for the death of Ditree and their other Knights but well pleased againe by the noble and hautie déeds of Palmerin CHAP. LXXIX Here shal be declared vnto you what and who the Giant Bracandor was wherfore he came to remaine in that place SVch report the History deliuereth vnto vs that in the Perilous Isle there remained a Giant named Bucarquant who ruled the Isle in such cruel maner that his subiects the did stand in more doubt of him the death So that to put him beside the gouernement of the Isle they concluded to conspire his death by poyson As for his Sonne Bracandor who was innocent of the wicked and diuillish déedes of his Father yet fearing that gouernement would prick him to the like cruelty they chased him out of the Isle giuing him no other company then his Nephew Astapardo These twaine went into the Kingdome of Hungaria where they purposed to people a little Mountaine to which they had giuen the name of the Inhabited Rock for in no other place might they be suffered to liue in quiet because reuenge would be sought for the cruell déeds of Bucarquant There they had gotten a company of bloody minded and dishonest knights liuing by robbery deflowring faire Virgins and Ladies and all villainous déeds that might be deuised till at last they heard of these Duchesses who went to sée King Frisol their Father in law accompanied with the Prince Ditree and other Knights Suddenly they came and set vpon them so that the Prince and the Knightes were slaine as also fiue of them belonging to Bracandor till to their rescue came the Prince Palmerin who behaued himselfe as you haue heard before When they were come to the Citie of Buda the King Frisol vnderstanding the death of his Sonne tooke it so heauily as such a great losse did forceable constraine him yet hee dissembled his griefe and came with the Duchesse to the Prince Palmerin giuing very great thankes for his courtesie and commanded he should be vsed with maruellous good respect till his wounds were healed and his strength somewhat better increased The Citizens tooke the giant Bracandor without the kings leaue they put him to death burning his bones that nothing might be left to be séene of such a cruell villaine Soone after King Frisol not able to withstand the extremitie of his griefe méekely yéelded his daies to the stroke of death which was no smal griefe to his noble Linage but as well to his loiall obedient subiects who greatly lamented the losse of such a gratious Prince His Obsequies and Funerales most magnifically finished Estrellant the Son of the Prince Ditree receiued the name of their rightfull and renowned king who committed the gouernment of the Scepter to one of the most noble Lords in all Hungaria because his time of ease was not as yet come but would follow the exercise of a valiant Knight at Armes And Palmerin staied a while in the Citie of Buda till his strength would permit him to beare Armour and then hee followed his intent which was alwaies to sée the places of greatest aduenture CHAP. LXXX How Don Florian being in the Court of the great Turke entred the fight with the Bastard Arduramet and vanquished him HEere must we remember Arduramet and the Prince Florian who being landed came to the Turkes Court where Arduramet receiued great thankes of the Turke himselfe for the Prisoners he had taken in his fortunate voyage Then comming to the Princes Targiana whose gentle nature afforded him a gracious welcome Arduramet deliuered his speeches in this manner My gracious Lady since the time I departed from your excellencie I haue endured along and tedious trauell to recouer my Lord and Brother Albayzar And albeit it was not my Fortune to méete with him yet haue I heard such report of his déeds as my heart is contented and my labours finished assuring you that he hath woone such renown against the Christians that they which haue no knowledge of him doe daily desire both to sée him and to make proofe of their puissant behauiour against him Beside I haue heard that he hath conquered the Shield of the faire Miragarda wherewith he is gone to the Court of the Emperor Palmerin to maintaine against all knights that dare auouch the contrarie your séemely selfe to be the onely Goddesse of beautie on the earth And during the time I was in his search it happened I tooke certaine prisoners among whom I found this Knight who both told mee newes of my Lord Albayzar and how hee had assigned to fight against him in the Emperours Court wherupon such words arose betwéen vs that we haue appointed a Combat to be tried and ended in this Court Florian séeing the great pride of Arduramet was stricken with such coller that hée began to vtter his mind in these spéeches Arduramet we are arriued in this place where I must entend the meane to accomplish my promise And albeit Albayzar is a valiant knight at Armes as the effect of his déeds do manifest no lesse yet will I maintaine and prooue against you that he hath not won the Shield by any manner of Conquest As for the Prince Targiana her beautie I both estéeme and confesse of such authoritie as he that ventureth the field in her fauour cannot chuse but spéed happily in all his déedes But if it shall please her to licence mee the Field I will defend against you Albayzar and all the Knights of your law that I rather deserue to be receiued in her seruice then you all or any that you can estéeme of Arduramet who could not suffer these braue words especially of one that was his prisoner in a rage cast his Helmet on the ground began to raile in these tearmes that follow Oh Mahomet why doest thou suffer in my presence a Christian to presume in so vile and presumptuous brags My gratious Lady I desire you to assure this miscreant the Field for I vow not to leaue him til I haue reuenged this rare and monstrous iniury Targiana commanded Florian to take of his helmet to whose will in gentle manner he presently obeyed but he was so offended with the words of Arduramet that his beauty was farre otherwise then it was alwayes accustomed for which cause the Princesse commanded Arduramet to depart and to make himselfe ready to enter the combate As for the Prince Florian her affection was so greatly placed on him that she tooke him prisoner vnder her protection and the better to assure him safe from danger she commaunded fiftie Knights should be presently armed to sée that none might come neare to hurt him during the time he should combate with Arduramet Then Florian kissing her hand departed to the place appointed for the fight and she vp into the Chamber to see how euery thing happened and
spent so many yéeres began as now so happily to prosper This Damosell being very well knowne and highly honoured through all the kingdome great resort of people came from many Cities and Townes to receiue her ioyfully who had béene so long time absent The people beholding the prince Palmerin gaue foorth these spéeches to one another Behold our gratious Lord and Soueraigne happy shall his subiects be to be vnder the gouernment of such a noble Prince in whom remaineth both courage and clemency who shall finish the enchanted estate of our Princesse enioy her as his onely Quéene and Lady and gouerne the Scepter ouer vs according as our deceased Prince did appoint it But Palmerin applied his whole cogitations how he might manifest his loyaltie to the Princesse Polinarda more then he respected the honour which was done vnto him and though hée had good hope to ende his enterprise his intent was presently to returne to his Lady and mistresse In this opinion they rode on togither til they came to the city of Limorsana where the principall lords and rulers came to receiue him with all triumphes possible conducting him to the royall Pallace and in all respects vsing him as their king and Emperour Then came he to the chamber of the Quéene Carmelia who was Aunt to the princesse Leonarda where doing his duty vnto her she receiued him as nobly as had he bene her owne sonne because she verily thought he should marry with the Princesse But she was farre from the intent of the English Priuce who séeing them so verily to beléeue that he should be their Gouernour of Thrace was somewhat offended remembring his promise to his Lady Polinarda Wherefore he tooke leaue of them courteously bowing himselfe to the Quéene Carmelia went to his chamber where he was vnarmed by Siluian and the Damosell that came all the way in his company At supper he was accompanyed with the Quéene Carmelia many Lords and noble Gentlemen of that country who shewed great courtesie to the English Prince till the houre of rest came when euery one departed to their chambers and Palmerin to his lodging where he could take no rest because he desired so much the deliuery of the princesse Leonarda In the morning Siluian armed him very early so that when the Lords came to his chamber they found him ready to depart thence wherfore they accompanied him to the Chappel where seruice was solemnized very royally by the Archbishop of the cittie and then they rode with him neare the place where the Princesse was Enchanted reporting to him the dangers and feare that in this aduenture should chance vnto him CHAP. XCVIII How Palmerin tooke his way to the Enchaunted Princesse and of that which happened to him IN short time the Lords had brought the prince to the place where Leonarda remained enchanted where he beheld in a pleasant valley a company of braue and stauely Towers among the gréene trées the buildings séeming so excellent to the eye that nature could not haue inuented them more gallant so that he thought them to be framed by the Celestiall powers rather then by any earthly creatures Palmerin was glad to sée a thing so pleasant though he were sorrowfull to be absent from his Lady Polinarda and comparing the great felicitie of him who should enioy the Princesse Leonarda with the mournfull thoughts that frequented his mind he could make choyse of nothing but onely the hope hée had to be fauoured of his lady whose remembrance caused this aduenture to promise him more pleasure then the hazard of such a doubt could moue him to feare A thing which truly is a great grace in a discréete man because that diuers tunes we sée the doubtfullest things to haue the pleasantest issue and that which séemeth most pleasant at the beginning doth proue to be the sharpest danger in the ending Euen so this noble Prince Palmerin contained such a courage and magnanimity of mind that no feare or dismaying had power to supplant his thoughts because good fortune suffered him to returne from euery attempt with honour One of the chéefe knights that kept him company presented himselfe to him in this manner Most worthy Sir to whom Fortune hath alway béene so great a Friend that no danger or distresse could offer to dismay you séeme not now to discourage your selfe in this aduenture for your accustomed prosperity can not forsake you at this present Yet sometime a raw procéeding returneth an vnexpected and vndeserued punishment but as this case standeth your noble selfe accompanied with so great aduised care cannot moue a foote further then vertue shall warrant your safety Pardon me good Sir if I haue béene ouer lauish in my spéech which I intended to no other issue but onely to aduertise you that this aduenture is perillous and therefore craueth the more héed and that a friendly admonishment is better then too late repentance Sir answered Palmerin your counsaile shewing so great grauity and foresight I estéeme a great deale more then at this time I will vtter for if Fortune spéede me in this enterprise I will not be vnmindfull of your friendly good will This promise presented with so great humanitie enflamed a suddaine enuy in the hearts of some there present who for the hope they had to sée him king began to enter into more dissembling prayses then any true or faithfull subiect would séeme to offer For they began to perswade him that no aduenture how dangerous soeuer it proued might attaine the power to astonish his person but he declining from such vainglorious prayses as was the dayly gifts and workes of flatterers courteoussy tooke his leaue of them all and set spurs to his Horse riding towards his determination An example surely worthy of great praise to all Princes and rulers liuing on the earth that they should not incline and leane to such who onely study with swéete words flattering tales and false reportss to rest and bring them asléepe in so vile an exercise Which painted faces if they would suppresse their Subiects Friends and Seruants should bée equally regarded their renowne plentifully encreased and accordingly honoured yea the vertuous should be richly rewarded and the vicious rightfully for euer reproched then would not the plaine dealer be gouerned by such as haue béene noted but the good should be openly discerned from the euill and all enioy one hope for a continuall quiet but to our matter Palmerin being come somewhat neare the place the light beganne to darken the Ayre to be maruellously troubled and mistie so that the Lords of Thrace were ouercome with such feare that some fell beside their Horses some hurt themselues very sore and they all made hast to the Citie as fast as they could where tho darkenesse likewise was very terrible Siluian whom Palmerin had willed to stay behind him séeing this suddaine feare tooke such courage that he would follow his Maister but the Enchantment would not suffer any to enter there saue
his friends and companions The Quéene Carmelia sent a Coach to the Castle wherein the Princesse Leonarda was brought to the Pallace of her Vnckle who receiued her as became her high estate and dignity and the Prince Palmerin likewise they vsed great honour and Princely obeysance but when he came to the Camber he found there Siluian who was not a little glad to sée his Lord so sauely returned CHAP. CI. Of that which Palmerin did while he remaineded in the Court of Thrace NOw at the request of the Quéen Carmelia Palmerin granted to stay in the court of Thrace for eight dayes in which time the Lords to fulfill the commandement of their deceassed King went to the Camber of the Queene Carmelia in whose presence they charged the Duke Rialdo to giue the English Prince to vnderstand what their King Sardamant had commanded to be fulfilled On this they all came to the Princes Chamber where they found him talking with Siluian as concerning his speedy departure from thence which they knewe he had appointed as the next day following but they making themselues ignorant therof at last the Duke Rialdo entred into these spéeches My Lord as I thinke you haue not forgotten what commandement our deceassed king Sardamant left to be performed in the marriage of the Princesse Leonarda his Néece So it is that willing to accomplish his straight and heauie charge as also not to suffer such a noble Prince who hath merited so graciously to be ingratefully recompenced likewise on our parts that we cannot esteeme for ourselues a more happy felicity then such a King to rule vs whose déeds rightly deserue to be Monarch of the whole world these causes considered and nominated we humbly desire you to accept your owne by right and our dutie to sée faithfully accomplished which is to be our gratious King and Seueraigne so that our happy and tranquill estate remaine feared of the stranger and beloued of our friends and neighbours Except the increase of wealth doe alter the noble mind which had alwaies hitherto continued vpright as to some it happeneth but falling into so great mishap your estimation would be the lesse accounted of So that the honourable pains you haue bestowed to restore vs the princesse Leonarda our Queene should be blotted with such obliuous reports as though they had béene neuer séene or done I assure you Sir answered Palmerin the refuse which I make to accept a reward so happie and fortunate is onely because I verily iudge the Princesse Leonarda ought to be kept for such a one as may better my estate in wealth and worthinesse The Damosel of Thrace who had brought him thither standing by and hearing the answere he made came vnto him in this manner Sir Palmerin I know right well that loue hindreth you to enioy what your déeds hath deserued and causeth you to muse on such a one as peraduēture thinketh not so well of you which is the onely cause that you refuse the recompence of your honorable and famous labours The words of the Damosell séemed very reason able to the Duke and his company but séeing they could obtaine no other answere of Palmerin they returned againe to the Quéene Carmelia concluding that he should giue a noble Lord to enioy the Princessé Leonarda according as the King Sardamant had so ordained whereto Palmerin gladly agréed saying I account this honour worthy Gentlemen the greatest that euer fortune could sent me in suffering your Princesse to ioyne in Marriage according to my minde and therefore thus assure yourselues that I shall bestew such a Prince vpon her as both she and you shall be contented to receiue The Lords of Thrace gaue him very harty thankes reporting his answere to the Queene Carmelia who made such acceptation thereof as it worthily deserued but Leonarda was somewhat offended and would haue fallen into anger had not the Damosell of Thrace vsed these words vnto her Faire Princesse me thinkes you should not thinke so ill of the constant faith and loyaltie of the Prince Palmerin who wil kéepe his vowe he hath made to her which perhaps is nothing inferior to you in beauty and wealth and this I can assure you that Palmerin hath a brother a Prince so saire and vertuous in all his déedes as if he ioyne you in marriage with him I know you will gladly held your selfe content The Damosell vsed her perswasions so well that the Princesse Leonarda was very well pleased of whom Palmerin tooke his leaue that night because he would be gone somewhat early in the morning which the Quéene Carmelia seeing she tooke him aside and thus charged him I pray you Sir to remember my Couzin Leonarda and to send her such a Lord as her birth and worthinesse hath continually deserued And if you thinke it good that I might cause her to be brought to the Court of the Emperour Palmerin I should estéeme it the greatest honour that in all my life time might happen vnto me For that I perswade me he would so wel entertaine her as the faire Polinarda who is his Néece with whom she would likewise greatly delight her selfe Furthermore because all the chiefe knights of the world be at the Court of Constantinople I would gladly this kingdome should be ruled by such a Prince as hath bin trained vp by that famous Emperour Madame saide Palmerin I assure you the Emperour will estéeme this honour highly and entertaine her according as she doeth deserue therefore I wish you to send her so soone as may be because the sooner she commeth the better shall she be welcome I pray you quoth the Quéene how estéeme you of the Damosell that brought the Cup thither Truely answered Palmerin I know no one so conuenient by reason of the good spirit and wit she hath which doeth greatly grace her in reporting her message Presently the Quéene called for the Damosell giuing her to vnderstand what was determined Wherevpon there were letters of credit made for her which done Palmerin tooke leaue of the Quéene and the Princesse Leonarda being accompanied with most of the nobles foorth of the Citie where after many circumstances of friendly departing they left him and returned againe to the Citie Palmerin being very well armed still vsing his Shield to be called the Knight of the Tiger trauailed on in his iourney accompanied with Siluian yéelding his body to trauaile and his heart to his Lady and Mistresse as in the second part you shall sée very gallantly discoursed FINIS THus Gentlemen you haue heard the first part of our English Princes labors wherin if you find the Translation altered or the true sence in some place of a matter impaired let this excuse answere his default in that case A worke so large is sufficient to tire so simple a workeman as himselfe and beside the Printer may in some place let an error escape So betweene these two reasons let the Author passe vncontrowled which will hasten him the sooner to send
