all his enemies Moreouer within two Moneths hée would deliuer tenne thousand talents of Golde and two millions of Seraphes in recompence of his wrong doone to the King Abimar All this my Lord quoth the Soldane will I faythfullie performe and all the Kinges my Subiects shall subscribe thereto on this condition that you accompanie the Princesse to the Cittie of Harano there to honor with your presence our espousall where your sonne Tomano shall likewise match with our Daughter To this the King willingly consented whereupon the Soldane sent his Seneshall to cause his Armie march homewardes into Persia except sixe thousand men at Armes to guard to Soldanes person then openly in the field was the peace proclaimed and the Captaines on either side fréendly embracing each other Afterward the soldane comming to the king Abimar and in the presence of Palmerin and Trineus thus spake Néedlesse were it now my Lord to remember our passed displeasures but generally to conferre of warre and peace yet hereof I can assure you that the Princesse Zephira and these two strange Knights preuailed more agaynst me then all the rest of your Armie But least your people should thinke that our concluded peace is not thorowlie grounded to morrowe will I bée openlie affianâ—ed to the Princesse Zephira and afterward set forward to Harano that my Sisters may bée present at our nuptials in the meane while our Seneshall and sixe other noble Lordes shall remaine with you as our hostages These determinations fulfilled the Soldane passed to Harano where hée heard of the death of the Prince Donadel and the Kinges sonne of Rosillia with diuerse other Princes of his kindred â—â—aine in the battell but the heate of his newe loue caused him to make small account therof preparing all things readie for the solemnitie of his marriage Chap. LIII The conference that the Soldane of Persia had with his Sisters thinking by theyr meanes to stay Palmerin and Tryneus in his Court and the honourable entertainement hee made them at the arriuall of the Princesse Zephira And how by good fortune Palmerin recouered his Squire Colmelio from the Ambassadour Maucetto NO sooner was the soldane come to Harano but hée presently dispatched Messengers to his sisters that they might bée present at his honourable marriage and calling for his Daughter the yong Princesse Belsina he thus began Faire Daughter I thinke you are not ignorant for report fâ—â—eth quicklie fâ—r that I haue promised you in mariage to the Prince Tomano therefore I account it verie requisitie that your solemnitie bee done on the same day when I shall espouse the Princesse Zephira My gracious Lorde and Father quoth shée I remaine altogither at your highnesse direction and if for conclusion of peace you match with so faire a Princesse as is Zephira it were agaynst reason I should refuse the worthie Prince Tomano of Romata When hée perceyued the readie good-will of his Daughter and his two sisters by this time were come to the Court. After hée had welcommed them in most gracious manner hée entred into these spéeches I thought it verie expedient fayre sisters since you vnderstand the peace concluded betwéene the King of Grisca and my selfe to acquaint you with other matters greatly concerning you There commeth hither in the companie of the Princesse Zephira two strange knights of very rare perfections to whom I would willingly haue you vse such especiall behauiour as wée might purchase the meanes to enioy them continually in our Court for no other intent I promise you but onely that they may match with you in marriage You sister Lyzanda quoth hée to the eldest I commit to the cheefest Knight the verie same man that most valiantlie tooke mée prisoner in the battaile and you Arecinda for so was the yongest named I bequeath to the other who is one of the goodliest personages that euer Nature framed Héereunto they were right soone entreated especiallie Aurecinda who though her elder sister were graue and well aduised yet was shée pleasant quaint and so subtile as easily could shee practise the meane to deceiue the wisest man whereof she made some experience as you shal hereafter perceiue in the Chapters following The Soldane hauing sent for all the Kings Princes and Lordes his subiects to bée present on the day of this great solemnitie the Prince Tomano earnestlie desâ—ring to sée his best beloued desired Palmerin Trineus and the Princesse Zephira that they might set forwardes to Harano But Muzabelino who knew what troubles would succéede the marriage aduised the King Abimar not to goe and counsailed the two Princes Trineus and Palmerin to kéepe themselues continuallie Armed because the Soldane was a man continually subiect to incertaine chaunces So giuing of each of them a Cote of Armes of Crimson Ueluet most curiousâ—ie embroidered with Pearles hee departed from them returning backe againe to the Citie of Grisca Nowe ride these Princes ioyfully to Harano where they were receiued by the soldane with wonderfull pompe and honor each one admiring the rare beaâ—tie of the Princesse Zephira who was conducted with such a royall traine as neuer was the like séene before in Harano At the Cittie Gate the Soldane mette them and in a sumptuous Câ—â—che accompanied them to the Pallace where after many solemne curtesies on each side deliuered and such magnifical royaltie beséeming the time and place the Soldane came to his Sisters who had not yet talked with the two strange Knights and thus spake Sisters to the eâ—de that héereafter you shall not be beguiled the Knights that accompanie my Ladie the Princesse and whome I haue so much commended to you are Christians notwithstanding they bee such as they twaine deserue greater honor then I am any way able to expresse As for their comely stature after that your â—ye hath conferred with your heart I referre my opinion to your iudgement regarde then that they bee loued and estéemed as their perfections doo worthily deserue Aurecinda the yongest and most voluntarie Sister hauing her eye continually fixed on the Prince Trineus thus conferred with herselfe My Brother verie lightly commaundeth vs to loue these strange Knights I knowe not what my Sisters opinion is as for mine owne the beginning alreadie of my loue is such that if I do not quickly obtaine my desire I feare that my affection is rated at the price of my life The time is passed ouer with many delights and daily pastimes after the Persian manner but all this while Lizanda and Aurecinda are tormented with loue so that all patience was vtterly denied them yet bearing this waightie burden so well as they coulde at length the two Sisters came to the Princesse Zephiraâ—s Chamber where they founde Palmerin and Trineus conferring together feigning the cause of their comming to bid the Princesse good morrow Palmerin perceiuing that Lizanda sodainely chaunged her colour imagined the cause of her secret disease and béeing loth to bée tempted with anie such occasion dissembling that he sawe her not tooke
you faire sir to tell me howe the Quéene of Tharsus intreated you and what is your opinion of her In good faith Madam aunswered Palmerin shée is one of the most honest and vertuous Ladies that euer I came in companie withall and to whom I greatly desire to do any seruice You haue good reason quoth the Princesse in that she came so farre to sée you and discouer her loue which other coulde as well accomplish as good or rather in honor beyonde her if they might hope of anie ease in their passionate desires Palmerin feigning to vnderstand her meaning entred into other kinde of talke vntill supper time which finished each one returned to their Chamber when the Prince séeing himselfe alone with his Fréend thus sayd Ah my déere Fréende Palmeâ—in howe worthily may you be sayde to bee without coâ—pare in all perfections that a Knight ought to haue loue onely excepted yet héerein if I be not deceyued you doe for mée agaynst all reason for a thousand times are you more beloued then your selfe can loue anie Notwithstanding for this default if so it may bée named and for 〈◊〉 wordes this day vsed in my presence to Achidinia I remaine vowed to your seruice for in trueth you know not the good you did me supporting my imperfection of speech when I was before my Mistresse Yet know I not whence such imbecilitie should procéede if not by béeing rauished with regarde of her celestiall countenaunce my ouer laboured spiriâ—e forsooke me and béeing too much tormented in this languishing bodie abandoned all the partes sensatiue placing it selfe onely in mine eyes which neuer could imagine themselues satisfied contemplating beautie of so rare and especiall estimation And were it not that my hope onely consisteth in you comparing my small desert and the excellencie of my Ladie long ere this had my soule forsooke her infortunate habitation which so indiscreetlie fell into these oppressing passions And this I earnestly intreate you to let her vnderstand in that I feare least shée impute my happie alteration to want of wisedome and ciuilitie Trust me quoth Palmerin I promise you my vttermost abilitie and so much will I do as one Friend may for another to discharge my selfe of the promise which héeretofore I made you And let me intreate you on mine owne behalfe to remooue that opinion of speciall loue which you report the Princesse beares me béeing not such as you doe imagine for noble Prince and my deare Fréende you néede not despayre of the benefit whereof I haue so solemnely assured you After many other speeches they slept till the next morning when clothing themselues in their richest garments they went and gaue the good morrow to the Soldane who verie honourablie thanked them and Palmerin espying conuenient occasion thus began My Lord you haue sufficient experience that by the bountie and great fauour of the Gods you haue obteyned victory against your enemies to the no little content of your Subiects all which béeing so happily finished base were the thought to feare the perfection of higher enterprises Therefore my Lord I thinke it expedient so it may stand with your good liking considering your prouision for the sea is in such readinesse your people likewise acquainted with your intent before we meddle with the Brethren of Amarano came daily in troupes to offer their seruice that now you send your Armie to Constantinople for your answere once heard right soone will we embarke our selues and set forward on our voyage For the rest I pray you deliuer these prisoners to be vsed as your slaues but as for the Princes I thinke hauing séene the fortune of theyr Brethren and their owne badde successe in Armes that they will serue you with continuall loyaltie My Sonne quoth the Soldane let all bée doone as you haue appointed for such is my confidence in you that your intent cannot but sort to good ende wherefore my Gallies and al things readie furnished depart when you please hauing first sent your Souldiers abroad The Prince Olorico beeing present offered againe to go in this voyage with like number of men as he brought against the Brethren of Amarano for which the Soldane greatly thanked him promising him such satisfaction at his returne as should agrée with his owne content Alchidiana taking in ill part the words of Palmerin on the Prince Oloricos behalfe sent for him to come speake with her which hée did and finding her very sad and melancholy hée demaunded if any one had doone her displeasure and what the cause might bee of her pensiuenesse Ah my déere friend quoth shée how can I but be agréeued séeing no one Lady in the world hath so many contrarie fortunes as my selfe Alas my heart hath chosen you for my onely Lords and Friend thinking to finde place woorthy my conceite and that your loue would answere me with the like but in ought I can perceiue I am too much beguiled for you either as ingratefull or carelesse vse affecting spéeches to me importing no other ende but that in leauing you I should take the Prince Olorico for my Husband Do you imagine me so mutable and inconstant that I will or can loue anie other but you or that my affection intirely setled so high can brooke such a downefall as to like the man so much inferiour to mée And which most of all offendeth me not contented to mocke me in disdaining my knowne loue so discourteously would perswade me to choose another Let all our Gods be iudge if I haue not iust cause to complaine of you albeit I haue greater cause to hate and despise my owne selfe for in that I haue more then deserued your loue yet as too much vnwise I cannot consider that in the heart of an ingratefull person loue hath no place of certaine abyding But seeing our gods haue in such sort subiected mee as against my will I am constrained to loue mine enemie in vaine were it for me to resist against them that they beholding the vnspotted loue of the one may in the ende punish the ingratitude of the other Thâ—s thinking to continue longer spéech so many violent sighs intercepted her as she was not able to proffer one word more whereby Palmerin enforced thus answered I beséech you Madame crosse me not with these néedelesse words for although the Prince is so worthie to be loued as any man that euer I saw yet were I very much vnprouided of witte and a méere stranger of good consideration if I would refuse that speciall felicitie then which I can desire no greater I knowe swéete Lady that you loue mee intirely perswade your selfe then that my loyaltie is no lesse nor can death make mee gainesay the promises I haue made you and were it not to the great disaduantage of mine honour to leaue the honourable warre your Father hath intended which might procure each one to misconceiue of mee assure your selfe that I would forsake dignities Armes and all to do you the seruice you
his head from his shoulders In bréefe he was so fauoured of Fortune as hauing vanquished all the tenne Knights he passed the tenne Rocks and no sooner was he mounted on the foremost but a darke Clowde compassed him about so that the two Princes Zephira and their Knights to theyr great amazement lost the sight of him yet his former victorie exempted all feare from them of bad successe There 〈…〉 Palmerins returne till Sunne setting when the two Princes demaunded of Zephira if shée woulde depart thence or stay there all night Depart quoth shée no by my life héere will I abide the good knights returne from the Castell wherupon her seruants hauing erected theyr pauillions they there tooke vp their lodging for that night By this time Palmerin was come to the Castell Gate where looking on his Armour which was â—acked in péeces his flesh cut and mangled in manie places breathing foorth a bitter sigh sayd If yet this trauaile may availe the Prinâ—esse and my noble companions that are enchauâ—ted let happe to mée what please the Heauens for theyr libertie is more déere to mée then life Then looking on his Dog who all his while held the Horses bridle in his mouth hée remembred that he had not demaunded of Muzabelino anie thing concerning him wherefore he said Ah gentle dog yet no Dog I thinke but rather some Knight thus transformed howe forgetfull haue I béene of thy seruice in my necessitie why did I not demaund the trueth of Muzabelino what thou art But mayst thou prooue to be my good Fréend Trineus when all the enchauntments of this Castell shall bée ended thy former shape I hope shall bee restored So striking at the Castell Gate to sée if anie way hée could get it open at length hée looked vppe to the battlements and beheld an auncient Knight with a long beard so white as snowe who furiously thus spake to him Proude Knight who made thée so bolde thus to beate on the Gate enter vnto thy further ill I hope with these wordes the Gates opened of themselues when presently Palmerin with his Dog entred and the olde man who séemed ouer-spent with yéeres and weaknesse méeting him in the Gate taking him by the arme threw him violently agaynst the ground saying Thou that hast ouercome the ten Knights yong and armed what canst thou doo to an olde man without defence Wretched villaine aunswered Palmerin wherefore hast thou strooken me by the liuing God did not thine age excuse thée soone should I lay the breathlesse at my foote Soft and faire said the olde man thou shalt haue work enough to defend thy selfe So catching Palmerin about the middle he wroong him so cruelly as one might heare his bones cracke O my God cried Palmerin defend me against this cursed diuell At length hee forced the olde man to let goe his holde when began such a furious fight betwéene them as neuer was Palmerin in such daunger in that eueriâ— blowe was giuen him hée thought did breake all his bones in péeces The â—og séeing his Maister in such extremitie caught the olde man by the throate and neuer left tugging till he got him downe when suddenly he vanished away and was no more séene afterward For this victorie Palmerin thanked God and hauing cherished his Dog entred further into the Castell Where he behelde most stately Galleries erected on great colombes of Porpherie and Alabaster as neuer did hée beholde a more sumptuous spectacle In the middest of the Court was a goodly Tombe enclosed with barrâ—s of beaten Golde and ouer it stoode a goodly Table of Christal vphelde by foure Satyrs of Agatha and on the Table was pictured the personages of a Ladie drawne by such curious arte and woorkmanship as hardly could it bée equalled through the world Palmerin approched to behold the counterfeit which helde in the one hande a Booke fast shutte and in the other a Key of Golde poynting with the Key towarde the Gate of the Pallace whereupon he imagined that this was the Tombe of the Ladie Enchauntresse whereof Muzabelino had told him before and putting his hand betwéene the golden Barres the Image presently offered him the Key Héereat béeing some what abashed he iudged that this happened not without great cause wherefore taking the Key hée went and opened the Pallace Gate and entering the great Hall hée founde it so richlie paued and garnished rounde about with such costly Tapistrie as the greatest Monarch in the world had not the like Looking behinde him for his Dog he beheld him suddainlie chaunged to his former shape and running to embrace Palmerin said Happie be the houre of thy comming déere Fréend to whom I remaine for euer bounde in acknowledging the speciall graces and fauours receiued But Palmerin deceiued with so manie illusions before woulde hardlie giue credite to what he now behelde reputing him rather sâ—me he 〈◊〉 furie so disguised onely to entrap him with further danger which Trineus perceiuing spake againe Ah my noble Friend Palmerin for Gods sake doubt no more I am thy Brother Tryneus who since thy comming from Elain followed thée in the enchaunted forme of a Dogge reioyce then with me for since thy long desired hope hath now so good an ende doubt not but the residue of thine affaires will prooue as fortunate Palmerin béeing nowe thorowly resolued I leaue to your iudgements the kinde gratulations betwéene them who well can conceiue the wonderfull ioy of longabsent Friendes especally of such as liue and die for each other Ah my Lord quoth Palmerin why did I not sooner acknowledge thee the great succour thou gauest me by theâ—way might well haue perswaded me yet though I still imagined thee my friend transformed hardly could I resolue thereon till further experience Aâ— fortune if héeretofore thou hast béene enuious towardes mée yet now hast thou recompenced me in such sort as now I haue no cause to exclaime on thée So sitting downe together Trineus reuealed the manner of his taking and all that befell him till his transformation Which Palmerin to requite discoursed the knowledge of his Parents how he was betrothed to his Lady Polynarda and howe he recouered the Princesse Agriola who afterwardâ— was likewise enchaunted in the Isle of Malfada 〈◊〉 at these newes was readie to die with gréefe but Palmerin perswaded him of the wise Muzabelinos promise that shortly hee should returne againe to the Isle and there finish all the enchauntments whatsoeuer While they thus conferred together they sawe sodainely sette before them a Table furnished with all kinde of meates and a hand holding two great Golden Candlesticks wherein burned two faire waxe Tapers beside they heard a trambling of their féete that brought the meate to the Table but they could not discerne any liuing creature Trust mee quoth Palmerin I thinke some bodie knowes I haue an hungrie appetite â—itte downe with me good friend for these two moneths had I not a better stomacke After they had well refreshed themselues the table was
no Knight whatsoeuer came into his Court without verie honourable receite and bountifull rewardes expressing the good nature of a vertuous Prince whose déedes were helde of no small reckoning amongst his verie enemies He maried with the King of Hungarias Daughter a Princesse for witte and beautie equall with any of her time which caused her to be so especiallie loued of her Lord the Emperour as hee altogeather gaue ouer y◠exercise of Armes notwithstanding his Court did not diminishe one lote of the former glorie for good and hardle Knights but dailie increased in such sort as he tooke great delight to haue yong Princes Knights and Gentlemen nurtured and educated from their verie infancie in his Pallace especiallie after the Empresse had brought him a Sonne which was named Caniano at whose birth was no little reioycing through the whole Empire Within two yéeres after she was likewise deliuered of a goodlie Daughter named Griana who growing to fourtéene yéeres of age was of such rare beautie and singuler good grace as those that behelde her estéemed her for the chiefest péece of workmanshippe that euer nature framed Héereupon it chaunced that Tarisius Sonne to the King of Hungaria who had béene brought vp in company with the yonge Prince Caniano fell into such amorous conceite of the yong Princesse as hee deuoted him selfe onelie to her seruice béeing vnable to conceale the obiect of his affections but that time made her acquainted with the cause of his alteration Manie meanes he founde to entise her good opinion towards him but she carrying a religious zeale to loue in some other climate made no reckoning of his imporunate and dilligent seruice which drewe a Hell of tormentinge thoughts vppon Tarisius séeing his sute and seruice so déeplie despised Neuerthelesse to compasse his intent he desired his Cozin Caniano to cause a Tryumphe bee published whereunto all Knights might be summoned as well straungers as others not doubting but hee should spéede so well in déedes of Armes as thereby hee might deserue the loue of the faire Griana and so afterwardes make meanes by the Empresse to demaunde her in mariage all which hée concealed from his Cozin Caniano who verie gladlie didde consent to what Tarisius had requested watching oportunitie to finde the Emperour his Father at leysure when he made his highnesse acquainted with the whole enterprise of himselfe and his Cozin Tarisius desiring him that all Knights might haue warning for preparation against a day the next Moneth appointed for the purpose The Emperour was verie well pleased with his Sonnes requeste accounting himselfe highlie honoured by his demaunde whereuppon he caused Heraulds of Armes presentlie to bée dispatched to signifie his intended Tournament through al Countries farre and néere In the meane while Tarisius coulde not rest daie nor night but still endeuoured to doo what he iudged might please the Princesse Griana to whō as yet he had not vttered the effect of his longing desire albeit by exteriour actions he dailie made shewe sufficient of his tormenting passions But it so fell out not long after that one daie in her walking he had sorted her alone from al the other Ladies Gentlewomen in a place commodious for a Louers discourses where falling from one argument to another the furie of his oppressions imboldened him so far that at length he brake with her in manner folowing Madame you are not ignoraunt of the honourable assembly that is appointed at the feaste ensuing when I hope to receiue the order of Knighthoode and if it shall like you to thinke so well of mee as to graunt mee one request easie enough for you to affoorde me perswade your selfe that I shal imagine my fortune equall with the happiest Knights that euer liued in that it may be the onelie meane whereby I shall enioy the prize and honour of the Triumphe Griana knowing assuredlie that Tarisius bare her great affection as I haue before rehearsed returned him this aunswere In sooth Cozin it would please me meruailous well to bee the meane of so good fortune as you promise your selfe Neuerthelesse I haue not learned so little modestie as to grant anie thing before I knowe what is desired When Tarisius vnderstoode her modest excuse he perswaded himself that he should nowe obtaine that of her whereof vntill that instant he had liued in despaire whereuppon the teares standing in his eyes he began in this manner I humblie beséech you good Madame to take in worth what I am to acquaint you with for when I determined to smoother my gréefe in secrete the extremitie of my affection grew to such a surplusage as it brake the stringes of my thoughts almost vowed for euer silent to reueale that to you which my selfe dare but reuerentlie thinke such is my feare to displease you otherwise I knowe no meane canne warrant me from suddaine and cruell death so setled is y◠vnspotted loue I bare you which when I striue to ouercome and my selfe also the more I would decrease it the more it augmenteth and that so strangelie as while you are in presence my spirite forsaketh euerie part of mée to liue in you onelie For which cause I haue determined if you thinke it good to request you of the Emperour your Father for my Wife and if he regarde me with so much honour the Realme of Hungaria may well challenge and my selfe likewise the highest roome in earthlie felicitie hauing a Mistresse of such vnspeakable qualitie In the meane time if you please to bestowe on me anie Iewell or fauoure commaunding mee to weare it as your Knight and Seruaunt you shall wel perceiue how aduenturous loue will be in defence of my right by the aduantage I shall recouer in the vertue of a gifte so acceptable Griana who made but slender account of his passions and béeing not well pleased that he held her with such vaine discourses modestlie returned him this aunswere If you had such regarde of me as I well deserue you woulde not attempt me with spéeches so vnfitting my hearing for if your desire be such as you giue me to vnderstand you ought to make it knowne to the Emperor or Empresse who haue greater authoritie ouer me then I haue my selfe Therfore I desire you hencefoorth not to aduenture the like on perill of your life otherwise I shall let you knowe howe highlie you offend me on which cōdition I am cōtent for this time to pardon your want of discretion in that I perceiue my selfe to be the onelie cause thereof in graunting you time and leysure thus priuatlie to assaile me for which ouersight I repent mee at the verie harte With which wordes shee floong away and left him alone declaring by her countenaunce to be offended with his request in that shee desired rather to die then accept him for her Husband or to allowe him the name of her fréende If then Tarisius was driuen into a quandarie wee néede not meruaile wherefore troubled as he was and not caring greatlie
whether hee went he entred the Empresse Chamber where shee and her Son Caniano stoode conferring togeather without saluting the one or other he satte downe in a Chaire and gaue such bitter sighes as the Empresse hearing was somewhat mooued therewith doubting he had either receiued some greate iniurie or els coulde not prouide himselfe so sufficientlie as he would for the Triumphe wherupon she left her Sonne and calling Tarisius aside thus began with him Nephewe I sée you verie melancholie which makes me to iudge that you want some néedefull thing for the Tournament which my Sonne hath caused to be published With which words she beheld Tarisius more wishlie then she had doone before and perceiued the teares to trickle down his chéekes which made her more desirous to knowe the cause of his gréefe but his hart was so confounded and shut vppe in anguish as hée could not speake one word to her Neuerthelesse the Empresse who loued him as her owne Sonne founde so manie meanes to perswade him as in the ende he disclosed the loue he bare to Griana and the aunswere likewise which shee made him whereby I am assured quoth he that nothing but death can cease my torments The Empresse who of her selfe did manie times determine to make that marriage perceiuing nowe howe fitlie the occasion offred it selfe began to resolue on the consumation thereof and to content her Nephewe in excusing the Princesse Griana spake as followeth Doo you Nephewe mislike the aunswere of my Daughter beléeue me therein she didde but her dutie for she cannot dispose of her selfe béeing yong and vnder controule but the Emperour and I whom you ought firste to make acquainted with your request But since I perceiue how you are affected I promise you I will confer with my Lorde the Emperour and hope to preuaile so well in the cause as you shall spéede of that you moste desire As they continued these discourses they were giuen to vnderstande by a Messenger that the Prince Florendos the Kinges son of Macedon was newlie arriued with a braue companie of Knights But his comming to the Emperour was not as his vassaile or Subiect because the kingdome of Macedon was at that time no way beholding to the Empire but onelie to sée the faire yong Princesse Griana the renowne of whose beautie and vertues had so peirced his thoughtes as before he sawe her he loued and honoured her so that for this cause onlie he iournied to Constantinople where he was verie honourablie entertained bothe of the Emperour and his Sonne Caniano as also of the Empresse and faire Griana who oftentimes hearde him reckoned and estéemed amongst the most honourable and gracious Princes that liued at that daie CHAP. II. Howe the Empresse conferred with the Emperour as concerning the mariage of theyr Daughter Griana wyth Tarisius Sonne to the King of Hungaria whereof they both determined and of that which happened in the meane time THe Empresse was not forgetfull of her promise made to her Nephewe Tarisius but endeuoured by all meanes possible to find the Emperour at such leysure as she might impart the whole to him and because shee had so hardilie taken the matter vppon her shee would gladlie it should sorte to effecte as commonlie Women are couetous of their owne desires therefore no meruaile if shée were earnest in following her intent Soone after walking alone with the Emperour and smoothlie couering the baite she was desirous he shoulde swallowe shee desired him to graunt her one request whereof shee woulde not willinglie be denied The Emperour neuer before hearing her so importunate consented at the first to whatsoeuer she demaunded nowe perswading her selfe sure to spéede thus shee beganne My Lord hauing often considered with my selfe that our Daughter Griana is of yéeres and discretion able for a Husband I am the more desirous to sée her honourablie bestowed And for that the yonge Prince Tarisius hath béene trained vp in your Court and which I little thought some good will appeareth to be betwéene them I should thinke if not amisse to vnite them in mariage togeather for hardlie shall we finde 〈…〉 a Lord of greater blood and birth then he béeing heire apparant to the Crowne and kingdome of Hungaria besides they hauing béene so longe time conuersant togeather in their yonger yeeres will entertaine a more speciall regard of loue betwéene them then can be in anie other that may mooue yâ— question to her Madame aunswered the Emperour she is your Childe and I doo not thinke but you would her good therefore I like the motion well for that indéede I esteeme so well of Tarisius as of mine owne Sonne aâ—d since wee haue so happilie fallen into these discourses we will foorthwith certifie yâ— King his Father by our Ambassadours that we may vnderstand his opinion héerein The Empresse gratified her Lord with verie hartie thankes béeing not a little glad she had so well preuailed wherefore immediatlie shee aduertised 〈◊〉 But for Griana her affection was els where for she bare a certaine secrete good liking to Florendos so soone as shee behelde him hearing so great reporte of his knightlie bountie and prowesse so that beholding them togeather and their eyes deliuering the good conceite of eache other one might easilie iudge that Loue hadde so mightilie maistered her thoughts as if he consented she had sette downe her reste for her choise and hee on the other side was drawne into the same compasse notwithstanding eache of them for the time concealed what they rather desired should be known betweene them Yet this hidden fire stroue to gaine place of issue for diuers times the Princesse Griana béeing amongst her Ladies talking of such Knights as woulde shewe themselues at the Tournament the Prince Florendos was coÌ„monlie first spoken of and so highlie would the Ladies commende him beyonde all the other as Griana coulde not refraine from changing coloure so that the alteration she founde in her spirite might be euidentlie perceiued howbeit none of the Ladies as then noted it and thus shee continued till the feast of Saint Maria d' Augusta which was the daie appointed for the Tournament on which daie the Emperour knighted his Sonne Caniano and Tarisius Nephewe to the Empresse in honour wherof hee held a greater and more magnificent Courte then before time hee had doone for he suffered the Ladies to accompanie the Knights at the Table albeit they were not wont to doo so often at yâ— time yet full well it pleased the Prince Florendos who satte opposite to the Princesse Griana during which time of Dinner though manie piercing lookes and smothered sighes were sent from eache other as messengers of their sâ—mâ—lable opinions yet cunninglie they shaddowed all from being discerned But after the Tables were withdrawne and eache one preparing for the Tourney Florendos so well behaued himselfe as he founde the meanes to speake priuatlie with his newe Fréende and thus he beganne Madame the Heauens haue not a little fauoured mee in