the other were left destitute of their Lances Then he began to take hart a fresh and setled himselfe manfully toward the other fiue to endure the sharpe charges wherewith they assaulted him The fight hereof mooued Albayzar to immeasurable griefe who wished that he were then so happie as to maintaine the cause of that good Knight for that he would reuenge the iniury which the other vncourteously offered him and which he perceiued to be so great as he wished rather to be presently voyd of life then to want his Armour in such an extremity Florendos enuironed on euery side with his enemies knew not well which way to shun the perril but the most vnhappiest thing of all one of the Horses of one of the Knights gaue him such a cruell stroke as hee was constrained to fall to the earth But it was not long before he recouered his feete againe when presently he tooke himselfe to a Trée to rescew himselfe a little from their mallice which when the Knights perceiued they deliuered vnto him these spéeches Syr Knight this Tree neither can nor shall defend you from our power and therefore it is very slender helpe for you to trust vnto wherefore wée iudge it far better to render your selfe to the prison of our Lady and Mistresse then to suffer so great danger as we see you in by the great effuse of your blood I had much rather answered Florendos endure the death making an ample proofe of a noble minde then to render my selfe into the hands of such cruell and discourteous persons as you are Wherfore if you be Gentlemen ordare conceiue so good an opinion of hardines in your selues do me the knightly fauour as to let me deale with you one after another which is honesty in me to request and honor in you to grant Otherwise if you be so faint hearted of your selues as you dare not fight but altogether then dismount from your horses and I will shew you how much the vertue and honour of a good knight is esteemed aboue the brutish manners of the cowardly mind whereunto one of the Knights presently thus replied I sée no reason sir why you should so much presume on your selfe in that there is no one of vs but thinketh himselfe able enough to compell you to submit your selfe But so little account do we make of the vanquishing you as we deale with you altogether rather to please the humor of the Princesse Arnalte theÌ„ for any dishability in our selues to quite you man for man Neuerthelesse séeing you haue such a desire as we should come to you on foote we are content to giue ouer our horses Wherupon they presently alighted and came together to assail Florendos who receiued them very gladly and behaued himselfe toward them so brauely as in short time they reputed that they left their horses For Florendos had not long fought with theÌ„ but he discharged one of them of his life quickly and continued his deuoir so gallantly with his sword toward the other foure as one after another he sent thrée more to kéepe the other company At length when Florendos had brought the last of them into subiection and was about to part his head from his shoulders the Princesse Arnalte suddenly came accompanâ—ed with her domosels desirous to saue the life of the knight wherupon she spake to Florendos after this manner Sir knight to the end that this great victory which you haue atchéeued may not call your name into dishonor by murdring him who hath no power to defend himselfe I beséech you that you would giue me the life of this knight And for the discourtesie you haue suffred by him and his fellows amends may be made in other maner for I will put my selfe by way of duty to acomplish any thing that it shall like you to ordaine prouided alwaies that my honour and authority be no way impeached therby Madam answered Florendos why should life be granted wheÌ„ a finger is not to be giuen to such persons as so much forget their owne honour to imploy themselues in such vnnatural attempts neuerthelesse your vertuous and honest iesture hath gained so much power ouer me that I will not refuse to graunt you any thing conditionally that you will do me so much honour as to tel me the reason why you cause to be maintained this so bad custome Sir knight answered the Princesse Arnalte fearing that by long staying in this place your wounds may turne you to greater daunger then you expect I pray you do me so much fauour as to go with me into my Castle where hauing prouided to redresse your wounds as also those which my knight hath receiued I will not faile to answer in what you please Florendos hauing need to succor himself by reason of his dangerous fight would not refuse to agree to the will of the Princesse Arnalte who caused one of her Damoselles to sée the curing of his wounds which in sooth were in no greater danger then that he might easily trauell the day following After that the Princesse had caused those to bee buried that were slain she tooke Florendos by the hand and walked with him very chéerfully and pleasantly disposed which courtesie he held in great reputation hauing made his prowesse so nobly knowne against her Knights But then as she walked she began to contemplate the beautie of the Prince Florendos with very great admiration whereupon presently came to her remembrance the Prince Florian of the Forrest which caused a crimson colour to a mount into her chéekes so that all her face deliuered an amiable blush which Florendos well noted at the beginning whereupon hée was donducted by the Princesse to the side of a window the prospect whereof was ouer a faire running riuer when she receiued the hardinesse to sprake to him in this manner I know wel sir knight that the custome of my Castle séemeth vnto you to be ordained against all reasonable regard but hauing vnderstood for what occasion I maintaine it in this order you will not be any wayes offended thereat It is so Sir that my Lord my Father leauing me in the custody of sundry noble Gentlemen of this Realme of Nanarre he desired them at the very houre of his death that they would sée I should be married to mine owne pleasure contentment Attending which time I withdrew my selfe to auoyd popular frequentation into this my Castles where hauing by Fortune soiourned a while there chanced to arriue here a comely Knight a most braue gallant and an honest Gentleman and and so worthily accompanied with vertue and prowesse that my good liking coupled with equall loue I desired aboue all other to match with him holding opinion also in him I should iustly satisfie my Lord and Fathers commandement ioyning hereunto that I should greatly grace my selfe and such in sooth was this braue Knight But he being come from the Castle of the Grant Almorall was so altered in nature that
their weapons and yéelded themselues The Lady séeing this happy successe alighted and entred into her Castle greatly abashed at the noble bountie of the Knight of the Tiger and sorrowfull beside because she knewe not how to recompence so great courtesie And as she stood considering the no small danger he sustained to deliuer her out of the hands of Felistor and his company she beheld her daughter comming conducted by fiue Knights who were in a certaine Tent wherto in her straying she happened to come When the Damosell was gone into the Castle to her mother and that these Knights beheld the blood of those slaine Knightes before their faces they were attached with such a sudden feare as they would very gladly haue béene further thence But the Lady who perceiued the cause of their dismaying went to them incontinent and hauing imbraced them desired that they would not suffer any cause of doubt to arise but that they would shewe their thankefull mindes to the Knight of the Tiger who had deliuered her out of so great danger Herevpon they humbly went and saluted the prince who kept them company there the space of eight daies at the end whereof he departed thence taking his iourny toward the place where his heart desired to be CHAP. V. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Sauage man after he departed from the Court of the Emperour Vernar BEcause it is a long time since our History hath made any mentioÌ„ of the noble knight Florian of the Desart we will now leaue the Tiger in his way to Costantinople and returne to the Prince Florian who being departed from the Court of the Emperour Vernar in gréene guilt Armour and bearing in his shield a Sauage man leading two Lions in a siluer field euen according as he did beâ—ore he was knowne to be sonne of the Prince Don Edward pursued the intent of his hauty desire for during the time he carried this strange deuise he atchieued as honourable exploits as euer did any euen as the first part of this History hath largely made mention This braue knight seeing the places of most famous aduentures Fortune conducted him into the realme of Ireland euen to the place where he nobly woon the Castles of â—he thrée Sisters who were the daughters of the Marquesse Beltamor but these Castles were now in the custody of others who were vtterly vnknowne to the knight of the Sauage man by reason whereof he was constrained to lodge in the Cell of an ancient Hermit who discoursed vnto him how the two brothers of the Giant Calsurnien were within those Castles one of them being named Brocalon the other Baleato that had long time béene nourished in the Profound Isle with their mother Collambra and by whom they were giuen to vnderstand what great misfortune had happened to the giants Calfurnien and Camboldam of Murcela their brethren for the losse of whom contrary to their will and mother they armed themselues like good and hardy Knights vewing to take vengeance on them who had so much defaced their noble stocke And that they might the sooner execute their bloody enterprise they embarqued themselues in a Galley hauing in their company other knights of their linage and at length landed on this coast of Ireland where long before it was known to any they were Lords of the Castles of the thrée Sisters as also of that which belonged to their brother the Giant putting all to the Sword that they found within those Castles and fortified theÌ„selues with very great strength lest they should chance by any meanes to be assayled The knight of the Sauage man could suffer the Hermit procéed no further in his tale but he must néedes demand this question of him I pray you good Father do so much as resolue me in one thing do not these Giauts vse to come forth of their Castles to walke for their delight along this Forrest Certainly Sir answered the Hermit I would be loth to resolue you in this demand for such a question séemeth to me to manifest an earnest desire in you to offer the combate to these Giants which I would be sorry you should do in that the meanest of them is of abilite to resist thrée of the best knights in this realme Therefore I desire you if your affection be bent that way that at my request you would bridle it within limits of regard and to remember that it is dishonour to a noble mind to adenture his life more wilfully then wisely and yet to couer my intent vnder the title of seeking renowne and I must iudge him altogether voyde of Knightly regard which sées the danger to be beyond his compasse and yet will desperately throw himselfe into the hazard trust me no pittie if such a one be well corrected Wherefore good Sir to auoide the worst that may happen to you I desire you to let no such minde remaine in you but that you would witnesse your valour in those occasions which may represent more hope of victory and séeme of better equalitie with your Knightly force for in doing otherwise you shal cause any good minde to thinke that desperate hope hath rather conducted you hither then any carefull aduise which way to returne victor from these Giants And it is their woont to walke abroade in the mornings when here they murther one there they villeinously mangle another hauing sworne to continue this crueltie vntill they can meete with the two Sonnes of the Prince Don Edward on whom their intents is to be famously reuenged for that their Brethren were slaine by their hands I perceiue Father said the Knight of the Sauage man that you make no conscience in condemning those who aduenture then liues to redeeme the wretches estate of poore Soules suppressed by such cruell tyranny for if you remember your selfe Armour ought not to be borne by any but onely such as imploy their pains to succor those who are no way able to shield themselues and the order of Knighthood is giuen vs to this end not that we should faint at a shadow or be conquered by wordes before we see the deedes wherefore father perswade your selfe that Fortune shal no sooner present me with the occasion but I will put my hap in aduenture At these words the aged Hermit began to shed teares to sée that he could not remooue him from his determination neuerthelesse he laboured still in perswasion but his paines was bestowen to small purpose for he was not so full of intreatie as the other was resolutely bent so they passed away the night in friendly communication In the morning Florian was preparing himselfe to depart at what time he heard a great noyse without the Cell when going to the doore he espied a Damosel came hastely riding and she seeing the Knight of the Sauage man came vnto him for succour in that she was egerly pursued by the Giant Brocalon who was in same white Armour and well mounted on a lustie Courser from
makes thee thinke none so good as thy selfe so shalt thou learne how to vse thy betters and deale more courteously with the people of this countrey And because I will mooue the mallice the greater against me thou shalt vnderstand that I am he that hath slaine Dalfurnien and Brocalon thy brethren and haue good hope to send thée after them wherefore put thy selfe in a readinesse to entertaine me for I as much disdaine to haue any aduantage of thee as thou proudly thinkest me vnable to deale with thée The Giant extreamely moued to heare the braue language of the Prince began to rage after this manner Thou cruel destroyer of my blood thou maist assure thy selfe to haue in thy presence the greatest enemy vnto thée in the world and therefore shew the vttermost of thy manhood for I carry that hope with me to bathe these hands of mine in thy blood and beside to rent thy cursed heart in péeces and throw it for foode to the Fowles of the aire Then they began a fierce and cruell Combat wherein the Prince so nobly behaue himselfe that the forcible stroakes of the Giant were deliuered te small purpose but at length he perceiuing what subtilty the Prince vsed beganne to strike vere roughly at him so that his swoord was broken in thrée pieces and his body wounded in diuerse places whereat the Damosell was very much displeased doubting least she should now sée the ende of him who had all this while so valiantly defended her The Prince séeing himselfe in danger cast his Shield before him to receiue a mightie stroke which the giant gaue but the blowe lighting on the Shield entred so farre in as he could not pull it out againe which the Prince perceiuing closed with him and driuing him still backward till he came to the Riuers side he strooke his legs from him so that he fell ouer the bancke into the water where with the waightinesse of his fall and his head going forward he brake his necke to the no small ioy of the Damosell as also of the Prince who reioyced he was rid of such an enemy Then mounting on horsebacke they rid againe to the Cell of the olde Hermit for that the Princes woundes were somewhat dangerous in the meane while the Esquires of Baleato returned to the Knights which were in the Castles to giue them vnderstanding of their Masters death how that hee which had slaine his brother Brocalon had now likewise dispatched him When they were come to the Cell the good olde Hermit albeit he was somewhat offended with the Prince yet be receiued him very louingly and on such a poore bed as he had he caused him to lie down vsing such good regard vnto him as within fewe dayes his dangerous estate was well recouered Then did he desire the Prince that he would suffer the Damosell to depart on her iourney giuing her to vnderstand how she might now trauaile without danger for that she knowe her selfe the Giants were both slaine and also he said it stood not with her honest report that she should so kéepe company with a Knight at Armes whose affaires lay in so many sundry places as it was not decent for her nor honour to him to be séene after such effeminate order The Prince was very well content that she should depart albeit the Damosell found her selfe greatly agreeued that he did vse no more estimation of her hauing sealed the Fort of her maidenly honour which none had the power to obtain before neuerthelesse when she saw no remedy but that she was forced to make a vertue of necessity with teares she tooke her leaue of the Prince who feigned himselfe in amourous spéeches very sad and sorrowfull for her departure CHAP. VII How the knights which belouged to the Giants Brocalon and Baleato surrendred vp the Castles vnto the noble knight of the Sauage man And of that which happened to the Prince Florendos after he arriued at the Castle of the Giant Almarol where remained the faire Princesse Miragarda ON the next day following the knights which belonged to the Giants had now intelligence of the death of their Lords whereupon they presently determined with themselues to go sée if the knight of the Sauage man would entertaine them into his fauour for since they had no refuge or defence left them wherin they might repose any hope of assurance they concluded to surrender vp the castles into his hands knowing themselues farre vnable to withhold them from him In this determination they came to the Hermits Cell where they found the knight of y◠Sauage man lying on his bed for that he was not very well disposed they comparing his yong yéeres with the noblenesse of his late exploites receiued great cause of admiration at last he that iudged himselfe to be the hardiest of courage amongst them suddenly entred into these spéeches If I should deny sir knight that Fortune hath entertained you into especiall regard I should séeme very much forgetfull of my selfe in that the puissance of Brocalon and Baleato two Giants reputed of no small courage as by your noble hardinesse brought to vtter confusion therefore this remaineth as a chosen argument that she not onely hath called you into the dignity of her fauour but also that she maintaineth her affection towards you with inestimable bountie let not any then séeme so hardie as to offer a checke or reproofe to your valour for that their best Fortune is vnlike to be equall with yours but let them rather imagine themselues happy if they may deserue the good countenance of so worthy a Champion The due consideration hereof hath constrained vs to enter into such hardinesse as to come and present our selues to your noble mercy this good opinion guided vs that he which hath so worthily ouercome and remaineth in the honour of a famous conquerour will not staine that laudable title by offering discourtesie to those who humble themselues as obedient seruants in signe whereof receiue at our hands the keyes of the Castles which our Lords sometime enioyed and withall receiue the hearty good will and affection of them who remaine onely at your noble comandement to which courteous words the Prince returned this answer Your spéeches are so honest and so well repleate shith ciuill courtesie as I am sorry that my present case will not suffer me to let you vnderstand how thankefully I accept your great gentlenesse but you shall beare me company to the Court of England where I will cause the king my Grandfather to satisfie that which my dishablity will not suffer me Then tooke he the keyes of the Castles wherewith he was very much contented séeing the issue so fortunate where the beginning seemed so doubtfull The knights still kept the Prince company in respect of the honourable promise he had made them wherof they were not a little glad in that they hoped to gaine good fauour in the Court of England where the report of this noble Conquest
disguised in blacke Armour but when he perceiued the Prince Floraman and had likewise espyed the shéeld of the Princesse Miragarda he presently did coniecture that the blacke Knight was his Lord the Prince Florendos to whom he reuerently drew néere vsing these spéeches I hope my good Lord you haue no occasion to hide your self from him who hath such earnest affection to do you seruice and specially hauing recouered so rare a Iewel as is the Shéeld of the faire Miragarda at whose commandement you made your departure from this place and well worthy is she to be impeached of high ingratitude if she should not now fauourably entertaine you who hath so nobly and worthily deserued Florendos being not able to conceale himselfe any longer opened his helmet and then embraced his Esquire Armello to whom he deliuered the Shéeld of Miragarda willing him to set it in the place where it was woont to stand before that the Prince Albayzar so discourteously tooke it away and bad him also take the Shéeld of the Princesse Targiana and to set it at the féete of the portraiture of Miragarda which did not a little offend the Prince Albayzar to behold At length came foorth of the Castle the Giant Almarol very well Armed and gallantly mounted on a white Courser for he supposed that these thrée Princes came to demand the Ioust but when he beheld the Shéeld of Miragarda in the place where it was wont to be being suddainly abashed he knew not well what to say At last he knew the Prince Florendos by reason that he had lifted vp the Beuere of his Helmet whereupon he cast his Lance to the ground and with stretched out armes came and embraced the Prince Florendos entertaining him with these words I did alwaies perswade my selfe worthy and renowned Prince Florendos that you would bring to end that honorable exployte which I now perceiue you haue happily atchieued a desert so laudable and knightly as the Princesse Miragarda cannot otherwise chuse but requite you with better entertainment then she had done heretofore And if she continue her former obstinacy vse not that gratious acceptation towards you which your noblenesse doth worthily merite and her duetie commandeth she should fauour you with all I will so shake the honour of her name with spéeches of importance that the world shal be acquainted with her monstrous vnkindnesse who I hope will beare me company in iustly condemning her that can affoord such great disloyaltie to so good a Knight Thus breaking of his spéeches without staying to heare the answer of the Prince he presently ran into the Castle where he declared to the Princesse Miragarda the noble and Knightly returne of her loyall Seruant Florendos which newes enflamed her heart with vnspeakeable ioy neuerthelesse she dissembled the matter in such sort as though she had made no account thereof which the Giant perceiuing both how slender estimation she seemed to haue of Florendos as also of the 〈◊〉 bringing backe againe her Shéeld being not able to withhold his choller any longer he began to touch her very highly with the Princely seruice of Florendos how to her vniuersall praise and his owne renowne he had witnessed the true testimony of an inuincible minde which she countenancing with so small regard did notoriously impeach herselfe of ingratitude and too iniuriously requite him that had deserued so well All these words did séeme nothing to moue her resolute will but with a hardy countenance she gaue show to the Giant that she was the Lady and Mistresse of a selfe-willed conceit albeit within her selfe she remayned greatly affectionate of the Princes returne but because her modest shamefastnesse should not be discoured to the giant she made the matter to him of no regard at all The Giant being not a little vexed in a great fury 〈◊〉 foorth of her presence very much accusing her obstinate minde and comming to the Prince Florendos they could not hide the great discourtesie of Miragarda which the Prince contented himselfe withall because he was woont to haue no other entertainement but for that he would dispatch the cause of Albayzar he desired Almaroll to goe againe to his Lady and to know her pleasure as concerning him that caried away her Shield and whom he had brought backe againe The Giant presently returned to the princesse giuing her to vnderstand that the Knight which had caried away the Shield was brought thither backe againe by the noble Prince Florendos who desired to knowe her will what should be done with him Miragarda taking a little pause at last commanded that Albayzar should be brought into her persence and that Florendos should abide without When Albayzar was come before her she straitely charged him to goe yéeld himselfe prisoner vnto the king Recinde her especiall good Lord and that he should not faile to goe thither because he should remaine there as prisoner vntill the great Turke had set at liberty the king Polendos with al his knights She receiuing his oath that he would not faile to doe as she had commanded him willed him to depart whâ—â—â— he giuing her humble thanks for fauouring him so much considering his offence deserued greater punishment offered gently to kisse her hand but she would not suffer him and so he departed from her When he was come foorth againe from the Castle to take his leaue of the Prince Florendos he cast his 〈◊〉 on the protraiture of the princesse Targiana not without many a bleeding sigh from his heart and such countenance in iesture as bewrayed the extreamity of his suddaine paâ—â—ions A great while he stood rehearsing to himselfe these amorous conceits wherewith he was meruailously charged at last he desired Almaroll to doe him so much fauour as to goe intreate the Princesse Miragarda that it might stand with her pleasure not to suffer the shield of his best beloued Targiana to hang in the rancke among those that were conquered in respect she had deserued no such dignitie But in no case would shee agrée to this request so highly did she estéeme her selfe in superioritie aboue all other Ladies whereof Albayzar being certified he departed in choller and extreame melancholly the thirtéenth day after her departure from the Castle of Almaroll he arriued in the Court of Recinde King of Spaine who receiued him with very Princely Courtesie And after he vnderstood who had sent him and for what cause he was not a little pleased thereat because by him the King Polendos might haue libertie againe as also his Sonne who was prisoner amongst the other Knights of these newes he presently caused the Emperour of Constantinople to be aduertised that he should now set his former griefe apart and reioyce in that he had in his custody such a one as should bring home againe all the Knights that were prisoners to the Turke The Emperor greatly commended the pollicie of the Princesse Miragarda and wished if it might be possible to haue