sorting vs so commodiouslie togeather that I may shewe you before I enter the Lystes royall the occasion why I left the Realme of Macedon to visite my Lord the Emperor I sweare to you vpon my knightlie faith that your gracious selfe was the onelie cause of my iourney and while I liue I shall euermore aduenture my selfe in ought that may stand with your fauour and liking and the first argument of my happinesse I should account if you would commaunde mee this daie to arme my selfe for your Knight otherwise I must be content to absent my selfe béeing assured that with out your regard it is vnpossible for me to doo any thing that can returne me estimation or honour And albeit I haue not as yet doone anie seruice to you whereby I shoulde deserue to be so accepted yet such is the hope I repose in your vertuous nature as you will not refuse my honest request beeing the first I euer desired of you and not the last I truste shall doo you honour Nowe as you haue heard before Griana earnestlie affected Florendos neuerthelesse as a modest and well aduised Princesse doubting leaste hee faigned those spéeches of course dissembling her selfe to be somwhat displeased returned this aunswere I did not thinke my Lord Florendos that you woulde so farre forget your selfe to holde mee with spéeches not beséeming the Daughter of so great an Emperour as I am neuerthelesse knowing you are a Stranger and ignoraunt it may be of the modestie which shoulde defende Knights deuising with Ladies I will not vse such rigour towards you as I ought yet must I tell you that I finde my selfe offended You desire that as my Knight you may enter the Tourney for that I graunt ye to the ende I may perceiue the effect of the prowesse which each one so much commendeth in you the rest it is my pleasure that you forbeare Madame quoth he if I haue vsed anie such spéeches as agree not with your patience for Gods sake in my excuse accuse my small compasse of libertie which remaineth onelie at your disposition What quoth she thinke you that I wil loue anie but he that must and ought be my Husbande Ah swéete Ladie said Florendos that is it I so earnestlie desire and thinke not that I sollicite you with anie other kind of loue but onelie to make you the Mistresse of my self and altogeather to dispose of me and mine for proofe whereof I will héereafter imploy my selfe in the Emperours seruice in such sorte as if you like it I hope to purchase his consent Truelie Sir quoth she that onelie appertaines to the Emperor and not to mée to whom you are to make known what you intende for hee hath authoritie to commaunde and I am bounde by duetie to obey At which wordes the Empresse called her awaie when Florendos making her courteous reuerence departed to his Chamber to arme him selfe for manie Knights were entred the Lystes and he in short space came thether for companie where hee behaued himselfe with such valoure as he not onelie got the honour of the first daie but of the foure daies folowing while the Tourneie endured and wonne the prize which Caniano had prepared for him that best deserued it which made him bee greatlie estéemed of the Emperour and of the whole Court ingenerall espeâ—iallie of the faire Griana whose harte by little and little Loue brought in subiection to the no small content of Florendos which doubtlesse had the Prince Tarisius beheldâ— I imagine hee woulde haue hardlie liked it But nowe during the time of these great Feastes and Triumphes Fortune the sworne enemie to all quietnes presented the Emperor with other occasions to cut off these pastimes and courtlie deuises for after many of the Knights assembled at his Courte had taken leaue to returne into their Countries Gamezio Sonne to the Soldane of Babilon who was on the Seas with a mightie Armie intending to conquer Alexandria was by extreamitie of winde and weather driuen into the straights before Constantinople Which when the Pilots and Marriners perceiued not onâ— amongst theÌ„ but greatlie reioyced at this good fortune but chéefelie Gamezio who perswaded himself yâ— his Gods had sent him thether that the moste noble florishing Cittie of the world might fall into his handes whereupon the windes somewhat appeased and the Seas calmed he assembled the chiefe and principall Captaines of his Armie and thus began My good fréendes I beléeue assuredlie yâ— our great Gods would not suffer vs to arriue in Alexandria because wee went against them of our owne Law and Religion but rather it liked them better that we should addresse our selues to this Countrie of Christians either to ruinate it altogeather or at least to bring it vnder our obeysance Therefore I am determined for this time to defer the reuenge of the iniurie which the King Calameno did to the Soldane and as much as in me lyes imploy my forces in conquest of this Countrey for which cause I desire that each of you would particularlie encourage your people assuring them if wee can conquer this Cittie the riches thereof will counteruaile their paine and trauaile The Captaines failed not to accomplish their charge to the vttermost summoning euerie one presentlie to Armes so prouiding their Shippes their Ensignes all thinges els néedefull for their defence they hoysed their sailes making towards yâ— Shoare where with such prouision as they had they tooke landing making such a noyse with their Drummes Trumpets Clamors as was heard with no small feare in euerie part of the Cittie Neuertheles they were receiued with better resistance then they looked for as following the discourse of the Historie you shall at large vnderstand CHAP. III. Of the battayle fought before the Cittie of Constantinople betweene the Emperours power and the Armie of Gamezio IMmediatlie was this huge Armie on the Sea discouered by the Sentâ—rnelles of the Cittie whereupon the rumour arose so greate as the people ranne on heapes to defende the Hauen where the Moores thought to haue made their first entrie In the meane while Caniano Tarisius and the other principall Knights with their men of Armes put themselues in equipage doraynning their Armie in such warlike maner as nowe they marche forth of the Cittie to succour those places where the Moores gaue most eager assault The Prince Florendos béeing left behinde made no little haste to gather his companie and as he galloped with them by the Emperours Pallace hee espied the Princesse Griana standing at her Chamber windowe casting manie a ruefull looke towardes the 〈◊〉 of the Cittie which so déepelie peirced the gentle Princes harte as immediatlie hee saide within himselfe By Heauen swéete Ladie either will I die this day or remooue the gréefe that séemeth so néere to touche you And with this resolution he gaue the spurres to hys Horse when it was not long before hee got among the thickest of the Moores where he behelde the enemie so strong and the
and brought him into so weake estate as the learned Phisitions coulde not deliuer the cause of his sicknes to the no small gréefe of the Emperour but especiallie of Caniano yet for all this woulde not the Empresse at anie time visite him because shee woulde hinder the occasion of her Daughters séeing him remembring what spéeches had past betwéene him and the Emperour And albeit Griana made no outward shewe thereof yet in her harte shee was greatlie displeased at her Mothers dealings so that one day when her Brother Caniano came to sée her to recount vnto her in what extreamitie he had left his fréendlie coÌ„panion and what gréefe it would be to him if he died as he greatlie doubted What my Lord quoth she it is not so I hope Yes certainlie quoth he and I feare he will very hardlie escape this day At which wordes the water stoode in her eyes yet so well as she coulde shee dissembled her passions neuerthelesse she could not holde it in but said I meruayle much that the Empresse my Mother makes so slender account of him as since his sicknes shee woulde not vouchsafe once to visite him I feare she hath forgotten what good hée 〈◊〉 for vs that day when he valiantly slew the Turke Gamezio Beléeue me my good Lord and Brother I am harâ—â—lie sorrâ—e for his sicknes for if he die as heauen forbidde quoth shee secretlie the Emperour my Father shall loose more then hée thinketh on the great seruice hee hath doone for him already may giue instaunce of my words and more he béeing the Sonne of so great a Prince as he is By this time had such extreame gréefe ouerburdened her hart as she was constrained feigning to goe to the Empresse ChaÌ„ber to leaue her Brother that she might alone by her selfe bemoane her fréends hard fortune CHAP. V. Howe Griana sent a Ring to the Prince Florendos by Cardina her Mayde desiring him as he loued her to comfort himselfe and of the aunswere he sent her SO soone as Griana hadde left her Brother she went into her chaÌ„ber where more and more shee lamented for the sicknes of Florendos and with her teares shee coupled these discourses May it be that anie liuing creature can deserue so gréeuous punishment as I doo that endaunger the life of the woorthiest Knight in the worlde Unhappy that I am that loue yea the loue he beares to mee should bring so braue a Gentleman to so hard an exigent but if he die such iust vengeaunce will I take vpon my selfe as I wyl not remaine one howre aliue after him and let our ghostes seeke their owne quiet in death that Fortune would not affoorde vs in life Yet will I thus farre first aduenture and that before any sléepe enter these eies of mine try if it consist in my power to ease his extreamitie that buyes my loue at too déere a price And in this anguish of minde she called one of her Damoselles the Daughter of her Nurse named Cardina whom aboue the rest she trusted most and to her she began in manner following Cardina thou knowest the loue I alwaies bare thy Mother and for her sake howe well I haue thought of thée I haue knowne thée long time a true and faithfull Seruaunt but nowe Cardina is a time beyonde all other to make tryall of thy truth and to witnesse thy loyaltie to me onelie as thou art sure so to bee secrete and so secrete as I must put my life and honour into thy secrecie Cardina who was wise and of good gouernement hearing Griana vse such earnest spéeches imagined that she would commit no commoÌ„ matter to her trust with such coniuration whereuppon she modestlie returned thys aunswere Madame rather had I be torne péecemeale in sunder then anie thing you commaunde for secrete shoulde by me be reuealed without your licence and so assure your selfe that while I liue you shall finde mee as faithfull in déede as I promise in worde I neuer hitherto quoth the Princesse had other opinion of thée listen nowe therefore what I shall commaunde thée I haue vnderstoode for certaine Cardina that the gréeuous sicknes of the Prince Florendos is caused by verie earnest loue which hee beares to me for I account it great pittie to loose so good a Knight doo so much as take the paines to goe to him from me and saie I desire him to bee of good chéere and if there bee any thing in my power may doo him good I will gladlie accomplish it as she that loues him as her own selfe and to assure him thereof saie I sende him this Ring which I wyll him to kéepe as a pledge of my loue Madame answered Cardina Fortune spéede me so well as my paines may giue ease to both your passions and might my sentence like you Madame I knowe no Knight so worthy your loue as Florendos Goe then sayd Griana and returne againe so soone as thou canst So went Cardina straite to the lodging of the Prince Florendos at the entraunce whereof shee met the Prince Caniano so heauie and pensiue as might be because he perceiued his Fréend to consume awaie euerie day more and more But Cardina who had well learned her lesson stept aside and would not be séene of Caniano who beeing gone shee went vp to the Chamber where when shee was readie to enter she hearde the Prince coÌ„plaine in this sort Ah poore wretch must thou néedes die without anie hope of remedie And as he would haue procéeded on Cardina stepped to him and after she had saluted him said to him secretelie that the Princesse Griana had sent her to him to vnderstand of his health and beléeue me good Prince quoth she I neuer sawe Ladie so sorrowfull for your sicknes as she is She commendeth her selfe to your honour most hartilie and hath sent you this Ring as an earnest of the looue she beares you desiring you to bee of good chéere and comfort your selfe because she desires to sée you to confer with you of matters that concerne you bothe néerelie These wordes so rauished the spirit of Florendos as a good while he doubted whether he dreamed or that hee might giue credite to what he hearde for albeit he knewe the messenger so well as anie in the Courte yet coulde he not perswade himselfe that hee was so fortunate At length betwéene hope and dispayre he tooke the Ring which he entertained with manie deuoute kysses and embracing Cardina so well as hee coulde thus answered Alas my swéete fréende may it bee possible that my Ladie hath such regard of him who neuer was able to doo her anie seruice Doubt not thereof my Lorde aunswered Cardina and if you will declare your loue answerable to hers in vertue you must giue testimonie thereof by comforting your person that she may sée you so soone as may be Ah fayre Uirgin quoth he let my whole life be imployed in what shall like her diuine nature to coÌ„maunde
howe he excused his consent by the promise he had made before to Tarisius through the dailie and earnest perswasions of the Empresse Notwithstanding quoth he in respect you haue not consented thereto I hope they shall finde themselues farre beyonde their reckoning Nowe for the Princesse she neuer knewe that Tarisius had laboured to haue her to hys Wife because she made so light account of him as she wold rather die then consent thereto whereuppon shee returned Florendos this aunswere The Emperour my Father hath reason to thinke hardlie of my Mother and great discredite will it be to her to procure my mariage against my wil for neuer shall I consent thereto and therefore my Lord I desire your aduise how I may preuent this ensuing daunger Madame answered Florendos my deuise is layd already so please you to accept thereof I will conuey you hence secretlie and before the Emperour or any one know of it into my Countrey of Macedon where I and mine shall entertaine you with great and reuerend honour and you shall be our gracious Lady and Princesse Beléeue me sayd she it is doubtfull in such a iourney what daungers may happen notwithstanding hauing vowed my selfe onlie yours be it to the lyking or dislyking of my Father and Mother I had rather breake through the straights of a greater hazarde then be forced to marrie him whome while I liue I can not like therefore doo you expecte the aduauntage of the time and I will aduenture with you whether you please Madame answered Florendos continue you this resolution and referre the rest to my charge which you shall see effected ere thrée daies be past in the meane while I entend to take my leaue of the Emperour your Father with this excuse that the King my Father commaundeth my returne home for which cause I will sende my traine before reseruing onelie but tenne of my best Knights to accompany me For that quoth Griana doo what you thinke best without anie further expecting me in this place certifie me how things happen by your Cozin Frenate or my Maide Cardina But nowe you sée the daie beginnes to breake wherfore let me desire you to depart that no sâ—andall or suspition arise of our méeting Florendos kissing the Princesse hand though longer hee woulde haue stayde humbly tooke hys leaue and by the helpe of Lerina hee got ouer the Wall againe where Fâ—enato stayed his comming to whâ—m when he was entred his lodging hee imparted the appointment betwéene him and the Princesse desiring him to discharge his trayne except ten of his best approoued Knights to help him if any hinderance preuented his intent as for the rest they should be going on before and stay his câ—mming at an appointed place thrée daies iourney from Constantinople In the morning he awaited the Emperours câ—mming abroad to whom he said that he had receiued Letters from yâ— King his Father with expresse commaundement to make spéedy returne home therefore my good Lord sayd hee I desire to depart with your fauourable lyking and in respect I may not contrary where I am bounde to obey I intend to morrow to set forward on my iourney assuring your highnesse that in what place I shall chaunce to come I am yours in loyall and faithfull seruice My good Cozin aunswered the Emperour I giue you thankes with all my hart for yâ— honour you haue doone me with your gentle presence and if you haue occasion to vse mâ—e in ought you shall perceiue howe highlie I loue and estéeme of you My Lord said Florendos I desire to deserue the great kindnes I haue found alreadie so taking his leaue the Emperour embraced him and as he issued forth of the Chamber he met the Prince Caniano of whom he tooke his leaue likewise who desired him to staie thrée or foure daies loÌ„ger In which time there came to the Courte certaine Ambassadours which yâ— Kinge of Hungaria had sent to the Emperour to conclude the mariage betwéene his Sonne Taâ—â—sius and the Princesse Griana the Duke of Gramay béeing chéefe in this Embassade who was accompanied with manie Knightes and Gentlemen of name and account to whom the Empresse gaue verie gracious welcome in that shee had priuatlie procured this their comming As these Ambassadours entred the great Chamber Caniano and Tarisius who accompanied them perceiued Griana to withdrawe her selfe aside very sad and mellanchollie whereupon Caniano came vnto her greatlie abashed at her angry countenaunce and thus hee began Fayre Sister at this time when you ought to shewe the moste cheerefull countenaunce you are more sadde then of long time I haue séene you me thinkes you haue good occasion to be merrie séeing the Emperour my Father hath prouided you so braue a Husbande as is my Cozin the Prince Tarisius who I am sure loues you as his owne life Ah brother quoth she I knowe not what should mooue him so to doo séeing I neuer thought so well of him and more gladlie could I entertaine mine owne death then bee constrained to loue where I cannot These words did Tarisius easily vnderstand notwithstanding he made shewe as though he did not but going to the Empresse he desired her to stay there with the Emperour séeing the Ambassadours were come from the King his Father that what was begun as concerning him and Griana might nowe be finished according to her promise Uppon this occasion the Empresse called Griana aside and with smoothe and swéete spéeches began to breake with her howe for her good shee had induced the Emperour to giue her in marriage to her Cozin Tarisius and what honourable aduantage she shoulde receiue thereby wherefore faire Daughter saide she resolue your selfe with childlike obedience to thinke well of that your Parents haue determined All these perswasions coulde not drawe one pleasing word from the Princesse but shee excused her selfe still by the desire shee had to remaine as sâ—ee was and rather then to marrie shee would take a religious life vpon her with which words she brake into such teares as the Empresse was constrained to leaue her alone not doubting to finde her the next time in better tune Griana then considering with her selfe how she shoulde be enforced at length to yéelde whether she woulde or no if Florendos did not the sooner accomplish his enterprise called Cardina vnto her and sent her with this charge to Florendos that that present night he shoulde not fayle to méete her in the Garden where she would be readie to depart with him otherwise he should neuer gaine the like opportunitie with which message Cardina departed CHAP. VII How Florendos came that night to the Garden to conclude what he and Griana had intended and what happened to them FLorendos vnderstanding the will of his Mistresse with great dilligence laboured to execute what they had intended and taking his leaue at yâ— Courte feigned he woulde returne no more but take his waie straight towards Macedon Tarisius whose iealousie increased
Mother nor any of my kindred notwithstanding mine owne hart makes mee iudge no lesse of my selfe and more gladlie would I die then doo anie thing that were not vertuous and well woorthie the name of a Gentleman And trust me said Florendos I am of the same opinion this night therefore you must obserue the religious watch as is accustomed and to morrowe will I giue you your order and put the spurre on your héele my selfe Palmerin on his knée humblie kissed the Princes hand and continuing in talke togeather Florendos tooke a great delight in beholding him so that hee demaunded his name and Countrey My Lord quoth he they which found me amongst the Palme Trées on y◠Mountaine of Oliues not farre from Constantinople haue giuen me the name of Palmerin By mine honour said Florendos I ought wel to know the Cittie whereof you speake as the place wherein my déerest affections tooke their first life and not long since are bequeathed to death awaiting nowe but the howre to be discharged of the burden Thus hauing in his companie his vnknowne Sonne begotten by him on the Princesse Griana knew little that his loue had sorted to such effect neuerthelesse nature prouoked him to like so well of Palmerin as none in y◠Courte contented him more then he And longer woulde they haue continued their talke but that faire Arismena interrupted them asking Palmerin if he woulde discharge her of the request he demaunded That doo I Madame quoth hee and in requitall thereof dedicate the whole circuit of my life to your gracious seruice and to begin my deuoire on your be halfe so soone as I haue receiued my Knighthoode I wyll take my iourney towards the Serpent in hope to bring the water that must recouer the King your Fathers health Alas good Sir said she God forbidde that you should fall in such daunger by my meanes I know well aunswered Palmerin that I can die but once and if it be nowe then am I dispatched and if I escape I shall doo that whereof many other haue failed and this is my resolution faire Madame Beléeue me said Florendos me thinkes you are as yet too yong to finish an action wherein consists so great daunger I praie you therfore referre it vnto such as haue had more experience in Armes then as yet you haue My Lorde saide Palmerin in other matters I shall obey when you cōmand but this I must desire you not to disswade me from Well then quoth Florendos séeing you will néedes haue it so I am content you shall in the meane while kéepe mee companie as for Sworde and Armour trouble not you selfe to prouide ame because my selfe will furnish you sufficientlie Thus all daie Florendos accompanied Palmerin demaunding of him what things he had séene in Constantinople and falling from one discourse to another he asked him what Esquire he had to attēd on him Thē he shewed his Dwarffe called Vrbanillo such a deformed and euill fauoured felow as euerie one that saw him laughed hartilie whereuppon Palmerin said to Florendos By my faith my Lorde as vnséemelie as he is I thinke so well of him as I should be displeased if he were anie waie iniuried Assure your selfe said Florendos that he will stand you in great stedde when you haue no néede of him and looke y◠you leaue nothing behind you that you néede to fight against the Serpent and trust it in his discretion to bring after you When Vrbanillo perceiued euerie one test so with him he was halfe angrie and in some choller thus said to the Prince I can no waie my Lord better my shape or proportion but if I liue this little deformed bodie of mine shall giue you to vnderstande that I beare so good a minde as where my Maister leaues his life I meane to finish mine and though in meane while I can doo him no other seruice he shal be assured of my trueth and loyaltie But not offended Owarffe my good freende saide Florendos for I thinke well of thée and of thy behauiour And so because the Tables were couered for Supper they brake of talke Palmerin preparing himself to his watchfull deuoire in the Chappell CHAP. XV. Howe Florendos gaue to Palmerin the Armour and Sword of Gamezio whom hee slewe before Constantinople and afterwarde Knighted him and howe a Damosell came to the Court who presented him with a Helmet and a rich Sheelde THe time béeing come that Palmerin should performe his deuonte watch in the Chappel before hee receiued his Knighthoode according to the auncient custome Florendos gaue commaundement that the Armour of Gamezio should bee brought him which the Emperour had giuen him after his conquest of the Soldan of Babilons army on the Sea as you haue heard before and these he shewed to Palmerin saying My fréend this Armour sometimes belonged to the best Knight of his time whom neuerthelesse I conquered béeing then more pleasant ioyfull and at better content then I shal be while I haue a daie to liue And because I haue some speciall opinion of your prowesse and that these ornaments of defence you will better imploy then anie other on whom I shal bestowe them I praie you henceforth to weare them for my sake My Lorde saide Palmerin my desire is that my seruice towardes your honour maie be witnessed in my good imploying of this gentle gift Then Frenato and diuers other Knights did helpe to arme him and afterward accompanied him to the Chappell where all that night hee spent in sollemne orisons that God would endue him with strength to vanquish the Serpent that so the King might againe receiue his health At the breake of daie as Florendos went to the Chappell to giue him his order there entred among them on the suddaine a comelie Damosell bearing a Helmet a Shéeld of Azier the goodliest and most beautifull that euer was séene vpon the Shéelde béeing portraied a Ladies arme hauing her hande fast closed togeather the Damosell comming before the Prince Florendos began thus I pray you my Lord to pause a while till I haue conferred a little with Palmerin Florendos was greatlie amazed at this accident in that he had neuer séene the Damosell before notwithstanding he returned this answere Faire Damosell my Fréende good leaue haue you to saie what you please Then comming to Palmerin and falling on her knées before him she saide Sir Palmerin a Knight that hath authoritie to commaund me and whom as yet you doo not knowe hath sent you by me this Helment and Shéelde wherein you shall find the verie secretes of your hart And if you desire to know whence this honour procéedeth it commeth from him who hath prooued the effect héereof and that knowes more of you néerest affairest then you doo your selfe albeit as yet he hath neuer séene you Damosell saide Palmerin where maie I finde the learned man that hath thus honored mee whō I may remunerate with my chéefest endeuours heerafter You
maist be deceiued but God is alwaies fréende to iustice and equitie and enemie to such as goe against them But because you shall know the occasion why these foure Knights would haue taken the glass from Vrbanillo you must note that they were all Sonnes to a great Lorde of a Castell which was a daies iourneie off the Mountaine Artifaeria who hauing intelligence by Shéepe-heards and other pesants what good fortune had befallen Palmerin to kill the Serpent and bring away the fatall water repined greatlie thereat for the Lorde did highlie mallice the King of Macedon because he had enforced him to surrender a Manour which he against all right held froÌ„ one of his Sisters and for this cause knowing that by the vertue of that water the King shold recouer his health hée sent his foure Sonnes to take it from Palmerin whose successe in their attempt fell out as you haue heard Now Palmerin by this time is come to Macedon to the King whom with great reuerence he saluted on his knée when yâ— King embracing him so well as he could saide Trust me my good Fréende next God I must néedes estéeme you dearest for that as he by his Godhead hath made me breath this ayre though weake and sicklie by diuine prouidence hee hath sent you to restore me my bodilie health from hencefoorth therefore I shall intreate you to commaund mee and mine at your pleasure My gratious Lorde saide Palmerin the heauens giue me successe to doo you seruice for I knowe no Prince liuing this daie for whom I would more gladly aduenture my life I thank you good Sir quoth the King but the gréefe I haue sustained for the sorrow of my Sonne Florendos brought me into such a long and lingering extreamitie as well may I blesse the time that by your good successe am so happilie deliuered let me therefore entertaine you as my seconde Sonne and perswade your selfe of such a Father who wil loue you as if you were his owne naturall Childe in that I and the greater part of my Kingdom shal be at your disposition Woorthy Sir saide Palmerin woorthilie might I be reputed amongst the worst in the world refusing the honour you please to offer mee especiallie in such an extraordinarie kinde of fauour for the rest beeing thus accepted in your princely grace I haue sufficient béeing furnished with Horse and Armour to doo me seruice With these wordes the King embraced him and méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes so that Palmerin staied longer with him then he made account to doo till the Duke of Durace sent for him as you shall reade in the discourse following CHA. XIX How Duke Astor of Durace sent to the King of Macedon desiring him to sende him the Knight that had slaine the Serpent on the Mountain Artifaeria to ayde him against the Countie Passaco of Mecaena who laide straight siedge to one of his Citties SO farre was spread the fame of this victory which Palmerin in had against the Serpent on the Mountaine Artifaeria as at length the Dake Astor of Durance hearde therof against whom the Countle Passaco of Mecaena wargeâ— battaile and seeing himselfe vnable to resiste his enemic minded to sende to the King of Macedon requiring ayde of teh Knight that slewe the Serpent at the enchaunted Fountaine and heereuppon he dispatched one of his Gentlemen towards the King who made good haste till he came thither when dooing his reuerence and deliuering his Letters of credite to the King he saide Dreadâ— Lorde the Duke of Durace my Maister most huÌ„bly salutes your Maiestie by me The King hauing read the Letters and noting the contents bad the Messenger discharge the rest of his message It is so Sir said the Gentleman that of long time my Lord and maister hath béene assaulted by the Countie Passaco and in such cruell sorte hath warred on him as he hath well neere destroyed his whole Countrie for he hath taken the Cittie of Mizzara and againste all right dooth challenge it for his owne After this the Duke my Maister raysing his siedge to bid him battaile Fortune hath béene so contrarie to my Lorde as his noble Sonnes are slaine and the greater part of his worthyest Gentlemen Yet not contented with all this the Countie pursues him sâ—il to his very Cittie of Durace which he hath begirt with siedge so stronglie as hee is doubtfull of a further daunger But within these eyght daies he vnderstood that your highnesse hath heere a Knight that slewe the Serpent on the enchaunted Mountaine in whose valour my Lorde reposeth such confidence as woulde you graunt him licence to come thither my Lorde will accompany him with so manie hardie men at Armes as he doubts not to enforce the Countie to leaue his Country and for that the matter requireth expedition he desires your assistaunce with all possible spéede I am sorrie quoth the King that the Duke my Nephew is in such extremitie and I promise you I did not thinke as yet to part with Palmerin but séeing the necessitie is so vrgent I will intreate him to goe with you and so manie approued Knights with him as the Countie shal perceiue I am not well pleased with his hard dealing towardes my Nephew Nowe was Palmerin present when the Gentleman deliuered his message which pleased him not a little because he would gladlie leaue the King to followe his fortune and was thus held from his desire by importunate requestes but seeâ—g the King had graunted to sende him to the Duke he fell on his knées vsing these spéeches In respect my good Lord that the Duke your Nephew hath vrgent occasion to imploy me and in that his sute is onely for me without any other of your people I beséeche you suffer me to goe alone to him for my hope is so good in a cause of trueth and 〈◊〉 that wee shall bee sufficient there to ende the controuâ—â—ie Not so my good fréende Palmerin said the King you 〈◊〉 not haâ—arde your selfe alone but take such companie 〈…〉 with you My Lord quoth Palmerin he demaundes me without any other companye and therefore let mee perswade you to satisâ—fie his request so turning to the Gentleman he bid him prepare to set forward for he was readie Worthie Sir answered the Messenger with what expedition you please for neuer was Knight expected with more earnest longing for then you are This suddaine resolution of Palmerin displeased Florendos wherefore taking him aside he said I sée then my déere Fréende you will needes bee gone albeit your companie hath giuen mee greater sollace delight then any thing els since I lost mine onelie content yet is my regarde of your honor such yâ— I feare more to heare your mis-fortune then I pittie the necessitie of my Cozin the Duke of Durace Yet let me intreate you that finishing your intent with fortunate successe you make your present returne to the King my Father whose loue and whose liberalitye you neede not
time on the other side Ptolome had so canuazed the Counties Brother as he sealed him a quittaunce with his sword for his life Then began the Counties Souldiours to dispayre of their successe and Palmerin with his traine to follow them so closelie as they were glad to take themselues to flight leauing theyr Maister ouerthrowne in the Armie where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horses Thus did the victorie remaine to the Duke his enemies scattering in flight gladde to saue their liues whom Palmerin commanded to follow no further least gathering themselues togeather againe and espying aduauntage they might so endanger them for oftentimes the vanquished too narrowly pursued recouer courage daunte the pride of the conquerers For this cause he returned with his men into the Citty the Duke vnderstanding the foyle of his enemie which made him with a great number of woorthy Cittizens to goe méet Palmerin and Ptolome whome embracing hee thus entertained Ah good Knights by you is my estate recouered and the death of my Sonnes reuenged on the murderer therefore dispose of me and myne as you shall thinke beste to which words Palmerin thus answered My Lord let heauen haue the honour of our victory as for me I haue doone and will héereafter what I can for the great kindnesse of the King of Macedon your Uncle who hath honored mee in sending me to you and other recompence I neuer did or will séeke As they thus parled togeather the Duke perceiued by the blood on Palmerins Armour that he was wounded in manie places wherefore quoth he I sée you are sore wounded let vs make haste to our Pallace where a Ladye attending on the Duchesse and well séene in chirurgeri◠shall giue attendaunce on you till you are recouered So mounting on horsebacke they rode to the Pallace where Palmerin was lodged Béeing brought into his Chamber the Duchesse and her Daughter holpe to vnarme him when the Ladie dressed his wounds perswading him there was no daunger in them to be feared Thus each one departing Laurana the Duchesse Daughter called Vrbanillo the Dwarsse saying to him My Fréende desire thy Mayster to make bolde of any thing he wants and that for my sake he will dispayre of nothing Madame said y◠Dwarffe you haue good reason to wish my Maister well as well for the good assistaunce he gaue the Duke your Father as also in respecte of his deserts which are as honourable as any that euer came in this Court These words Palmerin verie well hearde hauing his eye continually on her wherefore when shee and all the other were departed hee called Vrbanillo demaunding what talke he had with the Princesse which he reported and his answere also Gramercies said Palmerin I pray thée find the meane to let her knowe that I am her Seruaunt and Knight ready to accomplishe anie thing that she shal commaunde me Referre this matter to me Sir quoth the Dwarffe I knowe what Saint must patronize these affaires and what offering must bee layde on his Altar CHAP. XX. Howe Palmerin became highlie enamoured with the beautie of the Princesse Laurana thinking her to bee the Lady that sollicited him in his visions VRbanillo the Dwarffe not forgetfull of his Maisters commandement the next day when Laurana came with her Mother to visite Palmerin shee tooke the Dwarffe aside demaūding what reste his Maister tooke the night past Madame quoth he indifferent I thanke God and you for in you two consists the disposition of my Maisters health As howe quoth shee Thus Madame said Vrbanillo the first day that he behelde you hee gaue the whole possession of himselfe so firmely to you as day night he meditates on your diuine perfections doubting in requital of his seruice to my Lord your Father and his Countrey whose liues and yours he hath defended him selfe shal be repayed with suddaine and cruel death for had he not come for your safetie well had he escaped this daungerous extreamitie Then séeing fayre Madame that his valour hath béene the meane of your deliueraunce doo not so degenerate from gentle nature as to kill him that gaue you life Why my Freend quoth she what wouldest thou haue me doo To loue him swéete Madame quoth he as hée doth you Alas sayd she thou mayst assure thy selfe y◠none can wysh thy Maister better then I doo béeing my duetie and his desert with which wordes shee chaunged colour with such modest bashfulnes as it might be perceiued shee could hardly master her affectiōs Which when y◠Dwarffe behelde as one not to learne his lesson in this arte perswaded himselfe by the very lookes of Laurana that his Maysters loue would sort to happy ende and thereuppon he followed the matter thus I thinke Madame that you wysh my Maister as well as anie but that is not enough vnlesse your wysh agrée wyth his in this poynt that you graunt your selfe his onely Lady and Mistresse as hee hath vowed himselfe your Knight and Seruant If it may please you to wysh this good to my Maister vouchsafe this fauour as a president of your lyking that so soone as he shall finde himselfe better in health you wyll but consent to speake with him alone in some such conuenient and vnsuspected place as hee may haue liberty to acquaint you with the secrets of his thoughts Alas quoth she how should I so doo without offering too much impeache to mine owne honour Madame saide the Dwarffe the night giues fauour to loues swéete enterprises By this time the Duchesse was ready to depart which Laurana perceiuing sayd to the Dwarffe Assure thy Maister from me that I am more his thē myne owne and I will doo for his welfare what I may with modestie By reason of their departure the Dwarffe coulde not make her answere but shaddowing the matter as hee had doone before went about his Maisters busines till hee came and found him alone when he discoursed all that had past betwéene the Princesse and him which so well contented Palmerin as nothing coulde more because he perswaded himselfe as I haue saide alreadie that this was shee which the thrée Sisters promised him by whom he shoulde receiue the honour that destinie allowed him For thys cause thence forwarde he was verie desirous to knowe her name commaunding Vrbanillo very straightly to enquire it which hee did informing his maister that her name was Laurana whereupon he well sawe that hee was deceiued in that the Sisters had named his Mistresse Polinarda and therefore he resolued to withdraw his affection and to depart thence so soone as he should be able to beare Armor But it may be easilie presumed that when one hath so far ventured in loue that he perceiues himself beloued as the Dwarffe perswaded his Maister hardly can hee giue ouer so faire a beginning yet héere it fell out contrary as you shall well perceiue that the ende was more suddaine then the beginning Palmerin now knowing the Princesse name began to vse other