minde then to be scorned where he liketh most What state of refuge can he hope to finde where each thing doth at his misfortune boast Condemnd confounded with rebuke and blame Yet ignorant from whence the causes came So heauy is the waighty yoake of Loue when queintest lookes affoord discourtesie That wise is he that doth the passions proue and yet can keepe himselfe at libertie But he whose wits is rauished by stealth Had need of Physick in his greatest health Some men in loue commend their happinesse their quiet sweete aâ—d delicate delight And I can boast of Fortunes frowardnesse Her extreame rigour and seuere despight But for the sweetnesse other men haue felt I came too late my part was else where dealt Yet can I say no man hath beene more iust nor seru'd his Lady with more due regard But she being gouerned by her owne mistrust denies her seruant his desirde reward This my misfortune waxeth more and more Yet will I suffer though I die therefore FINIS THe thrée Knights had no sooner espied the Prince Florendos walking before the Castle of Almaroll but they preseâ—tly left their singing and pulled downe the Beuers of their helmets because they doubted that they should be known and when they came before the Trée where the shields hanged they began greatly to commend his valour whose noblenesse had gained such braue prizes at length the knight in the greene Armour stedfastly beholding the portrait of the faire Miragarda began very brauely to vse his language as thus The beautie of that heauenly face which this Picture represents is of authoritie sufficient to bring to her obeysance the heart that neuer thought to loue yea of the worthiest knight in the whole world albeit my minde was farre otherwise before I sawe that with mine eye which hath béene daily coÌ„mended so much in mine eare Neuertheles if any of those Knights which hath enterprised to defend so rich a treasure dare be so hardy as to breake a couple of Lances with me I will doe my endeuour as becoÌ„meth a good knight on condition he prouoke me not to doe him more iniury then willingly I would because I feare that the Lady which oweth this faire Picture would very seuerely punish me for offering offence to any of her Knights as contrariwise shee will entertaine them with especiall fauour that take vpon them to enter the Combat for her to whom the Prince Florendos thus replied It were pitie Sir to put you foorth of so good a minde séeing your stomacke serueth you so wel for the purpose and because I am ready prouided for the Ioust I force not greatly to bestow the breaking of a Launce or two on you and therefore take the field at your pleasure for I will sanctifie you in this request With these words they parted to fetch their course and met together with such force that their Launces slewe vp into the ayre in pieces and so passed on brauely not being any thing shaken at this first encounter The Giant Almaroll seeing them destitute of Launces caused some to be brought forth of the Castle and being deliuered to their Esquiers they went and serued their Lordes withall who valiantly met againe to breake their Launces the second time but their encounter was so forcible that the Prince Florendos lost one of his stirroppes on which side he was in some danger to haue fallen besides his horse Neuerthelesse the Knight in the gréene Armour measured his length on the ground but he recouered himselfe againe quickly and being out of measure displeased at his fall drew his sword with these words Syr Knight for that I made the meanes to summon you to the Ioust albeit the foyle hath happened to me yet am I not offended thereat so that you will now so much honour me as to let vs trie one another a while with our swords and if in the ende it be your good hap to vanquish me your valour shall haue the larger estimation I knowe not answered the Prince Florendos how these Gentlemen in your company esteeme of your request because I sée them preparing themselues to offer me the Ioust therefore let my intreatie at this time perswade you from this desire in that we shall haue time enough to trie our manhood together when you shall not thinke your selfe greatly aduantaged nor I finde my selfe ouermuch iniured Thus concluding he gaue his horse the spurres and ranne couragiously against the knight in the white Armour mingled with Azure who in sooth receiued him very brauâ—ly breaking their Launces with so great force as the Prince Florendos lost both his stirrops but yet recouered himselfe well enough from the fall as for the other Knight the stroke of the Prince was 〈…〉 that his Horse and he sells 〈◊〉 both together and his horse tumbling vpon him did somwhat hurt one of his legs When Florendos had prouided himselfe of another Lance he gaue a signe to yâ— third knight to encounter with him which the Knight perceiuing and being somewhat moued at the misfortune of his companions failed not to put himselfe vpon the aduenture but such was the courteous regard he had of his fellowes as at the first offer they missed in their meeting whereupon they tooke the second caréere so worthily against ech other as they brake their Lances brauely and passed on for the third encounter The Prince Floraman and Almorall made great estimation of the noble behauiour theâ—e thrée Knights vsed and likewise the Princesse Miragarda did very much commend the noble exploites which Florendos and the other knights shewed before her presence but then the knight being desirous to try the end of his Fortune began to aduance himselfe forward and the like did the Prince Florendos when they met together 〈◊〉 couragiously that the knight was dismounted to the earth the Prince Florendos being in litte better case for had he not caught hold on themane of his horse he had bene forced to beare the knight company but he escaped the fall very well and being well mounted againe the knight with whom he had first Iousted came vnto him with these words Such is my earnest desire sir knight to try my fortune once more against you as I find my selfe very much agreeued till I haue felt as much by your sword as I haue done by your lance therfore as you are a Gentleman and one that hath worthily deâ—erued your knighthood let me gaine so much fauour at your hands as now presently you would satisfie my request the Prince Florendos shaped him this answer Your language is accompanied with such great honesty and couâ—teâ—e and beside I do esteeme thereof so well as it would be a great blemish to mine honour if I should deny your knighly desire and so alighting from his horse he drew his Sword to enter the Combate but the Knight which bare in his Shield the deuice of Apollo stepped betweene them after this sort Noble Florendos you haue good
she would report to her the welfare of the Princesse Targiana that had so friendly giuen them to vnderstand before of the tidings which were brought thither by the Ambassadour who beiug arriued at Constantinople the Emperour sent the chiefest Princes and knights of his Court to receiue him with very friendly and courteous entertainment but when the Damosell heard that the Ambassadour was come she presently departed thence towards Spaine to go find out the Prince Albayzar promising the Princesse Polinarda to returne by Constantinople before she made her returne into Turkie The Emperour dessred the Damosell to present the message of his good will to the king Recinde as also to the Prince Albayzar and after that he had bestowed diuers rich and costly giftes on her she betooke her selfe to trauaile being verie glad that she was espyed by none of them which came with the Ambassadour who as I haue already declared was receiued in very Princely order not as he were an enemie but as became best the estate of him to whom he was sent who in sooth was of such a noble and vertuous minde as when he should deale roughly and extreamely with his enemies hee would entertaine them as his vowed and professed friends and such was his courtesie to this Ambassadour To the Emperours pallace he was conducted very worthlie riding among the chiefest Princes and knights of the Court and the Emperour himselfe to doe him the greater honour came and receiued him at the gate of his Pallace but the proud Turke would not one vouchsafe to vaile his bonnet or offer any honourable signe to the Emperour such was his malicious stomacke towards him who had in no case offended the Turke his Lord. The Emperour perceiued well the small regard he had of him by the words which the Princesse Targiana had sent him by her Damosell but yet he suffred him to do what he thought best vsing still so great courtesie vnto him as at last he was constrained to shew more decent iesture when he presented the Emperour with a letter from his Lord the Turke the seale thereof was of pure Gold and fastened about with a sumptuous Chaine The Emperor receiued it at his hands very gratiously and hauing viewed the tenour thereof he desired the Turke to go take his rest in his Chamber and the next day he would satisfie him in the occasion of his Ambassage I desire your grace answered the Turk that it may so stand with your pleasure as to make me presently answer without deserâ—ing any furder time which when I haue receiued I will goe â—est my selfe in mine owne Tents which I haue commanded to be prouided for me without the walles of your citie for if I should do otherwise the great Turk my gratious Lord would find himselfe much offended with me the Emperour replyed in this fashion You shall doe what you imagine conuenient in your owne conceit neuerthelesse I should not be any whit agreeued if my Ambassadour did lodge in the Pallace of the great Turke that he might the better fulfill his dutie in the charge committed to him I beséech your grace said the Turk to let these néedlesse spéeches goe and remember your selfe of the hundred Knights of your Court which are held as prisoners by my Lord the Turke and sée that you make some prouision for them for my Lord hauing them in his power to reuenge diuers iniuries which he hath receiued by some of your Subiects he determined to put them to death but to witnesse his gratious and noble nature he is content at the earnest intreatis of his daughter the faire Princesse Targiana to giue them their liues and to restore them in change for the Prince Albayzar who is kept prisoner in the Court of the King of Spaine by the commandement of the Princesse Miragarda But trust me you are to thinke your selfe in no small fauour with the Princesse Targiana whose teares were of such power as to sâ—ue the liues of your knights whom my Lord the Turke had determined you should neuer sée againe vntill your Highnesse had sent him the knight of the Sauage man that he might reuenge the iniurie which he too forgetfull of himselfe committed in carrying away by Sea his daughter Targiana a deed truly worthy of sharpe punishment the Turke there pausing the Emperour tooke occasion to beginne thus Certainly I confesse my selfe greatly bound to the Princesse Targiana but farre more to the faire Princesse Miragarda in that had not her wise foresight beene the greater my Knights had suffered the extreame rigour of death but this I assure you that since cruell Fortune had so throwne the Dyce on mee I rather would haue loste twice so many more as they are then to send your Lord the Turke my Knight of the Sauadge man in the presence of whome here I faithfully promise to deliuer the Prince Albayzar prouided alwayes that you make me sufficient assurance of them whome the Turke holdeth in vnkinde seruitude whereof how I may be certainly perswaded I pray you vouchsafe me the knowledge how and in what manner the case must be ordered The course which you must take in this matter answered the Turke is thus your Maiestie must send vnto my Soueraigne and Lorde the Prince Albayzar vppon his inuiolable Oath which by mee he voweth to you and which you may account of so great and sufficient truth and he will not faile by so great a bond to send you the prince Polendos your sonne with the other Princes and Knightes that are in his companie and this you may be bolde of that my Lorde more willingly would loose his life then falsifie his faith towards your Excellencie The Emperour leaning vpon his arme and noting well the words of the Embassador paused a good space without making any answere which the Prince Florian perceiuing being better acquainted with the infidelitie of the Turkes then the Emperour was and fearing least hee would haue giuen credite to this subtill assurance presently started vp and began as thus Most worthy Emperour if you but consider the cause why the great Turke detayneth your Knights in Prison you shall well perceiue the smal trust you ought to repose in him in that the occasion was so little and the assurance of his troth is much lesse Againe if you suffer the Prince Albayzar to escape vpon his worde you may chaunce sooner then you would to repent your selfe For if you remember his vnfaithfull dealing to the Giant Dramusiande in the time hee kept the Shield of the Princesse Miragarda how contrary to his vowed promise he brought it from the Castle of Almaroll in the night and comming with it into the Court did brauely giue it foorth in speeches that he had woon it by his knightly endeuour which dishonourable dealing he found in the end too costly Therefore it is very necessarie that the King Recinde regard him more carefully then hitherto he hath done in that the libeâ—tle of his person will
be the cause of sending home againe your Knights And if this Ambassador will take vpon him to maintaine that this message which he presenteth you from the Turke his soueraigne is onely with regard of royall clemency I will defend the contrary against him yea and I will enforce him to confesse that this proceedeth on the earnest instance made by the subiects of the Prince Albâ—yzar who are importune in sute to haue their Lord and gouernour at libertie for if it so fall out that the Turke doe not satisfie this their continuall request he shall be constrained to guard himselfe from them who were wont to defend him with their especiall aide Knight answered the Ambassadour thou shalt assuredly vnderstand and I promise thee by the authoritie of my ambassage which alloweth me to enter in armes against thée that I will not faile to make thée know with what reuerence thou oughtest to entertaine the vnreproueable word of my Lord and Soueraigne and I doubt not beside but to giue due recompence to thy disloyall and vnseemely dealing whereto the Prince Florian thus replyed It is the most acceptable thing I make account of for thée to enter the Combatte with me in respect of good encouragement I haue thereto and of the small honor that will fall to thy share The Emperour perceiuing his Nephew in so great chollere touched him with the Scepter which he held in his hand to the ende he should procéed no further and he was somewhat inwardly offended that he did giue so hard and rough spéeches but neuerthelesse hee estéemed well of his good Counsell which to maintaine hee came to the Embassadour in this manner You ought not to be offended when my knights assist me with their good and carefull aduise and especially for the Prince Florian my Nephew who is not ignorant long since of the custome maners vsed in the Turkes court And for the great Turke himselfe I haue that opinion of his faith and promise as he hath himselfe beleeuing well that he would not for all the honour he professeth violate or breake his word in any thing but yet I dare not build or assure my selfe thereon lest they who now are prisoners take occasion to complaine of my fond dealing remembring the hard vsage they haue all this while suffered Moreouer if I should presume so venture so rashly the King Recinde I know would not so willingly consent with me whose sonne is amongst the Princes as a prisoner til he haue him in his owne assurance he will not grant libertie to the Prince Albayzar wherefore you may thus giue your Lord to vnderstand that if he will send me home my prisoned knights I will not faile to send him the Prince Albayzar this request is but lawfull and I promise on my honor to performe it But if it so chance that he doubt of any faithfull dealing herein I will giue him a pledge of assurance his owne daughter the Princesse Targiana who I am sure will make answere for me as well for the perfect knowledge she hath of my fidelitie as also for the desire she hath to recouer home her husband the Ambassadour standing a while musing at last replyed thus to the Emperour I see well that by the knowledge of ill doing men attaine to follow that which is good and lawfull and so I take my leaue of your excellency assuring you that the Princesse Targiana wil aduenture her life onely vpon your word and promise in that you withhold him who is her onely felicitie and who hath done such noble seruice to my Lord her Father In so doing said the Emperour she shall very highly please me and for the good will I beare her I pray you on my behalfe and with my heartie commendations to kisse her Princely hand for such is the estimation I haue to her as she hath power to dispose of me in anything she taketh pleasure to imploy me The Ambassadour made promise to fulfill his commandement when with a courteous obeysance he tooke his leaue and departed from the Emperor who after his departure sate and conferred with his Knights commending greatly the wisdome of the Princesse Miragarda in sending the Prince Albayzar to the King Recinde for whome it would so come to passe that he should yet againe recouer his Sonne Polendos and the other Knights CHAP. XII ¶ Of an Aduenture which happened in the Courr of the Emperour Palmerin and of that which followed afterward THe next Day after the Embassadour from the great Turke was departed the Emperours Court the same day in the afternoon as the Emperour sate accompanyed with diuerse and sundrie of his Princes Lords and Knights he perceiued to enter the great Hall a bigge and goodly Aged man so much weakened and ouer-spent with yéeres as it séemed hee was ready to fall to the Earth The Emperour iudged him a person of some Authoritie by reason of his goodly gray-locks and his faire long-milk-white beard for he thought that such a séemely and Fatherlike man would not deceiue the World with falshood and dissembling The Princes and others that kept the Emperour company desired very earnestly to vnderstand what he would say oftentimes beholding him very aduisedly who when he was come before the Emperour offered to stoupe downe to kisse his Highnesse hand but he taking pittie on him would not suffer him so to doo then did he make such humble Salutations as he could when the Emperour demaunded of him for what occasion he was come My gratious Lord said this Aged man with a voyce so fainte and lowe as very hardly he could be vnderstood for that your Court is alwayes so fortunate as to entertaine Noble and aduenturous Knightes who are euer ready to succour them that be destitute of their aide and assistance I had good hope that they would not refuse to affoorde mée theyr fauourable refuge in deliuering me out of the great daunger whereinto by misfortune I am suddenly brought These heauy and sadde spéeches he accompanyed with such aboundance of teares as hee mooued the heart of the Emperour to great compassion then pawsing a prettie space with a déepe and dolourous sigh hee began thus againe I most humbly beséeche your Maiestie that you would at this time comfort me with your gratious aide to reuenge the iniurie that is extreamly offered mee which in sooth is so great and grieuous and commenced by such personages as I cannot reporte the summe thereof without excéeding sorrowe which might much offend your Highnesse Wherefore I pray you to bestow on mée such a Knight on whose good Fortune I may liue in some hope of ease and I will bring him into the place where hee may atchieue such rare Renowne as in all his life time he can neuer attaine the like to which wordes the Emperour replyed thus Albeit in such perillous affaires it is not necessarie to sende a Knight without I were first acquainted with the cause yet such is the great and
excéeding pittie which I take to sée your grieuous sighes and manifold teares as I must néeds consent to your request but it were a great discredite to you that in a man of such an Ancient and goodly time as you are there shuld be found Forgerie or deceytfull dealing which my good opinion will not suffer mée to iudge so of you And this Knight which you sée standing by me is called the Prince Florian of the Forrest albeit some name him the hardie Knight of the Sauadgeman he is my Nephew and one in whome I put the greatest trust to giue ayde and succour in a matter of such importance and I sée hee prepareth himselfe to forsake the Court and to assist you with his Noble and approoued valour in any cause that you shall haue neede to vse him The Aged man séeing the maruellous courtesie of the Emperour fel down before him on his knées and after he had kissed his hand spake as followeth It is not in vaine I sée well most famous Emperour that both young and olde so thunder your surpassing Bountie for the occasion which my selfe receyueth at this time giueth me good cause to thinke that the vttermost I haue hearde in your noble Commendation hath rather beene sparing speech then sufficient to comprehend your Heroâ—call desertes and I shall thinke my selfe the most happiest aliue hauing séene that with mine Eye which hath bene so often bruted in mine Eare. The Knight of the Sauadge-man aduanced himselfe to kisse the Emperours hand in satisâ—action of the honourable spéeche he vsed of him to the Aged man who was still so earnest in his suite as the Prince Florian was constrained to arme himselfe presently and departed from the Court in such great haste as hee had not the leisure to take leaue of the Empresse and his other Friends The Emperour fell into questioning with the Knights of his Court if any of them did knowe that Auncient man in whose company his Nephew Florian was so suddenly gon but not one of them all could report of whence or what he was Primaleon was very much offended that the Emperour his Father would command his Nephew Florian to depart so soone with the aged man not knowing first into what place or to what aduenture he would conduct him wherevpon the very same day Berolde the Prince of Spaine Platir Blandidon Pompides Gratian Polinard Reccamon Albanis Don Resuel all the other most renowmed Knights of the Emperors Court departed to folow the Prince Florian for that they feared least any euill should happen to him vnder the guilefull dealings of this Aged man When the Emperour saw his Court left desolate in a manner of the noble Knights that was woont to kéep his company he found himselfe very grieuously perturbed in minde fearing least some finister chaunce should happen to his Nephewe Florian who rode on still in the company of his Aged Guide without resting in any place til the next day in the morning when of necessity they must stay to giue refreshing to their Horses and when they had suffered them to féede indifferently they mounted againe on Horsebacke and rested not all that day likewise till they were come within the sight of a fayre Castle which stood on the top of a fayre Rocke a Fortresse very delâ—ctable in the eyes of them that did behold it at the foote whereof a goodly Riuer had his course so déepe and dangerous as they that went vnto the Castle were constrained to passe ouer in a very small Boate wherein two men could hardly passe at one time The Aged man being very wearie with ryding and desirous to haue a little ease alighted from his Horse vsing his language in this manner to the Prince Florian. This is the danger Sir Knight wherin we must hazard our liues if we be so bold as to venture our selues both together in this little Boate therefore I pray you that you will alight and you for the more securitie shall passe ouer alone then your Esquyre and I will come one after another because we will bring ouer with vs the Horses You reason wel answerd the Prince Florian in respect of your Aged and vnweldy péeres as also in wishing me for my best auaile therfore I intend to follow your counsell for that I sée necessitie compelleth vs to doo as you say At these words he dismounted from his Horse and entred into the little Boate commanding him that had the charge thereof to passe him ouer but scantly had he attained the middle of the water when suddenly such a blacke and ougly clowde ouershadowed him as the Aged man and the Esquyre being on land had lost the sight of him which when the Esquire perceiued hée was about to leape into the water to followe his Lord but as he was in this desperate intent he espyed a great Hill suddenly before him which would not suffer him to passe any further Vpon this he turned to goe to the place where he left the aged man but he was so quickly rapt away and gone as the Esquire could not possiby imagine which way he had taken then the Esquire began to iudge that the teares which the Aged man shed in the presence of the Emperour was to no other end but only shadow the treason which he wretchedly weÌ„t about so there he stood musing a great while and after he had canuased out a thousand imaginations a he concluded to search his Maister about all those parts and if it were not his fortune to find him he would then return to yâ— Emperors court to make known the vnfortunate losse of his Lorde and Maister to the ende that the Princes who were his Friends might take vpon them to enquyre after him for such was the opinion of this loyall Esquyre that the diligent search of a great many Knightes might happily recouer his Lorde againe The Noble Prince Florian of the Forrest had no sooner gotten the further side of the Riuer but the Clowde conueyed away the Boate wherein he passed in such sort as hee could by no meanes haue a sight of it wherevpon hée began to aduance himselfe towardes the Castle that stood vppon the Rocke not fearing any daungers that might happen to him but because the Rocke was high and troublesome to climbe and the Armor hee had on very weightie withall hee was constrained to rest himselfe thrée or foure times by the way so that the Night had chased away the gladsome Day before hee could arriue at the Castle When hee came vnto the Castle Gate there came foure verie gallant Damozells to receyue him and after they had caused many Torches to be alighted they shewed themselues very dutifull to entertaine him into the Castle which courteous offer the Prince would not séeme to denye for that the Beautie of them did so much blinde him as he had no minde on the Daungers that might suddenly happen but hee fedde his Eyes with beholding them altogether as one that had his will
my Mother and likewise my patrimony but also I shall receiue such a common bruite of ill report as euery one will wound me with malicious spéech in yéelding my selfe into your hands who haue so cruelly slaine my Brethren Madame answered Florian I pray you forget the remembrance of loosing your Mothers fauour or any other such opinion in regard of the good may happen to you for if Fortune fauour me no worse then she hath done I wil not faile to make a double requit all of your kindnesse and that you may repose the better assurance on my words I here protest my selfe at your commandement In the meane time while Florian spent the time in this talke he vnderstood how they in the Shippe went about some enterprise against him by meanes whereof he left Arlencea but she followed him into his Chamber to helpe to arme him and ere he had girded himselfe in his Mayle coate Alfernao with foure other in his company came to the Chamber doore to lay hands on him but they missed of their purpose for Florian comming to them by maine strength thrust them foorth of the Chamber with these wordes The time is now come Alfernao wherein thy traiterous dealings shall be worthily recompenced Then lifting vp his sword to haue smitten him the other fiue stepped before and defended him wherewith the Prince was so much mooued and he besturd himselfe so among them as two of them quickly tumbled at his feete the other two séeing that and knowing the small pittie Florian would shewe them tooke heart afresh and came to the Prince assailing him couragiously but he laying before them the treason of olde Alfernao gaue them such cruell and terrible strokes as he cut off the arme of one of them hard by the shoulder and the fourth for feare was glad to leape into the Sea Then Alfernao seeing his life brought into so great danger came and humbled himselfe before Arlencea in this manner Madame if the vnfained loue I haue alwayes vsed in doing seruice to your mother and your selfe deserueth any gratious respect then is it necessary that you affoord it me and if that loyaltie ought to be recompenced as it hath worthily merited then I desire you to intreate for me the fauour of this Knight for your word I knowe may preuaile so much with him as his anger will be pacified and my life saued The Damosell Giant was so amazed at the noble prowesse of the Prince as she knew not how to addresse her selfe to him to mooue intreatance but being as it were in a quandarie had not power to answere Alfernao nor yet to fulfill what he had requested neither would Florian deale extreamely wish him séeing him on his knées before Arlencea for whose sake he thus began Trust me Madame Alfernao had good Fortune to render himselfe to you for that you haue the power to preserue his life contrary to his deserts if I should goe to the vttermost Arlencea did maruellously estéem the great humanitie which the Prince vsed to Alfernao who at her commaundement was put in sure guard fearing least he should practise any more treason and the Prince beganne to estéeme very well of Arlencea according as her honest and vertuous nature deserued as well for the laudable bountie of her gentle minde as also for vsing him so kindly as she had done but albeit he was subiect to voluptuous pleasure yet beholding the chast regard this Damosell had of her selfe she bridled her affection and determined to bestow her as wife on his great friend the Giant an t Dramusiande for he iudged it the part of a friend to wish such an one to his friend as hee knew to be acquainted with vertue and chastitie and to subdue that wicked desire in himselfe which should mooue him to violate his faith to his friend And for the Damosell her selfe albeit she preferred the noble behauiour of the Knight of the Sauage man worthy the vttermost straine of her abilitie yet had she an especiall regard of her honour knowing it to be the chiefest ornament to make her estéemed of and therefore shee behaued her selfe discréetely and wisely gayning the good commendation of all that knewe her as the Historie hereafter will declare vnto you CHAP. XV. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Sauage man after he was come on land WHeu the Noble Prince Florian had thus vanquished Alfernao and his companions being so neare the shore he determined to goe on land wherevpon he commaunded the Pilote to drawe to the shore which he presently did landing them in a hauen belonging to Recinde the King of Spaine where they rested themselues certaine dayes because Arlencea and her Damosels were somewhat sickly with their trauile and Alfernao desired the knight of the Sauage man that he would giue him leaue to returne into his owne country séeing he was arriued in a place of assurance and where he little néeded to feare any danger to which demaund the Prince shaped this answer I am wel assured Alfernao that the Court of Constantinople is greatly troubled by your meanes therefore I intend you shall depart no whither else before you haue sworne to me to go to the Emperour againe to let him vnderstand what hath happened to me from the time that your false teares made me forsake the Court euen vntill the infrant that we came hither which you may do well enough without any feare of punishment that the Emperour will lay on you because his clemency is farre greater then thy euill deserts which in sooth shall neuer be laid to thy charge in respect of the great good will I beare to Madame Arlencea whose friendly pittie hath deepely bound me in deliuering me out of the perill wherein your malice hath craftily caught me euen as you may at large declare vnto the Emperour My Lord sayd Alfernao libertio is so highly estéemed and so greatly desired by them who are well acquainted with it as sometimes the desire to recouerit by him that was so wilfull to forgo it maketh him for to put his life in great ieopardie then seeing himselfe brought into such mishappe that he commeth in such sort to repen thimselfe as he wisheth rather continuall seruitude then to haue liberty once and then to loose it In this order it fareth with me at this time who being desirous to liue out of thraldome am content to obey your noble commandement yet not without feare of some inconuenience but such is the hope I haue in the Emperours bountie as I trust to be pardoned for the heinous offence wherein I haue displeased his imperiall Maiestie then comming to Arlencea he said Madame bethinke your self in what it shal please you to cōmand me to your mother if so be it fall out y◠I happen to the place where she is to which words Arlencea replied thus You may giue her to vnderstand from me that I thinke it necessary she become friends with the Knight of the
Profound Isle did greatly maruel to sée strange sights in like manner did Platir and Berolde albeit they were good and hardy knights yet did they admire with the other for company extolling his hauty and noble prowesse who by his famous conquest brought the Island to be inhabited After they had a long time discoursed on the singularitie of this Fountaine they tooke their way to the Castle where hard by the riuers side stood foure faire Iasper pillars whereon hanged foure shieldes like vnto them which Palmerin won from the foure Knights and there stood the images of the Knights in Columbs of Marble hauing the like Armor and Shields as the liuing knights had and standing as though they vsed regard to their shéeldes whereon their seuerall names were written in letters of Gold Palmerin was as greatly amazed at the fight hereof as he was the same day he approoued the aduenture while the kuights tooke pleasure to behold this strange monument he perceiued to come ouer the Bridge an Esquire who was sent thither by Satrafort the gouernor of the Castle the Esquire had no sooner séen the knight of the Tiger but he presently returned into the Castle to giue his Maister to vnderstand that the Lord of the Island was arriued there wherevpon Satrafort come forth to receiue him and with humilitie conducted him into the Castle wherein they were no sooner entred but Platir began after this manner Me thinkes the strange fights of this Countrey is farre contrary to them in all other parts of the world in that these motions shew the great danger of the aduentures passed and the brauery of this castle doth euidently witnesse that the skull and knowledge of the Sage Vrganda ought to be estéemed aboue all other The Prince Platir could not chuse but maruell very much séeing the sundry rare monuments which the Sage Vrganda had erected in that place where she made her continuall abyding because she would alwayes ayde those whom she made account of for her so speciall friends as you may reade at large in the booke of the valiant Amadis of Gaule But to come againe to our former purpose these Knightes hauing séene the lower parts of the Castle at last came to the place where Palmerin of England in times past found the Giant Demetail the fight hereof caused them to passe on further and after they came to the blacke riuer wherein the malicious Eutropa cast her selfe when the Prince Palmerin tooke her by the hand being ou the plancke which was so dangerous the sight of this perillous aduenture made them forget all the brauery they had séene before Siluian began to thinke on his masters fortunate successe in atchieuing such a worthy famous aduenture and the conceit of the manifold troubles he had passed was of such force in the gentle Esquiers minde as he began to shed teares but the Knight of the Tiger perceiuing how Siluian wept while his other friends were busied in beholding the occasions there present he came and embraced Siluian vsing these words I would haue thée thinke my good friend Siluian that the knight who hath the rare beauty of the princesse Polinarda imprinted in his heart could not faile to accomplish these aduentures how dangerous so euer they were at first to him and I assure thée that the vnfained leue I beare to her made me to trie the hazard of this vncouth place from whence in the soueraigntie of her name I returned victor wherefore I pray thée refraine thy teares and perswade thy selfe assuredly that the earnest desire I haue to do seruice to my Lady encouraged me in all my trauailes Then he left Siluian and came againe to his friends and companions speaking to them in this order I pray you my friends to forsake this place which doth nothing else but trouble your thoughts with silent vexations of griefe thinking on things of so small importance for me thinks Satrafort saith it is time that we go to supper At these words the knights departed thence commending highly the valour of the knight of the Tiger and Satrafort brought them into a faire great chamber the windowes thereof being ouer a faire Garden very thicke beset with trées and a prettie small riuer taking his course thorow it In this place the knights were set to supper being serued with such great pompe and state as there wanted nothing that could be deuised and Satrafort being desirous to witnesse their great welcome into the Perillous Isle shewed himself surpassing bountifull and beside he was so glad of the presence of the noble Palmerin of England as he spared no trauaile to purchase those things that might yéeld him contentation All Supper time they delighted themselues in pleasant discourses vntill the tables being withdrawne they arose with courtesie one to another and then Satrafort brought ech of thē into his chamber which were hanged with rich cloathes of tapistrie that the Enchantresse Eutropa and the Giant Dramusiande had left there because the house should be decked at all times that when any of his friends came they might haue the better entertainment as for them whom he thought not well on they durst not be so bold as to presume thither because as he vsed his friends with courtesie so did he his enemies with crueltie CHAP. XIX Here is yet continued what happened to Palmerin of England in the Perillous Isle THese foure knights were no sooner risen on the next morning but they walked into fields about the Castle which were very faire and fragrant to behold in that the Sage Vrganda did take great delight in her life time to be very busie there during the time the Spring lashed in planting and setting yong and tender grafts which were done in the manner of walks and Arbours hauing kept such iust proportion and measure in setting them as surely they would content any friendly eye The walkes were paued with large stones of colour of white and gréene and the trées about them were so brauely branched as in the Summer time the Sunne could not offend any with heate there was such a delicate shaddow and in the winter the cold and sharpe winde could not come at them by reason the trées were so thicke and high In the Garden there stood a goodly Cesterne to receiue the water that fell when it rained and from it by pipes and other deuises the water was ronueyed into all the necessary roomes in the Castle this cestern was inclosed round about with Christal and bound with barres of siluer maruailous beautifully These knights could not sufficiently content their eyes with the diuersitie of braue deuises about the Castle and so long they walked till a messenger came and called them to dinner when though they were loath to go so soone in againe yet remembring their courteous Hoste they went presently The rest of the day they spent in their former exercise vntill the night came stealing on them and euery man being in his loding could not
Alfernao you haue brought my déere Friend and Nephew into the greatest danger that euer could happeÌ„ to him and albeit I haue good reason to the contrarie yet not for thine owne deserts I pardon thée but for bringing me so good tydings of him whome the Heauens would not suffer to fall into the hands of the cruell Collambra but trust mee Alfernao your dealing shall remaine to me for a sufficient example how I giue credit hereafter either to teares or faire spéeches especially comming from such a one as you séeme to be As for Arlencea I estéeme maruellous well of her courteous dealings towards my Nephew and if it fortune that she come into my Court I witnesse my good will to requite her honest and vertuous deserts in the meane time you may goe to your Chamber and rest your selfe and if you please to stay the comming of my Nephew and Arlencea you shall beare record of their entertainment in hope of which I remit all that is past I would gladly answered Alfernao go where the Empresse is that the feare which shee hath conceyued by the Knight of the Sauadge-maÌ„s Esquire may be perswaded in hearing the truth While he was thus speaking the Empresse accompanied with her Ladyes came to the Emperours presence whereof he was very glad which made him beginne thus Madame I perceiue that the desire you haue to vnderstand what is become of my Nephew Florian hath caused you to come so suddenly hither which hath saued this man a labour for that he was comming to you The Empresse and their Ladyes being all in their accustomed places he commanded the Nigromancer Alfernao to expresse againe vnto the Empresse his former discourse that shee might likewise be acquainted with his deceytfull treason but the report displeased her very much as also all her Ladyes and Gentle-women raysing such a hatred in themselues against Alfernao as they desired the Emperour they might departe the place The Prince Primaleon séeing the great choller of the Ladies began very pleasantly to smile at them all the Princes in the Hall likewise bearing him company and in the meanetime this laughter lasted they heard a great noyse without in the Pallace diuers running to know the occasion they beheld Albanis the Esquire to the Prince Berolde of Spain to come leading by the hand the Giantesse Collambra the sight of whom made the people to flocke on heaps excéedingly and such wondring as all the Pallace sounded with the Eccho of their noyse Albanis entred the great hall holding Collambra by the hand her face being so fearefull as moued the Emperour to start suddenly Alfarnao had no sooner espyed her but his heart came in a manner dead neuerthelesse he couered his gréefe so cunningly as he could and hauing embraced her began in this manner Madame it should appeare that the same misfortune which hath brought me hither hath had the like authority ouer you wherefore I desire you to take all patiently and commit our vnhappines to Fortunes vnstedinesse When the cruell Collambra who had all this while eyed the Emperor heard the words of Alfernao she began to cry aloud suspecting that she was betrayed as though with her voyce she would haue shaken the Hall in péeces and after she had wept bitterly a pretty space she spake as followeth O Alfernao I sée at this instant thy monstrous and disloyall dealing in that thou hast forgotten the good and kind affection which my husband Brauorant in his life time did alwaies beare thee in that thou hast deliuered me into their hands to whom thou hast also betrayed my daughter thou hauing vsed the matter so as I shall neuer sée her againe Madame said Alfernao I know well the doubt you make of my loyalty and I sée I must be constrained to satisfie you by rehearsing my manifold and extreame mifortunes as well to qualifie your anger towardes me as to cause you sée how equall our vnhappinesse is in that one vnhappy Planet hath stroken vs both Then he began to rip vp the whole circumstance of that which had happened since his departure from her and at the end of his discourse he gaue her to vnderstand that Arlencea her daughter willed her to forget the death of her children and the enuie shee bare to him that had killed them which if she did not agrée vnto she should be in daunger neuer to sée her againe Collambra returned him this answere Credite me Alfernao I am not so much offended at my present misfortune as at these thy wordes wherefore to knitte vp the matter I giue thée this assurance that I die in thinking Arlencea my daughter is so forgetfull of her selfe as to endure the courtesie of him that hath murthered her brethren and the death of them is the more yrkesome vnto me in that she honoreth him who hath so much dishonored me With these words she cast her selfe downe on the ground so furiously as if was a good whiâ—â—â— she would vse any more talke so during yâ— time she was in this rage Albanis the Prince Beroldes Esquire aduanced himselfe to make knowne to the Emperour his message not forgetting to declare the whole circumstance of that which happened in the Perillous Isle both how Palmerin had slaine the Giant Espouuantable and how his thrée Couzins were depriued of their liues by the prowesse of his Lord Berolde Platir and the Sage Aliart These newes did greatly satisfie the Prince Primaleon and Gridonia then further proeeding in rehearsing the dangers which mooued them all to great admiration Vpon this Alfernao declared how the people of the Profound Isle had chosen the Knight of the Sauage man for their head and Gouernour and because he was absent Palmerin had placed Argentao to rule the Isle More quoth hee the Knightes haue left this Island and are gone into the Perillous Isle where they are determined to soiourne for a while and then afterward they will come hither vnto your highnesse Court to this the Emperour answered thus I perceiue that the most noble and knightly aduentures are reserued for my Nephew Palmerin of whose welfare I doubt if he be depriued of the company of the Sage Aliart therefore I would both he and the Prince Florian were here together for that I promise you I doe euen long for their company Then breaking from the maâ—ter he desired Alfernao to tell him if the Prince Florian did intend to tarry long in the Realme of Spaine My gratious Lord answered Alfernao he is not determined as yet to returne vnto your Court before hée haue first showne to Aâ—lencea the Castell of Almaroll These words were not welcome to Leonarda the Princes of Thrace shée hauing already giuen entertainment to the Prince Florian in the chiefest place of her heart for she doubted least the sight of the Princesse Miragarda would quite extinguish the remembrance of her but when shée thought that the Knight of the Sauage man would enter Combate against him that kept the Shield of