presented his Cozins the one named Edron proude and arrogant and the other Edward of selfe same qualitie These two tooke their oathes with the Countie that the Princes accused conspired the Kinges death in such sort as hath béene before declared and olde Adrian Dyardo and fayre Cardonya sware the contrary But it is true and I wil not denie it said the Prince Dyardo that I haue and doo loue Ladie Cardonya as much or rather more then mine owne selfe yet neuer did I cary any other intent but to request her in holie wedlocke so pleased the King and Quéene to like so well thereof as we coulde But that euer I intended treason or villainie it is most false and Countie thou liest in thy throate and thy copartners that haue sworne with thee It is sufficient said Palmerin but my Lord ê™ he to the King if wee be conquerers the accused shall bee deliuered and the accusers hanged What saie you Countie quoth the King Good reason Sir the like doo we request if we be victors Will you saide Palmerin that eache shall helpe his fellow as he findes it conuenient What els said the Countie that is expedient While this talke endured Edron regarded so well Palmerin that hee espied the Sworde which the Damosell carried in the Casket and brought to that Courte as she did to others which shewing the Countie he saide out aloude Where did the deuils finde this Knight to giue him this Sworde Belike they gaue him strength to drawe it out els he might haue failed as manie other did the Damosell was vnwise to bestowe it in such bad sorte At which wordes Palmerin beeing angry returned Edron this rounde auâ—swere I see Knight there is in thee more brauery and foolishe glorie then manlie action thou blamest mee before thou knowest me but ere you and I part I le finde better reason to bestowe on you and beate better gouernment into your pate with this sword that likes you not This caused euery one wishlie to beholde Palmerin the King remembring that he had séene the Sworde which none in his Court coulde deserue to conquere whereuppon he estéemed so well of Palmerin as he commaunded Edron to silence and all to goe arme themselues because hee intended that day to see the Combat fought CHAP. XXV Howe Palmerin Adrian Ptolome entered the Combat against the Countie of Ormeque and his Cozins whom they honorably vanquished AFter the King had commaunded the Knights to goe arme themselues he gaue charge to foure of his auncientest Knights to see the fielde prouided and there to place the Iudges according to the wonted custome in Bohemia the Knights béeing careful of the Kinges commaunde had soone prepared all things in readines wherefore the King his Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen went to sée the issue of this valiant enterprise Then was the Prince Dyardo and faire Cardonya brought into the fielde before whom was made a very great fire wherein they should be burned if the Countie conquered Soone after came the sixe Combatants who entered at two places appointed one against the other the Challengers beeing conducted by two of the Iudges to their place and the Defendants by the other two where they were appointed so the Iudges beeing placed the Marshal summoned the fielde and the Heraldes bid the Champions doo their deuoâ—re Palmerin had good regard to Edron whose words sticking on his stomacke called now for reuenge wherefore couching his Launce he encountered him with such a full carrire as his Launce passed through his bodie and Edron tombled dead to the ground In the meane while the Countie and Prince Adrian had vnhorssed eache other Adrian so sore wounded as he could hardlie helpe himselfe as for Ptolome and Edward they had astonied each other with falles from their Horsses but they recouered themselues quicklie and with sharpe strokes beganne to charge eache other valiantly Greatlie ashamed was the Countie to bee vnhorssed and therfore to recouer his honour he came with great furie towardes his enemie which Palmerin perceiuing stept betwéene them saying To me Countie to mee who wil bid more for thy heade then anie in the field With which wordes he reached him such a sure stroke on the head as made the fire flie foorth of his eyes notwithstanding as a man of good courage he stept aside thrusting his sword into Palmerins Horse throate enforced him quickly to take him to his féete but all the worse for him as it fell out afterwarde for Palmerin hauing beaten him out of breath he flong away his weapon and caught him about the middle where they tugged so long togeather that Palmerin getting him downe and his knées on his belly with his sword soone tooke his heade from his shoulders All this while Ptolome had good play with his enemie and after manie daungerous woundes receiued on either side at length hee had the better of the daie by killing his aduersarie Then he and Palmerin went to the Iudges who giuing theÌ„ sentence of honourable victory they tooke of their Helmets came to sée in what estate the Prince Adrian was Euill enough quoth he my noble good Fréends but the lesse account doo I make of my life in that mine eyes haue séene due vengeaunce on mine enemies Then was he nobly borne forth of the fielde the King commaunding to lodge him in his owne Pallace and the Chirurgions searching his wounds founde them mortall which newes did gréeue the whole Court ingenerall the good olde Prince yet béeing of some courage was ioyfull to die in so good sorte hauing defended his owne honour and his Sonnes whâ—me he sent for and in the presence of all the standers by saâ—d My Son séeing it hath pleased God thus to sende for me good reason is it that his will bee fulfilled but ere I depart this I commaunde thée that next God thou truely serue and loue my Lorde the King bearing towards him a hart so faithfull as I haue doone to the hower of my death and conceiue no essence at what hath passed against thée and me hauing come to passe as I iudge more by euill counsel then any setled perswasion against vs. For the rest to thy vttermost remeÌ„ber the good thou hast this daie receiued by yâ— noble Knight who is called Palmerin then calling Palmerin to him hee saide Sir Palmerin death hath seized so surelie on me as I cannot let you know a number of things that concerne you very néerelie I counsell you therefore to trauaile to yâ— Emperours Court of Allemaigne where you shal heare tidings of that you séeke so earnestlie with which wordes hee deliuered vppe his ghost And because it seemeth good â—re I passe any further to let you knowe how the Prince Adrian came by the knowledge of Palmerin thus it is I haue heretofore reported that he was a notable Cabalist or Magitian by meanes whereof fewe secrets were concealed from him so casting the Callender of most honourable byrthes he haâ—pened on Palmerin and
presently he marched towards his enemie who held in his hande a Persian Bowe with an arrow in it readie to shoote hauing a great sorte more at his backe in his Quiuer he was of vnreasonable stature yet with a countenaunce sterne and couragious all which could not dismay Palmerin but called to him in this maner Proud Knight that by the ayde of deuils and euill spirits hast committed monstrous cruelties it is nowe time that hee whom thou seruest should haue his pray which is thy soule into endlesse perdition And so without staying for any aunswer hee ran valiantly against him but the enchaunted Knight taking his aduauntage shot an arrowe at him so violently as if pierced through his Armour to the bare flesh Palmerin hauing broken his Launce with an yron Mace he had he reached such a stroke to the Knight as hee brake his Bowe in two peeces and the blowe falling on the head of his Horse made him therewithall fall deade to the grounde The Knight hauing recouered himselfe tooke a Mace that hung at his saddle Bowe and came against Palmerin who was nowe on foote likewise so layd they on loade terribly with their Maces that the Emperour and his Lordes and Ladies hearing the strokes came to the windowes to see the CoÌ„bat little thinking that any one durst presinne to meddle with his enemie yet all this while the Knights neuer breathed though theyr Sheeldes and Armour were very much mangled and their bodies wounded in many places And because Palmerin sawe the sight endure so long wyth the Mace he threw it downe and tooke him to his Sword wherewith he did so bumbaste him about the heade as hee could scant tell where to strike againe but the Knight on a suddaine lifting vp his Mace gaue Palmerin such a stroke betwéene the head and the shoulders as made him reele to and fro amazedly yet comming to himselfe and seeing the Knight faint with his great expence of bloode closed with him and casting his legge behinde him threw him to the grounde when setting his foote on his brest to kéepe him downe with his sworde he parted hys head from his bodie What question were it whether the Emperour reioysed hereat or noâ— who for his whole Empire wold not he were aliue againe béeing so well deliuered from his onely enemy in the worlde that coulde so molest him and his Countrey with such crueltie And to say sooth the enchaunted Knight was altogeather inuincible nor could Palmerin haue thus preuailed against his wonderfull enchauntments but that the thrée Magicall Sisters of the Mountaine Artifaeria highly fauoured him as you hearde before what promises they made him The Combat béeing thus ended and the enchaunted Knight dead the Emperour giuing thanks to God for this victory let open the Gates of the Castell and came foorth himselfe to welcome Palmerin who kneeling on his knee before the Emperour thus spake Mighty Prince such renowne haue I hearde through the worlde of your excéeding honour and bountie as I haue trauailed many straunge Countries to come offer you my seruice desiring your highnes if my sute may seeme reasonable to accept me hence forth amongst your Knightly Seruaunts Ah faire Knight aunswered the Emperour it is for me to know of you how I may reâ—â—â—erate this vnspeakable courtesie for but by you mine enemie had triumphed in my spoyle so much theÌ„ is my selfe my Children and Countrey bounde to you as no satis-faction is sufficient to regratiate So taking him by the hand and perceiuing his body wouÌ„ded in many places he conducted him into one of the fayrest Chambers in hys Castell where he was vnarmed commaunding his Chirurgions to take dilligent care of him because in truth they much doubted his life Wherfore getting him into his bed all néedefull things for his health were applyed to him and no cost was spared to saue his life that preserued the wholâ— Countrey CHAP. XXVII Howe the Empresse came to visite Palmerin who kept his Chamber because he had receiued such daungerous woundes in the Combat with the enchaunted Knight and of the speech he had with the fayre Princesse Polinarda THe Empresse with her fayre Daughter Polinarda gladde of the death of the enchaunted Knight came to Palmerins chaÌ„ber to visite him who hearing of their comming cast a night Mantle about him which the Emperor had sent him came with greate reuerence to welcome them so desirous was he to sée her for whom he had trauailed so manie strange Regions In this place it is necessary that you remeÌ„ber what gratious gifts the thrée fatall Sisters bestowed on him in the Mountaine Artifaeria one of them graunting him this speciall fauour that he should be highlie estéemed of her to whom he was destenied so soone as she behelde him which came tâ— passe as héere shall be declared Palmerin expecting the entrance of the Empresse her Daughter in his Chamber méeting them at the dore falling on his knée did with great humilitie kisse their handes but the Empresse taking him vppe in her armes saluted him with these spéeches Gentle Knight right happy may we count our selues by your comming hether the Realme béeing more desolate then it hath béene séene héeretofore and not without cause in respect of the great iniurie the Knight did vs whâ—m you haue slaine he hauing sworne the death of my children that neuer offended him but God bee thanked the lot hath fallen on himselfe which he determined to inflict on other for which great grace they stand so déepelie bound to you as to their Father that first gaue them life which by your prowesse you haue happilie preserued this second gift béeing of no lesse account then the first worthelie may you bee called their seconde Father Palmerin giuing eare to the Empresse salutations had his minde more busied in beholding Polinarda whose daintie regarde so maistred his opinions as heade hart thoughts and all were nowe sette to work yet couertly he shaped this answere to the Empresse Madame what I haue doone for you and yours is nothing in respecte of my great good will for since the time I first had knowledge of my selfe and before I receiued the order of knighthoode vnderstanding of my Lord the Emperour and what honourable entertainment was in his Court I dedicated my seruice to him onelie and for this cause Madame came I hither But howe is it possible Sir saide she that you can content your selfe to be one of his Knights your deserts bein so great Very well Madame quoth he and yours too so please your highnes to affoorde me such fauour With all my hart Sir said she shall I entertaine you towardes the Emperour and on mine owne behalfe will prouide better for you then I will speake of and did it like you I woulde accept you for a Uirgins Knight héere and none other Whereuppon shee called her Daughter Polinarda saying Faire Daughter this Knight as yet hath little acquaintance in the Court I praie you sée his entertainment
maie be good because his desire is to make staie with vs and for your owne part looke that you intreate him well with this request that you accept him for your seruaunt and he shall be your Knight And are you bothe agréed Ladies said Palmerin Heauen forsake me if I refuse honour of so high account And as they woulde haue procéeded on the Emperor came in and brake off their talke and comming to the Empresse saide Madame I beséeche you haue good regarde to the health of this Knight and let our Chirurgions not trifle the time with him for I perswade my selfe that the enchaunted Knight with his venomed arrowes hath wounded him with great daunger inwardlie and hath besides sore brused his bodie with the weight of his Mace But Palmerin hauing Polinarda so néere him neither minded his woundes or what the Emperour had spoken his obiect more delighted then his woundes gréeued him then the Emperour taking him by the hande saide I pray you my déere Freende to bee of good comfort dispayre not for anie thing I beseeche you and bee aduised by them y◠haue care of your health for you shall want nothing if my Crowne will purchase it So departed hee and the Empresse with their Daughter Polinarda whome loue had already so inueigled that she béeing yet but tender of yéeres found her selfe so restrained of her libertie as scant she knewe howe to dissemble this suddaine affection and from that time forward she became so sadde and pensiue as one of her Ladies the most fauoured and familiar with her named Brionella Daughter to the Duke of Saxon well perceiued it yet durst shee not presume to demaunde whence procéeded this strange alteration but so circumspectly did she regarde the Princesse as she well noted the grounde of her gréefes Whereuppon it happened that one time amongst other they two béeing alone togeather Brionella iudging that her Ladie delighted to heare spéeche of Palmerin nowe to hitte the nayl◠on the heade she thus began What say you Madame by your fauour of the newe come Knight did you euer sée a brauer and more accomplisht Gentleman Upon my faith Madame in mine opinion I thinke that nature hath wrought all her perfections in him and fauoured him aboue all other Knights in manhoode and Chiualrie Ah Brionella aunswered the Princesse thou art not alone of this opinion for I euer thought as much though I kept it in silence would God I had as great authoritie ouer him as he alreadie hath gotten ouer me Is the matter so with you saide Brionella it shoulde séeme you are in looue with him then To tell thée the trueth Brionella quoth shee I am and did I not doubt foure other hath preuented mee I would aduenture to make him mine In good sooth Madam said Brionella you two béeing vnited togeather in one reciprocall league of loue well might it bee reported the most honourable match and of the two noblest yong Princes through the whole worlde and séeing you haue made a choyse so worthie dismay not good Madame but proceede in your determination Thus deuised the two Ladies together on Palmerin who was no lesse in affliction for the looue of Polinarda whom hee had searched with so gréat payne and trauaile and had nowe founde with so high good fortune If loue was so earnest with him before in his sléeping visions hauing not séene her much more vehement was the impression nowe hauing her in presence Whereupon the day folowing he called for his garments and as he was making himselfe readie the Emperour by one of his Gentlemen sent him the good morrow desirous to vnderstande in what plight he felt himselfe Good Sir aunswered Palmerin to the Gentleman I beséeche you doo my humble dutie to the Emperour for this great courtesie and you may thus assure him that heauen be praised I féele my selfe in so good estate as euer I did Which the Emperour hearing was highlie contented and sent to desire his companie to the Chappell where Palmerin neuer before so throughlie touched with the forcible assaults of looue glaunced so manie swéete lookes on the Princesse Polinarda and breathed so many sighes the secrete Ambassadours of his harte as it was a heauen to him to be in these passions The Emperour and all the traine returned from the Chappell they went to meate and Palmerin beeing placed right against Polinarda was in such fits as hee knewe not what countenaunce to vse for his couller went and came in such manner as the Princesse might easilie iudge the cause of his dolour wherupon she presentlie presumed that she had more interrest in his thoughts then ere she looked for The like opinion conceiued he of her yet was no other testimony deliuered on either side then sad countenances the reuealers of a tormented spirite Thus continued these two louers till the Tables were withdrawne and then the Lords and Ladies fel to dauncing in which delight and diuers other the whole day was spent till the Empresse and her Ladies departing to their Chambers the good night on all sides was reuerently giuen when Palmerin went to his lodging in such an agonie as more likelie to die then liue hee threwe himselfe on his bedde where hauing sighed and sorrowed long time gréeuously at length hee brake foorth into these tearmes Ah Palmerin vnhappy wretched and moste miserable nowe art thou entred into such a Laborinth as impossible is it for thée to get out again with life but what shoulde mooue thee to so high an enterprise béeing no way able to equall her that is second to none Alas nowe doo I plainlie sée the small credite is to bee reposed in Dreames and that the visions I saw in my Father Gerrards house on the Mountaine Artifaeria and els where are friuolous illusions and of no account with them may I ioyne the promise made mee by olde Adrian who boasted to knowe so much of my fortunes for looue is not of such power on my behalfe that faire Polinarda either can or will make anie reckoning of me Then Palmerin resolue thy selfe suddainlie to die that this inuisible and consuming fire which by little and little melts thée away may bee extinguished and thy selfe eased With these wordes he breathed foorth such an extreame sighe as Vrbanillo the Dwarffe being néere hearde him who doubting least any newe mischaunce had happened by the priuie woundes she enchaunted Archer gaue him made hast to know the cause of this euill Ah Vrbanillo quoth Palmerin I finde my selfe farre worse then deade What my Lorde sayd the Dwarffe now you ought to be of best disposition will you deceiue vs with this alteration The Emperour neuer gaue you bad countenaunce since your comming whence then shoulde procéede thys straunge conceit No no Vrbanillo quoth hee it is not the Emperor but a Lorde of greater power then his Maiestie It is Looue my Lad the strickt commaunder of the stoutest mindes he hath conquered mee and well I knowe I shall die if thou
as you can haue no priuiledge to aske nor I to graunt and therefore content ye This aunswere albeit it was sharpe and scant pleasing to the Prince yet loue so perswaded him that the Duchesse had another meaning then she bewrayed for nothing her countenaunce so full of change he gessed that sâ—me sparks had fallen among her affections wherefore he began againe I beséeche you Madame accuse Loue if I haue spoken to your dislyking yet hope I to sée the time when I shall make knowne howe great my affection is to doo you seruice and continuing this talke he brought her to the Quéenes lodging Loue following them bothe so narrowlie at the héeles as the Duchesse was no lesse affectionate then Lewes was passionate Which when he got some light of in hope to purchase hys his desire he sollicited her in more secrete manner then hee was wont so that being one day in place where they might familiarlie talke Lewes perseuering in his enterprise declared what torments he suffered for her loue whereuppon the Duchesse not onely by the Princes reasons which were perswasiue but as well to mittigate her owne oppressions thus aunswered Great is the force of your perswasions my Lord but greater is yâ— of looue which hath made me yours so that what you request I cannot denie and though it stand not with mine honour yet such is my fortune Let me intreate you therefore to conceale this loue so discréetlie as none may knowe of it especially my Lord the Duke and expect the day that shall yéelde you content and make mee happy This aunswere so highly pleased the Prince as neueâ— man thought himselfe in greater felicitie and rendering her manifold thankes sayd I sweare to you Madame by the diuine force of loue that gouerns vs bothe to bee for euer your Knight and neuer shall any other desire abide in me then you shall like and well allowe of for otherwise I were not worthy this speciall fauour The Duchesse thanking him departed and thenceforth so secretly shaddowed their loue as none suspected that the Prince loued the Duchesse CHAP. XXXII Of the enterprise of Lewes the Prince of Fraunce for the loue of the Duchesse of Burgundie LOng continued the King of Fraunce this state in all magnificence there méeting many noble personages as well Straungers as of the Realme that it was meruailous to behold as also the Ladies and Damosels that accompanyed the Quéene who on a day in the presence Chamber among many Knights conferred of the bountie and prowesse of the florishing braue yong Courtiers among whom the Prince Lewes making one eache one spake in behalfe of his Ladies beautie yet concealing their names to themselues till better occasions might cause theÌ„ deseruedly to be known Al this talke the Prince well marking who for the Duchesse loue was depriued of libertie threw many swéete glaunces at the Mistresse of his affections perswading himselfe that nature neuer made a more perfect creature and not able to make her like againe burst her molde whereupon hee said Lordes and Ladies who with such aduauntage haue chatted on beautie vnderstand that such as you haue yet spoken of or seuerally in your owne thoughts shall thinke vppon may not be equall with one that I knowe euen she that is Ladie and commaunder of my hart whose beautie is so far beyond all other as bright Cynthia from the goodliest star in the firmament And because that none shal imagine how being carried awaie with priuate opinion I vse these spéeches I will make good my words by deedes of Armes against anie Knight whatsoeuer that dare saie the câ—ntrarie Nowe in regard that none shall pleade ignoraunce I will aduertise all Knights howe the first daie of Maie next ensuing and seauen daies more immediatlie following I will be in open fielde in my Tent where I will eâ—ecte a statelie monument on the toppe whereof shall bee her figure whose Knight I am and there will I defende it in this honorable quarrell against such Knights as will Combat for the beautie of their Ladies I affirming mine to excell all other in perfections This condition must be obserued by such as enter the fielde that they bring the Ladies figure with them whom they honor most and if Fortune frowne on them in such sort as they be vanquished they shall there leaue their Ladies Image to be placed vnder my Mistresse as her subiect Nowe if my vnhappy Starres so crosse me as I loose the credite I would bee lothe the conquerer shall enter in my Tent and in my Ladies place shall his Mistresse bee mounted if he meane to maintaine her with such conditions as I doo mine And hee that last shall accomplishe these eyght daies shall beare away the honour with the portraitures of the Ladies which by him or anie other all the saide time haue béene gained And this libertie shall be granted that he which receiues the foyle with the Launce shall CoÌ„bat with the Sworde if he please before he yéelde Nowe that this mine enterprise may be openlie knowne and put in execution as the vertue requireth I will sende Horsemen through all the prouinces of Christendome that all Knights willing thus to aduenture shall be heere receiued His spéeches ended the Gentlemen present could not maruaile sufficiently at this great and high enterprise of the Prince Lewes and the daunger whereinto he thrust himselfe yet not knowing who was the Ladie he woulde thus aduenture for but she béeing present perceiued that the Prince in honour of her loue tooke in hande this perilloâ—s hazarde wherein she conceiued such secrete content as the passioÌ„s of loue hauing penetrated her hart made her feare his mis-fortune which she would not for her life In this assemblie was present the Duke of Sauoye a yong Prince braue hardie and couragious as might be and estéeming so well of himselfe as he thought no Knight in the world coulde vanquish him who to aunswere the Prince Lewes arose and thus spake My Lorde I would not willingly haue entered the Combat against you but that I heard you so farre outreache your selfe as shee whose beautie you maintaine is more perfecte then all other Ladies but shee that is the commaunder of my hart is such a braue accomplished Ladie as in trueth her beautie may not be matched through the whole worlde And to affirme what I saie I sweare by the order of my knighthoode that the morrowe after you haue finished your eight daies enterprise I will enter the same fielde and auerre against all Knights that the Goddesse to whom I am dedicated excelles all other Ladies in her heauenly gifts and he that dare maintaine the câ—ntrarie vnder my Sworde I will make him confesse it All such therefore as will make proofe of their valour shall find me there in my Tent at my appointed day and nine daies after to sustaine the same quarrell in plaine Combat either at the Launce the Maâ—e the Sworde on horsebacke or on foote at his choise
And though I vanquish one Knight it shall not be lawfull for me to rest a minute space but presentlie take him in hande that shall followe and bee it my fortune to bâ—â—oyled by him he shall kéepe the fielde in manner as you my Lord deuised And to the ende all may be the better executed pleaseth you yâ— in such places where your intelligencâ—rs shall come my enterprise may likewise bee declared in respect I hope to behaue my selfe so well as my Ladie will make speciall account of me The Lady for whoÌ„ the Duke of Sauoye thus attempted was Daughter to the King and Sister to Lewes named Lucemania whom he loued intirelie and aboue all thinges desired in marriage which to compasse and to honour his Ladie he thus offered the Combat against all Knights These Princes intending to goe thorow with their intent concluded betwéene them that the Duke of Sauoye shoulde breake it to the King to gaine his good-will whereuppon the Duke departing towards the Quéenes Chamber to finde the King espyed him aâ— very good leysure walking in his Garden to whome hee went in all haste and on his knee thus began So please it your highnes to graunt me oneâ—boone I shall be bounde to continue the â—oue I haue borne your Maiestie which is to prolong my life in your seruice as the most forwarde Knight in your royall Court The King who had long time fauoured the Duke 〈◊〉 him by the hande thus aunswered Demaâ—nde my good Cozin what you please and it shall bée graunted Then the Duke deliberatelie discoursed what the Prince Lewes and he had intended for the loue of theyr Ladies wherwith the King scant content and mâ—ruailing at this hastie enterprise said Why Cozin do you imagine your selues able to maintaine so hard a taske in resâ—â—â—ance of so manie hardie Knights wherewith the worlde is now plentifullie stored Beléeue me in maine Countries are Ladies of greater beautie I doubt then is at this 〈◊〉 in our Realme of Fraunce I promise you I hardly like what my Sonne and you attempt but seeing my worde is paste you shall not nowe be hindered doo â—herefore what your thinke expedient with this consideration alwaies that the ending of matters is greater then the beginning The Duke humbly thanking the King aunswered Wee doubt not my Lorde but by the hope of God and fauour of our Ladies to ende our affaires with fortunate successe but if nowe we should giue ouer and not goe forward with our promise we might woorthily be reprooued of shame cowardise the most villainous reproches that can be to any noble hart The King perceiuing the earnest affection of these two yong Princes and that to denie their request would be more hurtfull then to graunt commaunded him againe to procéede with their intent with such suretie against all strange Knights as what losse or victory happened to them they must be content with all that fell out The Duke not a little ioyfull kissing his highnes hande departed and immediatly acquainted Prince Lewes therewith but nowe the Queene vnderstanding her Sonnes enterprise sent for him and with sad countenance thus spake I would my Son that the intent of you and the Duke of Sauoye were eyther awhile deferred or vtterly forgotten because I greatlie doubt that the ende will bring a further consequence then you expect For thinke you that by all your forces and Chiualries the beauties of your Ladies shal be any iote increased no beléeue me but if they loue you as loyall Freendes ought to doo as greatlie wil they dislike your enterprise as feare the daunger whereinto you may fall a matter causing other desire then you thinke on more offensiue perhaps to them then anie honor you may winne can please them Lewes who by no meanes would be disswaded from his conceit aunswered Good Mother if for no other feare this matter shal not be reuoked in regard of the shame neuer dying dishonor I shall gaine thereby which makes mee desire a thousande deathes then not to bee so good as my worde therefore perswade your selfe good Mother that albeit her beautie for whom I enter the Combat cannot bee more perfect hereby in that it is without imperfection yet such is my resolution in a matter so certaine as her sweete lookes shall deliuer me strength enough to ende my taske without dreade of any inconuenience yâ— may happen The Duchesse enflamed with loue hearing these wordes on her behalfe must needes speake and thus began I knowe not my Lorde who is the Ladie you loue nor what are her vertues but heereof I can assure you that she is highlie beholding to you and except great reason to the contrarie ought to loue you considering what perill you thruste your selfe into for her beautie Madame quoth the Prince the trauaile I shall take and the bad fortunes may befall mee are little of no account in respect of her gracious deserts therefore for her honour I will beare my inwarde paines with secrete content and attempt these outwarde actions with the greatest courage I can possible desiring no other recompence then her fauourable conceit whereof once assured nothing can seeme difficult to me no were it to dye in her diuine seruice And as he would haue continued longer the King not yet thorowlie content with his promise past to the Duke of Sauoye entered the Chamber by whose countenaunce Lewes wel knewe he was mal content wyth him wherefore falling on his knée hee saide My Lorde no one is ignoraunt how all my welfare and reputation consisteth onelie in your Maiestie as a Prince and Father the most vertuous that I know which great good in some part to recompence I haue enterprised a matter vnwoorthie of dislike so please your highnes of your accustomed bountie to excuse accept it in good part in respect that such as are borne to the highest places of dignitie ought to bee more prompt and readie to all magnanimious actions then theyr inferiors chéefelie in prowesse chiualry and deedes of estimation What brought such renowne to Horatius Mutius Scaeuola Marcus Curtius Manlius Torquatus and a number more of Romaine Knights if not the couragious folowing of occasions offered What made for euer immortall the fame of Marius the Romaine Cittizen Hanniball the Carthaginian and Agesilaâ—â— the Greeke if not the vndaunted valour of their minds deliuered in their déedes of kinglie consequence Assuredly I beleeue that their Fathers Uncles and auncient progenitours neuer made them noble or ought renowmed what then onely vertue the very formatrix of all nobilitie For this cause my good Lorde and Father hauing now oportunitie as my Cozin yâ— Duke of Sauoye hath informed you may it please your grace to permit my endeuours with fauour to the ende I may deliuer perfect testimonie that I no whit degenerate froÌ„ your heroycall and kingly vertues The King somewhat moderating his former opinion answered Trust me Sonne full well you know howe to disguise and couer your follye