very louingly and vsed such gratious courtesie towards him as he did vnto the Prince Primaleon his son as well for that he had bin brought vp in his Court as also because he was the sonne of his owne sister and the hardy Frisoll king of Hungaria his brother and especiall good friend As he continued this fauorable vsage to Belcar Onistalde son to the King Recinde and his owne sonne Polendos came and knéeled downe before him then leauing Belcar he returned to them very gratiously declaring in the sight of euery one his incomparable beauty so departing from the Port he walked with them on foote towards the pallace refusing to mount on horsebacke his mind was busied with such excéeding ioy as well for the recouery of them as for the Princely commendations Targiana had sent him whō he had now proued his speciall friend The Prince Primaleon went in the middest betwéene Belcar and Onistalde and the other Prince and knights came louingly cōmuning with their friends in which order they all followed the Emperour who being no sooner come to the Pallace but there he found the Empresse accompanied with her ladies attending their comming at the outtermost Gate she hauing giuen the knights her amiable welcome the Emperour commanded they should be brought to their chambers for that their great trauaile on the Seas required some rest The Princes were conducted into the Emperors chamber according as it was the custome for those whom he estéemed at their arriuall and they were scant out of the great hall when they perceiued to enter a Turkish Esquire who coming before the Emperor began to salute him with these words My gratious Lord Almaneor Ambassador from the great Turk commanded me to let your maiestie vnderstand that he is loth as yet to take landing fearing lest he should hinder the pleasure your highnesse conceiueth séeing your knights so safely returned he being come with them and hath here sent them vnto your maiestie wherefore he desireth you would not iudge amisse of him in that he hath done and if so be he haue in ought mooued offence to your Highnesse he will to morrow morning come and be sorie for it when he wil make you acquainted with the summe of his ambassage which will cause you to loose part of the contentment which at this present your knights hath animated you withall Certainely my friend answered the Emperour I am sorry that I did not make more remembrance of him but let him commit the fault to my knights with whom I will enioyne in making amends againe to morrow because I shall sée him to day he being willing to rest himselfe this night in his galley The esquire departed with this courteous answere of the Emperor who taking the Empresse by the hand withdrew themselues into their chamber where they passed the night with greater contentment then they had done of many daies before But when faire Phoebus in the morning had displayed his golden face on the earth the Empresse walked to the Chappell to heare seruice the Emperour and the knights being farre behind her and seruice being ended they all dined with the Empresse in her chamber for that she had determined to feast Polendos Belcar Onistalde and the other Princes who were serued at dinner with maruellous great state The Tables being withdrawne the Emperor commanded the principall knights of his court to goe welcome on land the great Turkes Ambassadour to whom he would shew himselfe honourable as well for that he would not be thought vngreatefull hauing recouered home againe his knights as also to vnderstand the will of the great Turke Polendos Belcar and the rest of them that had béene prisoners went foremost to receiue him on shoare because they would not haue him thinke that they had forgotten the kindnesse he shewed them on the Seas where Primaleon was somewhat displeased because his nature could not suffer him to vse such kindnesse towards them he knewe his professed enemies Polendos with his company being come to the Port hée with such as he thought good tooke a Barge and went aboord the Galley to the Ambassador and brought them on shore with them very nobly with such a noise of drums phifes trumpets clarians as the Turkes wondred at this royall entertainment The Ambassador nothing the great courtesie of Polendos who was diligent in shewing him the greatest honour might be knew very well that this excéeding humanitie came from him that was their Lord and gouernor wherevpon he considered that a Prince so wel beloued of all as the Emperour Palmerin was should finde more friends to aid him in his necessity then enemies to molest him All this while the Emperor attended the Ambassadors comming to the Empresse chamber accompanied with his sonne Primaleon and many Princes and Knights of his Court and the Ambassador who was the same man that came before to request in the great Turks name the fréedome of Albayzar in change of those Princes that were prisoners in Turkie being in the Presence of the Emperour made him such humble reuerence as his Maiestie well deserued and not vsing any such proude behauiour as he did at his first comming to Constantinople The emperor welcommed him very gratiously desiring him not to be offended because he did not accept of him y◠day before according as willingly he would haue done Most worthy Emperour sayd the Ambassadour I am not of so small discretion but I knew well how busie you were yesterstay in receiuing home them whō you haue so long looked for but letting these néedlesse matters passe I must request to know your highnes minde as concerning the libertie of the prince Albayzar whom you would not sende to the great Turke my Lord for that you doubted he would not sende home them whom he kept as prisoners As touching the deliuerance of them my Lord hath bin so hardy as to trust to your gentlenes onely at the intreatie of his daughter Targiana hée hauing no assurance for the Prince Albayzar his daughters husband but onely the word of her who is your great friend desireth that you would now send home her beloued Lord Albayzar of whom the great Turke himselfe willed not me to vse any spéech hauing ioyned me to speake of those things which will but little please you in the hearing them the Emperour returned him this answer I know not what the great Turke your Lord hath determined to make me acquainted withal but I am so accustomed to doubtfull occasions as let his mallice stretch neuer so far and his deuises purchase what scope he can yet haue they no power to make me feare But for the Princesse Targiana I am to thinke my selfe highly in her debt in that her earnest intreatie wonne the libertie of knights and surely it gréeueth me that her father would be so enuious towards me who would with all my heart haue his daughter againe in my Court that I might recompence some part of her gentlenesse she hath vsed
to me and for that she would so kindly pledge her selfe vpon the assurance she reposeth in my fidelitie Moreouer I promise you Sir I haue written to the King Recinde that he should not faile to send me the Prince Albayzar and I beléeue certainly it will not belong before he come hither wherefore I pray you to stay here till he come and in the meane time I will vse the matter so as the Turke your Lord shall be rid of his doubt and the Princesse Targian a satisfied to her owne contentment I am of the opinion said the Ambassadour that the Prince Albayzar will be here and that quickly for the Damosel who was sometime sent in secret to your mistresse was dispatched with her message twenty dayes before my setting forth that she should let the King Recinde and the Prince Albayzar vnderstand of my coÌ„ming and certifie them likewise of the liberty of our knights by meanes whereof they will not faile to come hither to your Court vntill which time I am determined by your licence to soiourne here but I will not declare my Lord the Turkes minde before I sée the Prince Albayzar neuerthelesse I here present you with his gratious letter and after you haue well vnderstood the contents thereof I will declare what I haue in charge There pausing he tooke forth of his bosom a letter written in pâ—rchment and sealed with the Armes of the great Turke the which he humbly presented vnto the Emperour who presently caused it to be opened and perceyuing thereby that the Turke willed him to giue faithfull credit to what the Ambassador said he desired him to report the cause of his arriuall whereto the Ambassador thus replyed My gracious Lorde I knowe you haue not forgotten the day when the Princesse Targiana came vnto your Court neyther the subtiltie wherewith she was entised and brought forth of her Fathers Courte by the guilefull dealings of your Nephew the Knight of the Sauadge-man who was hindered in such sort in his iourney as he could not bring the Princesse Targiana vnto your Court but she being here was entertained by your Excellencie the Empresse and the Princesse Polinarda in such gratious manner as she estéemeth her selfe during life bound to you for your manifolde courtesies And my Lorde the Turke in regard of your Noble fauour toward his Daughter would gladly in any thing hee could witnesse his beneuolent minde to you forgetting all iniuryes past for his faire Daughter Targianaes sake but with this condition by the way that your Maiestie offer him nothing against right or reason for if you doâ— hée shall be constrained by forcible strength to reuenge the shame and iniurie he hath receyued by the Knight of the Sauadge-man And for the substance of his minde it is thus in briefe he desireth you to send vnto him the Knight your Nephew because he would chastise him for his haynous offence And if you refuse to satisfie his request he commaundeth me to let you vnderstand he is your enemie and will so reuenge that Knights abuse as all the world shall take example by him I cannot belieue said the Emperor that the Turke your lord will seem to threaten him at whose hands he requireth nothing but Iustice the which I being very willing to doo cannot thinke well of your present procéedings for that in sooth you demaund no Iustice Besides it is not reasonable to graunt what your lorde requireth for if Florian be accused for bringing away his Daughter I answer that he did it at the earnest intreatie and desire of her selfe So that your lorde I perceyue trauelleth in vain after my Nephew the Knight of the Sauadge-man whom I will not send vnto him if I wist he should be as welcome to him as to my selfe And if I should seeme to content the will of your lord I cannot send my Nephew except he please himselfe and I am perswaded he will not consent vnto it much lesse his Father who is a Prince of great authoritie If this reason I haue made you will not content the will of your lorde the Turke I am willing to receyue whatsoeuer he please eyther to bring or send me but I am sorie I am so farre spent with yéeres that I cannot shewe him what I haue beene sometime Neuerthelesse for a sufficient witnesse of my selfe I will sende him the Knight whome hee demaundeth that hee may tell him what I would doo my selfe and let him be bolde that Knight will doo his errand to the vttermost As for other aunswere I wish you not to looke for at my handes wherefore I thinke it good you goe to rest your selfe and when the Prince Albayzar commeth if you â—inde the time so conuenient for you you may departe when you please and in the meane time I will honor you with such courteous entertainment as you shall thinke well off I was assured before answered the Ambassadour of the answere you would make me wherefore hauing fulfilled my charge I néede not for this matter henceforward vse any more words When the Ambassadour had thus concluded Pâ—lendos desired the Emperour that he would suffer him to entertaine the Turkish Infidell while he stayed there wherevnto the Emperour gladly consented and Polendos bringing him into his Lodging failed not to let him see that enimies were better welcommed in the Emperours Court then Friendes were to his lorde the great Turke Primaleon remained very well contented hauing heard the answer of the Emperor his father as also for that he had so defâ—ded the cause of the Knight of the Sauage man for the loue of whom the Princesse Leonarda was diuersely mooued fearing least he should fal into the great Turkes hands who would appease the anger of his stomacke in sacrificing the good and hardy Knight to his Gods The sudden dumps of this yong Princesse was well perceiued by her swéete friend Polinarda who hid her knowledge thereof for the present time vntill they had brought the Empresse to her chamber then they two walking together to their Lodging Polinarda demanded the cause of her griefe wherevpon the Princesse Leonarda being ignorant that Targiana had béene brought to Canstantinople by the noble Florian of the Forrest or how else the matter stood but she desired Polinarda if so it were her pleasure to declare how these occasions had happened When the Princesse had herein satisfied her minde shée remained in sorrow without measure as well by occasion of suspecting the beautie of Targiana as also to thinke on the ingratitude of the Knight of the Sauage man so that at that very instant she reputed him as a man without faith loue or regard of loyaltie and she would gladly haue deuised the meane whereby to banish the remembrance of him forth of her heart Which the Princesse Polinarda perceiuing and willing to preuent any mischance that should happen to her Couzin she began to vse her talke in this manner Madame thinke you the Prince Florian will be the same man
to you as he was to the Princesse Targiana You must not thinke so for their loue as it was then was not to be allowed among persons of honour and that which made him so ready to thinke well on her was for no other occasion but that he might finde the meanes to get out of the hands of the great Turke her Father and from that Court he could neuer haue escaped had it not béene by the aide of the princesse Targiana so that to satisfie her will helpe his own necessity he made himselfe so hardy to bring her into Greece where being arriued he left her knowing that it was no honorable signe that a christian Knight should make loue to an Infidell Moore Now therfore it is not for you to ground your iudgement on that which is done and past for that your beauty farre excelleth the blacke hew of the Princesse Targiana and you being accounted as one of the most renowned Ladies through the whole world must iudge thus with your selfe that he will not a little boast of his good fortune being entertained into your gratious seruice And on my word you may assuredly build the Knight of the Sauage man is onely yours and he would not follow the aduentures he hath enterprised but onely in hope to gaine your fauourable acceptation wherefore I pray you let the consideration of that I haue spoken cause you to forsake the conceit you haue of my Couzin Madame answered Leonarda you haue woon such power ouer me by your friendly words as I am forced to forget my former imaginations but yet it is to be doubted that your Couzin will be inueigled séeing be hath the conducting of so many Ladies through the Realme of Spaine Good swéete Lady saide Polinarda I pray you let not your spirits be troubled with these suspitious passions for your Knight is not of so weake iudgement as any other should make him to forget you for such aduentures happen commonly to trauelling Knights to méet in many places with Ladies and Damoselles the company of whom maketh them to haue the better remembrance of those who ruleth their thoughts by the soueraigntie of loue as for my Couzin I dare giue you my faith that he is none but yours and thereof on my word you may assure your selfe These spéeches that Polinarda vsed did so perswade the yong Princesse of Thrace as she quite forsooke her iealous thoughts which before was caried with so many contraries as there was hardly any place for reason to harbour As it often happeneth to them who play the wantons with the little blind boy of the Goddesse Cytherea CHAP. XXII How the Knight of the Sauage man accompanied with the Damosels arriued in the King of Spaines Court and of that which happened to him there against the Prince Albayzar THe Ambassador from the great Turke staied certaine dayes in the Court of the Emperour in the company of the Prince Polendos who made better account of him there then his entertainement in Turkie deserued and many along looke made the Ambassador waighting the cōming of the Prince Albayzar the Emperour and Primaleon could not sufficiently commend the courtesie of the Princesse Targiana in that her teares ransommed the Christian prisoners foorth of their trouble Here wée must come againe to the Knight of the Sauage man who iournied so spéedily after he had vanquished the foure Knights in the Valley and gotten the Damosels as he arriued in the Citie of Brusia which at this time is called Tolledo where the King Recinde as then made his aboad who was not a little glad when tydings came to him of the libertie of his sonne and the other Knights which were held in captiuitie by the great Turke So seene as Florian was come to the kings Pallace he called his Esquire to him desiring him to goe let the Quéene and her Ladies vnderstand that a strange Knight was come thither who enterprised if her maiestie thought it so conuenient to approue himselfe against the King Recindes Knights The Esquire being acquainted with the will of his Lord presently went into the Pallace where he was brought to the Quéenes Chamber the King himselfe being there for that he had dyned there in the company of the Quéene and her Ladies whom the Esquire beholding iudged them very faire and beautifull marry he found a great difference betwéene them and the Ladies he had seene in the Court of the Emperour Palmerin The Esquire aduancing himselfe into their presence went first and humbled himselfe to the king Recinde then comming to the Quéene he knéeled downe and spake as followeth Madame a strange knight in whose company I came vnto your Court hauing passed thorow your Realme is now desirous to try himselfe in Armes against the Knights of your royall Court for the great desire he had to doe seruice to the King your husband but such is your intent as he procéedeth on the request of certaine Ladies he hath brought in his company which preuaileth so much with this good knight as if your Maiestie so accept of it he would venture the Ioust with the Knights of your Court who wil maintaine the beauty of their Ladies to excell them he hath brought with him And that he might procéede in his enterprise he rather intended to aske leaue of you then of the King because he knowes he shall not any way offend his excellency The King and the Quéene were verie glad of these newes in that Fortune had sent them the tryall of those matters they most desired which was in a manner very dainty there for that the Emperours Court of Greece carryed such a braue report as all the noble Knights in the world went thither to try their valour Beside if any aduenture were approued in the Realme of Spaine they were altogether done at the Castle of Almaroll so that these two aforenamed places had the generall triall of famous knights The King of Spaine séeing the Quéen returned the Esquire no answer he spake to her in this manner Trust me Madame you ought not to refuse the gentle offer of the knight as wel to satisfie their minds which haue desired to sée such hauty exployts as also to auoyd the secret hard iudgment of your ladies who I am sure would gladly sée y◠courage of their fauoured knights the Quéene mildly returned this answer Since it liketh you so wel my gratious Lord that the request is to be alowed thou mayst Esquire say vnto the knight that the King and I do◠thinke very well of his comming to our Court and that we do◠permit him the libertie of the Ioust against any that will enter the fielde with him whether it be for the Ioust or Combate that is as the occasions shall happen but howsoeuer it be the King alloweth him the fréedome of the fielde and if the Knight desire to resist himselfe hée shall be most hartely welcome then to morrow morning he may put his intent in execution The
he setled himselfe close to the knight and gaue him such friendly entertainment as he tumbled to the ground with his left arme broken in shiuers The other knight séeing the misfortune of his fellow left the Damosell to defend himselfe from the waightie strokes of the Damosels Knight who handled him in such sort as he was constrained to craue aid at her hands whom he sought to haue abused with these word I beséech you faire Damosell to forget the iniury I haue done you and intreate this knight to saue my life The Damosels knight held his hand and would not strike because he expected what the Damosell would say then she beholding the amiable countenance of him that would haue forced her was supprised with exceeding gréefe so that she pittied more to sée him so neare his death then she required reuenge for his dishonest enterprise whereupon she spake to the Damosels knight in this manner Let me intreate you my Lord to saue the life of this wicked man it may be hereafter he will be warned from falling in the like offence I promise you faire Damosell sayd Florian you cannot command me the thing that I would not willingly consent vnto but because the knight hath deserued greater punishment then as yet he hath suffered I giue him his life vpon this condition that he shall take his companion with him in the best manner he can deuise and they both shall trauaile to the King of Spaines Court where they shall declare to the Ladies what shame they would haue offered you and they shall promise neuer to weare armour againe without it be their pleasures to suffer them The Knights promised in all respects to accomplish his will whereupon their Esquires prouided a knighly Béere whereon the Knight was layd that had his arme broken and so he was carryed with his companion to the court of the king Recinde The Damosels knight walked along by the Riuers side holding the Damosell by the hand who by reason of her exréeding seare had forgotten her Esquire whom the knights that would haue rauished her had bound fast to a trée and they had put a gagge of wood in his mouth because they would not bee preuented of their purpose by his crying But it was not long before the Damosell embraced him when she desired the Prince that he would returne againe to deliuer the Esquire out of this miserable vexation and when they came to him there they found their two Palfrayes vpon on of them the Prince caused the Esquire to mount commaunding him to ride along the Riuers side till he could finde some place to get ouer on the other side to bring him his horse In the meane while the Esquire went about that he was comanded the Prince vnarmed himselfe to drie his garments which were full of water and then he questioned with the Damosell how she happened into that place and vppon what occasion the Knights so sought to distdnest her to which words she made this answer You shall vnderstand sir Knight that I was borne in this Countrey and do belong to the Princesse Miragarda I know not whether you haue heard of her before or no. Yes indéede haue I said the Prince for the name of the Ladie is so much renowmed through the whole world as many Knights by meanes of her beautie haue wrought themselues much dishonour So it is then said the Damosell that I tooke occasion to trauaile a little the Countrey but Fortune was so vnhappie to me as I chaunced to méete with these two Knights who demaunded of me into what place my iourney lay I then misdoubting no harme because their behauiour seemed very honest to me declared vnto them the whole state of my iourney whereupon one of these Knights spake thus vnto his companion I thinke it good in reuenge of the shame we haue receiued at the Castle of the Giant Almaroll that we should ease ou◠anger on this Damosell who is one of them attendant on the Princesse Miragarda in respect that her beautie will render vs sufficient pleasure to forget the foyle we tooke at the push of the Launce The other Knight being equall with his fellow in this vngracious intent did presently allow of the others iudgement So they cast lots which of them should abuse me first and it fortuned to fall on him whom you saw pulling me so cruelly by the haire of the head Then because my Esquire grieuing to sée me so ill intreated cryed aldude that some might come succour me they dealt with him so discourteously as you haue séene and had it not béene for your gratious assistaunce God knowes the sorrow that I poore soule should haue endured Truely Madame answered the Prince I reioyce that it was my chanc◠to be your reskewe yet had it béene better for me not to haue come hither at all such a secret wound haue I receiued by your singular beautie but if you consider my good deserts and withall the readinesse you shall finde in mée to your welfare I iudge you may bestow that on me by gentlenesse which the vncourteous Knights would haue taken from you perforce The Damosell noting his words regarding his swéet countenance remembring his noble behauiour and Princely courtesie made him aunswere but I knewe not how if it were incident to his purpose hee is best able to to answere it if not then there was no harme 〈◊〉 A newe 〈◊〉 willeth me to let them alone and hearken to the Damoselles Esquire who being returned cried to the prince that he should presently mount on his horse to giue assistance to the other Damosels who a Knight in blacke Armour sought to leade away perforce The Prince hearing the words of the Esquire was incensed with such a sudden fury as not tarrying till he was all armed he ranne to the riuer and did swimme ouer in very great hast willing the Damosell to come after him and passe ouer the Foord which the Esquire could shew her and bring her likewise into the company of the other Damosels So soone as Florian had passed the riuer he perceiued Poliphemia come riding towards him crying and tearing her haire very pittifully that he should make hast to succour her mistresse which he being very desirous to doe was glad to follow after her on foote because the knight that carried her away had grieuously wounded the legges of his horse But Fortune so much fauoured Arlencea as she spied the Damosels Knight comming who ouer-tooke them before they had gotten halfe a miles distance from the riuer and then hée perceiued how the knight had set vp Arlencea behinde him and his Esquire could very hardly cause her to sit still on the horse she stroue so often to get the ground wherfore he rid by to hold her on the horse The Damosels knight séeing the knight in blacke Armour had clapt his Helmet on his head and would haue dismounted to defend himselfe he aduanced himselfe towards him and Arlencea held him fast on
to haue the same punishment which hath happened to thy companion and I assure thée I would see it executed on thée my selfe if I did not perswade my selfe that the beautie of the Princesse Miragarda hath rauished the minds of other Knights who might boast of better assurance in themselues then he could At these wordes Brandamor came and kissed the Kinges hand by which occasion the king knew him which made him to iudge the more worthily of the Damoselles Knight and he commaunded his Chirurgions should vse good respect vnto Brandamor because he had well deserued by his valour in times past But scantly was he departed their presence when the two Knights that would haue rauished Siluian arriued at the Court they being so féeble and weake as they were constrained to leane on their Esquiers shoulders till they came into the Kings presence where he that had the least hurt began to vse his language in this manner My gracious Lord the Damosels knight whose renowne is so highly commended in this Court hauing vanquished vs in the open fielde commaunded vs to come and submitte our selues to your excellency to be iudged according as our déedes haue deserued in respect whereof we come to present our selues to the Ladies of this Court whom we intreate so to worke on our behalfe with your Maiestie as the offence may be pardoned which our fleshly willes procured vs to commit Then these two knights discoursed at large how euery thing had happened to them vppon which occasion the King thus spake Surely it doth not a little content me that God hath suffered you to receiue punishment for your misdéedes by the hands of the renowned Damosels knight on whose behalfe and for the loue I beare him I will proceede against you according as your hainous offences haue worthily deserued I assure you the more I heare the noble valour of this knight the more desirous I am to haue knowledge of him My Lord said the knight you haue very great occasion to estéeme of him for I am of the opinion that all the worthines which ought to be in a knight is in him for his sake therefore we humbly intreat your maiestie to vse such perswasion with the Ladies as they will suffer my companion and me to beare Armes which were forbidden by the Damosels knight vntill the Ladies of your Court haue pardoned the iniurie which we offered to the Damosell whom this Knight by his hardinesse tooke from vs. I promise you my friendes saide the King my good will is so slender in this case as you shall receiue no fauor by my ayde The Knight noting the Kings answere desired the Quéene that it might stand with her pleasure to command her Ladies to entertaine them into their fauorable iudgements and they would so witnesse their good affections towardes them that so long as they liued they would be ready to spend their liues for them The Quéene had not the leisure to make them any answere because the Knight that would haue carried away Arlencea came and humbled himselfe on his knées before the Ladies declaring to them how the Damoselles knight had commaunded him to come and render himselfe to their mercy without which he would not permit that he should weare armour any more the conceit thereof was so grieuous to him as he tooke the hardinesse to intreate the Quéene to assist him in his sute whereto she returned this answere It séemeth to me that the Ladies of my Court remaine greatly indebted to the Damosels Knight for whose sake I wil not seeme to hinder you but commit you all thrée to their discretions to whom you are sent The knight which had last of all deliuered his message no sooner beheld the other two but he presently knewe them the one was called Ferrobreque and the other Gentafort they being both discended of a giants race the sight of them caused him not to take his misfortune so heauily as he did all the while before The Ladies vnderstanding the pleasure of the Quéene concluded to giue them leaue to weare their Armor warning them on perill of their liues not to vse them in any places where Ladies or Damosels should be iniured but to passe on and let them alone whether the cause were iust or vniust they should not intermeddle withall This charge seemed very vnfriendly to the knights but they durst not séeme to dislike thereof wherevpon they were constrained to allow of their sentence afterward they tooke leaue and departed from the Court. A good space it was before any more tydings came to the Spanish Court of the Damoselles Knight but at length thrée Knights armed very brauely arriued at the Pallace about the Euening tide the King the Queene and the Ladies being walking in a faire Gallerie the prospect whereof was out into the Court where they might beholde these three Knights who sent an Esquire to declare their willes to the King Recinde The arriuall of the Esquire caused many to assemble into the Gallery where the Esquire being come before the King he humbled himselfe on his knees with these words Renowned Prince these three straunge Knights commaunded mée to let your Highnesse vnderstand that they haue trauailed a long time in the seruice of the thrée Daughters of Galiaster Duke of Arragon who were iudged faire in the eyes of these thrée Knightes albeit they were found verie false in their loue For they after they had long time entertayned these Knightes as chiefe of their affections were married vnto thrée other Gentlemen who were brought vppe in their fathers Court and with these receiued great contentment not considering the offence they haue committed in beiug so forgetfull of their owne honour as to marrie with such as beséemed not their degrees These thrée Knights are so highly offended hereat as they haue concluded neuer to espouse any other Damosels but onely such as being wearie of their owne seruants will vouchsaf◠to admit them entertainment But if any such as are foresaken of their Ladies shall alledge that this change is not equall these thrée knights will iustifie the triall thereof against them by Combate And because these Ladyes may fauour them in their demands without any preiudice to the renowme I will declare to you the estates of these knights The first is named Lustramar the eldest sonne to the Marquesse Astramor The second is called Arpian sonne to the Duke of Archeste The third is Gradian the County of Artasia who doe altogether humbly desire these Ladies by your Highnesse licence that they would shew their good willes vnto them because they are so desirous to make knowne to them the hauty valour of their inuincible stomackes for here will they abide all this day in the same manner as you see to make proofe of Armes against their amourous seruants But if it so fall out that they find the Ladies of this Court more desirous to keepe their old Seruants then to entertaine these so newly come they will be
say vnto you that it was no small griefe vnto him since fortune would not present him with any especial occasion whereby he might declare the good will he bare you neuerthelesse he desired you very humbly that you would make acceptance of this his first seruice though it be not of so great estimation as your singularitie deserues And now I remaine to know in what cause it shall like you to imploy me that I may doe you seruice Albayzar being well knowne in the Emperors court great ioy was made on all side for his arriual and the Emperor himselfe was very well pleased to sée him come in so good disposition for the good regard he had of the Princesse Targiana his Lady whose vertuous deserts had bound him to be very carefull of Albayzars health prosperity and safe deliuerance The Princesse of Thrace arose and taking Albayzar by the hand spake thus vnto him I pray you Sir Albayzar to doe what it shall please the Emperour to command you which I iudge will be nothing hurtfull vnto you séeing the great desire he hath to reioyce the Princesse Targiana with your presence Albayzar tooke in very good part the gentlenesse which the Princesse of Thrace vsed towards him and hauing giuen her hearty thankes for her courtesie he came and saluted the Empresse and the Princesse Gridonia afterward he came to the Emperour who taking him in his armes entred into these spéeches I assured am Sir Albayzar that the Soldane Olorique your Father receiued more great contentment when I imbraced him then I can doe yet am I desirous to doe you all the honour you can as well from the friendship I beare to your father as to recompence some part of the great courtesie which I haue receiued by the Princesse Targiana your espoused Lady who may commaund any thing she shall thinke good in my court and I am sory that you cannot perswade your selfe how you may doe as much My gracious Lord answered Albayzar I am not of so simple vnderstanding but I can well perceiue what great honour you haue alwayes offoorded me but yet I cannot forget the shame I receiued here in your Court when I was vanquished and likewise how you haue not done Iustice to the Prince Florian for the iniury he offered the Princesse Targiana albeit the great Turke her Father requested it at your hands which is no more but right and Iustice and which you daily permit to euery one but kindred preuaileth so in you towardes him as you will not heare what Iustice calleth for I sée well then said the Emperour that reason cannot preuaile with you I certifie you once more yet that the princesse Targiana came hither more on her owne good will then compelled or enforced therto by Florian of the Forrest my Nephew But referring this talke because it is not to be vsed among friends I pray you imagine your selfe welcome and goe rest your selfe in your Chamber while the Gallies be prouided which haue expected here your comming since my sonne Polendos and the other Knights arriued at Constantinople My Lord said Albayzar I take the time so commodious for mée now to saile as I will not vse so good opportunitie and therefore I intend to stay no longer in this Countrey Eeuen as please you for that answered the Emperor it is not méet that I should disswade him that is so resolute The ambassador who had staied there all this while came very reuerently to the Prince Albayzar and to hold that the Gallies were ready the Sea in good case and the winde very well for their voyage The Prince Albayzar tooke his leaue of the Emperor the Empresse and her Ladies and being accompanied with the princes Primaleon Polendos Belcar the Giant Dramusiande and others they came to the Port where the Galleys lay but the Giant Dramusiande séeing the small account Albayzar made of the Princes that bare him company he spake vnto him in this manner I sée well Albayzar that the Emperor is worthy to be blamed for shewing honour to such an vnthankefull person as you are who seemes not to regard the Prince Primaleon he at his Fathers request coÌ„ming to grace you with his company albeit he needed not to abase himselfe so much Tush Sir answered Albayzar it is long since I knew the small good will thou couldest allow me but this I tell thée that a noble mind disdaineth familiarity to them whom he accouÌ„teth for his better enemies and thus thou maist perswade thy selfe that I am an enemy to all of the Emperors Court and so thou maist tell him from me wherefore then should I vse any courtesie to the Prince Primaleon to whom I will shewe the very worst I can Wherefore sir Dramusiande grieue not to see me behaue my selfe as I doe among mine enemies for I promise you I will returne with as much expeditions as I can to witnesse before the walles of his Citie that which I haue at this houre in my minde I could wish saide Dramusiande that thou hast béene there where thou wouldst be and wert returned hither againe that I might reuenge the iniurie thou didst me when thou wast so bold as to cary away the shield of the princesse Miragarda Albayzar was about to make him answere but the Prince Primaleon tooke DramusiaÌ„de by the hant with the other knights returned to the pallace where they gaue the Emperor to vnderstand what good will the Prince Albayzar bare him The Gallies being launced into the déepe the Marriners hoyâ—ed their sayles hauing their wind so at will as in short time they reached the great Caire where the great Turke made his abode who iudged that the Emperour Palmerin would be offended for the had entertainement he gaue his Knights But when he had knowledge of the arriuall of the Galleys he was so ioyfull as he came himselfe to receiue the Prince at the hauen being not desirous to question of the Emperors honest vsage towards him for then he feared least his owne intent of treason would reprooue him Albayzar remained a certaine time in the great Turkes Court attending the comming of the principall estates of Babilon whom he would haue there preseÌ„ted at the second solemnizing of his marriage which was honoured with the presence of the Soldane of Persia the King of Bythinia the King of Gasplia the King of Terbifonde beside many other Princes and Knights who concluded all together to passe the Seas and lay siege to the citie of Constantinople and because they would the more suddainely execute their intent they seuerely returned into their dominions to make preparation for their traiterous enterprise CHAP. XXXI Of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger after he was departed from the Perillous Isle taking his iourney towards the Citie of Constantinople THe Knight of the Tiger of whom our History hath beene silent along time entred the Foyst with Argentao the Gouernour of the ProfouÌ„d Isle at what time the wind was so