wyth vertues coullers God sende it to fall out so well arise and be it as your Cozin and you haue requested See in meane tune that you prouide all needfull occasions that when the daie comes nothing bee wanting Lewes humbly thanking his Father arose euery one present not a little reioycing because they feared all woulde be squandered Then began the Lordes and Ladies to conferre togeather and the Duchesse departing to her lodging béeing manned by the Prince did not as I thinke repent herselfe of her loue as a number of you martching vnder the same Ensigne wold doo the like in such a case In fine the Duchesse fearefull of the thwarts of Fortune that she would work her disgrace by some bad coniectures or wounding reports said I know well my Lorde the good will you beare me without anie further shewes or confirmations by actions so daungerous which I had rather die then beholde and therefore whatsoeuer you shall performe will condemne mee as vnwoorthy of so good deserts in this respect you shall therfore graunt me one thing which is that aboue all you haue care of your selfe els will perpetuall discontent cut short my date béeing bereaued of the honour of my greenâ— desires Nowe Madame quoth the Prince may I boast of my fortune not doubting to follow the deuise of a Ladie so vertuous for your swéete wordes prolong my life els ere this had death robd you of your Knight The Duchesse héereto with an amiable smile aunswered I muste not loose you yet good Prince for may I lengthen your life it shall bee for euer Many sollemne thankes the Prince returned and by this time had brought her to her Chamber wher hauing baise lâ—â— main departed CHAP. XXXIII Howe the Prince Lewes and the Duke of Sauoye sent theyr Heraldes and Horsemen into all parts to make knowne to all Knights their enterprises and the conditions of theyr Combats THe Prince Lewes ioyfull of the King his Fathers consent but of the gracious aunswere of the Duchesse most of all dispatched immediatlie his Heraldes into all the prouinces of Europe who executed their charge with such dilligeÌ„ce as there was no Court of Emperour King or Prince but they declared the enterprise of these two yong Princes So that one of the Princes Heraldes accompanied with the King of Armes belonging to the Duke of Sauoye came to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne which then was furnished with a great number of Lordes and Knights béeing there to sollemnize the day of hys byrth but especially Palmerin aboue all the rest tryumphing in the loue of his Mistresse Polinarda The Heralds béeing entred the great Hall founde the Emperour sitting in his chayre of estate with many Princes Barens and noble personages about him who graunting them libertie of spéeche the Heralde of Fraunce began first in this manner Illustrious and most redoubted Emperour the cause why we thus presume before your Maiestie is by the commaundement of the vertuous yong Prince Lewes Son to our dreade Lorde Agatiel King of Fraunce as also of the Duke of Sauoye his Cozin so good a Knight as may well commaunde what our message is so please your highnesse to call all your Knights in presence because it chéefelie concerneth them we with duetie will deliuer it The Emperour presentlie called for all Knights and Gentlemen of his Courte who desirous of the newes were not long in comming before whom he saide Dreade Lord the Prince Lewes of Fraunce my Maister commends him to your Maiestie with this Letter may it please your grace commande it to be read and you shall soone sée the effect of our Embassade The Emperour caused his Secretarie to reade it openlie and because it contained what you haue heard alreadie it shall be needelesse to wast longer time in talke thereof but the Letter béeing read the Heralde thus proceeded The Prince my Maister woorthie Emperour giues the Knights of your Court as els where to vnderstande that he intendes to prooue by deedes of Armes howe no Ladie in the worlde is comparable in beautie to the Lady he loues which he will bee readie to maintaine in Combat the first of Maie next and seauen daies following in his Tent before the Gates of Parris there will he verifie it against all commers that dare auerre the contrarie Afterwarde he rehearsed all the conditions to bee obserued in this Combat and the King of Armes to the Duke of Sauoie made known his Maisters challenge likewise as you haue hearde The Emperour meruailing at this message said Without doubt the Ladies had neede to be faire and my Cozins your Maisters valiant and hardie els it is doubtful howe such an enterprise will fall out for yâ— affections of persons are diuers and theyr fortunes daungerous neuerthelesse I desire the issue may sort to their honor These Lordes and Knights haue hearde your message and I iudge some of them will prouide to be there because they prize the beautie of theyr Ladies at as high a rate as your Masters doo estéeme their faire Freendes yet let them doo what they thinke most expedienâ— beâ—ause they are olde enough to make you answer As for me you may salutâ— on my behalfe the King my Brother and my Cozins to whom I sende thanks with all my hart that they thus acquainted me with their honourable endeuours All this while the Knights conferred together with diuers iudgments of these pretended Combats some were either fearefull or too forwarde others well aduised and prouoked with discréete courage Among whome repute we noble Palmerin all pensiue his eyes fixed on the groundâ— and not a wordâ— hauing in his spirite discoursed howe bitter the diuorcâ— would be of the eye from his swéete obiect in the ende concluded the Combat perswading him selfe not in Christendome nor in the other thrée habitable parts of the earth eyther Empresse Queene or Ladie was more accomplished with perfections then his gracious Mistresse Polinarda And in respect of this Embassage it seemed to him vituperous and a dishonour not sufferable if he should not iustifie the trueth haue so good occasion wheruppon he desired a thousande deathes rather then he would defer so braue a voyage and so on his knée before the Emperour thus began Gracious Lorde and my woorthy Patrone I intende with your good lyking leaue to depart with all spéede possible to the Ioustes and Combats of Fraunce and Sauoye let it not therefore displease for the honour of Chiualrie that I leaue your Courte a while but maie commit my selfe to this iourney with your fauourable opinion The Emperour verie lothe to let Palmerin goe aunswered In sooth Palmerin I greatly doubted so soone as I heard these newes from Fraunce that it would not passe without your presence which displeaseth mee not so much for their follie as your absence which is and wil be to mee greater gréefe then you iudge but let mee intreate that thy returne may be spéedie and stay no longer then thou hast good
next morning the Princesse sent Palmerin an arming coate of gréene Ueluet imbroidered all ouer with great Orientall Pearles and verie thicke besett with Starres of Golde and in the midst of each Starre a costlie Emeralde and hee had caused her picture to bee most curiously drawne in Golde her face and hands formed wonderfull neere the life and all her linaments verie singulerlie fashioned and this portrait caused he to bee sette in a fayre Litter couered with Crimson veluet which hee had prouided onelie for the purpose and so set forward CHAP. XXXIIII How the Prince Lewes came to see the Duchesse of Burgundie and what happened SO soone as the Heraldes Horsemen of Lewes of Fraunce and the Duke of Sauoie had dispatched their charge their Lordes gaue order to prepare al things in readines so soone as might bee but yet the Princes affection to the Duchesse so tormented him as he dailie compassed new meanes to conferre with her that shee might knowe the passions hee endured for her sake At length it came to passe that the King the Duke of Burgundie and diuers other Princes rode foorth on pleasure togeather and returned not againe for two daies space which made him thus begin with the Duchesse I néede not tell you Madame for you knowe it well enough howe continuallie I languish in remedilesse afflictions till nowe this opportunitie puts me in some hope of comfort that you performing a sollemne promise will deliuer me out of this extremitie Wherefore faire Mistresse since time and occasion hath pointed it and Fortune by nature forward and inconstant fauours it let mee intreate you to take the benefit of bothe least héereafter we compasse not the like againe My Lorde quoth the Duchesse you must thinke I am more yours then mine owne and make that reckoning of you as no Ladie can the like howe is it possible then for mee louing as I doo to flie from that which loue commaunds me to fulfill Let it suffise you then that the regarde of mine honour defended I am readie to doo ought may agrée with your liking What happened afterwarde I leaue to your oppinions but by the halfe the whole may be discerned notwithstanding vertuous Ladies haue power to resist such motions though time occasion and such amorous sollicitings did offer it them but such may be accounted more diuine then humaine and to them may worthilie be erected a Trophe in disgrace of the temptresse Venus But this little discourse not much dissenting from yâ— matter is written in reproche of such yong daintie wantons that attende on their ouer fonde and vnchast desires and may likewise be a warning to vndiscrâ—et olde men that they choose theyr Panteâ—â—e fit for their foote But nowe is come the first of Maie the daie to beginne the enterprises of the Princes of Fraunce Sauoie Lewes to entertaine the Duchesse loue begun with such aduauntage had greater desire nowe to execute his intent then before Wherefore this daie was his Tâ—nt erected at the Citty Gates béeing beautifull and verie sumptuous and at the enteraunce thereof was placed a goodlie monument of black Marble curiouslie sette foorth w e collombes of white Marble verie thicke imbossed with golde and pearle At the side of his pauillion was placed another monumeÌ„t of gréene Iasper adorned with manie Bases Pillers and antique imagerie of Golde whereon he intended the strange Knights that came should place the figures of their Ladies On the other side was a séemelie place appointed for the Iudges of the fielde who were the Dukes of Orleaunce Burgundie Princes greatlie estéemed for their nobilitie and in theyr time had béene hardie and aduenturous Knights Manie other Tents and Pauillions were that daie there set vppe as well for strange Knights that came as Noble men and Gentlemen of the Realme And nowe comes the Prince brauelie mounted to the fielde accompanied with manie yong Princes Knights and Gentlemen the Heralds and King of Armes ryding before the Drummes Phifes TroÌ„pets and Clarions sounding so gallantlie as made the ayre deliuer a most swéete Eccho Before him in a verye sumptuous Coche was carried the curious counterfeite of the Duchesse so superficiallie sette foorth with such perfection of arte as though it had béene the liuely Duchesse herselfe After followed Prince Lewes in gorgious gilt Armour all ouergrauen with most artificiall flowers and mounted on a Courser of Spaine estéemed one of the best runners in Europe which made waie with braue and loftie voltages as did not a little delight yâ— beholders one of the chéefe Princes of the Court bearing his Helmet and another hys Launce What néede I make further reporte of the Princes tryumphe he comming to the fielde in such equipage as well beséemed the house from whence he discended and as beséemed a louelie Knight in presence of his Ladie who as her fauour had sent him that morning a costlie Girdle garnished with Rubies Diamondes great Emeraldes other vnualuable stones with a Sworde so good as euer Knight wore and therewith rode he gyrded to the Fielde Before he went the King his Father thus spake to him My Son this daie and all the other following Fortune speede thee so well as thou maist winne the honour my hart doth wysh thee My Lorde aunswered the Prince I hope before the sennight be finished to accomplish your desire effectuallie so fauour me she that may commaunde me So leauing the King he came to the place appointed for the Combatte the Iudges placing themselues where they shoulde and the Prince himselfe in his Tent where hauing his Mistresse picture set on the appointed place he commaunded the Trompets to sound and a Heralde to proclaime that no Knight bearing Armes shoulde bee so hardie as to enteâ— hys Tent except he first graunted his Ladie to bee the fayrest creature in the worlde and if any were so stubborne not to confesse it by knightly prowesse he would force him doo it The Heralde hauing doone his charge and the Iudges caused the conditions to bee openlie reade the people deuided themselues in conuenient places and the Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen betooke them to their Tents Scaffoldes The first that entered the field against the Prince was the Countie Durcell of Arragon his foure Squires conducting before him in a great gorgious Litter the stature of his Mistresse Daughter to the King of Arragon the fairest Ladie in all Spayne and for whose beautie hee tooke in hande this quarrell After him came foure other Squires the formost leading his Courser the seconde bearing his Helmette the thirde his Shéeld and the fourth his Gauntlâ—ts Launce and comming to the monument appointed for strange Ladies caused the portrait of his Ladie to bee placed thereon then comming to the Princes Tent said I know not Lord Lewes if ouercome with glorie presumptioÌ„ of your streÌ„gth or ouerwéening your selfe you haue made this large enterprise to Combat with the best approoued Knightes in the whole worlde in iudging no fairer
Ladie to be this daie liuing then your owne for mine own part I am not so troubled in conceit as you are to quarrell for such a fabulous matter yet dare I tell yee that my Ladie is much more beautifull then yours which if you will denie I am readie by the strength of mine arme to make you confesse it Lewes féeling himselfe gréeued with these iniurious spéeches of the Countie answered Proude Knight I am ashamed to heare thy iudgment so simple as to thinke I am come hether for a matter of so light moment as though I would not iustifie against thée and all other what I haue promised but let that passe before we part I will cause thée know thy folly by that time thy pate and thy bodie is thorowly bumbasted looke to thy selfe for I intende to doo it So mounting on horseback and prepared as it had béene to a warre mortal encountred eache other with such furie as their Launces flying in shiuers vppe in the ayre they met together so terriblie with their bodies their Shéeldes their Horsses and their heads as they were bothe dismounted to the grounde But earnest desire to vanquish they béeing beside stronge and will disposed Knights made them quicklie beginne the second assault with their Swords which was so dangerous and handled with such dexteritie as it was harde to iudge who should haue the honour of the Combat Bâ—t Lewes beholding the representation of his Ladie and considering her so excellent and fauourable to him tooke hart a fresh and as it were inspired with newe vigor so laide on the Countie Dâ—â—cell as in short time he brought him vnder the mercie of his Sworde when holding it against his threate he said Peremptorie Knight if nowe thou confesse she not my Lady to 〈◊〉 thine in beautie thy vndiscréete heade shall raunsome thy sollâ—e The Countie for all this woulde not aunswere one worde by reason of the debilitie he felt himselfe in hauing lost so much of his blood as for the gréefe hee conceiued to be thus vanquished whereat Prince Lewes not content would haue taken his heade from his shoulders but the Iudges of the fielde canie to him saying My Lorde you ought to forbeare hauing brought your enemie beyonde his owne defence your victory â—éeing sufficient to content you forbids his death The Prince perswaded entred his Pauillion and ioyfull of his conquest commaunded two Gardants of the field to take the figure of the Princesse of Arragon and place it at the féete of the Duchesse counterfeit which was doone immediatlie and the Countie Durcell brought into his owne Tent where his Chirurgions tooke dilligent care for the curing of his woundes Soone after came a Knight of Myllaine who giuing such defiances as the other dyd was in the ende constrained with great shame to confesse vnder the conquering Sworde of Lewes the imperfections of his Ladie and her stature placed by the Princesse of Arragon The same daie were fiue great Lords of Italie brought in like subiection and so the tryumphe ended till the next daie when the first that came into the fielde was a braue Gallant of Spayne a Knight of good estimation and specially reputed who after a dain-glorious Oration made as the nature of the people is that way affected put hys fortune to the triall of his Launce where hee sped so ill as he was vnhorssed and in the following Combat likewise receiued the foile After him seauen other Knights of Castile prooued as vnfortunate their Ladies pictures all reuerencing the Duâ—hesse who béeing not a little proude of her Knight and the memorable renowne he witnessed of her beautie I leaue to your considerations both of her conceite that waie as also in loue towards the Prince who séeing no more readie to enter the quarrell returned thence to the Pallace to conferre with his swéete Mistresse of his high good fortunes CHAP. XXXV Of the Combat betweene Prince Lewes of Fraunce and Crenus the Duke of Gaule GReat pleasure did the King conceiue and all the nobilitie of the Court at the â—otten victories of Prince Lewes against so manie woorthie Knights so that they altogeather accounted him most fortunate And nowe the thirde daie when hee was entred his Tent an English Knight no lesse braue in termes then the former defied the Prince and betwéene them began a dangerous conflict in the midst whereof the King with manie Princes Barons and Lordes as also the Quéene and the Duchesse of Burgundie came to their standing and vnhappily behelde the foyle of the English Knight the Duchesse hearing him confesse her beautie and behelde his Ladyes portrait placed vnder hers But now the couragious Duke of Gaule named Crenus came brauelie mounted into the fielde dooing his duetie to the King Quéene and Ladies who not knowing him by his Armour iudged him some great Lorde in that no Knight before caused so good opinion generallie nor came with brauer countenaunce into the field he béeing indéede a Prince of wonderfull possessions and a Knight at Armes woorthilie approoued The Duke as all the other had doone caused his Ladies counterfeite to bee placed where it ought by his Squires to the no little admiration of all the beholders noting what rare and excellent beautie it was adorned withall the workman hauing performed such exquisite perfections as it had béene the Ladie herselfe naturallie liuing while the Squires were thus placing it on the monument the Duke aduaunced himselfe to Lewes in this manner The ouermuch selfe conceite Lorde Lewes of mindes but easily acquainted with matters of difficultie hath often béene and yet is the cause to plucke great personages more lowe then they expecte so that men haue séene them deceiued of their intents and rewarded with ridiculous shame and confusion This speake I to you hauing héere begun a busines the ende whereof will bee more harde to you then as yet the beginning hath béen for Europe is sufficientlie stored with hardy Knights to asswage your presumptuous opinion and Ladies much more faire and excellent then she whom you contende for And this by the fauour of Fortune gracious regarde of my Ladie and Mistresse and helpe of my good Sworde will I enforce you to confesse that incomparable Agriola daughter to the King of England for vertue for beautie and all diuine perfections excéedeth yours whatsoeuer she be Before such a leasing quoth the Prince shall passe the lippes of a Sonne of Fraunce rather will I consent to bee péecemeale torne in sunder and before fayre Phaebus haue paced one howres iourney I doubt not to make thée repent thy pride and arrogancie By the soule of King Arthur said the Duke looke thou garde thy selfe well for I haue with my courtelaâ— abated the pride of a brauer man then thy selfe and ere we two part I meane to trie if I can doo it againe therefore resolue thy selfe to thy best defence for by my life I will not fauour thee Without any further spéeches they encountred with such violence togeather
two former daies against al yâ— Knights that came All this night could not Palmerin sleepe thinking on the day ensuing but rising earlie in the morning and commending himselfe to God in his prayers hee put on the Coate of Armes his Ladye Polinarda gaue him before hys departure and tooke the counterfeite of his Lady in hys armes not thinking any of hys Knights or Squyres woorthie to beare it and thus accompanied with Trineus and other Allemaigne Lordes entred the Lystes with so braue a gesture and countenaunce as euery one commended him for a good Knight And hauing placed the picture on the accustomed monument as it had béene to the liuely creature herselfe he thus began Ah perfect mirrour of all beautie vertue and excellencie resolue thy selfe this daie to beare the palme of honour from all Ladies in the worlde in that your Knight craues a thousand deathes before he giue consent to the contrarie and perswades himselfe so assured of your present fauour as he durst venture on a whole Army to keepe his religion in your diuine seruice These wordes were spoken so loude as the Duke of Gaule hearde him wherwith not contented he aunswered What now Knight demaundest thou courage of a Ladie to defend her beautie ill canst thou performe what thou speakest if thou bee no better prouâ—ded For all that Sir saide Palmerin I hope to make you graunt what I saie and that there is not a â—ayrer Ladie liuing then shee whose figure thou héere beholdest otherwise I shall constraine thée whether thou wylt or no. That shall we sée quoth the Duke so departing into their Tents to be armed and readie to Ioust they met so valiantlie togeather as they broke their Launces brauelie without moouing eache other and taking newe staues encountred againe when the Duke was vnhorssed and Palmerin verie sore wounded so betaking thÌ„ to their swords continued a daungerous and doubtfull Combat till in the ende Palmerin ouercame the Duke holding his sworde readie to cut off his heade said Knight thou art dead if thou graunt not my Ladie to excell thine in beautie Ah sir saide the Duke vnhappy be the howre that you tooke in hande this voyage to depriue me of that which made mee yâ— moste happie Knight of the worlde with what countenance may I present my selfe before her séeing Fortune hath béene so aduerse to me thus filling the ayre with his regrets the Iudges came desiring Palmerin to saue his life whereto he coÌ„sented which words were more bitter to the Duke then death who in these complaints was leade into his Tent by his Squires Palmerin not forgetting the honour due to his Ladie tooke downe the Image of Agriola and set his Ladies in the roome saying Newe are you in the place Madame which is your owne by right This victory was not a little pleasaunt to the Frenchmâ—n but especially to Prince Lewes when he hearde thereof who the better to make his ioye knowne to Palmerin sent him two of the best Horsses in his stable as glad of the reuenge on the Duke as yâ— Palmerin remained conquerour Palmerin sent hartie thankes to the Prince as well for his present as his good-will and continued in his deuoire to his Ladies beautie as that daâ—e hee honoured her with yâ— conquest of foure French Knights and the submission of their Ladies portraitures yet aboue all Palmerin commended to Trineus the valour of yâ— Englishman confirming yâ— Duke for a chosen Knight at Armes and neither Frenchman Italian Spanyard Englishman Romaine or Greeke that attempted against Palmerin in the following daies but still he bare awaie the victory and Polinardas picture their Ladies obeysaunce The last of the eyght daies came into the fielde the Lord of Albret greatlie estéemed for prowesse and chiualrie and hee woulde defende the beautie of his French Ladie but Palmerin after a long and tedious fight brought him and his Mistresse among the vanquished so concluded the French Princes enterprise to his own immortal honor Afterward came the King Agariell with the Princes and Lords of his Court to Palmerins Tent making him the greatest entertainment could be deuised whereof Trineus and the other Allemaigne Lordes were highlie contented and after his wounds were healed caused him and his companie to be lodged in his own Pallace where the Quéene and her Ladies would often visite him and the Prince Lewes likewise who by many intreaties with 〈◊〉 vnderstoode her name for whom Palmeâ—in thus aduentured But when the King vnderstoode that Trineus was the Emperour of Allemaignes Sonne and all this honourable coÌ„panie came from his Fathers Court their welcome cannot be sufficiently sette downe nor Palmerins praises effectuallie rehearsed whome the Prince Lewes thus entertained In sooth Sir Palmerin the Prince may imagine himselfe happie that is honoured with your knightlie seruice but aboue all the noble Emperour of Allemaigne My Lorde quoth Palmerin it likes you to speake your pleasure of me yet did I neuer knowe Knightes more worthy in fight then your Countrimen among whom your deserts may not escape vnreported no more then the déeds of Scipio can among the Romaines Manie other honour able and familiare spéeches passed betwéene the Prince and Palmerin about the Ladies figures that were brought to the Ioustes Polinarda onely tryumphing beyonde all the rest hauing no seconde but faire Agriola of England the Goddesse and Mistresse to the Duke of Gaule CHAP. XXXVII Of the Combat which the Dukes of Sauoye and Lorrayne had togeather for the beauty of their Ladies and what was the issue thereof YOu haue héere before heard the enterprise of the Duke of Sauoy for the beautie of his Ladie and howe after Prince Lewes hys daies of Combat were finished he shoulde maintaine nine other in the like quarrell wherefore the day after Palmerins victory hee put himselfe in order as the time required and hauing in the field erected two Pillers of Porphire displacing them that belonged to the Prince Lewes his Tent was there set vp all of Crimson veluet verye curiouslye imbroydered with Golde and pearle and rounde about within were manie braue seâ—tences of loue drawne froÌ„ Historiographers and Poets as well Gréeke as Latin in prayse of the Mistresse of his deuoted affections In the morning hee went to gyue the good morrowe to the Princesse Lucâ—maâ—â—a Daughter to the King of Fraunce whom he had chosen for his spouse and Wife After many sollemne courtesies passed between them fearing the Quéene shoulde finde them togeather hee tooke his leaue of her she giuing him froÌ„ her arme a sumpâ—uoâ—s Bracelet garnished with sixe great Diamondes and sixe fayre Rubies which gift encouraged him to follow his enterprise Béeing come into the Field the Iudges appointed were the eldest Sonne of Fraunce and the Countie of Armignaâ— wise Princes and valiant Knights and standing in yâ— Gate of his Tent vnarmed because he sawe none readie to offer him battell the Duke of Lorrayne at length entred the Fielde attended on by a braue company
No permission of breathing was suffered betwéene them but blood and death earnestly desired on either part so that the King the Lordes and the Iudges reputed this for the strangest Combat that euer they sawe nor could they say who was likest to winne the fielde but if the one died the other could not escape so that the King mooued with compassion caused them to be seuered and commaunded them to enter theyr Tents Which motion liked well the Knight of the Sun for long he perswaded himselfe he could not hold out wherfore he mounted on horsebacke so well as he coulde withdrewe himselfe Palmerin béeing wonderfully displeased that he could not obtayne the victory of thys Knight Soone after the King and the Prince Lewes came into his Tent and séeing him very sore wounded woulde not let him staye there but sayd Beléeue me Sir Palmerin you haue great néede of rest and your wouÌ„ds I sée are very dangerous you shall therefore be conueyed to my Pallace where all helps that may be deuised shall be giuen assuring you that greater honour could neuer Knight purchase then you haue doone And though this last Combat were not ended you néede not be displeased the issue thereof importing yâ— death of the one or the other and perhaps of both which I would not haue séene for two of the best prouinces in my Realme And me thinks you should content your selfe hauing receiued before such honour ouer so many Lords and Knights of name come you therfore with me and Lord Trineus beare vs company Great thanks receiued the King of them for this honourable courtesie and Palmerin went with him to the Pallace where the Kinges Chirurgions tooke care of his woundes he béeing lodged in the most stately Chamber in the Courte Nowe the Prince Lewes beganne to loue Palmerin so déerely as he coulde not be an howre foorth of his coÌ„panie desiring his health as his owne welfare wherfore all thinges that he imagined Palmerin tooke pleasure in would he performe with his vttermost endeuours and would suffer none to hold him talk but only of matter that might yéeld pleasure and delight Notwithstanding diuers Knights conferring with him that euening as concerning the Knight of the Sunne Palmerin aunswered them that his mind should neuer be thorowly quieted vntil such time as he fought with him againe The Prince who still endeuoured to kéepe him from sadnes saide I beléeue my Lord that he will not easilie be induced to deale with you again for you brought him into such estate as hee will kéepe himselfe héereafter out of your handes and well I am assured that had you continued but a little longer the victorye had béene yours for the Knight was so weakened that he did nothing but defend your blowes It pleaseth you my Lord to say so quoth Palmerin but had he felt such valour in me or such courage as beséemes a vertuous Combatant hardlie coulde he escape as he hath doone neuerthelesse I hope with the fauour of Fortune to méete him once more and then we will trie who is the strongest Much other talke they had but Palmerin intreated the Prince that all the portraits of the conquered Ladies might bee brought him which were aboue an hundred of diuers beauties most strange fashions and among them all could be founde none seconde to Polinarda but as we haue said already that of Agriola the Princesse of England who by the report of a Gentleman present that had séene her was much more beautifull then her figure presented Such spéeches they continued so long of the Englih Uirgin as Trineus albeit he neuer sawe her became amorous of her and at yâ— instant he so solemnly vowed himselfe hers as thence forwarde he swore neuer to loue any but her so yâ— for her sake he thrust himselfe into manie perrillous fortunes as in the folowing discourse of the History you shall reade more at large From whom let vs returne to the Prince Lewes who seeing so many portraitures of Princesses and Ladies would dailie congratulate Palmerins good fortune and embracing him said So helpe me God my noble companion I woulde neuer desire greater riches in the world theÌ„ to resemble you especially in chiualry which in you is so surpassing al other as you haue ended to your honor what a number haue fayled in Oh howe happy may the Ladie account herselfe that hath such a Knight and were not the condition too cruell towards my selfe I could wish I were a Woman in her place to haue so high rule and commande ouer you At which words all present began to smile yet shewing good countenaunce to Palmerin for the affection they sawe the Prince beare him which is yet to this day a common vsage and practise among Courtiers but Palmerin somewhat ashamed of such superstitious prayses aunswered Trust me my Lorde I account my happines the greater that I haue doone seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are desiring to méete you in such place héerafter where you may perceiue the good wil I beare you not only for this high entertainement which is more then I can deserue as for the pleasure I haue to honour so good a Prince which if the occasion happen you shall perceiue the experience I haue spoken nothing quoth the Prince but what is more acquainted to others then my selfe and if I would conceale them then will they be most openly knowne because vertue doth so apparantlie shine in them Manie other spéeches passed betwéene them and longer had continued but that manie Lords which came to sée the Ioustes were now vpon departing and therefore woulde take their leaue of the King whereuppon they were constrained to breake off the Prince going to the Chamber of presence where hee gaue thanks to a number that honoured the Courte with theyr presence and so one after another all departed the Duke of Sauoye béeing one of the first ashamed God knowes to be so conquered by Palmerin and not bidding his Lady Lucemania farewell But Lewes did not serue the Duchesse so for her loue continued as resolute as before and shee loued him as wel conquered as had he béene the conquerour whereof she assured him by many amorous méetinges by which meanes the Prince stayed the Duke at the Courte longer then himselfe would haue doone Lewes thus loâ—ing Palmerin as you haue hearde intreated the Duchesse to come and visite him which she accomplished the day folowing when Palmerin spent manie discourses with her rather of loue then entring into religion for he perceiued by her countenaunce that she had no will to become a Nunne where we will leaue them togeather to tell you who the Knight of the Sunne was that fought the last Combat with Palmerin CHAP. XL. VVho the Knight of the Sunne was and of his strange aduentures THe King of Hungaria Father to the Prince Tarisius that maried the faire Griana Mother to Palmerin had in his latter yéeres a Sonne named Netrides
correspondent to his byrth wee will giue him our Daughter in mariage if so himselfe accept our offer The good Ladie misliked not her Husbands opinion wherefore the next morning shee went to entertaine her guest saying My Lorde your comming hither hath well contented my Lorde and Husbande and so please it you to staie héere he wil bee glad and fayne of your companie which gentle offer Netrides accepted thanking God and the Ladie for his good fortune Thus remained he with this auncient Knight Lombardo who afterwarde neuer remembred him of his miseries in the Forrest but intreated him so well as though hee had béene his owne Sonne Netrides séeing the Knights Daughter so faire and well conditioned and she regarding not onely the vertues of his minde but also his comely and well featured bodie they began amorously to affect eache other secretlie but loue inuented yâ— meane to reueale it openlie for Lombardo well noting the great discretion of this yong Gentleman and knowing him to bee discended of bloode royall resolued to cause him marry his Daughter demaunding the question of Netrides among other spéeches if so he liked to marry his Daughter My Lorde quoth he it is the sum of my desire and greater honor cannot you bestowe on me so please her to conceiue the same opinion I doo The marriage was sollâ—mnized with all expedition with yâ— presence of manie Gentles neighbours thereabout who meruailed the Knight bestowed his Daughter so in that they estéemed Netrydes but a poore Knight errant It fortuned afterward that the auncient Knight and his Ladie deceased leauing theyr Daughter great with childe to the no little content of Netrydes that after all his sorrowe he shoulde become a Father Thrée daies before this Ladie fell in trauaile shee dreamed that she was shut vppe in a very dark Chamber whereout she coulde by no meanes get and therefore called for helpe to one of her Gentlewomen Then was she aduised to take her childe in her armes and to staye there still whereuppon she behelde her infant and sawe that his face resembled the beames of the Sunne the brightnes whereof chased away the darknes so that shee might beholde the place as cleere as any other saying My Lord forgette thys heauines and you shall reioyce by this infant for this is he shall reestablish you in the place you haue lost shall seate you in that Chayre with honour for which you were exiled thence giuing you his crowne that traiterously chased you from his kingdome He comforted with these words tooke the childe in his armes and sayd Little soule I pray God thy mother speake trueth and that thou maist be able to execute it So saying hee espyed a furious man who snatched the infant foorth of his armes and notwithstandâ—ng all his intreaties supplications caryed it away with him This sorrowe for Netrydes made her giue a loude shryke when he calling his Wife demaunded the cause of her suddaine affright whereupon she rehearsed to him the whole manner of her Dreame and reioysing thereat said I hope my Lord that it will so happen to you as I haue dreamed and therefore comfort your selfe without feare of mis-fortune notwithstanding he remained in many doubtfull opinions till they vnderstoode by effects the certaintye of this dreame Nowe was come the time of the Ladies deliueraunce which was a goodly man Childe so fayre well fauoured as one should lightly beholde béeing named Frysol and shee woulde suffer none to nursse it but her owne selfe for the certaine hope shee reposed in him The Chylde growing in time to such comely stature as eache one tooke great pleasure to beholde him whereof the Mother was so gladde that albeit she had afterward two other Sonnâ—s yet shewed she no such speciall loue towards them as vnto Frysol which procured some hatred betwéene his brethren and him This yong Lord growing to fourtéene yéeres of age was in stature verie tall delighting himselfe in ryding great Horsses shooting in the long Bowe casting yâ— Barre and diuers other Gentlemanlike exercises as also to chase in the Forrest where olde Lombardo mette with his Father So that one daie after long and wearie chasing of the Hart hauing sweated very sore and meruailous drye for want of drinke finding a little spring by the foote of a Trée he laâ—e downe and dranke but afterwarde he became so yll and sicklie as hee trembled â—â—rie â—ore so that one of hys Squires could hardlie leade him againe to the Castell Netrides séeing him so excéeding ill was meruailous sorrie commaunding his Phisition to séeke some present helpe for him who plied him with such wholsome potions as his feuâ—r left him but his face and all his bodie was so painted as he had béene a Leaper which made him bee mocked of his other Brethron and scorned of all the Seruaunts except his Father and Mother which was such gréefe to him as he would haue died with fretting at them but his Father rebuked them and comforted him in this manner I did hope my Sonne by thy meanes to be restored againe to the Realme of my deceased Father but nowe howe long it will be before God knowes if this strange malladie of thine be neuer holpen Frysol amazed at his Fathers wordes desired him earnestly to report the whole circumstance which Netrides at length did rehearsing how he was Brother to the King of Hungaria the hard intreataunce he vsed towardes him and lastlie hee tolde him the Dreamâ— of his Mother Frisol studying along space on his fathers words at length aunswered My Lord you are not ignorant of the soueraigne power of the highest who by his diuine iudgement hath sent mee this disease that thus torments mee euen so when pleaseth him he will take it from me againe and giue me health and strength much more then euer I had with meanes sufficient to giue you ayde and succoure according to the matter whereon you haue diuined And albeit I féele so extreame anguish as death may not be likened to it yet doth thys hope comfort mee in such sorte that me thinkes already I am become more healthfull therfore my Lord dismay of nothing but perswade your selfe there is comfort behind These words were so pleasing to Netrides as méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes meruailing at the wonderfull courage of his Son enduring such terrible paines as he did wherefore what hee thought he could not reueale but withdrewe himselfe into his Chamber CHAP. XLI Howe Frisol persecuted with his disease and the mockery of his Bretheren determined to goe seeke strange aduentures FRisol hauing heard the originall of his birthe as also the vision that appeared to his Mother was thence forwarde more pensiue then he had béene before and perceiuing his Brethren continued their bad disposition and day by day mocked him more and more he determined to forsake his fathers house to séeke aduentures and remedie for his sicknes if any were to be found And being one
my Lord Palmerin well and in good health but chéefely my Lorde who since you sawe him hath wunne the greatest honour that euer Knight did Afterward he reported the manner of the Combats to her and what gréefe his Maister sustained in his sicknes when he coulde not be reuenged on the Knight that lost her counterfeit which the Duke of Sauoye placed at the féete of Lucemania and last of all the perillous Combat betwéene his Maister the Knight of the Sun Which she tooke such delight to heare as she made him repeate one thing manie times and could not satis-fie herselfe sufficientlie with these worthy reports Which the Squire perceiuing delighted as much to itterate euerie thing and said Beléeue me Madame the loue my Maister beares to her for whose beautie he entered the Combat in my opinion is incredible for he is much more hers then his owne and I haue séene him in such sort thinking on her as one coulde hardlie iudge him aliue or deade fearing least anie other shold rob him of his loue such is the iealousie of his vnspotted affection albeit my Maister reputes his Ladie immouable Polinarda changing countenance oftentimes at yâ— Squires wordes aunswered The Ladie shoulde be very ill councelled béeing honoured with the looue of so good a Knight as Palmerin to make refusall of his worthie seruice and I promise thée by the faith of a Princesse that if I knew her for the vnwillingnes I haue to heare him coÌ„plaine I wold endeuour to cause her like none but him and therein to thinke herselfe the most happie among Ladies Wherfore if thou maist bee so bolde tell thy Maister at his returne that I will be a meane to aide him towardes her he loues and therewithall present him my fauourable salutations in that I euermore desired the fortunate ende of his enterprise not so much for the lyking of his Ladie béeing beloued of the best as for the renowned chiualrie that harbours in his hart These spéeches ended the Squire returned to méet the Prince Trineus and his Maister to whom he reported his talke with Polynarda which Palmerin reioycing at let fall all iealousie estéeming her nowe the truest Lady liuing The men of Gaunt for ioy of his returne that so worthilie deliuered them from the oppressions of the enchaunted Knight went foorth in seuerall companies according as honor yéeres and office directed them to méete him and so conueied him with signes of ioy to the Pallace where the Emperour so much abased himselfe as he came downe into the open Court to entertaine him and glad likewise to see the safe returne of his Sonne Tryneus saying My Sonne right happie is thy returne you Sir Palmerin perswade your selfe so welcome as hart can deuise assuring you that your successe hath not a little pleased me And needes must I account the Ladie especially bounden to you for whose loue you haue past so manie dangerous Combats good reason hath she to loue you in respect of your trauailes for her renowning her so much by your knightlie chiualrie so that if she recompence you not according to your merits woorthilie may she be condemned of ingratitude Alas my Lords quoth he her beautie commaundeth higher matters then all my labours Polynarda béeing in presence remembred well her Fathers words and therfore she intended to shun that condemnation saying to herselfe He that deserues honour ought to were it and he that commaundes the soule may easilie ouer-rule the passions of the minde let my Knight then be rewarded as he hath rightly deserued All this while the eyes of these two louers so well discharged their office as Palmerin wished that Iuno had graunted him so much as she did somtime to Argus her shéepehearde that he might haue more ease in his afflictioÌ„ for he thought it not enough onelie to behold the beautie of so rare and excellent perfection Againe he was not a little tormented because Polynarda to couer what she woulde gladlie none should discerne cast her lookes on the ground which sometimes shee likewise compelled him to doo but her presence whom he estéemed aboue all other things would not allow him that consideration The Emperour at length commanded that all the figures of the Ladies which he had wunne in CoÌ„bat should be brought before him but when hée sawe so manie and of so contrarie qualitie hee coulde not but coÌ„mâ—ndâ— Sir Palmerins victorie Then were diuers iudgments giuen of the beauty of the portraits eache one of the beholders after their seuerall opinions Ptolome made description of whom they were and who did enter Combatte on their behalfe omitting at no tune the honour of Palmerin whereat they all admired some commending their complexions others their swéete yong yéeres and altogeather the prowesse of him that brought the conquest with him whereupon the Emperour said In good faith Sir Palmerio I blesse the time that Fortune sent me so good a Knight and thinke not to carrie awaie all the glory of your victorie your selfe for I meane to haue part because you gaue your selfe mine And woulde the Ladie you loue were in thys Courte or in my Realme to the ende I might so assist you in your sute as you might both be mine My Lord quoth Palmerin the victorie is wholie yours béeing gotten by your Knight and if the Ladie I loue were not vnder your regiment then shoulde I complaine of a greater matter then abyding with you béeing obedient to your highnes as your humble subiect and Seruaunt With which aunswere the Emperour was highlie contented and Tryneus comming to his Sister Polynarda saide Trust mee faire Sister you are more indebted to Palmerin then to anie other Knight in the worlde beside and rather accept of him then of the Duke of Lorrayne who maintaining your beautie was ouercome by the Duke of Sauoy and your picture placed at the féete of Lucemania where yet it had remained but that Palmerin conquering the Duke remooued the figure of the French Princesse in obeysaunce to you Polynarda not content with the vndiscréete enterprise of the Duke of Lorrayne aunswered In sooth good Brother the Duke of Lorrayne is none of my Knight and I repute Palmerin to haue more bountie and valour then the Duke can haue of wit or courage therefore great meruaile that hee was not slaine The Emperour seeing Polynarda was offended with the Duke of Lorrayne aunswered You cannot Daughter forbid men to execute their owne pleasure and if the Duke liked to enter the Combat for your beautie it was for the honourable good will he bare you and albeit hée could not reache his desire yet haue you no cause to thinke the worsse of him Polynarda béeing a Princesse of rare wit and iudgment as anie of her time would multiply no more words but continued silent neuerthelesse Palmerin remembring her aunswere to Tryneus intreated her to kéepe all the portraits of the Ladies determining to sende them to whom they belonged according to their degrées in birth and honor
were in yâ— same predicament for he knowing her to be of the noble and auncient ligne beside sole heyre to the house of Saxon might count himselfe highly honored with such a Wife and therefore the like coniunction was made betwéene them so that nowe these Knights and Ladies were espoused before God there wanted nothing but the ceremonie of yâ— Church to confirme it But nowe comes Vrbanillo and hee breakes of this pleasure because yâ— time was so farre spent as they must néeds depart which with much a doo they did leauing their Ladies examining theyr content the Princesse soone after thus conferring with Brionella Alas faire Fréende it is doubtfull what danger maie arise because you haue contracted your selfe to Ptolome without the Emperors consent howe will you answer when you are charged with the fault Brionella who now feared nothing but the preuenting of her loue aunswered In sooth Madame you speake with great reason you nowe giue counsell when the déede is doone and cannot bee reuoked till it be dispatched woulde you haue all the good fortune your selfe and suffer your Freende to enioy no part with you trust mee that is vnconscionable dealing for he that made you to loue framed me of the selfe same mettall But I sée you make the occasion to me to learne howe to aunswere your owne déede let vs referre all to him Madame that appointed your choise by destinie and mine by mine owne lyking Manie other pleasaunt spéeches passed betwéene them and diuers times their Knights came to visite them till Fortune who will neuer suffer thinges long in one estate sent an occasion to hinder this delight of theyr loue for there was a Messenger come to the Courte from the King of Norvvay Nephew to the Emperour who beeing admitted audience thus deliuered his message Woorthie Lord the King of Norvvay my Maister requires your assistaunce in his great distresse against the King of England who with a mightie and puissaunt Armie is entered his dominions where he hath made great wast slaughter of his people in diuers skirmishes and conflicts passed betweene them so that he neuer had likeâ—néede as at this instant Trust me quoth the Emperour I will assiste him with right good will and his mis-fortune dooth not a little gréeue me but I will take order for it immediatlie and my power shall be with him so soone as possiblie maie be with which aunswere the Messenger departed Nowe as concerning the cause of these warres betwéene the Kings of Norway and England it was procured by displeasure of succor that the King of Norway gaue to the King of Scots his Brother who helde warre with England about the taking of certaine Shippes the Emperour likewise his heauie enemie and for that cause he promised helpe so soone to yâ— King his Nephew Which when Trineus vnderstoode that his Father declared himselfe displeased with the Father of his beloued Agriola whose loue no occasion coulde alter hee was greatlie discontented yet dissembling his conceit determined rather to aide the King of Englande then his Cozin and therefore intreated Palmerin to accompanie him to his Chamber where hee woulde acquaint him with some part of the sorrow he conceiued by the succour his Father would sende to the King of Norvvay against her Father whose Seruant he had vowed himselfe and therfore quoth he let me desire you to conceale a request I shall make to you You knowe my Lorde said Palmerin that I will no lesse obey you then the Emperour your Father commaund therefore what you please and be it in my power it shal be executed So it is quoth Trineus that I woulde haue you not accompanie the power my Father sendes by Sea but doo so much for me that you Ptolome my selfe vnknown to anie may assist the King of England in his warres by which meanes I doubt not to compasse the thing I most of all desire And this I dare tell you that my life is only dedicated to her seruice and so well doo I hope to imploye my paines that she shall haue cause to loue me and regard the paine I suffer for her sake and but I gaine the fortune to to purchase my loue right soone suddaine shall you heare of my death You that haue felt the like torments can censure of mine which I dare not impart to the Emperor my Father because of the hatred hee beares the King of England aduise mee therefore good Fréende what I shall doo These spéeches were nothing pleasing to Palmerin seeing he must nowe againe depart from his Ladie but because he earnestly affected Trineus and knew how wel he might helpe him in his loue answered Assure your selfe my Lord that I will labour dissigentlie for your good and shall assist you to my vttermost in that you beare such loue to yâ— Princesse And I am of the opinion that hauing receiued the order of knighthood which the Emperour your Father wyll not denie it woulde auaile you much to tell your Father howâ— you desire vnknowne to aide the King of Norway For my part if he demaunde my aduise I will like it so well as because the Annie cannot bee readie so soone your honor Ptolome and my selfe will ryde before towards the King and so may we accomplish what you so earnestlie desire This counsell pleased so well Trineus as he intended on the morrow to request his order of the Emperor as also how gladlie he wold assist yâ— King of Norway and howe necessary it was for him to goe before the Armie as Palmerin and he had deuised togeather CHAP. XLIIII Howe Triâ—eus was knighted and what happened to him afterward ON the morrow this yong Prince seeing that to accomplishe his intent it was ecessarie hee shoulde be knighted he gaue attendaâ—ce to finde the Emperour at leysure when he might sollicite his highnesse with his sute and vnderstanding that hee was walking in his Gallerie hee went to him and on his knée thus began Dreade Lâ—rd and Father so pleased your Maiâ—stie it is nowe time I shoulde receiue my order of Khighthoode and more necessâ—â—y now then at any of her time in respecte of my earnest desire to aide the King of Norway my Gozin in his warres The Emperour meruailing whence this humour shoulde procéede answered Why Trineus doo you thinke your selfe able to take so waightie a charge in handâ— truely such honor is soone receiued but to maintaine it as it ought to be and preuent the dangers incident therto is more hard then you weene and maketh proofe of the most couragious 〈◊〉 in that neither paine â—eare or danger must hinder what a matter of so great consequence dooth command And perswade your selfe that such as councelled you thereto knowe â—â—aut theÌ„selues their duetie in those affayres wherefore for a 〈◊〉 haue patience and referre it 〈…〉 abilitieâ— for I wil send good store of other Knights in this expedition who shall well excuse you to yâ— King my Nephew 〈◊〉 not contented with this
auauntgarde were slaine sore wounded or taken prisoners Which when the King of Scots perceiued béeing a Prince so hardie and valiant as might bee commaunded the maine battaile to giue the charge in middest whereof he was in person whereuppon the fight beganne again much more fierce then before so that you might haue heard the Horsses storme the Armour clatter and on euery side behelde good and venturous Knights giue vppe their liues At this furious onset Palmerin séeing the Scots to retire for aduantage cryed to the King of England Why how now my Lord doo you forget your selfe Why doo you not folow on with your maine battell séeing the enemie playes vpon aduantage chéerefully let vs vpon them for the daie will be ours The King séeing that Palmerinâ— counsel was verie expedient commaunded his men to martch on valiantlie which they did with such courage as not one of them but was thorowlie busied Palmerin fearing least Trâ—neus would be ouer venturous because the yâ—ng Prince was meruailoâ—s forward desired him not to runne so farre into danger but kéepe by him to the â—nde the one might succour the other if necessitiâ— required With these words â—e ranne vpon the Sâ—ots like an angry Lyon and no man durst withstand him they sawe him make such slaughter the King of England following him at an inche deliuering true testimonie of his inuincible hart On the other side Trineus met with the Kinges Brother of the Isle Magdalen piercing his Launce quite through his bodie so that he fel deade among his owne Souldiers and Ptolome all this whyle was not idle but where ere he came he laid his enemie at his féete so that the Scots wondered at yâ— behauiour of these thrée Knights When the King of the Islâ— Magdalen vnderstood the death of his Brother incensed with vnquenchable anger ran fiercelie among the English till hee came where Trineus Palmerin and Ptolome were one of his Knights shewing the King the man that slew his Brother whereupon he making towards Trineus lifted vppe hys Sword and thought to haue slaine him but Palmerin stepping béetwéene them said To me Captaine to me and so the King and he encountered togeather so terribly as Palmerin was wounded in two or thrée places for which hee made such recompence to the King as fastening his Sword on his Helmet clâ—st his head in â—wayne that doone he fell deade to the grounde The sight héereof enflamed the Scots with such rage as like mad men they ranne cutting and killing among the English as well to reuenge the King of the Isle Magdalens death as to defend their own King whose danger they feared In this hote skirmish the Kings of England and Scots met togeather who charged each other with such forcible strokes as the King of England was vnhorssed and sore wounded but Trineus béeing at hand seeing his déere fréendes Father in such perrill buckled with the King of Scots so valiantlie as he gaue him many a cruell wounde and had not his men made hast to conuay him through the throng he had béene slaine by Trineus so was the King of England mounted againe and reuenged hys foyle on his enemie with meruailous valour There tryumphed the thrée Grecian Knights with inexplicable honor the Englishmen making such hauocke among the Scots as vtterly dispayring they fled one part to a Forrest neere at hande and the other towardes the Sea to their Shyps the King getting into one of them to saue his life by the meanes of one of his Knights that leÌ„t him a good Iennet of Spayne to escape away withall And so sayled thence the King with greater shame then did the Emperor Antonius from Octauius Caesar leauing his men fiercely pursued by the English who terrefied them in such sort as many of the poore Scots chose rather to run into the Sea drowne them selues then to â—all into the handes of their conquering enemies CHAP. XLVIII Of the retrait of the King of Englands Armie and the honor he did to the three strange Knights AFter the King of Englande was maister of the field he caused the retrait to be sounded and hys men called togeather commaunding likewise that search shoulde bee made through the fielde to succour such as were sore wounded and to burie the deade least the ayre should be infected wherupon the Englishmen took the spoile of their enemies chéefely their bag bagage which they had left behind them In meane while the King withdrew himself into his Tent where remembring the great seruice of the thrée strange Knights hee commaunded his Nephewe Ceâ—des to séeke them immediatlie who founde them in a Scottish Tent binding vppe their woundes and béeing not a little glad of his good fortune hee came to Palmerin saying Gentlemen the King my Uncle earnestlie desireth you to come to him because hee will neither enter the Towne nor vnarme himselfe til he heare some tidings of you Séeing it pleasâ—th him said Palmerin to commauÌ„d we humblie obey wherefore we pray you Sir to returne his Maiestie our dutifull thanks and dilligent attendance After Ceridâ—s was departed they resolued among themselues at the earnest request of Trineus that Palmerin shoulde bee the chéefest among them and him they woulde honor as their Lorde because the Prince feared to be known if such account shoulde bee made of him so went they presentlie to the Kings Tent where they were no sooner entered but the King albeâ—t he was sore wounded arose from his Chaire and embraced them louingly one after another not suffering them to knéele before him but honorably thus spake to them Woorthie Gentlemen howe welcâ—me you are I cannot expresse for I account my selfe so highlie beholding to you as the Realme of England had sustained this daie great foyle but by your fortunate valour think then woorthie Lords wherein England may recompence you and on my worde it shall not be denied in meane while I praie you let me haue your companie because I will see your hurts carefully attended The Knights with great reuerence accepted the Kings noble offer and were conducted into a faire Tent next the Kinges where the Chirurgions with great dilligence dressed their wounds and afterward they came and supped with the King And because the King intended on the morrow to goe refresh himselfe at the Towne of Corfania which before had béene cruellie besiedged by the Scots to giue God thanks for his happie victorie a famous Sermon was made before him by the Archbishop of Canterburie to whom likewise he gaue order for enterring such as had béene slaine of account and in that place for memorie of his good fortune hee caused a goodlie Monasterie to be builded and dispatched a Poste presently to aduertise the Quéene of his good successe Now was his Maiestie verie desirous to know the thrée strange Knights that had so valiantlie assisted him especiallie the man that saued his life whereupon the next morning he went to sée them demaunding howe they fared for quoth he we will
were well worthy to be reputed among the number of most harâ— harted and ingratefull Ladies if I shuld not loue the prince Trineus were it but for the danger he remaines in for me and the vnfaigned loue which you say he heares mâ—e And thus farre I presume my Lorde on your credit that if it were otherwise you would not disguise the 〈…〉 this â—â—ner much lesse deceiue such a Lady as I am which notwithstanding would bee to you but a slender conquest Therefore you may assure him on my behalfe that the loue I beare him is more then he thinks and very far excéedeth his iudgement as the proofe hereof in time shall deliuer true testimonie Madame quoth Palmerin his onely desire in this world you haue faithfully vnderstoode in you then it consisteth to preuent the contrarie by mercifull regarde of his afflictions and your presence will appease the anger of the Emperour your father in that so nobly he would enterpriseâ— though against his will to ayde the King your Father onely for your loue And this will be the meane that the conceiued pleasure of the Fathers shall concluâ—e in the happie coniunction of their Children My Lorde quoth the Princesse I wil do what shall please my father and mother to command me and no otherwise considering the danger I may fall into by yéelding my honour to any preiudiciall occasion Palmerin who had no other feare but to bee knowne what himselfe was thus answered I am perswaded madame that your iudgement is so perfect that to attaine a place of such dignitie and a husband so royall as the Prince Trineus you will not stand 〈◊〉 friuolous tearmes nor be carried away with any light or feminine feares séeing that setting apart these doubts you shall worthily accoÌ„plish the thing which shall make you the most renowned Lady vnder the Occident I pray you Sir Palmerin quoth she referre this talke to some other time for the answere of such a high and weightie matter deserueth to be excogitated with leysure for oftentimes we sée that such actions sodainely and slightly performed causeth more repentaunce afterward then is expected Yet thus farre I venture and so faithfully perswade him that he is the onely Prince in the world I would accept for my husband if they were so agréed to whom God nature and dutie hath bounde mée and to let him vnderstand my wiliing desire towardes him I will speake to him my selfe as soone as the Quéene is departed Not long after the Quéene returned to the King leauing her Daughter with two of her Ladyes to comfort the prince whereupon Palmerin taking her by the hande brought her to the bedde side where Trineus lay to whome she made very curteous reuerence trembling with modest bashfulnesse said How fare ye gentle knight trust mee your hard fortune doth greatly displease mee and if I could beare part therein beléeue me I would gladly endure the paine for it is good reason that the caâ—ser of the harme should haue a portion of the torment gratifying you with a Maidens thankes for your good assistance without any desert Trineus was so rauished with her presence and hearing her speake so friendly in whom consisted the safetie of his life as hee could not vtter the ioy hee conceiued which the Princesse well noted and Palmerin likewise who aunswered her in this manner It cannot be madame but my Lord Trineus will soone amend hauing the sodaine medecine so néere him that is onely able to helpe him and with these wordes he left them both together to acquaint each other with their secret afflictions when the Prince giuing a gréeuous sigh saide Faire madame to accomplish what you commanded the first day I sawe you I did my beuoire to execute the effect of the charge albeit not so sufficiently as I could wish yet since that time I neuer enioyed one minute of rest till this instant when mine eyes delighted with your swéete presence gaue hope to my heart of further comfort For this onely cause faire mistresse haue I forsaken my Parents and countrey regarding nothing more then this present happinesse whereby my woundes are cured my spirit contented and my heart from all daungers sufficiently recouerâ—d so that no gréefe can now molest me when your gracious fauour thorowly confoundeth all And nowe might I imagine my misfortune beyonde all other were not this fearefull doubt left to crosse it that scanning disdaine should be hid in such rare perfections as oftentimes it commeth so to passe therefore I beséech you Madame may it stand with your liking to resolue all doubts by your direct opinion and héerein shall I account my selfe more honoured then were I monarch of the whole worlde Loue hauing then so wounded the princesse as for a while she was driueÌ„ to silence at length withdrew the passioâ— and caused her returne this answere Alas my Lord I was ere this so certaine of your affection towardes me in respect of the dangerous trauailes endured for my sake as you néede not séeke any other prooues then what mine owne hart was fully resolued on and so I continue still expecting the day to make vs both fortunate which I would haue you as yet dissemble least crooked mishap any way preuent vs. As she was procéeding in her discourse the Quéene entred the tent againe by which occasion Trineus could not say what he intended wherefore taking her secretly by the hand wrong her fingers with such a trembling passion as all the night following he lay meditating on his gooddesse Agriola and the comfortable answere shee gaue him If the young prince were in such torments his Lady beare him companie thinking on the spéeches past betwéene her and Palmerin and this euening the Dwarfe not compassing before to speake with Agriola presented her with the Emeralde from the Prince which she kindly receiuing in recompence thereof sent him a fayre Diamond rewarding the Dwarfe liberally for his paines who among the rest of his talke highly commended the vertues of the Prince which increased her loue so confidently as she assured him of the Princesse loue that death could not change her setled affection Trineus fully resoluing héereon gaue such chéerefull phisicke to his heart and the Chururgions such dilligence to his woundes as within seauen or eight daies he was able to beare armor whereupon the King departed thence towardes London where the strange knights were entertained with meruailous honor the Lords Knights Burgesses Officers and other Citizens welcomming them with great â—ampe and royaltie saying Welcome are the knights that deliuered the Quéene and her Daughter from the cruell Giant Franarco with diuers other salutations whereat Paâ—merin and his friendes were greatly abashed Passing on to the Pallace all the way they were still presented with rare shewes and deuises and the Knights lodgings were appointed in very stately Chambers in the Court causing open Court to be kept for eight dayes space for the honour of these knights and entertainement of all
falshood and treason so please your Maiestie to fauour my request Miseres quoth the King how answere you this accusation and offence wherewith this Lady chargeth you Miseres béeing suddainly driuen into this dumpe knewe not well what to saye yet at length with humble reuerence hée thus beganne My soueraigne Lorde if credite may be giuen to the first countenaunce of accusations without hearing howe the partye accused can iustifie himselfe I doubt not but your Maiestie will presentlye condemne mee but when the matter is well debated and discided they which séemed at first vnreprooueable are found malicious and slaunderous persons and the accused innocent and frée from blame as heere your highnesse shall most plainely beholde The matter whereof this Ladye detecteth mée is forged and most villainously inuented for to mée belonged the Castle shée quarrelles for discended from my Predecessours to whom I am the true lawfull and legitimate inheritour True it is that this dissembling Womanne by swéete spéeches feminine guiles and secrete deceits oftentimes practised to winne mée for her Husbande but knowing her behauiour such as beséemed not a Woman of modestie and vertue I would not héere her much lesse consent to match with her And this is the cause of her complaint in hope that you béeing aboue all other Princes most bâ—nigne and honourable will constraine mée to wedde her in respecte of your absolute authoritie as the duetifull obedience wherein I am bounde When the Knight which came with the Lady heard Myseres blame her in this sorte hee stepped before the King with these words It is great follie my Lord in Miseres to deny a matter so apparantly knowne although if it were put to the iudgement of honeste personnes his common good reporte might cause him be beléeued but the poore Ladye desires that her right may bée cleared by Combatte wherein let him confounde her if hée can or else receiue rewarde for his notorious offence On her behalfe therefore my Lorde I saye and will maintaine that Myseres is a most disloyall Traytour and his mouth shall confesse it or this day will I take his heade from his bodie Myseres feeling himselfe somewhat touched grewe into great anger and albeit the shame he did the Ladie deliuered him culpable and made him doubt the issue of the Combatte yet in meruaylous choller hée aunâ—wered the Knight that hée falselye belyed him and was readie to make proofe thereof in Combatte if it pleased the King so to appoint it And I doubt not quoth hée to make thée paye for thy rashnesse and force thée confesse thy lacke of discretion in giuing credite to the trothlesse complaints of this deceitfull Woman Then was it ordained that this difference should bée tryed by Armes wherupon the Ladies Knight spake thus to the King Séeing it hath pleased your Maiestie to graunt the Fielde to Myseres and mée may it please you as it is the custome to commaunde that he deliuer hostages to the ende if hée bee vanquished the Castle maye bee deliuered into your handes to deliuer it in iustice where it appertaines Good reason saide the King and therefore Myseres you must before you enter the Fielde accomplishe what the Knight in equitie hath demaunded Then Myseres called one of his Brethren whom he required to stande as his hostage and doubt not before the Sunne be sette but I will discharge my selfe my pledge with which wordes hee departed the Hall to arme himselfe but because the daye was too farre spent the matter was deferred till the next morning The King his Lords séeing the Ladies Knight in such resolute assurance merueiled of whence and what he was for none there knewe him but Palmerin who neither coulde gesse assuredly what he was but by the golden Sunne in the Azure sheeld which made him remember that at the Ioustes in Fraunce the perillous Combate without victorie on either side was fought betwéene him and this knight Palmerin being glad to sée the man he long looked for and purposing now to bee fully reuenged on him secretly went forth of the hall commaunding one of his Squires to conuey his horse and armour the next morning out of the Citie because if he vanquished Miseres at his returne be intended to fight with him or if Miseres had the better yet he should not depart thence againe with life Nowe you must vnderstande that this Knight which came with the Ladie was the Knight of the Sunne named Frysoll who euer since the Combatte betwéene Palmerin and him remained with the Duke of Gaule and was of him highly honoured for his woorthie chiualrie Of whom when this distressed Ladie heard shée made her complaint to him of the wrong Myseres had done her and Frysol pittying her case promised to ayde her in recouerie of â—er right and so came with her to the King of Englands Court to the great gréefe of the Duke of Gaule who made Frysol promise him to returne againe after the Combatte but Frysol was more desirous thereof then the Duke in respect of his fayre Syster because hée was specially beloued of her Thus Palmerin following his enterprise feared to bée preuented because the Féeld was appoynted by the King in the same place where hée intended to méete with Frysol and beside Palmerin and the Duke of Norgalles were ordained Iudges of the field which hée would not willingly haue taken vpon him doubting by that meane to bee hindered of his other determination The time being come that the Knights should to the Combatte the King and the Ladyes came to their Scaffolds and the two Iudges were placed in their Tent accompanied with many Princes and honourable persons After that the Heraulds bad commaunded the Champions to doo theyr deuoyre then they clasped their helmets and fetching their carrire mette with such puissaunce as Miseres brake his Launce on Frysols Shéelde not mouing him in his Saddle but Frysol driuing his Launce through Miseres bodie caused the Traytour to fall deade to the earth Then he allighting and opening Miseres Helmette sawe no life in him came to the Iudges saying You may nowe perceyue my Lordes whether hee that offered this Ladie such villanie hath receyued his due desert or no if there yet remaine any thing else to do for recouering of her right I am here ready to maintaine her cause Palmerin who was not verie well pleased with this victorie answered Knight you haue done enough at this time pray that other affayres may proue as prosperous to you héereafter and in anger went forth of the field commaunding the bodie of Miseres to be brought thence which was afterward interred with great honour Frysol hauing thus vanquished Miseres the Ladie for whom he entred the Combatte fell on her knées before the King desiring him to surrender the castell which Myseres vniustly detained from her In sooth Ladie quoth the King it is reason you should haue iustice and your owne deliuered you but know you his name that defended your