deliuered out of the grieuous passions wherein I haue long time remained for you shall vnderstand that the Knight whom you haue conquered is the very same that flew my brother Doriell for whose death the King my father liueth in extreame heauinesse The knight of the Tiger marking her words spake in this order to his friend Siluian I sée wel it is more dangerous to fall into the hands of a woman who is desirous of vengeance then to deale with a hundred good and hardy knights Wherefore I pray thée take my horse a while and I will goe sée if by my entreatance his life may be saued Then came he to the Bridge and desired the Knight of the Bull that would not offer the knight any more cruelty and turning to the Princesse Armisia he saluted her with these spéeches Madame if any anciant enmitie causeth you to desire the death of this Knight I pray you admit to memorie that a Lady of so great calling as you are ought not to be void of lenitie and pittie and chiefely at such a time when you haue most power to execute the extremitie of your will And if my reasons be not sufficient to appease your anger I pray you yet consider with your selfe that no persons vse crueltie where they may shew pittie but they repent themselues afterward when their collericke moode is ouerblowne and past The honest and vertuous language of the knight of the Tiger had not the power to mooue any pittie in the Princesse Armisia but she commanded the knight of the Bull that he should cut off the head of her enemie then the Prince gaue her these wordes I promise you Madame if neither pittie nor perswasion may preuaile with you I will stand such an eye-sore in your way my selfe as you shall not execute your malicious humour I would with all my heart said the Knight of the Bull that it might please the Princesse to grant this knight his life but since you presume so boldly to defend him I will not refuse albeit I am so sore wounded to let you vnderstand that you neither can nor shall hinder me in fulfilling what my Lady hath commanded The knight of the Tiger did not vse these wordes to the end that hee would enter the Combate with Pompides but onely to change the rigorous humour of Armisia and because he saw the Knight in such danger But such was the cruell minde of the Princesse as shée continued still in one song calling for the head of the vanquished knight Adraspe who with the great expence of his blood and griefe to sée the wreakefull will of Armisia ended his life while the knight of the Tiger and Pompides were preparing themselues to the Combat Armisia séeing Adraspes was dead could not be yet contented therewith because his head was not smitten off as she commanded Wherefore because Pompides did not accomplish what she willed him shée flang away in a furie and went into her Chamber Pompides who was brought into great extremitie for her loue did so grieue at her departure as he was constrained to set him downe vpon the bridge but the knight of the Tiger perceiuing his heauines tooke pitty on him and came to comfort him which Pompides séemed to disdaine because he iudged that his presence procured his misfortune Siluian séeing his maister not returne came walking with his horse before the bridge whom Pompides hauing espied he knew presently that the knight of the Tiger was the renowed Palmerin of England in which perswasion for the great ioy hee conceiued he came to him with these words I am well assured my gratious Lord that the comfort I receiued at this present instant will deface and extinguish all my former mishaps Palmerin tooke off his Helmet and hauing imbraced Pompides beganne to perswade him in good hope of his Lady who had no sooner forgotten her anger but shee reprooued her selfe of great vnkindnesse and then shee sent to intreate Pompides that he would pardon her and if so it were his pleasure to bring the knight into her house with him whoō she saw so familiar with him Pompides vnderstanding the will of the Princesse took his brother by the hand and walked into his Chamber where when they were vnarmed the Princesse came her selfe to visit them entring into these spéeches to the knight of the Tiger I beséech you Sir knight to excuse me in that I made no more account of your honest and courteous words for I assure you the great danger wherein I was at that instant would not suffer me to regard any perswasion whatsoeuer but onely to reuenge my selfe on my cruell enemy And because you shal not conceiue any ill opinion of me I will tell you for what cause I enuied the Knight so much You shall vnderstand Sir that I am the daughter of Meliadus the king of Scots in whose Court Adraspe the eldest son to the Duke of Sizana whom Pompides hath slaine beganne to waxe very amourous of me but because I knew him to bée one of very bad conditions I made no regard of his earnest suite Neuerthelesse he was so importunate and voyde of reason as he would not be answered Wherupon I was constrained to complaine to the Prince Doriell my Brother of whom when Adraspe perceiued himselfe to bee hated and despised he practised which way he might best be reuenged on him and following his secret trayterous intent it was not long after before he had the opportunitie for to execute his mallicious stomacke It so chanced that one day my brother and he had appointed to walke abroade together when Adraspe being priuily armed and hauing at hand such as prouided for his purpose he slew my Brother whose death the King my father could not accomplish to reuenge because hée should then deale with one of the chéefest Princes of his Realme and his best assured friend Yet was not his heart frée from continuall vexation in respect that nature could not otherwise chuse which I pittying and willing to assist my father to the vttermost I could I left the Court and caused this house to be erected in this place which being the chiefest passage in all this Realme I enterprised to haue some valiant Knight defend this Birdge promising to marry with him if he could be so happie as to kill Adraspe And he as he was alwayes accustomed bearing a proude and loftie minde would oftentimes come to show himselfe here onely to vexe me with the remembrance of my Brothers death and still hee would Combatte with my Knights being euermore so fortunate as to vanquish and kill them But after the knight of the Bull tooke this charge vpon him Adraspe who had heard of his noble prowesse remained two moneths before he could come hither againe yet at the last came to trie his Fortune against the Knight of the Bull who hath depriued him of his life as you sée and satisfied my wil that made me to ordaine this custome Madamy
other sixe there were but two that could defend themselues to any purpose The knight of the Tiger knew Dramian the king Recindâ—s sonne by his Armour and the deuise he bare in his Shield then alighting from his horse he put himselfe among his friendes charging one of them that fought so stoutly as he tumbled réeling to the ground which the other fiue perceiuing they were so greatly dismayed as in short time the knight of the Tiger and his companions made an ende of their wretched liues The Damosell arriued there very soone after when the sight of Siluian made the knight of the Tiger presently knowne to these fiue knights who were not a little glad of his company being all his knowne and approoued friends The first was Dramian sonne to the king Recinde the other were Frisoll sonne to the Duke Drapos of Normandie Luyman of Burgundy Tremoran and Brandedon al these fiue knights were conducted by their Esquers to a little village not farre from the Forrest where they were carefully attended till their wounds were healed The Knight of the Tiger kept them company two or thrée dayes when afterward he tooke his leaue of them setting forward the next way he could deuise to bring him to Constantinople where the Emperor was presently giuen to vnderstand of the death of Vascalion and his tenne knights which newes were highly welcome to all in the Emperours Court. CHAP. XXXIII How the Knight of the Tiger arriued at the Emperors court of Constantinople of an Aduenture which was offered to him at his arriuall BEcause the Prince Palmerin was desirous to be at Constantinople he left the company of the Damosell and the fiue knights of the Emperours Court continuing so long in trauaile as at length he came into the Empire of Constantinople without the finishing any aduenture worthy the rehearsall for I assure you the deuise of the Tiger he bare in his shield made such report of him in all places abroad as very few or none would willingly meddle with him But the néerer the Prince approched to Constantinople the more he found himselfe passioned for the loue of his Lady remembring her vnkind speeches the sharpe entreatance she vsed to him when he departed from the Court which were now so earnest in his thoughts as he durst hardly now offer to come again in her presence Siluian labouring as much as he could possible to cause him forsake that fond humor perswading him that the Princesse furie could not chuse but be now thorowly forgotten and he durst awarrant that she had repented her selfe many times since that she had vsed him so vngently The Knight of the Tiger hearing the wordes of Siluian began to comfort himselfe indifferently and riding on they came at last to haue the citie in their sight which the Prince stood and and beheld a great while with the teares running downe his cheekes and many a scalding sigh sent from his hart beholding the Chamber wherein his Lady and Mistresse lay When he had passed this cogitation so well as he could hée clasped on his Helmet and taking his Shield and his Launce hee commaunded Siluian to goe before into the cittie and prouide some place where he might alight because he would come vnknowne if so be any aduenture might be presented to him when hee arriued at the Court. And so it came to passe that a knight came to the Emperors Court the day before the arriuall of Palmerin hauing two Esquires attending on him who carried his Helmet Shield and Launce and comming very proudly into the Emperors presence he vsed his language in this manner I giue thée to vnderstand most redoubted and famous Emperour that I Arnolte the Lord of Astronomicall Isle and the giant Brauorant were very great friends together for that our gouernments were somewhat néere one another and to confirme this friendship long continued betweene them my Father concluded that I should marry with Arlencea Daughter to the Giant Brauorant but because both my yeares and discretion serued not as then they prolonged our marriage for the space of fiue yeeres In which time Brauorant departed this life so likewise Camboldam Calfurnien Brocalont and Baleato who were slaine by the two sonnes of prince Edward of England your nephews And to abolish altogether the house of Brauorant Collambra his wife by the counsell of the Magitian Alfernao sent Lady Arlencea her Daughter into this Countrey to the end that by their deceit they might cause the Knight of the Sauage man to forsake this Court that reuenge might be taken on him for the death of her Sonnes which would remedie her inward sorrowes seeing him brought into her subiection But now it is thought vnpossible to helpe this misfortune for Alfernao is slaine by Collambraes meanes who threw her selfe headlong downe in the presence of her enemies thus are they not onely depriued of their liues but that which is worst of all Arlencea is vtterly lost being in his keeping that hath slaine her whole linage â—â—d because I haue desire to finde her I enterprised to trauell hither being minded to deale with the knight of the Sauage man and not doubting but to discharge him of his life but he is not now in this Court whereat I am not a little offended for if Fortune refuse mee I shall not account it any iniurie to be vanquished at his handes who is daily woont to remaine victor in all places where hée comes Beside if I be depriued of my life I shall make an ende of those careful thoughts which maketh me desirous to be dissolued and for this purpose I intend to waite his comming Now if in the meane will your Maiestie will giue me leaue to make some triall at Armes against the Knightes of your Court I shall count my selfe highly pleasured the Emperour returned him this answere Trust me my friend you haue enterprised to séeke your owne ruine wherefore I would counsell you to giue your minde to such thinges the fruite whereof may yéelde you more commoditie then this is like to you And I assure you that neither Florian nor Palmerin his Brother is at this instant in my court whom I would wish to be heare neuerthelesse if in the time you expect their comming you be so desirous to make knowne your valour I grant you the libertie of the field where the Knights of my Court shall not saile to visite you I desire nothing more answered Arnolfe And so without any more wordes he entred the Field where he Iousted against three Knightes two of them being vnhorsed and the third vanquished in the Combat with the sword then the day declining they gaue ouer for that time On the next morning he entred the Field againe being in blacke Armour and hauing painted in his Shield little flames of fire in a Field of Sable The Knight of the Tiger stayed not long before hee came and shewed himselfe in the Field armed as he was woont to be but very much disguised
terrifie the Enemie then all they were able to doe Vpon this determination they were agréede and the Emperour was brought in his Chayre into the great Hall where the Embassador stayed who hauing viewed the strength of the Citie knew well they should bestow good labour before they could conquer it The Emperour according to his milde and Noble nature receyued the Embassador from his enemie very gratiously and after the Kings and Princes were in theyr due and appointed places and a generall silence amongst them all the Embassadour began in these speeches Illustrious and most puissant Emperour I could wish to sée thée in the Flourishing estate of thy yeares as well to be a participate of many troubles imminent to them that dare take vppon them to defende thy Empyre as also to enlarge the contentment of them who shall be so happie as to gaine the victorie in the fielde of Battell which is now presented to thy Maiestie I am to let thée vnderstand that Albayzar the great Soldan of Babylon and Prince of Turkie accompanyed with other Soldans Kings puissant Princes hath sent me to thée to let thée know that they are determined with theyr strength and power to besiege this Citie to reuenge the death of manie theyr especiall Friendes who receyued their dishonour before this Cittie Neuerthelesse the Soldane Albayzar hauing not forgotten the gracious courtesie thou didst sometimes vse towards Oloricque Alchidiana and the Princesse Targiana hath thus concluded fearing to be noted of ingratitude to make thée this offer eyther to surrender the Cittie of Constantinople and the knight of the Sauage man King of Thrace thy Nephew into his hands or depart leaue thine Empyre subiect to his power without offering any resistance to his determination On this condition hee will not bring his Armie into thine Empyre and hée thinketh it more necessary for thée rather to loose one Cittie then the whole Empyre and better it were for thée to deliuer one man into his hands then to sée the death of a number thy especiall Friends To which words the Emperour thus answered My Friend I can hardly endure to let thée passe any further in spéeches but I must néedes answer you thus that I account it well for my profite to follow his counsell in this matter if by the sending him one man I may make sure account of the safetie of the rest But if that one man be found so good a Knight as his Valour is sufficient to redeeme the Captiuitie of all the other I must not be so forgetfull of my honour as to render a State of assurance to your Lordes mercie Besides it were a thing much against reason and duety to yeelde that Cittie into the hands of Heathen Infidells where the true God is to be worshipped in spirit and truth And truely I cannot but maruell much that hée should offer to come thus into my Empire considering what promises hath past betweene him and mée for I was of the opinion that I should rather be furthered by his aide and assistance then hindered or impeached thus maliciously But for all this my trust is in GOD that I shall prepare his graue before the Walles of this Cittie as I haue done alreadie to many of his Predecessours who without regarde of theyr owne Honour or my courtesie haue come to assaile me in this manner I perceyue then my Lord answered the Embassaâ—our that because Fortune hath daily fauoured you to this present you will not dreade the misfortunes whereinto you may suddenly fall therefore I intend to returne with this answere to my Lord who sent me So taking his leaue he returned to his Galley where it lay at Anckor being accompanyed with many Princes and Lords of the Emperours Court and after they had giuen him a very friendly Farewell his Galley set forward with such expedition as in short time it came to the rest of the Armie CHAP. LV. ¶ How the Armie of the Great Turke arriued in the Port of Constantinople and of the noble and valiant prowesse of the Christians before they would suffer the Pagans to take Landing THe Embassadour from Albayzar to the Soldane of Babylon being thus departed the Emperour Palmerin called together all the Princes and Nobles in his Courte to giue present order to euery one that they should with all the best spéede possible prouide themselues in Armes to forbidde the entraunce of the Enemie and to haue good regard to the affaires of the Citie and safety of the same which was committed to the Guard of the Emperour Vernar and the King Polendos accompanyed with a thousand fiue hundreth Knights on Horsebacke and foure hundreth Footemen King Edward of England was chosen by Generall consent chiefe Captaine and Gouernour of the Fielde hauing vnder his conduct two thousand Knightes beside the Giant Dramusiande who by his Noble behauiour in that expedition wonne very great estimation Maiortes Pridos the Duke of Galles Don Rosiande de la Bronde his Sonne Argolant the Duke of Horten Pompides and fifty Knightes that were come in theyr company So diuiding theyr Knights into foure parts they were in number eight thousand to euery thousand was a Generall Captain Arnedes King of France had the ordering of fiue hundred being attended on likewise by his Sonnes Gracian Guerin and Germaine of Orleance beside fifty good and hardy French Knights A thousand fiue hundred more were conducted by Recinde King of Spayne the Princes Berolde and Onstalde his Sonnes awayting on him with the Giant Almaroll and one hundreth Spanish Knights The Soldane Bellagris was Captaine ouer foure hundred Knights being his owne Subiects and for the guard of his owne person he had prouided one hundred of the chiefest knights of his Court among whom was his Sonne Blandidon whose noble behauiour deserued commendations To Belcar Duke of Pontus and Durace was committed the like charge as to the Kings Recinde and Arnedes hauing for the Guarde of his owne person Don Rosuell and Bellizart his Sonnes To the King Tarnaes of Lacedemonia who was an Ancient and noble Prince was giuen the Guard of the Pallace and for the more security of the Empresse the other Queenes and Ladyes hée had attending on him two hundred Knightes Primaleon was chosen Lord Generall for the Cittie hauing in his charge seauen hundred Knightes wherewith he had regarde as well to the Field as to the Cittie Palmerin Florendos Platir and diuers other Knights had the charge of the vtter wings of the Armie as lost children to giue succour where they perceyued most necessitie Thus was the Emperours Court well stored with noble and renowmed Knights yet his Maiestie and King Edward greatly desired the presence of the Prince Florian of the Forrest in whose absence both the Horsemen and Footemen were ordained as I haue alreadie declared On the next morning King Edward commaunded to strike vp Allarum for hee was giuen to vnderstand that the Enemie was within halfe a league of the
whose presence the former feareful and vncertaine doubts were somewhat calmed in that he certified the Emperour how Florian would not be long absence from thence which newes did much ioy his Maiestie as he caught the Sage Aliart in his armes and embraced him with a gracious countenance Then came the Empresse to entertaine him with the same fauour the like did Bazilia the Empresse of Allemaigne Gridonia Polinarda and the other princesses and Ladies among whom the Quéene Flerida was most glad of his presence as well to perceiue the loue King Edward her husband bare him as also because he had sundry times preserued the liue of his Children by his knowledge The same day came to the Emperours Court the Prince Floraman who trauailed to finde the Prince Florian of the Forrest and being aduertised how the enemies had laid siege at Constantinople he left his Realme of Sardignia giuing charge to the Gouernours he had left there that they should leuey a great Armie with all expedition and send them after him to Constantinople as you may read more at large hereafter The same day likewise there arriued King Estrellant of Hungaria accompanied with two thousand horsemen and tenne thousand footmen being vnder the conduct of the Prince Frisoll his Sonne Albayzar was greatly grieued at the losse of his men wherfore he gaue charge to his Chirurgions in his campe that they should bee carefull and respectiue to them which were wounded and commanded the â—laine to bée buried And when all things were accomplished that he thought expedient he called the principall estates of his armie to councell with whome hee concluded that all persons should be vigilant and carefull of themselues that night because the next morning he should take landing at a certaine watch-word he would giue them The day had no sooner chased away the vncomfortable and obscure night but the Ships Gallies Brigandines Gaâ—â—ots and other prouision for war tooke landing about a league distance froÌ„ Constantinople being not hindred or forbidden by any whereupon they sounded the drums trumpets cornets clarions and other instruments wherewith they made such a triumphant noyse as the people in the Citie were much amazed thereat The Sage Aliart and Floraman desiring to sée the Campe of the enemie requested the Emperour that he would lycence them to goe thither which his Maiestie would not graunt to any yet had hée such assurance in the knowledge of the Sage Aliart as in what place soeuer he was he néeded not to feare him These two knights thus departed the Citie being armed with no other defence but onely their swordes and because the day was faire and cleare they betooke themselues to a little hill where they might at pleasure discerne the enemies Armie Diuers thought it good to scout out and take them because by them they might vnderstand the strength of the Citie but Albayzar would not grant it should be so wherefore he sent an Esquire vnto them who attended on him when he was in the Emperours court to let them vnderstand that if they would come néere and see his Campe he who was then in authoritie to commaund them was such an indifferent friend vnto them as they might come and depart without any danger These two knights gaue such credit to the message Albayzar sent them as they went in the Esquiers company which Albayzar perceiuing he came forth with two Pages in very rich apparrell attending on him to receiue them Afterward hee went with them thorow the Campe because they should sée the mightie strength thereof and he declared to them the names of the Princes in his companay among whome were verie many Giantes as terrible and ouglie as they which were slaine by Dramusiande and Palmerin of England All this while Albayzar had diligent regard to these two Christian Knights to sée if all this sight he had showne them could discourage them with feare or doubt of theyr Wellfare but they contained such a stoute and vndaunted countenaunce as they seemed to disdayne those occasions which Albayzar thought should most dismay them whereat he did not a little maruaile After they had séene the whole Army Albayzar accompanied hem very neere the Citie desiring them to salute the Emperour and Empresse from him then taking his leaue courteously of them he returned â—o his Campe and they walked on very sadly especially the Sage Aliart who hauing foreséene what would happen could not hide the sorrow hee conceiued in his minde Neuerthelesse they behaued themselues pleasantly at their entraunce into the Cittie because they would not discourage the mindes of the people but when they were come to the Pallace into the Emperors presence the Prince Floraman by the commaundement of his Maiestie entred into these speeches My gratious Lord the riches which your enemies hath brought before your Cittie were incredible in rehearsall for if I should take vppon me to make rehearsall thereof I should wast a great deale of time which I may apply to better purpose in certifying your excellencie of your enimies strength wherefore this is to let your Maiestie vnderstand that your enimies can be no lesse in number then two hundred thousand the very simplest whereof carryeth such a brauerie of minde as he will abide the Féeld to the latest houre of death The King of Aetolia being thirtie yéeres of age hath the conduct this day of them which are vnder his charge being tenne thousande Horsemen and fortie thousand Footemen so brauely armed as surely I must of necessity commend them But aboue all the rest the pride of the Prince Albayzar doth much amaze me for no small estimation he made of your puissance as himselfe gaue vs the sight of his whole Armye graunting the like assuraunce to any of your Court as hee did to vs if so be they will desire to sée his Garrison a thing which I haue diligently noted and which cannot greatly profite himselfe as for the rest whereof perhappes I may be forgetfull my good Lorde the Sage Aliart can at large discourse vnto your Highnesse You haue behâ—ued your selues so well my Friends sayd the Emperor as it is not possible for any other to bring vs a more certaine assurance in this cause wherefore it is necessarie that we enter into councell how we may auoyd the enterprise of Albâ—yzar and his Souldiours And I am content that he shall likewise sée our Cittie so that charge be giuen to our Captaines to behaue themselues with such circumspection as our Enemies may not get any sudden aduantage against vs. When the Emperour had set downe this for a determination the Princes betooke themselues to their seuerall charges that they might better respect the practiâ—es of the Enimie CHAP. LVII ¶ Of that which Albayzar did after he had well prouided for his Armie and of the succour which came to the Emperour Palmerin ALbayzar prouiding for the strength of his Armye caused such Trenches and Rampiers of Defence and Fortification to bee made round about