quarrell My Lord quoth she in concealing his name I should offer him great wrong concealing the bountie and prowesse of the man which hath not béene sparingly shewed heretofore in presence of the Duke of Gaule agaynst the King of Norway whose armie was â—icomfited by the worthy valour and pollicy of this knight who calleth himselfe by the name of Frysol the Duke of Gaule bringing him foorth of Frauncâ— at his last voyage and euer since hath so dearly loued him as he were his owne naturall brother I promise you Ladie sayde the King you made no ill choyse of your Knight for I haue heeretofore heard of his actions and am not a little glad that I know him wishing he were of my Court because a King accompanyed with such persons must néedes imagine his Countrie happie And in respect he is so braue a Champion it is impossible but hée shoulde bée a wyse and vertuous Knight wherefore I pray you cause him to come to mee which shée presently did And hauing saluted his Maiestie with honourable reuerence the King embraced him with these wordes Woorthie Sir you are most heartily welcome I coulde wish you were one of my Knights in respect that my Court should bee the more honoured and I might requite your paines better then I can on a sudden Mightie Prince quoth Frisol in assisting this distressed Ladie I haue done but my dutie but if I could any way do your highnesse seruice I knowe no Prince liuing for whom I wold more gladly employ my selfe And at this time vrgent affayres excuse me from staying héere any longer neuerthelesse I intreate you my good Lord if it may stande with your fauourable liking to repute mee among the number of your Souldiours and Seruaunts If it must néedes be so sayde the King you shall doo what please you yet will I reckon you amongst those to whom I owe continuall loue and affection And although the death of Myseres doth somwhat gréeâ—e me because I made some estimation of him yet for your sake shall I deliuer the Ladie her Castell which you haue conquered with so knightly chiâ—alrie Frysol humblie thanked his Maiestie and departed with the Ladie which way they came but Palmerin very much offended at his departure and earnestly desiring to be reuenged on him commaunded his Dwarffe to marke well which way they went The Dwarffe diligently fulfilling his Maisters charge returned and told him which way they tooke wherevpon he beeing desirous to follow without giuing any knowledge thereof to his companions left Trineus to conferre with his fayre Mystresse Agriola and departed the Câ—urt so secretly as neither the Prince or Ptolomie suspecâ—ed any thing And so accompanied with the Dwarffe Vibanillo 〈◊〉 câ—me to the place where his Squire stayed with his Armour where when hée 〈◊〉 armed hee mounted on horsebacke thus speaking to his man Returne you to the Cittie and there expect my comming as for thée Vrbanillo thou shalt say to Tryneus that hée must pardon mee though I did not acquaint him with the cause of my departure which I was more enforced to doe then he thinkes on neâ—erthelesse pray him take no paine to enquire after mee because I doubt not to returne verie shortly although not so soone as hee woulde yet pray him to vse so little speech thereof as may be The like mayst thou say to Ptolome and to them both commende me most heartily With this charge to you both that vppon payne of your lyues neither of you doo followe mée nor cause anie other to séeke after mee So taking his Launce hee galloped that way which his Dwarffe shewed him they were gone and he with the Squire returned to the Cittie making verie sorrowfull lamentation because they thought their maister woulde returne no more in that hée would not bee knowne whither hee went yet would they bewray nothing theyr maister had forbidâ—e them Trineus and Ptolome were maruellous sorowfull especially the Prince who without the Dwarffes assurance of his Maisters short returne had followed to seeke him yet not thorowlie contented with Vrbanilloâ— perswasions the King came to comfort him saying You must thinke good Sir that your noble Fréend is gone about some straunge aduenture for you knowe he neuer enterprised any thing but it returned him to honour If héeretofore for the loue of his Ladie hée shewed himselfe without his Péere in chiualrie thinke you be will not regarde his reputation and premeditate his actions before hee runne to farre in daunger Content your selfe I pray you for if his returne be not the sooner I will cause such prouision to bée made as hée shall be found againe The Princesse Agriola likewise intreated him not to bee displeased at the absence of Palmerin for with the helpe of God and his Fréendes quoth shée his returne will cause as much ioy as his departure dooth grâ—efe All this coulde hardly content Trineus for hée dreamed in his sléepe that the Knight which slewe Myseres was hée against whom Palmerin entred the Combat in Fraunce at what time they could not ouercome each other And remembring what ill will Palmerin bare him vehemently suspected that for this cause hee followed him which imagination somewhat comforted him and he reputed the Knight vnwise if hée medled any more with Palmerin Chap. LIIII How after the death of Myseres Palmerin followed Frysol whom he had slaine but that a Damoselâ— intreated his life AL that day Palmerin trauailed and most part of the next yet coulde hee heare no tidings of the Lady and Frisol which made him ryde in great melancholly till at length méeting with a Damosel mounted on a goodlie Palfray very richly harnessed of whome he demaunded if shee mette not a Knight armed who bare in a Shéelde of Azure a Golden Sunne and with him a Ladye attended on by manye Squires Truelie Sir quoth the Damosell if you will graunt mée two requests that I shall demaunde I will bring you to him you séeke for before to morrowe the third houre of the day Palmerin who was woonderfull desirous to finde his enemie granted to anye thing shee woulde desire on condition quoth he that you shewe mee the Knight Followe mée then sayde the Damosell for I will accomplishe what I haue promised So rode they togither and among other speeches Palmerin asked her if shee knewe the Knight and what his name was The Damosell aunswered that shée knewe not the Knight but shée was very well acquainted with the Ladye in his company and this night quoth shee they mind to lodge at a Castle of mine Auntes in the euening they arriued within the sight of the Castle where they alighted from their Horsses and entred a little thicket for feare of béeing séene and the Damosell hauing a flagon of Wine and a pastie of redde Déere in a maunde at her saddle bowe Palmerin and shée refreshed themselues therewithall but all that night coulde not Palmerin settle himselfe to sleepe watching the castle Gate least in the time of his
in a fayre Medow neare a Bridge and there placed twelue knights the most hardie and valiant men in all his Dukedome who should maintaine this order that no Knight shoulde passe ouer the Bridge vnlesse hée entred Combate with those twelue Knightes one after another and such as were vanquished shoulde submitte themselues to the Dukes mercy eyther for their deliueraunce or to remaine his prysoners and the horsse of the partie foyled should belong to the conquerer but if they were dismounted the passenger shoulde go on his iourney and take theyr Horsses with him Thys aduenture thus established many good Knights were ouer come because it was a verye harde matter to vanquishe twelue Knights and yet escape But the Duke tooke no little pleasure heerein who detained Frysol more by constraint then otherwise for his anger so vehemently encreased against Palmerin as no delight or pleasure coulde expiate his reuenging desires Chap. LV. How Palmerin went with the Damosell to accomplish the promise he made her and what befell him PAlmerin as you haue heard departed from the Damosell in a rage because he coulde not execute what he intended wherefore hee deuised to deale some other way and to single foorth Frisol in such conuenient place as one of them should dye before they departed And as he was imagining some other way to ouertake Frysol the Damosel had now againe recouered his company saying I pray you Sir Knight conceiue no il opinion of me for hindering you from killing your enemie whome you haue left in very great ieoperdy considering what bountie and courage is in him and which your selfe perhaps will bee sorye for Wherefore I pray you forget this displeasure determinâ— to fulfill what you haue promised which if you will doo you must go with me Beléeue me Damosell saide Palmerin you shewed but little courtesie so often hindering me from the thing which aboue all other in this worlde most tormenteth mée What vnhappye bodye are you but more vnhappye the houre I mette with you but séeing it is reason I shoulde kéepe my promise leade the way and I will not faile to follow you So rode they on and for foure dayes space hée woulde not speake one word to her and fayne he would haue left her company but that he could not with honor forsake her The next daye as they rode by a Riuers side Palmerin espyed a Knight standing with a Bowe and arrow in his hand which he let flye at his Horse killed him Palmerin impacient by remembraunce of Frysol and angrye that the Knight had thus killed his Horse made towardes him so fast as hee coulde but the Knight was suddainlye gotte on the further site of the Lake and Palmerin vppe to the middle in Water before hée was ware of it and nowe hee could neyther sée the Knight that slewe his Horse nor the Damosell that came in his companie Palmerin béeing in great perplexity when he sawe nothing but water rounde about him and féeling he was vpon a Bridge behelde a meruailous déepe streame running vnder it and at the ende thereof a goodly Castle Walking along the Bridge toward the Castle amazed at this contrary aduenture hée espyed a Knight on the battlements of thÌ„ Castle who sayde Staye a while Syr Knight one shall come presentlye and open the Gate Palmerin knewe not what to say but determined to defende himselfe if any came to assaulte him so the Castle Gate béeing opened hée entred with his sword drawne yet was there no man that displeased him but euery one made him humble reuerence with very good wordes and gentle countenaunce declaring by their behauiour that hée was more then welcome thither Thus walking on to the inner Court there came towardes him a Ladie accompanied with manie Damosels and Knights all shewing chéerefull gestures and the Ladie taking Palmerin by the hande sayde Ah gentle knight right welcome are you to this place and heauen bée praysed for the good it dooth mée to sée you here that is able to aâ—complish the thing which no other as yet coulde bée able to finish enter hardily in good assuraunce for you will wee make all the honour wée are able Palmerin beléeuing the Ladie was brought into a maruailous goodly Chamber where certaine Squires holpe to vnarme him bringing him a gorgeous Mantle to wrap about him This done he was conducted into a large Hall where the Table was couered the Ladie entertaining him so nobly as in the King of Englands Court hée coulde not be better The feast ended and the Tables withdrawne the Ladie beganne to deuise with Palmerin saying Long time my Lord haue we desired your comming as the man in whome our onely helpe consisteth for by your valour we are perswaded to be deliuered from the miserie wherin I and mine haue too long time béene detained I beséech you Madame quoth Palmerin to tell mée your affayres as also what the Knight meant to kill my Horse and why you entertaine mée with so great kindnesse If you wil promise mee saide the Ladie to accomplish a néedfull occasion and which I thinke is destinied to you I will resolue you otherwise I shall but loose my labour If it bée a matter reasonable quoth Palmerin and that a knight may compasse spare not to tell mee for I will do my endeuour therein Gramercies gentle knight sayde the Ladie the circuÌ„stance of the occasion followeth in this sort This Castel my Lord sometime belonged to my noble Father a Knight so hardie and valiant as any in these parts in whose yonger yeares loue so ouerruled him aa he affâ—cted a lady of no lesse quanlitie and condition then himselfe by whom he had a â—aughter at whose birth his Lady and Wife deceased My Father being yet in the flower of his youth matched the second time with a Lady of very honourable and auncient discent by whom he had me the first Childe My Sister come to fourtéene yéeres of age my father oftentimes would haue richly married her whereto she béeing vnwilling by my Fathers consent shée remained with her mothers Sister whose skill was very great in all sciences by whose counsel my sister caused a goodly Pallace to be edified and a strong Lower in an Isle on the other side of this Castle where afterwarde they made their continuall abiding During this time my father louing mee déerely matched me with a wealthie and noble knight excelling in all perfections but chéefely in chiualrie by whom I had a Daughter a yéere after our espousall but the more my gréefe my Husband and Father both died within little space after my Childs birth My Daughter being come to the yeeres of marriage her beautie made her desired of many noble Lords but because I still reputed her too yong I denied all her suteâ—s which afterwarde turned me to verie great detriment For my Sisters aunt had a sonne the most mishapped deformed and worst conditioned knight as all the Countrey could not shew such another yet became he
he thinking to reueÌ„ge the reproch of his felow hath followed me to performe what they were not able Then Palmerin sodainly clasping on his helmet mounted on horsback and taking aduantage of the plaine field because it was most conuenient for the combat which Frisol perceiuing scornefully sayd I think Sir knight you are some kinde of prophet because you deuine so wel the cause of my comming vnhappie was it for you to preuaile in such sort against the duke of Gaules knights which you must now pay for with too late repentance If I did them any harme sayd Palmerin it was their owne séeking and by your arrogant spéeches it may be presumed you are one of the same company but yâ— loue of the Dukes sister cannot shéelde you from your deserued recompence At these words Frisol well perceiued that this was the knight he so much doubted Neuerthelesse his courage was so good as remembring the promise he made to his Lady gaue spurres to his Hose and they encountred with such braue chiualry as yâ— shiuers of their Launces flew vp into the aire and then they assaulted each other so roughly with their Swordes as well they might bée estéemed right valiant Champions No mercy was intended on either side for Frysol was determined to die or conquere and Palmerin held the same resolution so that the ground was coloured with their bloud their armour and shéeldes battered in péeces and no hope left on either side of life But as alwaies some mischance or other followes a noble mind so fel it out with Frisol for in their close buckling togither Palmerin had got sure hold on his shéeld which Frisol striuing forcibly to recouer the bucklâ— brake in sunder and with the sodaine breach therof he fel down backward when Palmerin leaping from his horse said And let me neuer hereafter bee called Palmerin if now I do not reuenge my selfe sufficiently Which words when Frisols squire heard he came hastily and fell at his féete saying Noble knight I beséech you for the honour you beare to arms to pause a while tel me if you be Palmerin D'Oliua for if you be I am your brother who haue suffered great paine and trauaile to finds you out Palmerin presently knew Colmelio the sonne of Gerrard his foster father whose sight was so ioyfull to his as casting away his sword he ran and embraced him about the neck saying My déere friend Colmelio the most welcome man in the world to me How happie may I account my selfe quoth Colmelio to finde you when all hope was past hauing trauailed so many countryes and al 〈◊〉 â—aiâ—e if then you loue me as you make protestation let me intreate one fauour at your hand that you forget your anger towards my maister Frysol and giue ouer your fight for long time haue I serued him as my Lord and well hath hee deserued much better seruice then mine Colmelio sayde Palmerin the thing thou demandest is meruailous great neuerthelesse such is my comfort hauing met with thée as I graunt thy request and happily hath he now escaped with life coÌ„sidering what occasions haue past vs héertofore So taking Colmelio by the hand he said to Frisol Sir knight at your squires intreatie I suffer you quietly to departe and méete with me againe at any time you thinke good but you shall go looke another Squire for Colmelio at this time goes with me Frisol who was wouâ—ded in many places very faint with losse of his bloud might eaâ—â—ly be induced to this agréement of peace but coÌ„ming to Colmelio he said Wilt thou forsake thy master and go with his enemy Trust me sir quoth Colmelio you must néeds pardon me if in this matter I chance to offend you for to séeke him I forsooke my fathers house haue continued a verie laboursome search If thou wilt néeds go said Frisol and that my intreaties may not dissawde thée I will pray for the successe of thy desires and thy aduancement to honour and while I liue will I account of thée as my fréend and brother So returning as he came he began in this manner to exclaime against Fortune Ah cruell inconstant Lady sufficed not thée to dishonour mee before mine enemie but thou must rob me of my squire I loued â—o deerely but so hast thou dealt with them of highest calâ—â—â—g for infinit kings and potentates hast thou deceiued â—nd before their very chéefest enemies dishonoured such hath beene thy trecherye to me at this instant that I may iustly coÌ„plaine of thée while I liue As he continued these complaints he met diuers armed Knightes that came to assist him and the duke himself in company among them who demanded of Frisol whither his enemie were slaine or sent away vanquished Uanquished sayd Frysol thinke you so good a knight may be so easily vanquished Then he dâ—â—â—â—â—rsed his whole successe which the duke hearing exclaimed on his huÌ„ting that he was not present when Palmerin passed wherefore he would néeds followe him but that Frisol intreated him to the coÌ„trary because the night approched so néere as it was impossible for him to ouertake Palmerin The duke in a maruellous rage for yâ— his enterprise fell out no better returned with Frisol and an houre within night they came to his Castell where hee called for his chirurgiâ—â—s charging them to giue diligent attendance â—n Frisol When the Dukes sister heard the misfortune of her friend she came hastily to him in his chamber after many swéet kisses said I beséech you my lord fâ—rget my folly for I was yâ— cause of your mischance Madame said Frisol where no offence is coÌ„mitted what néeds any remission If my fortune haue béene ill it is not for mée to complaine on you for your request tended to mine owne honour but I must be content with my hap though it hath sorted to so bad effect and this doth yet comfort me that I receiued my foile by the onely Knight in the worlde And if the heauens please to lengthen my dayes I shall be desirous to do him seruice for there is no man liuing to whom I could better affoord it Now néede I not mislike hauing tried him so often if he be worthy the loue of diuine Polinarda for he beyond all other doth best deserue it Why how now quoth the Lady are you so vnwise to honour him so much that hath so iniuried you and which is most childish to desire his seruice Goâ— then and séeke him whom thou so louest for by mine hâ—nour I more despise thée now then any man in the world thou making such reputation of him whom thou oughtest to pursue with mortall hatred Frisol smiling hereat said Madame I must néeds say so séeing no ill wordes can amend my mischaunce so without any aunswer she â—â—oong foorth of his Chamber The next day the Duke called all his Knights commanding them to restraine the passage â—o longer at the bridge intending to go to the Court sâ— soone as
Lord matched not with you the greatest Princesse in Europe would not triumph in his loue Yes certainly Madam when you may at leysure sit downe recount your 〈◊〉 which you sustained by flatterers parâ—sites Think what will be the danger after our departure the Emperour his father not minding to pocâ—â—t the losse of his late armie will send such a puissaunt strength into England as the King your father nor 〈◊〉 duke your husband that must be wil scant excuse yâ— who le ruine of this country The mean to preuent this mishap and assure your continual tranquilitie is in entertaining the counsell I haue giuen you where otherwise your selfe conceit makes way to manifold misfortunes dangers Thus concluding his spéeches in great heauines he turned from her wherat the Princesse inwardly gréeued for the Ring which he had giuen her was of such vertue that after she had put it on her finger shee was wonderfully affected toward Trineus as she could not thinke on any other wherfore in this sudden change and trembling with the doubtful conceit of her owne spirit she called Palmerin to her thus answering Alas my Lord and only comfort in these heauy passions what feare hath these hard and rigorous spéeches brought me into It is very true that folowing the counsell of yong Ladies like my selfe I haue béene perswaded to cast off the Princes loue accounting him but a simple knight errant but now being assured of his nobility loialty and great gentlenesse that he would not request as I hope any thing contrary to vertue and honor I beléeue what you haue said submit my selfe to your discretion as willing to obey any thing you shall commaund me Yet this I must request that aboue all things mine honour may be defended for rather would I suffer mine own losse for euer then this famous realme or my father should be any way endangered Beléeue me Lady quoth Palmerin if thus you continue you may wel venture to gain this generall benefit for henceforth there will none be so hardy as to molest your father with warre hauing matched his daughter with the great Emperours sonne of Allemagne To confirme this promise you shall giue me this swéete hand which I kisse as the hand of the soueraigne Lady Empresse of high Allemaigne that you will not shrinke hereafter froÌ„ this honorable determination but for your owne regard you must conceale this contract from your most trustie friends and dispose in such sort of your selfe for I hope to compasse the meane and opportunitie that you shal leaue England and go to the noble regions of your worthy Lorde and husband What I haue promised sayd Agriola I will performe and with what spéede you shall thinke conuenient albeit I repose such trust in you that hauing béene so fortunate hitherto in your interprises you wil be carefull in accomplishing these daungerous intentions Thus before they departed the mariage of Trineus and Agriola was concluded and because they would not as then bee suspected they stept into the daunce next the yong prince shewing very amiable pleasant gestures which Trineus in his often turning diligeÌ„tly noted imagining that Palmerin had not so long conferred with his Lady but some assured resolutioÌ„ was determined yet he dissembled his inward ioies so cunningly as he could Ech eie was fixed on these two braue knights the Ladies and Gentlewomen perswading themselues that they neuer beheld more noble personages deseruing like estimation for their special chiualrie as also for their bountie and Courtly â—iuilitie Thus passed the feast in all kinde of pleasures and these two Knights withdrawing themselues into their chamber Palmerin discoursed to Trineus his talk with Agriola and how he had with such cunning pursued the matter that in the end be obtained what he demaunded reporting the gentle conclusion hee made with the Princesse These ioyfull newes droâ—e the prince into such a quandarie as he could not expresse his secret content wherefore Palmerin awaking him out of his musing said As I am true knight I neuer thought yâ— a man of your estate could be of so slender courage What countenance woulde you vse in a matter of sorrow when such dainty tidings make you so effeminate Be of good chéere man Agriola is your owne and none but Trineus must bee her Lorde and husband I must confesse my lord said Trineus that my behauior but little beséemes my calling but yâ— cause therof is that I know no desert in my selfe yâ— may be estéemed worthy yâ— least fauor of my Lady Beside these newes brought me such special contentmeÌ„t as I am no longer mine own but in her onely I liue and shée holdes the ballanâ—â— of my daunger or felicity in that I was borne to be her â—eruant But now I desire you my Lord séeing the occasion offereth itself we hinder it not by any negligence for if now we loose the fauour of the time we neuer I feare shal recouer the like therefore let vs so soone as we can proâ—â—dâ— al things ready for our departâ—â—e Refer that to me quoth Palmerin be you as ready as I shall make prouision The next day he went to the maister of a ship to knowe when time would serue for their secret departure who answered him that the time was then very conuenient the winde seruing prosperously and the Sea calme and nauigable and he would furnish him with all necessaries for his passage Quoth Palmerin sée that your men and all things be in readines yâ— we may launch away vpon halfe an houres warning So departed the maister about his busines and Palmerin to the prince Trineus whom he informed with these glad tydings now nothing remaining but to know the princesse pleasure â—he being 〈◊〉 wiâ—e as ready to depart as yâ— most forward But quoth Palmerin how shall we safely get you foorth of the Court I will sayd the Princesse this night feigne my selfe sicke and for my greater quiet cause my Ladyes to absent my Chamber and so secretly will I escape disgâ—â—sâ—d to the 〈◊〉 gate of the Pallace which is not far from my todging wherto I may passe vnséene of any and from thence go with you saâ—â—ly to the Hauen This practise was faithfully concluded betwéene them and Agriola withdrewe her selfe closely to her chamber where at night she began her câ—uÌ„terfeit sicknesse commanding her Ladyâ—â— to 〈◊〉 hâ—r alone because â—he 〈…〉 Her Ladyes little thinking of 〈…〉 went to their owne lodgings very peâ—siue and sorowful which Agriola perceiuing couered her self with her night mantle and came to the place where the Knights staid her comming Palmerin taking hir vnder his arme conuaied hir in that maner to the princes chaÌ„ber where they altogither laid downe the order for their embarking Trineus extolling his happy fortune séeing his Lady so ready to accomplish his desire They arming themselues and taking with them the princesse costly iewels wherof she had plentifully stored her self they came to the hauen where they fouÌ„d
the ship and mariners ready and getting all aboord the wind seruing for their auaile they set saile and before day they got farre enough from London Chap. LXII How the king of England and the Queene were aduertised how their daughter Agriola was conuayed away and of their sorrow for her departure THe Duke of Gaules daughter who continually was bedfellow to the Princesse absenting her selfe very long from bed fearing to disquiet her Ladie being sicke as she supposed but comming at length to sée hâ—w shee fared finding the bedde emptie and Agriola gone shee presently made a great out-crie whereat the other Ladies came and altogither amazed at this sudden aduenture went to the Quéenes Chamber where they reported how the Princesse was gone but howe or when they knew not The Quéene at these tydings suddenly arose and comming to her daughters Chamber found it too true which made her fal into such pitiful acclamations farre surpassing those of Maguelona when she lost her friend Peter of Prouince in the wood In these lamentings shee returned to the king whose heauines excéeded iudgment for the losse of his daughter and then came diuerse lords gentlemen who declared that the strange Knights were likewise departed Which raised such a â—umour through all the Citie that they had stolen away the Princesse The King vnderstanding the general sorow for his daughters absence said In sooth my friends if these Knights haue done such seruice for mée they haue sufficiently recompenced themselues in doing me the greatest dishonour they could deuise yet wil I not condemne them so much as my daughter for that I am perswaded shée procured this mischaunce But nowe I well perceiue what credit a maÌ„ may repose in his enemy for Palmerin euermore serued the Emperour of Allemaigne then hâ—rdly could he be true to mee Yet is it in vain for me to blame him or his companions if they tookâ— the aduauntage of their owne intents But now there 〈◊〉 no remedy my daughter is in the company of most chosen knights if she haue done well or ill hereafter her deserts will answer her misdemeanour Thus the king would not suffer any pursute after them though the Quéen and her Ladies earnestly intreated him he answering that no such mone should be made for a child so vngrateful 〈◊〉 disobedient but hauing committed an action so â—ile â—â—â—rme she should no more account of her as 〈◊〉 childe And well may wee quoth hee so refuse her in that she wouâ—â— leaue her parents and depart with straungers 〈◊〉 might we haue accounted our selues if we had lost her in her infancie The Quéene séeing her â—ord so impatient appeased his displeasure so well as she could because shee would not mooue him too much Within few dayes after the Duke of Gaule arriued at the Court who most of all gréeued at thâ—se vnhappy tidings wherefore he perswaded the king to proclaime open warre against the Emperour of Allemaigne assuring him that the knight which most commonly accompanied Palmerin was Trineus the Emperors sonne When the king heard the Dukes spéeches forgetting his anger he reioyced estéeming himselfe happy and his daughter wise in matching her selfe with such a husband and if she had made her choyse among al the Princes of the world shee could not haue sorted out one comparable in honor In bréefe aunswered the duke that for a daughter so lost he would not séeke the death of his louers and subiects but being one of Fortunes changes he could not withstand it and thus the king wisely and patiently entâ—red hiâ— gréeâ—e Chap. LXIII How Vrbanillo and the Prince Trineus Esquire arriued at the Emperours Court and what great ioy their comming procured IN this place â—ur history taketh this occasion howe the King of Fraunce daily expecting newes from Palmerin as concerning his intent of marriage betwéene his daughter and the Prince Trineus but séeing he heard no tidings at all he determined to send his ambassadâ—rs to the Emperor electing for chéefâ— in this embassage the Count of Aâ—mignac to whom hee gaue ful power authority to conclude the marriage betweene Trineus his daughter Lucemania as also of the princesse Polinarda with his son and heyre The king dispatching al things for his ambassage sent many â—arons and knightâ— of name to accompany the Count to countenance the matter with more royaltie magnificence and in this maner they came to Gaunt where the Emperour being aduertised of theyr arriuall 〈◊〉 no grâ—at account thereof such was his gréefe for his sonneâ— absence Palmerins of whom he could not heare any tidings as also for the foyle his Armie sustained in England But while the messenger from the ambassadours of Fraunce stayed with the Emperour Vrbanillo and the princes Squire entred the hall whose presence highly contented the Emperour as embracing them very louingly he demaunded for Palmerin and his sonne Trineus when they deliuering their letters and the Emperour perswaded therby of their spéedie return was greatly contented saying to the Ambassadours messenger My fréend séeing I haue heard such long looked for tidings of my sonne you may returne to the 〈◊〉 your maister desiring him to come when hee thinks conuenient he shall be heartily welcome to me with this answer the messenger departed TheÌ„ the emperor taking Vrbanillo by yâ— hand said Tel me now I pray thée how fares thy maister where is he is my sonne with him My gracious lord quoth the dwarâ—e where your noble son abideth there is my maister both of â—â—â—ght good disposition and highly honored And hereof I can assure your maiesty yâ— you haue a son who by good reason 〈◊〉 to be numbred among the best knights liuing for such honourable experience hath hee made of his worthines that perpetuall memorie will recorde his déeds of chiualry what els remaineth you shal know at their comming which will be so soone as they can possibly I euer perswaded my selfe said the Emperour that in the company oâ— so good a knight as Palmerin my son could not but purchase credit and honour the refore séeing they haue such prosperity of health I care the lesse for their stay but welcome are they whensoeuer they come By this time Polinarda heard of the Dwarfes arriual which greatly pleasing her she sayd to Brionella I pray thée swéete fréend go spéedily and séeke the Dwarfe that we may knowe what is become of our Lords and my brother Trineus Brionella who longed to heare of hir loue Sir Ptolome whom wel she knew to be one of the companie with all spéed accomplished the Princesse commandement and found the ioyfull messenger with the Emperour who tooke great delight in the Dwarfes reports but his maiestie perceiuing with what chéerefull countenance she came to bring Vrbanillo to her Lady the princesse bad him go with her hoping by his meanes his Daughters extreame sadnesse would be comforted Brionella béeing forth of the Emperours presence embraced him many times to know his tydings when the Dwarfe not
ignorant of the Ladyes passions deliuered Ptolomes letter to chéere her but wheÌ„ the Princesse saw Vrbanillo comming with the teares in her eyes she ranne apace to méete him and casting her armes about his neck embraced him verie often saying Tell me Vrbanillo tell mee how fares my brother thy Maister Palmerin Madame quoth the Dwarfe so well as your owne heart can wish and will ere long be héere with you Then deliuered he yâ— letter froÌ„ Trineus which certified her of his short returne that hee would bring with him yâ— thing she most estéemed But the wag knowing she expected other matters and that her brothers medicine was not sufficient for her cure he gaue her his masters letter when she hastily breaking open yâ— seale found the ring which her loyal friend had sent her and after she had welcomd it with many deuout kisses she put it on hir finger with these words I charge thée kéepe this token safely in witnesse of the knights gentlenesse that sent it whome my heart hath made speciall choyse of aboue all other Then reading the letter and discréeâ—ly considering not without great eâ—fuse of teares the swéet words humble supplications entire excuses extreame passions that her friend continually suffered for her loue deliuering many bitter sighs she said Ah my true and loyall friend I beléeue wel and take in good part your cause of absence béeing assured that if possibly you could returne sooner nothing should stay you from the place where yâ— only remedie of your dolorous gréefes abideth But séeing for my loue you may not forsake my brother I pray you for your continuall safetie and spéedie conduction to your longing desires that mine eies ouerwatched with tedious expectation my hart néere tired with bootlesse wishings may by your presence be thorowly coÌ„forted Afterward Vrbanillo bréefely reported to her the noble actions of his Lord and maister the loue of Ttineus to the Princesse Agriola discribing her beautie and rare perfections whereupon Polinarda thus answered Beléeue mee Vrbaniâ—lo if the Princesse be so faire as thou saist she is her great vertues and firme loyaltie likewise comparable enuie false report shal not impeach her to be reckoned among the most happie Ladies of the world and her desires wil be as honorably effected as with vertuous thoughts she first began them The like I doubt not will happen to thy maister for fortune hath euermore so specially fauored him as now it were against reason shée should alter her countenance So departed the Dwarfe from the Princesse returning to the Emperor who by no meanes could get any other tidings of his son then what you haue heard which made him doubt the dwarfe iuggled with him The next day the Emperour sent his chéefest Lords and Barons to conduct the French ambassadors to the court which was sumptuously hanged with Tapistrie especially the great hall which was adorned with costly cloth of gold and rich purple as it had béene the Pallace of Salomon The Ambassadours entertained with maruailous royaltie hauing deliuered the summe of their embassage the Emperour answered that hée would conferre thereon with his councel in me any while they might returne to their lodgings After they were departed the hall the Emperour demanded of the princes electours and the rest of his nobilitie if these marriages of his sonne and daughter with the heire and princesse of Fraunce might not be granted as well for the vtilitie and honor of the Empire as for the generall benefit of Christendome commanding them to speake their iudgements without feare The Lords altogether answered that the mâ—tion was so good the aliance so honorable as it was no way to be misliked I will then quoth he talke with the empresse that she may vnderstand hir daughters opinion then my lords of France shal be answered So leauing them hee went to the Empresse chamber to whom he reported his agréement with his councel which pleased her likewise maruailous wel but when shâ— had a little considered on the matter she answered that but little could be said before Trineus returned home againe You reason well quoth the Emperour but in meane time I pray you â—ouÌ„d your daughters iudgement yâ— we may returne our brother of Fraunce some certain answer Which she promised to do so departing froÌ„ her lord she went to her daughters chaÌ„ber where hauing coÌ„manded her ladies aside she thus began Faire daughter it is the emperors pleasure and mine that you marrie with the eldest sonne and heire of Fraunce and your brother Trineus with his sister for hee is one of the most renowned kings in Europe his son recounted among the best knights of the world for which good fortune you may thanke the heauens that so great a prince offers his Sonne to be your husband Aduise your selfe of your answer for by your opinion must the ambassadors be dispatched hence who came to the court for nothing else but to conclude these honorable marriages Polinarda hearing yâ— words of her mother was surprized with such sodain heauines as she could not tel what to answer but fearing the Empresse should perceiue that her loue was already determined with sad countenance thus replied Madame you know what promise I made my brother the day when he departed from the Court in the presenâ—â— of you and all the nobility that I would not marry before his returne and me thinks I were greatly to be blamed and well worthy gréeuous reprehension if I shoulde so falsifie my word which I cannot do without impeach of myne honor And héerein shall I follow the laudable bertue of the Emperor my father who euermore estéemed his promise aboue al earthly possessions Beside I can assure you that my brother wil neuer marry with the princesse Lucemania for he loues one many degrées beyond her and may I speake it without offence one of the most beautifull Ladyes that euer nature framed Thus Madame my Father and you haue excuses sufficient auayleable wherewith to aunswere the king of France It may be quoth the empresse that your brother loues els where but I can tell ye that neyther hée nor you shall do any thing contrary to the Emperors commandement Polinarda séeing her mother persist in her opinyon bit in her sorrowes with many secret sighs yet knew she so wel how to dissemble her passions as the Empresse could not discerne her priuat meaning So returned she to the Emperor aduertising him of hir daughters answere wherat he was so offended as in great anger hee came himselfe to his Daughter saying Why howe now Daughter are you so bolde to disobey my commandemeÌ„t or dare you repugne against my wil al is to no end that you haue babled with your mother for will ye or no it shall bée as I haue appoynted I knowe right well dread Lord and father quoth she that I ought no way to deny your pleasure but rather wil I die a thousand deaths then consent
Tharsus and the other sporting in the Court at Constantinople not daring to sette foote in the stirroppe after Knightly exercises til they heare how their Father speedes If he haue that fauour his deedes deserued then on goes their Armor and in the cheefest places of Christendome wil they shewe themselues with repetition to the world of wonderfull aduentures But while they expect good newes or bad I will hasten on the translation of the third part of this most famous Historie which beeing of some great quaâ—titie wil aske the longer time eâ—e hee can enioy the benefit thereof bee therefore kind to these two former Bookes and that will be the better meanes of hastening the third Yours to his vttermost Anthony Mundy The second part of the auncient and honourable Historie of Palmerin D'Oliua Continuing his rare fortunes Knigâ—tly deedes of Chiualrie happie successe in loue and how he was crowned Emperour of Constantinople Herein is likewise concluded the variable troubles of Trineus and faire Agriola of England with their fortunate mariage c. Chap. I. How Olimael presented the Princesse Agriola to the greaâ— Turke who immediately became amorous of her and what rewardes and preferment the Pyrate receiued for his gift Aâ— yet I am sure you remember in the first part how the Pyrate Olimael 〈◊〉 his prisoners reseruinâ— for 〈◊〉 none but the King of Englandes daughter hopâ—ng in time to 〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉 An béeing alone 〈…〉 in the fayrest Cabin in the 〈…〉 hée could to comfort her but 〈…〉 were bestowed in vaine for shée woulde receyue no kinde of sustenaunce desyring euerie houre to die hauing so lost her Lord Trineus He séeing that fayre spéeches offers gifts and other inticements proper to perswasion could not compasse the thing he desired he grewe into choler intending to gaine his pleasure perforce so that after manie threatnings with rough violence hée woulde néedes rauish her Agriola séeing that her féeble strength coulde not long withstand the Turke albeit she stroue and resisted so well as shée coulde therefore with deuout prayer shee called on God desiring him to take pittie on her and not to suffer that villainous Ruffian to dishonour her Her prayer béeing ended Olimael beganne in such sort to tremble as hée staggered backe warde foure or fiue times and so excéedingly was hée surprised with feare as hée was constrayned to leaue her and withdraw himselfe into another place The Princesse though shée were amazed at this suddaine chaunge noting with what terrour the Captaine departed yet was she greatly comforted by her deliuerance imputing the whole worke thereof to the Almightie prouidence and the vertue of the Ring that Palmerin gaue her wherefore with thankfull heart and eleuated eyes to heauen shée sayd O celestiall Father howe great and infinite is thy goodnesse howe happie is the creature whom thou regardest with the eye of pittie assurdly I nowe perceyue that such as in extremitie haue recourse to thee shall no waie perish Then taking the vertuous Ring and kissing it many times sayd Unualuable Iewell giuen me by the best Knight in the worlde howe carefully will I kéepe thée howe true is that saying That great persons giue great presents Hencefoorth shalt 〈…〉 bee kept for the loue of him that gaue thée and for thy singular vertue in the place where I vsually store things of greatest price So taking a little Chayne of Golde which serued her as a Bracelet shée fastened this 〈◊〉 Iewell thereto and put it about her necke so that the sumptuous Stone laye glistering betwéene her 〈◊〉 white breasts a prospect so rare and delicate and of no lesse power to drawe the beholders eyes then the Aâ—amant the Amber or the Ieate can by their vertue beside so woonderfully repleat with swéete regard as I dare affirme that the most cruell Tyrant in Turkie would stand amazed at those two daintie Mountaines more mortifyed and humbled then the aged Hermits of Thebaida Olimael yet quaking at his suddaine aâ—teration durst presume no more to offer her villaynie but by rich gifts and presents sought to perswade her all which auailed not for as hée got but little profit by his violence so wonne he much lesse by his trecherous offerings So sayled they eight dayes togither Olimael not able to compasse Agriolas loue nor hearing anie tydings of the vessels that were lost neyther of his Cozin who had Trineus captiue which grieued him as nothing could do more in that he was so vnprouided as well he could not present himselfe before his Lord to whom hée had promised to bring store of Christian prisoners and now hée had in his bootelesse loue so lost his time as either the tempest or shipwracke had spoyled him of his owne companie In this doubtfull opinion he debated with himselfe that the great Turke did earnestly affect fayre Ladyes so by the meane of his beautifull prisoner he imagined to bée entertained with good countenaunce and his losse woulde be past ouer with forgetfulnesse wherefore hee commaunded the Pilot to make toward the port of Ottobant where as then the great Emperour of Turkie soiourned and 〈◊〉 they came in short time after Notwithstanding as a Seruant well instructed not daring to abuse the familiaritie of his Lorde hée sent one of his Knights to excuse his cause and to report that by casuall mischaunce he had lost his men and Gallies but if his Maiestie pleased to forget his misfortune and receyue him into his accustomed fauour he would bring him one of the fayrest Ladies in Chriâ—endome and discended of most royall percentage The Emperour béeing lasâ—iuions and more addicted to vnchaste desires then any in his Realme hearing this message was so supprised with the onely report of her beautie as immediately he became passionate for her loue sending the Pyrate worde that hee could not bring a more desired present 〈◊〉 therfore remitted all his offences promising him greatter fauour then euer he had And because no contrarie occasion may hinder his comming quoth the Emperour thou shalt carrie him this Letter sealed with mine owne signet that hée may no way â—oubt of his assurance The Knight taking the Letter and kissing the Emperours feete according to the cuâ—â—ome returnâ—d to his Maister deliuering him the aunswere hée had receiueâ— Olimael ioyfull thereof caused Agriola to cloath her selfe in her most sumptuous garments and so with alâ— his men sâ—t forwarde towarde the Court. Nowe although the Prinâ—esse was all blubbered with teares and halfe deade to see her selfe in the power of these Straungers professed anâ— sworne enemies to hâ—r faith and religion yet could not the rare perfections of her beautie be shadowed but the glimse thereof set euery eye to wonder And as she lookes about her to sée if any of her companie were landed with her she espied Ptolome whom they minded secretly to conuey from her but shee beholding him so sad and sorrowfull stept towards him saying Ah my déere fréend Ptolome what wreakfull chaunce hath Fortune throwne vppon vs
many haue sent their Ambassadours to him presenting their Daughters and Kingdomes to him the greater part whereof he hath hitherto refused â—xcusing himselfe by his fathers age and his owne youth But as often times it happeneth Fortune enemie to all good endeuours not suffering him to remaine in quiet permitted that the quéene of Tharsus the fayrest of the Orientall paâ—ts a young Widdow and rich as is very well knowne after shee had sent him many presents of incomparable value intreated him to come and sée her shaddowing in this message the great desire shée had to matâ—h with him The Prince being benigne and courteous would not denie her but in short time after iourneyed to her The Quéene entertaining him with great royaltie and séeing in him farre more gracious and beautifull gifts then before she heard reported was so surprised with loue as in stéede of looking to be wooâ—d her selfe was constrained to demaund knowing so wâ—ll to declare her desirous and affectionate passions as the Prince mooued with amorous pittie granted what she requested without any further condition or promise presuming on himselfe in respect of her great and fauorable entertainment that hee would not leaue her for any other But herein was she deceiued for the yong Prince hauing staied with her tâ—nne or twelue dayes desired leaue to departe saying that hée had receiued Letters from his Father which commaunded his spéedy returne home againe promising her if so his father consented to take her in marriage and that with such expeâ—ition as might bée The Queene somewhat contented with this answere thinking hee would performe what hée promised let him depart He being come home into his owne Countrey forgot his loue to his newe Fréend and by his Fathers commaundement marryed with a yong Princesse Daughter to the King Lycomedes The Quéene hearing these newes was almost dead with conceit of gréefe and conceiued such hatred against my Lord Maurice as she determindd to be reuenged on him whatsoeuer came after And the better to compasse her intent shée sent to search out one of her knights a learned Magitian promising him if he would help her to be reuenged on him that so deceiued her shée would make him one of the chéefest in her Realme The Magitian who euermore was desirous to please her promised her to worke such a deuise that Maurice should endure such cruel torments as her selfe should be constrayned to pittie him And to accomplish this practise hée onely desired the King her Fathers Crowne which was one of the richest in the whole world which Crowne he coniured in such sort as the diuell himself could not imagine the like and comming therwith to the Quéen said Madame you must sende this Crowne to the Prince of Pasmeria desiring him for your sake hée will weare it on his head in the chéefest affayres of his estate which hée immediatly will accomplish but this I dare assure you that hereby hée shall suffer so many vexations as hee would endure a thousand deaths if hee could possible to be deliuered from this torment which he neuer shall be till the most loyall louer in the world take it from his head The Quéene so ioyfull hereof as could be sent the Crowne to the prince who receiued it thankfully and beholding it sumptuous sodainely put it on his head but presently flew out of his head such a flame of fire as it had béene the blaze that commeth from a discharged Cannon Then called hee for ayde and succour making the greatest lamentations that euer were heard but all was to no ende for no Knight or Lady there could do him any good and so all the whole day hée remained in this cruell martirdome burning aline yet not perishing resembling the Salamander in the extreame fire When his people saw that they could procure him no ease they sent two of the greatest Lords of the Realme to the Quéene who humbly intreated her to pittie the Prince and to recompence the fault he had committed hée should take her to his Wife and endow her with those honourable possessions belonging to him The Quéene entertained them very nobly and after she had vnderstood their message answered My Lordâ— the marriage betwéene your maister and me is intollerable and no way can hée nowe contract himselfe againe for I remembring his disloyaltie and hée the torments hée suffers by my meanes it were impossible that wée should louingly liue togither therefore in this matter you shall excuse me And let him know that séeing hée was so presumptuous contrarie to his faith and promise to refuse me for his Wife I now so much disdain and contemne him as my heart by no meanes can be induced to loue him And no other remedie is there for his torments but that hée séeke through Asia Europe and Affrica a louer so perfect who by his loyaltie may cease the paines he suffers for trecherie and treason With this short answere depart my Countrey for your Maister is so worthie of fauour as for his sake I hate his people The Ambassadours maruailing at this fatall destenie returned to their Lord to whom they reported the Quéenes answere and what remained to ease his affliction which more and more encreased his gréefe wherfore séeing what he was enioyned to doo the next day hée left the Court entending not to stay a day in any place till he should finde a Knight so vertuous and loyall Thus hath he trauailed Ethiopia India Tartaria the greater part of your realmes but as yet hee hath founde none to remedie his misfortune but if any other disloyall Knight in triall touch the crowne his vexations are far more greater then before For this cause most mighty Lord haâ—ing heard the great fame of valiant knights in your Court especiall of a stranger Knight being dumbe who came hither but of very late time he desires your maiestie his assurance graunted to suffer him trie his fortune heere if in your presence â—e may finde any helpe or else to seeke further in other Princes Courts These are the principall points of my charge may it please your highnesse to consider of mine answere how I shall returne and certifie my Maister that you may like wise sée an aduenture maruailous Chap. VII How the Prince Maurice came to the Court of the Soldâ—ne of Babilon where he was deliuered of his burning Crowne that tormented him by the loyaltie of Palmerin MAulicus wondering at this strange discourse thus answered the Moore You may my friend returne to your maister when you please and say from vs that hee shall be welcome to our court with as safe aâ—â—urance as our own pâ—rson as well for his valour and bountie which I haue heard greatly esteemed as for that wee are desirous to see so strange an aduenture ended in our presence And wee cannot sufficiently maruaile howe he could bee so forgâ—tfull of himselfe that after his faith so broken hee could extinguish her remembraâ—ce that loued him so vnâ—eigneâ—ly but heeâ—ein
may wee beholde the soueraignitie of confident loue 〈…〉 then and certifie him of our pleasures and that we pray 〈◊〉 godâ— his 〈◊〉 may be in such an houre as hee may depart hence to his owne content yet am I greatly afraid that he shall not finde any Knight in our Court but hath eyther forfaited or failed towardes his Lady The Moore kissing the Solâ—ans hand and humbly taking his leaue returned to his Lord leauing the Soldane and his Knights admyring this rare accident so that hee exhorted euery one to aduenture his fortune at this Crowne to giue the greater assurance to their Ladies of their loyall fidelitie but many of them were herein deceiued for in stéede of prayse and glorie they receiued shame and reproch as you shall sée héereafter The Prince aduertised of the Soldans aunswere in hope of good successe sette forwarde on his iourney and the next day following hée came to Calpha where Maulicus caused him to be honourably lodged in the Cittie because that day he would not come to the Pallace On the morrow after that Lethea wife to the Soldane her Daughter Alchidiana the fayre Ardemia with many other Ladies and Princes were come into the Hall to sée the tryall of this noueltie Prince Maurice vnderstanding how the Soldane with all his courtly assistants stayed his comming went to the Pallace accompanied with a hundred Knights all clad in mourning blacke in signe of their continuall sorrow for their Princes misfortune There he was very royally entertained the Soldane causing him to sitte by him in a sumptuous Chayre of estate of purpose prouided and after many welcomes and kinde gratulations the Soldane demaunded how hee felt himselfe and whether hee sustayned any ease of his torment Ah my Lord quoth the prince I can not expresse to your maiestie the paine which I féele being a thousand times worse to mée then death and euerie houre enforcing mée to despayre but I must endure it with what patience I can till incomparable loyaltie discharge mee of this burthen With these words he lamented excéedingly so that each one was mooued to pittie him for such a burning flame continued in the Crowne and so fâ—rious heate procéeded from his mouth as sette the Hall in maruailouâ— hotnesse yet consumed hee nothing at all but in euery part was as formall as any other man Beloued Couzin said the Soldane for my selfe I will not enterprise to meddle with your Crowne for I doo not imagine my selfe so fauoured of loue as I can finish that wherein so many haue fayled nor would I willingly séeke mine owne dishonour being farre vnable to profit you as for my knights let them make proofe of theyr loyalty and spare not and sée which of them can winne the honour of this aduenture Hereupon Guiâ—â—haran brother to faire Ardemia first entred and 〈◊〉 to the enchaunted Prince sayd Trust me my Lord since I began my profession in loue I neuer committed any preiudice to my Lady therefore will I trie to end this enchauntâ—ient Then earnestly beholding Alchidiana for whose loue onely hee came to Court hée approched to the enchaunted Prince and pulâ— so hard as he could at the Crowne but hée crying aloude sayde For Gods sake Sir knight striue no longer for if by disloyaltie I could be cured I sée you are able to giue me remedie Alas in all my life I neuer felt like paine by any Knight that tried his fortune great neede haue you to doo seuere pennance if you will bée fauoured by loue any more towards whom you haue so haynously offended for my infirmitie may not be holpen but by loyaltie firmnesse faithfull persuit constant perseuerance and such other honoured vertues estéemed in loue whereof you haue not the least particular Thus retyred this newe louer more ashamed then a Uirgin to bee seene lightly disposed and so sate downe among the other 〈◊〉 whose fortune prooued as effectuall as the first to 〈◊〉 owne disgrace and great torment of the languishing 〈◊〉 The Kings and auncient Princes séeing the young Knights could doo no good put themselues in deuoire each one conceiuing so well of himselfe as if theyr fortune serued to ende the aduenture their yéeres should carrie the honour and they be renowned for euer by their Ladies but their vaine conceit and desire to accomplish an impossibilitie much abused them so that they shamefully remained frustrate in their intents and the paines of the enchaunted Prince greatly augmented who thus spâ—ke to them Truly my Lords it is the custome of your auncient and auâ—acious opinions to extoll your loueâ— and valour but for any thing I sée your olde yéeres haue much lesse merited amorous mercy then the indiscréete and vnconstant dealing of these yong Princes Then seeing that no other offered to prooue his vertue deliuering many greeuous sighs he sayde Unhappie wretch that I am howe much more had it béene to my ease and benefit if the Quéene of Tharsus whome I so 〈◊〉 offended would haue contented her selfe in her reuenge to cause mée be péece meale torne in sunder then thus haue deliuered me into this insupportable vexation the ende where of will neuer be accomplished séeing that in this honourable Court of my Lord the Soldane I find no one can giue me comfort Palmerin hearing the lamentation of this amorous 〈◊〉 fell into a profound imagination and after he had long regarded Ardemia who so liuely resembled his Mistresse Polynarda saide within himselfe Ah swéet Madame and onely mistresre vouchsafe at this instant to assist mee for by your succour I shall nowe make proofe of my faithfull and inuiolable loyaltie which neuer in ought offended you if not at Durace in affecting Laurana whom I simplie thought to be the Lady who was so often promised in my viâ—ions But seeing my thoughts neuer sorted to effects as also that I was deceiued in your name that ought not be imputed to me for any trespasse and therefore 〈◊〉 Goddesse bee fauourable to me Then surprised with sodaine ioy hée beganne againe earnestly to be holde the Princesse Ardemia who imagining her selfe onely beloued of him cast foorth a bitter sigh turning to Alchidiana 〈◊〉 Ah Madame and my déere Couzin what great fault hath this cruell Quéene committed appointing her Magique in such sorte as loyall and faithfull Ladies maye not be suffered héerein for deliueraunce of this yong and beautifull Princeâ— doubtlesse hee should sooner receiue helpe by them then by Knights 〈◊〉 much more loyally doo they loue then men and are in their affections firme and constant Alchidiana who felt her selfe touched with this intricate furie whereof the 〈◊〉 Ardemia complained suddainly coniectured whereto her sighes and faultering spéeches tended which raysed priuate conceit and such a vehement attaint of iealousâ—â— as she would not aunswere any worde but feigning to smell some discontented fauour turned her face the contrary way Palmerin looking round about him and séeing no one would meddle with the 〈◊〉 fell on his knée before the 〈◊〉
at length remembring her wordes to him and doubting his vnkindnesse to be the cause of her death sayd within himselfe Alas faire Princesse must I at the first motion driue thée to dispaire had I dissembled a little or temporized the matter thou hadst not fallen into this extremitie but my onely wilfull indiscretion is cause of thy losse O Female sexe howe are you subiect to casuall passions Yet néede I not wonder at this present mishappe for from the beginning of the worlde the Woman hath béene so suddein and voluntarie to the effect of her desires were they good or euill but especially in the action of loue as neyther feare honor shame torments no nor death could diuert her from her vndiscreâ—te fantasies Hereof beare record Hypâ—â—mnestra Myrrha Deianira Scylla 〈…〉 Phyllis Salmacis Hero and Dydo whose deatheâ— were procured onely by lauish loue O diuine wisedome that hast suffered me to fall into this lucklesse accident protect mée from any further disaduauntage séeing thou hast taken her hence who gaue some ease to mine 〈…〉 that so liuely shée resembled my swéete Mistresse 〈…〉 desire to serue with continuall loyaltie I nâ—we 〈◊〉 my selfe that this loue was not accompanied with vertue and that for my good it hath so chaunced forgette 〈◊〉 not then but so enable me as in such badde occasions 〈…〉 not from my duetie And such is my confidence in thy promises as no teâ—ptation shall preuaile against mée but this â—aptiuitie once discharged I hope to direct my course pleasing in thy sight and to 〈◊〉 such gracious seruice as thy name 〈…〉 and glorified for euer So long continued he in this silent contemplation as Alchidiana perceiued him which greatlie displeased her but fearing any way to 〈◊〉 Palmerin shée durst not saye what shée thought liuing in hope that her Cozin being dead she should now compasse the effecte of her desires Ardemia enterred in her honourable Tombe Guilharan her Brother with his traine and the Ladies that attended on his Sister returned into Armenia where great sorrowe was made for the death of the Princesse and the renowne of her beautie blazed the report of her death through euery region Chap. IX How Amarano of Nigrea eldest son to the king of Phrygia vnderstanding the death of the faire Princesse Ardemia who was newly promised him in mariage made many greeuous lameÌ„tations for her losse And how Alchidiana discouered her amorous affections to Palmeâ—in SO farre was spread the reporte of the strange death of the Princesse Ardemia as 〈◊〉 came to the hearing of 〈◊〉 eldest sonne to the king of Phâ—ygia the most valiant redoubtâ—d knight of y◠〈…〉 as wel for his great 〈◊〉 and déedes of Armes which he before that time accompliâ—â—â—d in Asia as for his affable nature vertue and courtesie This yong Prince being in the King his fathers Court and hearing commended beyond al other Ladies of the East the faire Ardemia Daughter to the King of Armenia at the verye sounde of the Trompe of this blazing Goddesse and setting the newes downe for true from her affecting spéech he became so amorous of her as he had no content but in thinking on her Héereupon he sent his Ambassadours to her Father to request her in mariage wherto right willingly he condiscended and nowe at the instant when he intended to go visite her newes came to the Court of her admirable death which for a while was 〈◊〉 from him because each one doubted the conceit 〈◊〉 would cause his death For they knowing the loue he 〈◊〉 her to be so vehement as hée vnderstanding her strange kinde of death they thought it impossible but it would 〈◊〉 to very scandalous inconuenience yet in the ende he 〈◊〉 thereof but to sette downe héere the gréefe teares and complaints of this yong Prince is more then I am able 〈◊〉 it therefore suffise you that his sorrowes were such as euery houre his death was likewise expected It was likewise told him howe through the enuie of Alchidiana shée dyed and that for certaintie shee was one of the chéefest causes thereof which mooued him then into such an alteration as hée swore by the great Prophet Mahomet to reuenge her iniurie so that the Soldaâ—e shoulde for euer remember the daunger in suffering so great a treason In conclusion hée intended to take with him two hundred chosen Knights all clad in mourning for the gréefe of their Maister and â—oure of his Brethren Knights of great hardinesse and so well they iourneied as they â—ame within twentie miles of the 〈◊〉 Courte But that wée may not too farre 〈◊〉 from our intent Alchidiana ioyfull as you haue hearde for the departure of Guilharan and his 〈…〉 Palmerin 〈…〉 to all louers such account she made of her beautie and riches as she imagined that Palmerin would not disdaine her but rather would repute himselfe happy to haue that at his pleasure whereof so many Kings and great Lordes had béene denyed And in this opinion the next time that Palmerin came to her Chamber she beganne with him in this manner Now Syr Knight what thinke you of the death of Ardemâ—a who so falselye would haue seduced you to goe with her hence did shée not commit great treason against mee if shée had preuailed but right well is shée rewarded and as I desired Thinke then no more of her presumptuous follie or the ridiculous conceit of her vaine loue which shée made her pretence to cause you forsake my Fathers Court where you haue receiued so many speciall honours chéefelie of his Daughter who loues you déerelie and inâ—â—nds to make you Lord ouer all her possessions Beléeue mee Sir Knight if hitherto I deferred to acquaint you héerewith it was in respect I doubted her but now shée being gone estéeme henceforth of me as your owne and to begin this alliaunce I honour you with all that is mine and my selfe to be disposed at your pleasure For my heart which is onely subiect to you applyes it selfe to your lyking and can wish nothing but what you will 〈◊〉 How long haue I desired this happie day howe often haue I contemned and despised my selfe in not daring to breake the seale of my affections which nowe I 〈◊〉 aduentured to your knowledge As for that which now troubleth mee is the want of your spéech which the Gods haue depriued you off being enuious of your manifolde perfections Alas my Lord why did they not endue â—hée with that benifit that in declaring my desires thy answeres might returne reciprocall pleasure Some in their loue delight themselues with embracing kissing and such ceremoniall behauiour as for mée amoâ—rous priuate and 〈…〉 I repute a 〈◊〉 content Yet hath Loue one shaft in his 〈…〉 then all these béeing the onely argument of each others resolution in respect whereof I commit my honour into your protection prizing estéeming and chusing you aboue all men in the world beside Palmerin exceedingly abashed at these vnséemelye spéeches knewe what signes to make for his aunswere
that he 〈◊〉 spâ—ken 〈◊〉 of her in the presente of the 〈…〉 with maruailous anger and disdaine returned him this aunswere Amarano the most rash and 〈◊〉 Knight that euer I sawe I wonder howe thy folly could make thée so audacious to come and accuse me of treason against all truth before my Father and his 〈◊〉 But thy spéeches well noted and considerâ—â— shew nothing but carelesse youth 〈◊〉 and too vaâ—nglorious conceit chiefly in this that thou armed 〈◊〉 and accompanied with so many well appoynted Knights commest in this sort to molest a poore maiden who neuer to thée or thine committed any offence but all seruiceable honour especially to her on whose behalfe than offerest the combat As for the valour thou reputest in thy selfe that 〈◊〉 which this slaunder doth encourage thée withall 〈◊〉 thy hartinesse and resolution of heart thou oughtest rather oppose against a Knight able to aunswere thée then a siely Uirgin who hath no weapon but her â—onour wherewith to defende her selfe I confesse I am a Ladie but not traiterous or false as thou auouchest yet of so noble courage as were I of thy sexe thou neuer shouldest depart this Hall before I had that conspyring head from thy shoulders to witnesse thy falshoode and maleuolent spirit Notwithstanding as I am so please my Lorde and Father with a Kitchin cudgell I shall let thée know that thou dotest in thy spéeches and against thine owne conscience chargest me with the murder of my Cozin Examine thy thoughts what likely reason might induce mée to such an offence If shée was fayre thanks to our Gods mine owne talent is so good as I néede not enuie her beautie If shée made account of her rich dowrie I béeing sole heyre to the Signories of the Soldane might iudge my selfe farre beyond her being desired in mariage by many Kings and Princes whereof I am well assured shée neuer had the like I knowe not then what cause should anie way induce me to request her death But what néede I make such prâ—â—estations to thée séeing that by some one of my Fathers 〈◊〉 thy pride will bee abated and I reuenged of the iniurie thou hast doone me Amarano not aunswering her a 〈◊〉 spake to the Soldane in this sort It is not decent my Lord that a Prince or Knight of qualitie should stay on the wordes of a Woman so little considerate who more by anger then vertue thinkes to reprooue and annihilate a 〈◊〉 accusation Wherefore according to the agréement 〈◊〉 determined cal for the knight that dare vndertake the quarrell of your daughter to whom I will manifest in plaine Combat that what I haue said is trueth and if hée bée vanquished your Daughter Alchidiana and he shall bée burned togither as the greatnesse of the offence well deserueth contrariwise if Fortune denie mée successe I will request no other iustice then what shall please you to appoynt for me Maulicus séeing that well he could not denie the Prince though to his gréefe pronouced the sentence that his Daughter that day shoulde present a Knight to sustaine her cause according to his conditions alleaged This hard prescription made neuer a Knight willing to aduenture the Combatte so much they feared Amarano for the great report they heard of his prowesse but stoode all silent as though themselues were condemned to death Alchidiana séeing the courage fayle of so manie Knights whom shée estéemed for men of great account knewe not to whom shée should haue recourse and therefore ouercome with excéeding sorrowe but that her Ladies assisted her had twise or thrise swouned before her Father Palmerin beholding her and knowing that his refusall was greater cause of Ardemiaes â—eath then the iniurious wordes of Alchidiana pityed her estate and hauing before his eyes the loue she bare him the great honours was done him for her sake and the pustillanimitie oâ— the Soldanes Knights was so mooued 〈◊〉 forgetting all daunger and his dissembled dumbnesse which hitherto hée had so cunningly obserued as though he had béene borne in that Countrey hée thus began in the Arabian tongue 〈…〉 vnwoorthie hencefoorth the name of Knights how can your hearts endure that a proude and presumptuous Prince shall come into your 〈…〉 to accuse your Ladie and Mistresse and not one of you daring to defende her right By the celestiall powers 〈◊〉 may you bee accounted heartlesse men and in suffering this wrong to be depriued of all noble titles and to bee solde in the market as slaues and villaines Thinke you the Prince Amarano is come hither for anie other intent then to make tryall of his great hardinesse Can you be destitute of reason and so easily abused as to thinke 〈…〉 Princesse Alchidiana whom nature hath so worthily 〈◊〉 with beautie and with whom no other may make comparison could be prouoked to murther Ardemia for this onely occasion because she was faire And you Lord Amarano for a matter so slender haue you enterprised to blame a Ladie so vertuous as is the Princesse Alchidiana I accept the Combat on her behalfe auouching that shamefully and without reason you haue accused her behold me readie likewise to maintaine in open fielde that falsely and maliciously thou lyest in thy throate in witnesse whereof there is my gage and I beseech your highnesse affoorde vs presently Iudges that may discerne the issue of our Combat I take thy offer quoth the Prince and before the Sun set will giue thée the payment that belongs to such a frollickâ— companion Who can nowe imagine the ioy of Maulicus and his Daughter séeing him whome they reputed 〈◊〉 by nature thus to recouer his spéech assuredly they were all so amazed that they thought Mahomet had come from the 〈◊〉 to performe this myracle The Soldane thus surprised with vnspeakeable comfort forgetting the maiestie of his person 〈◊〉 Palmerin in his armes saying Ah 〈◊〉 Knight hâ—we may this bée dreame I or dooth but my fancie delude me with your spéech O Mahoâ—et for euer bée thou praysed for this great grace By the highest God I am more ioyfull of this good fortune then 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 the fayrest Island in the Mediterâ—â—â—ean Sea Nowe will I dismay â—o longer 〈…〉 Daughters fortune séeing that you take her quarrel in hand and for her sake wil comâ—at with Amarano with all my heart I graunt you the Fielde and thinke that my Daughter will not denie it But tell mée noble Fréend howe you haue so happily recouered your speech Palmerin abashed that hee had so forgotten himselfe knewe not what excuse to make neuerthelesse â—éeing nowe there was no remedie and that the 〈◊〉 throwne could not bée recalled imagineâ— some likely â—â—militude of his suddaine spéech saying I promise you my Lord that the cerâ—itude of your Daughters iâ—â—ocencie and the great griefe I conceyued séeing your Knightes so cowardly and faint in courage mooued mée into such choâ—ler as the Catarrâ— which of long time hath hindâ—red my spéech dissolued it selfe and â—â—th giuen my tongue libertie