was such as it cast them into a sound sléepe In the meane while Argentao the Gouernour of the Profound Isle whom the Sage Aliart had commaunded to come arriued in the Porte of Constantinople with foure Galleyes and being come on shoare the Sage Aliart he went into the Cittie and commaunded all the inhabitants to assemble themselues together which they did immediately when hée began to let them vnderstand what small hope was to be reposed on the liues of the Prince Primaleon their Emperour and Florendos his Sonne because they had béene so cruelly wounded in the Battaile desiring them to take their losse so patiently as they could and not to dismay themselues but that they should prouide for the reedifying their Citie not onely to assure themselues from the danger of their enemies but to witnesse to the world that fortune had not the power to roote out quite the name of the noble Citie of Constantinople as she had subuerted the memorie of many other famous and renowmed Citties Beside they should call home againe those Citizens who for feare of daunger had taken themselues to the neare adioyning Fortresses and by a generall voyce to choose them a gouernour for otherwise they should not containe themselues within bonds of assurance And therefore quoth he I am the more willing you should choose you a Gouernour if so bee the Emperour Primaleon and the Prince Florendos his Sonne should finish their liues by the hurts they haue receiued in the Battaile because I would not haue you left comfortlesse but this you must vnderstand that the yong Princesse Primaleon Sonne of the noble Florendos and the Princesse Miragarda must be the next inheritour of the Empire Now for that the Childe is very young and beside hée is a long way hence I would you would get you such a gouernor as might be thought worthy of so great a charge and whom you may be well contented withall vntill the young Primaleon come to sufficient yeares that hee may be able to receiue his royall Scepter of gouernment And this I must desire you that you will not be offended because I kéepe the childe so farre from you for I assure you he shall be daily in the company of other noble Princes with whome hee shall exercise Knightly Armes and learne the rules of discretion and Vertue wherewith it is necessary a Prince should be adorned For your selues I would wish you to order your dealings so well as he that shall succeede this Empire may receiue no occasion to dislike you and that you may continue your course the better I will come diuers times to visite you to let you vnderstand of the welfare of the Emperour Primaleon The Citizens of Constantinople tooke in very good part these friendly spéeches but they were not a little agrieued that there was no greater assurance of the Emperour Primaleons life wherefore seeing the Sage Aliarts excused the matter so well they requested of him that he would tell them in what place the yong Prince was nourished that they might come sometimes to visite him as their Lord and Soueraigne Your request answered Aliart is very great yet will I somewhat content your earnest desire the place where your prince is nourished is called the Perillious Isle which sometime belonged to the Sage Vrganda but at this time it is in my custody for that my brother and the noble Palmerin of England who conquered it with his sword and great losse of his blood bestowed it vpon me After he had thus directed them for the order of their gouernment he tooke his way to the monasterie of Saint Clare where the body of the Emperour Palmerin lay embalmed and the bodies of the other Kings and Princesse which he caused to bée conueyed into one of Argentaos Gallies but Primaleon King Edward and his sonnes Berolde Gracian Floraman of Sardignia and Blandidon who were all estéemed as dead persons for that Aliart had laid them in such a traunce they were laid in another Galley where their wounds were visited very diligently Then the Galleyes departing from the Citie the people began to lament excéedingly because so many noble princes were brought into such dangerous estates yet durst they not shewe any kind of feare or dismaying least they should chance to displease their friend the Sage Aliart Within fewe dayes the Gallies arriued at the Perillous Isle where their Ladies receiued them very worthily and the Sage Aliart shewed himselfe so diligent towards the recouery of thier health as they remained on all sides greatly contented FINIS To the courteous Reader THus Gentlemen I haue finished the second part of this most famous History desiring you to beare with the rudenesse in the translation and to esteeme of my good will which farre more then my cunning will stretch vnto As for the the History of Palmerin d'Oliue which contaiueth three seueral parts and should haue bin translated before this or Prmaleon of Greece because they are the originall of all the other stories after I haue ended the third part of this worthie Historie God aiding me you shall haue them very speedily with any thing else that I desire you to accept of this and to consider how highly it hath bene and yet is esteemed in diuers countries being first written in the Spanish towgue next in Italian and afterward in French and how it hath bene countenanced with the titles of Princes and Personages of great dignitie which may moue you to allow it the better acceptation in that it is to the honour of our countrey of England and deuised by strangers to honour it the more Thus not doubting of your fauourable iudgement I humbly take my leaue wishing you all good happes that is meet for all such gentle and friendly mindes to haue Yours A. M. A Table for the more ready finding of euery Chapter contained in this Booke OF that which happened to the Prince Florendos after that he had left the Castle of Dramorant the Cruell where he vanquished Astribor chap. 1. Of that which happened to the Prince Florendos after that hee departed from the castle of the Prince Arnalto chap. 2. How the Damosell of the Princesse of Terace arriued at the Court of the Emperour Palmerin And of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger chap. 3. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger against those that were in ambush to take the Damosel chap. 4. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Sauage man after he departed from the Court of the Emperour Vernar chap. 5. Of that which happened to the knight of the Sauage man before he had taken his farewel of the Damosell chap. 6. How the knights which belonged to the giants Brocalon and Baleato surrendred vp the Castles vnto the noble knight of the Sauage man and of that which happned to the prince Florendos c. chap. 7. Of the combates that the Prince Florendos fought the second day after hee
to the Knight of the Tiger in his voyage to the Profound Isle AFter the Knight of the Sauage man had left the Valley where he vanquished the foure Knights he determined to iourney through the Realme of Spaine being very glad that he was so worthily accompanied with Ladies and intending to let them vnderstand what estimation he made of their singular beauty which indéed was so pleasing in his eyes as willingly he could haue afforded them a point of his courtesie but for the Damosell Giant Arlencea the regard he had of her and the promise wherein he had bound himselfe beside caused him to qualifie his amorous humour because his friend Dramusiande was of such account with him as made him hee would not leuell at her so pleasant as perhaps he did at the other In their company he shewed himselfe merry and iocond so that at last hée tooke off his Helmette and gaue it to his Esquier when the Damoselles beholding his faire vsage and how youthfull and comely he was withall they seuerally fell into so good opinion of him the dapper boy of the Goddesse Citherea hauing somewhat touched them as they repented the wordes they spake when they first humbled themselues vnto him The Prince behaued himselfe to all of them very gratiously because he would not haue malice to growe on either side and to the Damosels he brought forth of the Valley he procéeded in earnest conference to wit of whence they were and wherefore they remained in the company of those Knights whom he had so nobly vanquished then on of the Damosels with a very modest countenance returned the Prince this answere Most worthy sir to witnesse the regard we haue of you and the dutifull affection wherewith we honour you I will presume on the behalfe of all the rest to satisfie your present demaund You shall therefore vnderstand that the first of these Damosels is named Armelia the second Iulianda the third Sabelia and my selfe am called Artisia we being all of one Citie not farre from the Valley called Arseda wherein those foure Knights whereof two were Brethren and so were the other twaine yet being so allied together as they were all Couzins one to another made their abode being all desirons to doe vs seruice that they might thereby in time marry vs. And because wee should not misse so great an honour as mariage is by the licence of our Mother we came oftentimes to recreate our selues by this Fountaine which you perceiued neere the Tents where you found vs and there would the Knightes vsually take delight to féede our eyes with such pleasant iestes déedes as they could daily attempt in the Forrest Moreouer that we might the better perswaded of their loue they would offer the Ioust to any Knight that passed through the valley summoning them thereto by the Dwarffe which sounded the Trumpet assuring you that they were alwaies the Conquerours vntil this time which fortune made vnhappy to them by your noble and valliant prowesse Ladyes answered the Knight of the Sauage man it were great shame for me to loose them whom Fortune by my happy victory hath deliuered into my hands wherefore I promise not to forsake you vntill some other knight bring me into such extremitie as I shall be destitue of power sufficient to defend you but I beleeue he will very bardly vanquish him who submitteth himselfe so earnestly to your direction And thus much will I doe for you beside I will conduct you to the King of Spaines Court and bring you likewise to sée the Castle of the Giant Almaroll afterward if you shall finde it so conuenient for you to leaue my company I am content to let you depart at your owne pleasure All the Damoselles vpon this motion desired him earnestly that he would bring them into those places which he had promised for that it is the nature of women to desire to sée nouelties and Arlencea who was inflamed with the selfesame desire was as forward in moouing the request as any of them yet she feared least the company of these other Damoselles would alter the Princes former determination to her but shée néeded not to cast any such doubt for the Princes will was as resolute as she could wish it Thus they iourneyed on till night came vpon them when they went to a Castle néere at hand where they were all very friendly entertained and the Prince caused good attendance to bée vsed to the Ladyes so heare we will leaue him and them togither and will as our History willes vs procéed to tell you how the knight of the Tiger the fiftéene day after he was imbarqued came within the sight of the Profound Isle which the Pilot knew very well and so gaue the Prince Palmerin to vnderstand whom he set a shoare in the most conuenient place he could find committing him to God and good fortune The knight of the Tiger rode about to vifite the Profound Isle which seemed to him very plesant and fertile but the night suddenly hindering him he was constrained to alight at the foote of a mountaine where he suffered his horse to refresh himselfe and began to mourne for lacke of the company of his approoued friend Siluian whose presence was agréeable to him as well for the remembrance that he was nourished with him as also for the fwéete and louing counsell he would giue him when he was in extreme grief and heauinesse because he knew best how comfort him Thus for want of his company he was constrained to passe that night among the gréene leaues vsing his Helmet as a pillow vnder his head and there he tost and tumbled very vnquietly all night vntill the cleare morning had chased away the vncomfortable darkenesse then he arose and mounting on horse-backe rode on very heauy and pensiue yet somewhat comforted by the pleasantnesse of the Isle which he iudged more worthy to be peopled then to ly wast and desolate About the euening tide he came where was a little Island which was compassed about with very strong wals into this Island he entred and tooke vp his lodging in the house of an ancient Knight who was accustomed to giue entertainment to such Knights as bestowed their time in séeking aduentures-and because he saw the Knight of the Tiger without an Esquire attending on him he came and tooke his horse himselfe and afterward he helped to vnarme him vsing him with so great humanity as was possible The knight of the Tiger was glad of this friendly entertainment and desired to be informed by his Host of the customes and manners of that Countrey so when he was risen from Supper and had reposed himselfe a little he requested his host to tell him to whom ihat Island belonged and what were the maners and customes thereof that he might report it in other places where he came to which demand the ancient Knight his Host made this answer My Lord you came now in good time to be resolued of that which
I perceiue you are ignorant in for if it had béene your fortune to come hither a little sooner being in your swéetest times of yeares your life would haue béene in very great danger For you shall vnderstaud that it is not long time since a Giant named Brauorant the Cruell was the Lord and possessor of this Island who delighted to set spies at all his Ports to informe him when any Knights or Damosels did arriue in this Island and when any such happened to come he would vse them extreame cruelly the Knights he would depriue of their liues and the Damosels he would villanously force and afterward send them away starke naked dispoyled of all their rich and costly cloathing And for this purpose he kept a great company of vassayles who did nothing else but imploy themselues in following his wicked humor and when as any Merchants by fortune came to cast Anker into this Isle his vassailes would compell them to ransome themselues with great extremitie before they would suffer them to depart hence but if they chanced to find fault with his tyranny and refused to pay their ransome which they knew to be laide on them without all right or reason then would he murther them or put them to some villainous death or other But the heauenly powers seeing the great oppression and crueltie which this bloody minded hel-hound continually vsed and chiefly towards them that neuer offended him in their diuine prouidence they thought good to cut off such a tyrant and so it fortuned this Giant died whose soule I thinke was carried to the place where his vnnaturall déeds deserued to haue recompence for that he could imploy his life no better He thus dying left behind him foure sons which he had in issue who were in all things to be compared to the Giant their father the two eldest of his sons were named Calfurnien Combaldam who being not content to liue on so smal teuenues as this Island yéelded went to inhabit another country but albeit they were thus departed hence the supreme authoritie would not long suffer them to liue in their vnsupportable crueltie and tyranny but made a dispatch of their cursed liues and that by the hand of one onely knight who was called as report hath here blazed the Knight of the Sauage man so named for that he beareth figured in his shield a Sauage man It may be you haue better knowledge of this Knight then I haue for that such a one as you séeme to be cannot chuse but be acquainted with those noble mindes as imploy themselues in séeking hautie aduentures whereby their fame is thundered through the whole world As for the two other Brethren they were nourished in this Island vnder their mothers wing against whose will after they iudged themselues able to endure armor they determined to depart hence to reuenge the death of their brethren Calfurnien and Camboldam The earnest desire they had to be gone would not suffer them to tary longer here but taking shipping away they went and after they had spent a great time in the bloody and horrible life their predecessours spent before them and in séeking the aforenamed knight of the Sauage man it so fell out that the good and hardy knight himselfe chanced to come where they were with them he entred the Combate and behaued himselfe so worthily against them as he likewise ended the liues of the other two Giants whose death deliuered the inhabitants of the countrey where they dwelled out of a great deale of feare and trouble so that it is to be iudged that the Knight was ordained to be the onely meane to defend the miserable afflicted people out of the life of flauish seruitude wherein they had remained long time by their cruel Giants The mother of these merciles hell-hounds before named who is called Collambra could not long endure the sorrow she suffered for the death of her children wherfore she practised compassed all deuises she could wherby to get the knight of the Sauage man into her custody that she might spéede the better in her close intent she ioyned with a Magitian a friend of hers one whom he loued well named Alfernao who is gone to the Emperors court of Constantinople hauing ten daies allowed him to accōplish his intent to worke so craftily as wel he can y◠the knight of the Sauage man must be brought hither And because no occasion shal want that may helpe any way a Damosell Giant named Arlencea who is the Daughter to this Collambra accompanied with a certaine nūber of knights and Damosels is ioyned in company with this Enchauntor vpon whose promises such assurance is made here as the Knight of the Sauage man shall bée brought hither In this great hope which the cruell Collambra hath to reuenge her deuillish will on this good knight she is gone to a Citie foure leagues distance hence being accompanied with a great many of her friends as also with one of her brethren who though he be young yet is he maruailous bloody and cruell and reputed for an especiall Knight at Armes who is also a Giant and named Esponuautable who hath conuerted his countrey into as great cruelty as when it was gouerned by the Giant Brauorant the Cruell and to speake vprightly Brauorant was not altogether so terrible as hee is whom I lately named to you wherefore I hartily pray that the good Knight of the Sauage man fall not into the hands of this Giant neither that the treason may preuaile which is laide for him the ancient Knight knitting vp his tale with a sigh the Knight of the Tiger thus began My good friend it is hard for him to escape the daunger whom fortune hath determined to fall into it and séeing it is so I could wish that she would suffer the Brother to Colambra to séeke reuenge on me for the death of his Nephews perhappes he might fall into his handes who hath a good will to punish his wicked life and make him knowe the desert of crueltie as well as his kindred hath tasted it before him And for the Knight of the Sauage man hée is one that I knowe very well and I hope he wil escape the hands of his enemies as one that is reserued to bring to an end many worthy and hauty aduentures wherefore in respect that hee is my especiall good friend I desire to know the certaintie of that you haue rehearsed for if he spéede ill I cannot take it quietly and therefore because I wil satisfy my mind I am determined to morrow morning to goe seeke this Giant not doubting but if Fortune fauour me to repay his wicked and euill deserts with such recompence as is méete for such an offender I sée well Syr answered the ancient Knight that you are ignorant of the Giants force in presuming so to combate with him alas Sir hée will not make any account of the enterprise if ten such as you came and waged the