Ladyes eares Neyther can you in my iudgement honour him sufficiently because my Daughter and mée hee hath shéelded from death expulsed our ignominious slaunder and slaine our false accusing enemy to make vs liue in perpetuall fame and memory The most part of them well 〈◊〉 his words and confounded with the remembrance 〈◊〉 theyr shame when they 〈◊〉 not enterprise the Combat for their Lady knew not what to answere but fearing to grow in further offence sought how to change his minde to some other talke Alchidiana béeing all this while in her Chamber prepared her selfe to goe visite 〈◊〉 not knowing how to shape her 〈◊〉 for fresh bewraying of 〈…〉 for the Goddesse Iuno when shée stoode before Syr Paris for sentence of her beautie was not more sumptuously adorned then the Princesse Nowe be 〈◊〉 shée to dispute in her thoughts the honourable graceâ— of Palmerin his nobilitie so farre renowmed his knightly prowesse and magnanimitie whereof herselfe had so good experience as shée resolued neuer to haue any other Husband Then 〈◊〉 she of her Ladies how she might 〈◊〉 her Knight if her head â—yre 〈◊〉 orderly if her 〈…〉 were tressed as they ought and if her garments were braue enough For conclusion the louely Mayden knew not how to dispose of herselfe to gaine his loue shée so earnestly longed for In this equipage she goes to sée her Friend and in his Chamber shée findes her Mother who hindered her languishing Daughter from discouering her sicknesse to him that onely had the power to helpe her wherefore liuing in hope of some better oportunitie for this time she smothered her gréefes so wel as she could finding other talke with her Ladies least her mother should suspect her Chap. XIII How the brethren of Amarano would haue buried his bodie in the Tombe with Ardemia which Alchidiana would not suffer but constrained them to carrie him home againe into his Countrey AMarano thus slaine his Brethren according to his charge thus giuen them before hée entred the Combat tooke his bodie and with great mourning they brought it to the Princesse Ardemiaes Tombe thinking to burie him there with her but Alchidmia aduertised héereof came presently and intreated her Father that hée woulde sende an Herauld to the Brethren of the vanquished Prince to charge them not to leaue the bodie of Amarano in his Dominions for if they did he would cause it to be burned as a Traytor deserued Moreouer that they themselues should depart within foure and twentie hours on paine of the daunger should ensue by their default For good Father quoth she if you should permitte their boldnesse it will be great blame and dishonour to you in that it is commonly knowne with what great pride and arrogancie he came to your Court thinking to iniurie your good report and eyther to shut mée from your presence for euer or else with open scandale to ende my life The Soldane well regarding her wordes willingly graunted her request whereupon the Princesse Brethren were certified of the Soldanes pleasure by a Trumpet whereat they maruailed not a little but séeing they could no way remedie it they said Herauld it is reason that your Lord should bée obeied within his owne territories neuerthelesse you may say vnto him that the crueltie he shewes to a dead bodie is verie great and against all equitie which he héereafter happilie may repent So opening the Tombe againe they tooke foorth their Brothers bodie and the Princesse Ardemiaes likewise conuaying them into a Litter of Cipres to kéepe them from corrupting and thus returned with them to Phrygia where the Princes death was greatly lamented but chéefly by the aged King his Father who séeing his Sonne dead before him after many dolorous passions thus complained Ah Fortune howe cruell doost thou shew thy selfe to the mightie as well as the meanest Ah my Sonne Amarano too déere hast thou bought thy loue to Ardemia Wretched and dispised olde man howe vnfortunate art thou among all other For when thou perswadest thy selfe to haue ioy and comfort by thy Sonnes thou findest the chéefe cause of sorrowe and discontent O death thou sufferest me too importunate Yet if the Soldane had graunted thée buriall where thou diddest desire it before thy death the lesse had béene my gréefe But soone shall I cause him repent his hard dealing and reuenge thy death with sufficient requitall The second brother to Amarano named Gramiel séeing his father in such extreame heauinesse assayed by all meanes he coulde to comfort him promising in the presence of all his Knights with all possible spéede to reuenge his Brothers death and so did all the sixe Brethren solemnly vowe togither Which spéeches did somewhat comfort the aged King who commaunded the bodies of the two louers to be taken from his presence and for a perpetuall memorie of his Sonnes death he caused a sumptuous monument to be made of marble and Porphire whereon was grauen the cause of their vnhappie death All this while Gramiell who vndertooke his Brothers reuenge gaue charge to the people round about him as also to the Kinges and Princes of Suria who were then enemies to the Soldane to prepare themselues in readinesse so that within a Moneths space hée had assembled a power of fiue thousand hardie Soldiers himselfe béeing appointed leader and generall ouer them In this sort they tooke themselues to the Feelde hoping to ruinate the Soldanes Countrey with fire and sworde but they were better entertained then they expected as hereafter shall bée largely discoursed Chap. XIIII Howe Alchidiana ouercome by vehemencie of her loue offered her selfe to Palmerin as his wife and of the aunswere he made her REmembring what hath past in the chapters before we may not forget how by the message of the Quéene of Tharsus sent to the Soldanes Court Alchidiana who began as it were to despise Palmerin was coÌ„strained to renue her loue thus conferring with her selfe that if so great a person as the Quéene of Tharsus commended estéemed and honoured him hauing neuer séene him the better meane had she béeing dayly in his companie to practise the furtheraunce of her earnest desires Shée therefore continually awayted oportunitie to discouer the fire newly raked from the embers and which day and night consumed her with languishing but so well it came to passe that not many dayes after the Combat with Amarano hee came to visite her in her Chamber right ioyfull of the talke hee had with the Soldan as coÌ„cerning the prouision of his strength to goe ruinate the Citie of Constantinople which gaue him hope of his returne to Allemaigne Alchidiana hauing courteously saluted him and shewing better countenaunce then before shée did caused him to sit downe by her and soone after began in this sort I desire you Sir Knight by the reuerence you beare our Godâ— and the â—ayth you owe to her for whose loue you tooke the enchaunted Crowne from the Prince Maurice to tell me your name what your Parents be and of whence
the deuises shee coulde to please his fancie for so deuoutly did the Princesss loue him as shée rather desired her owne death then to giue him the least occasion of dislyking And Palmerin by fayre and affecting speeches perswaded such setled opinions in her as shee helde his promises with greater pertinacie then euer did any Logitian maintainâ— his Aristotle By this time were the men of Armes come from all places wherefore the Soldane calling to Palmerin beganne with him in this manner Syr Palmerin considering how much I am indebted to you my affections are so resolutely perswaded that I estéeme of you as you were my Sonne and much more then I am able to vtter not so much for seruices you haue done mée from time to time as for the incomparable déedes of armes and chiualrie which makes you honoured through the whole world Hauing nowe determined to sende my forces to Constantinople my onely hope I repose in you and well it liketh mée that you beare the office of my Lieutenant Generall and principall gouernour of the Kings and Princes in this expedition Therefore my noble and approoued good Friend vsing your wonted magnanimitie and discretion my people shal think well of my appointment referring the honor of their victorie to the generall hauocke and confusion of their enemies Nowe I perceiue my gracious Lord answered Palmerin that by your manifolde fauours and courtesies you would depriue mée of acknowledging mine owne dutie notwithstanding in respect it is your pleasure I would aduenture the vttermost of my life for you which I cannot with greater honour loose then in your noble seruice Yet may it be spoken within compasse of your highnesse controll me thinks you should rather giue this charge to the King of Balisarca a man wise experienced and farre more skilfull in Armes then I am Beside your people hauing a man of their owne nation for theyr head will obey him more willingly and serue with much more chéerefull coâ—rage then vnder him whom they know not but onely by your Princely and liberall bountie which hath béene such that from the meanest estate where fortune helde mée as altogether despised your Maiestie hath lifted mee to the highest earthly honour Thus speake I dread Lorde as not gain saying your commaundement but for this consideration that taking this honourable charge the Souldiers may mutinie against me and so your seruice be altogether disappointed And thinke you quoth the Soldane that my people will be more obedient to the King of Baâ—isarca then to you Yea doubtlesse my Lord saide Palmerin that is my opinion Know then quoth the Soldane that for this counsell you haue giuen mée my loue is nothing diminished towardes you for I sée by this noble regarde how deseruedly you gaine the fauours of Kings and great personages it shall be therefore as you haue appointed This counsell gaue Palmerin not for any good he wished to Maulicus or the King of Balisarca but desiring nothing more then the ruine and generall destruction of these Heathen hounds sworne enemies to Christ and his Seruants to ridde himselfe of that charge which would bring him so great and shamefull report to â—ight against his Lord and maker therefore premeditating on all these inconueniences he but expected the meane to gette footing in Christendome againe Maulicus thus contented with his aunswere the King of Balisarca was appointed generall of his Armie yet he gaue commandement that Palmerin should bee reuerenced among them as the second person to himselfe and on paine of death none to offende him As all this strength was readie to take shipping newes came to the Court of Gramiell and his brethren what slaughter and spoyle they made through all Assiria whereat the Souldane béeing greatly offended séeing his prouision against Christendome thus chaunged came to Palmerin and sayde My Sonne what thinke you of our enemies What shall I doo to these followers of their Brother in pride I pray you counsell mée in this necessitie Palmerin perceiuing his desire preuented was ouercome with maruailous passions yet to hide his discontent from the Soldane he thus answered Séeing it hath so fallen out my Lord that without any summons our enemies haue presumed vppon vs I thinke it most expedient that your Armie prouided in so good readinesse beginne first with these arrogant inuaders for I doubt not their attempt béeing so trecherous and the courage of our men so resolute but they shall déerely buy their presumptuous aduenture A matter soone begunne will bee as soone ended and our shipping readie wee may afterwarde set forwarde to Constantinople for this will bee a good whetting to our stomackes to deale with our enemies of greater multitude This counsell was accepted wherefore it was immediatly proclaimed through the field that euery man should be readie to depart within thrée daies Chap. XVI How the Prince Olorico sonne to the King of Arabia came and offered his seruice to the Soldane bringing with him fiue hundred armed Knights and of his entertainment SOmewhat before the Soldanes Armie was readie to departe the Prince Olorico eldest sonne to the King of Arabia came to the Court and with him fiue hundred Knights so hardy braue and comely personages as both for the Court and the war better might not be imagined This yong prince reputed among the most valiaÌ„t of his time hearing report of the rare beauty of Alchidiana vnder colour of offring the Soldane his assistance determined to behaue himselfe so brauely in his court that by his liberalitie and honorable actions he would obtaine the Princesse to his Wife wherefore beeing come to the Court and hauing doone his obeysance to the Soldane hee began in this manner Right mightie Lorde of all Assiria and Palestine hauing of long time heard your great forwardnesse to the encreasing of our faith chéefely of the last honourable councell you held to reuenge the death of your famous deceased Brother Gamezio whom our Gods nowe entertaine at their celestiall banquets I tooke my selfe to trauaile with aduised resolution to doo you such seruice as might stande with my abilitie and your pleasure to command And for I now beholde that my arriuall is in a time so fortunate I celebrate theyr names with immortall thankes assuring your Maiestie so farre to stretch my endeouurs as the sonne that is beunde by dutie to his Father The Soldane who had heard great report of his bountie and valour his Father likewise béeing one of his friendes and confederates after he had made him very gracious welcome thanked him for the succour he brought him and henceforth he would not estéeme of him as a stranger but as his Sonne and most especiall Friende All this while Palmerin noted the behauior of the yong Prince and iudging by his complection that hée was of better nature then the other Assirians began to affect him so that after the Soldane had giuen them all the good night Palmerin accompanied the Prince to his Chamber where they could deuise no
other conference but of this new and warlike enterprise which made Olorico demaunde of Palmerin if hee should go in those affaires That will I verily quoth he if sicknesse or prison do not withhold mee Let me intreate you then fayâ—e the Prince to doo me so much honour as to accept me for your companion Whereto Palmerin right soone condiscended and then began such a league of amâ—â—y betwéene them that it endured to the death as you shall reade héereafter But because it was nowe late they tooke their leaue of each other till the next morning when Maulicus would haue Olorico dine at his Table with Palmerin where wanted no prouision that beséemed so great a person béeing now set foorth in most rich and honourable pompe The Tables being withdrawne the Prince began the daunce thinking to sée faire Alchidiana but hée was deceiued for she kept her Chamber in her amorous opinions and would not be séene till the appointed day when the Armie should make shewe in open field This day the Soldane went to order the battaile and to appoint the wings and squadrons which made Alchidiana likewise take delight so walke abroad with Palmerin who was now in maruailous sumptuous Armour bearing a shéeld of Sinople with a barre of Gold figured therein signifying his inward ioy that in so short time he should get from these barbarous and vnchristian helhounds Before them went two yong Lords bareheaded and behinde a great number of Ladies and Knights so rich in apparrelâ— as could be deuised Beeing thus brought to their Palfrayes Palmerin beganne to carriâ—e and braue with his Horse before the Princesse who tooke no little delight in her supposed louer and riding along with him fell into many discourses nothing tending to Religion as I gesse but such deuout seruice as loue teacheth his Schollers In the midst of their communication came the Prince Olorico so altred with his affection to the Princesse that they which haue felt like assaults might easily iudge the cause of his passions Hauing made two or thrée humble reuerences to her he offered to kisse her hand which shée would not permit him excusing the matter so modestly and wishing his welfare as her owne that he imagined himselfe greatly fauoured Palmerin regarding the afflictions of this new come louer and that hée might giue him the better meane to deuise with her so priuatly as he desired turned his Horse to the other side of the Princesse thus speaking to her What thinke you Madame of the gentle succour which my Lord Olorico hath brought your Father beléeue mée the courtesse is so surpassing great as your selfe ought especially to thanke him if it were but for his forwardnesse in qualifying the haughtie courage of Amaranos brethreÌ„ Doubtlesse quoth she his companie is to be estéemed and among tenne thousand Knights hardly may bee founde so braue men as is in his troupe in recompence whereof I will not denie the Prince any thing that hée with honour will request of me Olorico perceiuing this sodaine inuention of Palmerin returned him many thanks and after the accustomed dissimulations vsed in such causes albeit Loue had for a while depriued him of spéech earnestly beholding the rare beautie of the Princesse he thus began Madame although I should doo to my Lord your Father all the seruices that a Knight is able to yéelde his gracious patrone yet the very least of these fauours which it hath pleased your excellencie to bestowe on mée may bee reckoned for much more then deserued recompence Wherefore béeing perswaded that my seruice is placed in your good conceit I shall not hencefoorth feare to put my life in hazard so much I desire to sée these present promises accomplished whereof you Sir Palmerin béeing estéemed among the most famous persons liuing shall beare mée witnesse when time graunteth conuenient opportunitie I haue promised nothing sayde the Princesse but what I will right gladly accomplish requiring nothing but your good opinion which so many choyse Ladies haue heretofore desired And I demaund no better pay quoth the Prince then her gracious fauour whom I desire to please Thus beguiled they the time till the Armie marched forward in array which they faire and softly followed till tenne Pages belonging to the Princesse leading tenne goodly Coursers most richly caparassoned came before them Another Page brought a séemely Launce the bandrole whereof was the Princesse colours and a Golden Shéeld wherein was portraied the head of Amarano helde vppe by the haire by a Knights hands signifying the victory of Palmerin against him the Shéeld béeing bordered rounde about with Pearles Rubyes Emeraulds Crisolites and other precious stones of inestimable value then beganne the Princesse thus to Palmerin My noble Friend in this warre I desire you to bée my Knight and for my sake to beare this Launce ond Shéeld that the proude Brethren may see the shame of Amarano And such is my hope that as you serued the eldest so will you deale with the other while one of them remains aliue These Horses likewise for the warre I bestow vppon you they beeing accounted the very best in Turkie and these will serue you well when you are in fielde our Gods bearing mée witnesse faire Friend that did not my estate hinder me and the regarde of mine honour withhold me with right good will would I beare you companie to sée your noble and Knightly deedes of armes And this I dare boldly say that Hipsicratea neuer followed her Husband Mithredates with greater affection were he on sea or on lande on Horsebacke or on foote then I could doo the noble Palmerin d'Oliua Notwithstanding though my body may not be there yet shall my spirit bee continually present to comfort my languishing life which will be but a shadow of death to me till your returne But because I sée many eies are fixed on vs all the Kings likewise taking their leaue of my father I will leaue you to the protection of our Gods who send you happily and right soone againe These words were coupled with such sighs and teares as shee had fallen from her horse but that one of her Ladies of honour stayed her Palmerin after hee had with great kindnesse thanked her kissed her hande saying Perswade your selfe swéete Madame your shéeld shall be shewne in such place where his Brethren that deâ—ract your honour shall easily sée it though but little to theyr aduantage Thus tooke they leaue of each other and Oâ—orico likewise had the Princesse farewell then doing their dutie to the Soldane followed the armie leauing him and Alchidiana sorrowfull for their departure Chap. XVII How the prince Olorico being with Palmerin in his Tent demaunded of him if hee loued the princesse Alchidiana and of the answere he made him THese two Princes Palmerin and Olorico conferring still as they rode with what gréefe and sorrow Alchidiana parted from them and falling from one imagination to another they concluded to lodge together in one tent And because
desired nothing more then the fight that hée might accomplish his promise to the Princesse Alchidiana when hee receiued of her his rich Shéelde and Launce perswaded the Generall that hée should the next morning summon the Bretheren of Amarano that within foure and twentie howres they should depart the Soldanes confines or else endure the daunger of the Sworde The King of Balisarca aduising héereon in counsaile founde it verie necessarie and expedient wherefore calling his Sonne Sir Paâ—merin and the Prince Olorico hee committed the charge thereof to theyr present dispatch They béeing come to the Armie of Gramieâ—l were immediatly conducted to the Princes Tent who was then deliberating with his Brethren and other Captaines of the Armie So soone as he vnderstoode the arriuall of these Ambassadours he caused them to come before him and their message béeing deliuered the Phrygian Princes who were of meruailous haughtie disposition aunswered that they would not obey any such commaundement Moreouer they intended to chase thence the Soldanes Lieuetenant euen to the verie Gates of his owne Cittie for that contrarie to all equitie hée withstoode the buriall of their Brothers bodie in his kingdome Gueresin Sonne to the King of Bâ—lisarca could not suffer such iniurie to his Lorde in his presence wherefore he said that the Soldane had doone them no wrong but receiued their Brother and his traine with greater honour then they deserued and that none of them should haue the like againe So went hée foorth of the Pauillion Gramiell and two of his Brethren following him whereof the one had béene in Asiria with his Brother Amarano who séeing Palmerin that all this while kept himselfe without the Tent and marking his Shéeld wherin mockage was painted his Brothers head he knew him immediatlie and in great rage pulling himselfe by the haire said Uillaine that I am how can I suffer in my presence the Traytour that murdered my Brother Bold and presumptuous catife how durst thou aduenture before mee thus to deride me with thy villainie Trust me saide Palmerin I dare come before thée with better assuraunce of my selfe Then thy Brother had when he entred Combat with me Whereore if thou be such a Gallant as thou wouldest haue me iudge thée by these brauadoes and likewise hast any stomacke to reuenge thy Brothers shame Arme thy selfe and an other of thy Brethren with thée and come to me in place conuenient where I my selfe will iustifie to you both that Amarano was woorthilye slaine and as such a false accusing Traytour well deserued I desire nothing more saide Orinella for so was hée called that gaue these hotte spéeches but my Brother shall not deale with thée till I haue tried my fortune alone and if I faile of my purpose then shall he afterwarde Combat with thée this prouided that thou assure mée from any in thy companie but thine owne person That will I vppon my Knighthoode said Palmerin thou perfourming as much on thy behalfe yet I thinke before the sport be doone that thou wilt wiâ—h thy fellow with thée Thus Palmeriu Olorico and Gueresin withdrewe themselues Orinello and his brother presently going to Arme them and accompanied with manie Knights came into the field Palmerin likewise as readie as the formost came in with a good traine of Souldiers hee had brought with him least any treason shoulde bée wrought against him Olorico shewed himselfe greatly discontented because hée might not accompanie his Fréende in the Combat but Palmerin perswaded him that more néedefull occasions were reserued for him which should returne him greater honour and whom he should court in better sort then euer he did the Ladies of Arabia Gramiell being verie richly armed woulde néedes come see his Brethrens Combat which hée had good hope would sort to theyr honor but Palmerin séeing Orinello readie to the carrire encountred his enemie with such puissance as his Launce passing through his boyd caused him fall dead from his horse without moouing eyther hand or foote Hauing performed his course hee returned to take his Launce out of his enemies body striking him with the great Trunchion ende on the stomacke to sée if any life was left in him but séeing his soule was departed to Lucifers Pallace hée coutched his stafe to receiue the other Brother who met him with such strength as he was well néere dismounted yet in the ende hée was sent after his Brother though manie hardie strokes first passed betwéene them Héereupon was such a suddaine crie on all sides some with ioy and other with sorrowe as made the ayre resound theyr voices And I thinke that the Greekes when they receiued their libertie by Quintus Elaminius made not the like clamour when as Valerius rehearseth the Byrds fell from the ayre with the furie of theyr cries In the meane while the King of Balisarca hauing hearde héereof came into the Fielde accompanied with maniâ— Lords and conducted Palmerin with great honour and tryumphe backe to his Tent especiallie the Prince Olorico who excéeding ioyfull for the good fortune of his companion embracing him saide Ah gentle Palmerin how brauelie haue you accomplished your promise to the Princesse the like successe heauen graunt you in labouring my cause Beléeue me good Prince quoth Palmerin so well will I imploye my selfe in that action as I hope you shall haue cause to thanke me Now to returne to Gramiell he caused his Brethrens bodyes to be conuaied thence and embalmed them in two Chests of leade referring their Funerall till his returne and with the teares in his eyes he thus began to encite his people Not knowing howe my louing Freendes and Countreymen to animate your mindes sufficiently with remembraunce of the tirannie exercised by the Soldane on the bodye of my Brother and your Prince vnhappie occasion presents you with a fresh memory of reuenge séeing these two yong Princes the beloued Sonnes of your King so shamefullye slaine in your presence For this cause déere Fréendes that each of you may take a newe couragious spirite to morrowe to encounter these effeminate Assirians let vs all be resolute togither and cause them to vnderstand that you who haue lead your liues in the Deserts of Affrica much better know how to mannage Armes then such loyterers in theyr Mistresses Chambers who can doo nothing but before theyr Ladies Héerevpon two hundred Knightes aduaunsed themselues before him swearing and vndertaking to bring Palmerins bodie to him the day following and therefore all that might they prepared themselues strengthening theyr Shéeldes and Armour and all other things necessarie for the fight thinking the next morning by Sunne rysing to bid them battaile these knightes inuenting to ambush thâ—mselues as you shall heare Palmerin beeing brought thus honorablye to his Tent called for the Chirurgions to visit his woundes which they founde so easie to bee cured as they assured him of spéedie recouerie Hée then â—mmoning the whole Counsaile togither aduised them that in his opinion hée thought it expedient to dislodge that place
shee could vnderstand no tydings albeit she had trauailed her verie vttermost endeuours which forced her to so manie extreame imaginations as the very least was worse then death it selfe The Emperours trayne lodging each way about the Castle hindered our two Knights from any good hostage so that they were constrained to abide in a little simple house where they demaunded of a Courtier that lay there what time the Emperour would depart thence who aunswered that his highnesse was minded that day to returne to Gaunt to conferre with the Princes electours of speciall affaires concerning the Empire Palmerin ioyfull heereof caused his Horse to bée brideled and accompanied with Olorico went and ambushed themselues in a little thicket néere the high way where the Emperour must needes passe to the ende he might beholde his Ladie Polynarda Palmerin attending her comming who was the onely support of his life his heart leapt with conceite of his ioy to come yet trembled likewise because hee durst not present himselfe before the imperiall maiestie without the noble Trineus Soone after by the Guarde of Archers that came formost hee well perceiued the Emperour was at hand when remembring the honors and faâ—ours he had receiued in his Court the teares trickled downe his chéekes chéefely for want of his highnesse sonne who was so especially committed to his trust then followed the Empresse and with her the faire Princesse Polynarda clothed all in black witnessing by her outwarde habit the secret sorrowes of her heart Her thoughts still hammering on her priuat gréefes yet assailed with a sodaine motion shee gaue such a sigh as Palmerin easily heard it which troubled him in such sort as without the assurance of Olorico hee had fallen downe from his Horse Polynarda beholding his sodaine alteration without any regarde of her Mother called Vrbanillo the Dwarfe to her who since his comming from England neuer boudged from her and to him she sayd Hast thou héeretofore Vrbanillo séene these two Knights which shaddow themselues in the wood side while wee passe by No trust mee Madame quoth the Dwarfe I neuer sawe them to my remembrance I pray thee said she ride to them so fast as thou canst and demaunde of thâ—m from me of whence they are and if they can tell any tydings of thy maister and my Brother Trineus The Dwarfe who was more then a Doctor in such affaires dissembling that his Horse would stale suffered the traine to passe by and then rode towards the knights who were deuising on the Princesse beautie Palmerin well knowing Vrbanillo and séeing him come in such hast was not a little glad thinking now he should heare some newes of his Mistresse wherefore he saide is Olorico I pray you let vs goe méete this Horseman for I thinke his returne is onely to vs. Nowe was the Dwarffe come to them and hauing humbly saluted them said I beséech you faire Knights to tell me whether you belong to the Emperour or are straungers for the Ladie whome I serue is verie desirous to knowe and that for matters néerely concerning her whereof if you can any way truely resolue her your rewarde shall aunswere your owne contentment What Vrbanillo quoth Palmerin lifting vp his Beuer didst thou not knowe thy Maister Oh Heauen quoth the Dwarffe praised by thy maker for euer for this aduenture And moued with extreame ioy he fell at this Maisters féete saying Ah my Lord what comfort will this be to the Princesse Polynarda when shée shall vnderstande your presenâ—â— and not without iuste cause for by this meane is shée deliuered from the greatest torments in the worlde And that nothing may want to furnish this long expected ioy tell me if the Knight in your companie be the Prince Trineus or no It is not hée quoth Palmerin for it is more then a year since that of him and faire English Agriola after that I vnfortunate lost them heard anie certaine report For this cause Vrbanillo it behooues thée to be faithfull and secrete not discouering my béeing héere to any but my Ladie of whome thou must learne by what meanes I may best come to sée her The Dwarffe taking his leaue of his Maister turned his Horse to be gone but comming backe suddainlie againe saide Is this Sir Ptolome that is with you Madame Brionella will not be a litle glad to hear of him likewise Nor is it he quoth Palmerin I lost him in company with the rest God will restore them one day againe saide the Dwarffe so giuing the spurres to his horse he galloped till he came to the Princesse who séeing him returned in such haste knew not well what to think 〈◊〉 fearing to be discouered by a kâ—ight that accompanied her determined not to request his tidings vntill shée came home into her Chamber But neuer was poore Louer in greater agony when she expected her friend in some priuat place then was the faire Princesse at this present wherefore so soone as shée came to her Chamber shée called for the Dwarffe who being come shée said I pray thée Vrbanillo by the reuerend dutie thou owest mée whence are the two Knights and what answere did they make thée They are such swéet Madam quoth the Dwarffe as when all the men in the world could tell no tydings of my selfe by happie fortune haue found for by them I bring you the Key of Paradise if your self wil but find the meane to enter Tush I pray thée quoth the Princesse iest not with me in this sort for now is no time of sport or meriment tell mée who they are I desire thée Know then fair Madam quoth he that one of them is my Maister Palmerin who thus concealeth him because he hath not brought the Prince your brother with him and he humbly kissing your hand commends him to your gracious fauour desiring you to send him answer how he may secretly speak with you because he wold not be knowne to the Emperor or any other of yâ— Court How welcome these long expected newes were to the Princesse I leaue to the opinion of long absent friends O heauens quoth she doth Palmerin liue and is so near at hand now hath my hart his only desired comfort and such is my hope that séeing he is come my brother by his meanes shall not be long hence to such good fortune are all his actions destenied Presently she ran to tell Brionella these newes who likewise was excéeding ioyfull because she imagined Palmerins companion to be her Ptolome Whereupon they concluded togither that Palmerin should the night following come to the Gardein where first his swéet Amours were sollicited and by a Lâ—dder of Cords he should ascend their Chamber This resolution set downe the Dwarffe departed to execute his charge when Polinarda thus began to Brionella Ah my deare friend how impossible is it for me to hide the ioy my heart conceiueth that was so late in such surpassing heauinesse What will my Ladies now thinke when they behold their Mistresse so
in your fathers Pallace and which no death can make me falsifie or change vnlesse you please to suffer me take another wise wherein I shall satisfie the importunate requests which daylie thâ— Lords of Macedon make to me for marriage that I might leaue them an heyre of my linage Which is a matter so gréeâ—ous to me in that I failed of you to whom I first gaue my fayth as I resolued neuer to take any other which I knowe not how I shall performe without losse of my life As he thought to haue procéeded further in spéeches and the Quéene hauing not answered one worde vnhappily the King entred which the Quéene beholding swouned with feare But she was immediately recouered by her Ladyes When the King séeing her in such estate and in what secrecie the two Pilgrimâ— talked with her hée gathered some suspition and ouercome likewise with the force of iealousie saide Madame what make you here at this time and in so slender companie of Ladies how dare you stande talking with these Straungers I woulde gladly know the matter and what hath made them so bold to enter your Chamber Florendos séeing his affaires to growe from badde to woorsse and that his Ladie was so threatned entring into choler he drew his Dagger from vnder his Frocke and taking the King by the bosome said Tarisius I will not hyde from thée who I am it is more then twentie yéeres since I promised thy death and nowe I am come in person to performe it With these wordes he stabde the Dagger to his heart and downe fell Tarisius dead at his féete which when the Quéene saw she on the other side fell in swoune again Frenato greatly amazed hereat sayde to Florendos For Gods sake my Lord let vs shift for our selues before this misfortune bée blazed abroade Content thy selfe sayd Florendos neuer shall it bee reported that I left my Ladie to suffer for mine offence or that for the feare of death which is the ende of all mishaps I will endure such intollerable anguishes and torments Now by ill fortune one of the Pages of honour attended on the King and hauing séene this homicide hastiliâ— ranne downe the stayres crying aloude Arme ye Knights arme ye and reuenge the Kings death who by a trayterous Pilgrime is slaine in the Quéenes Chamber Cardino one of the Quéenes Squires her brother that caried yong Palmerin to the mountaine had no leysure to take anie other armes then a Sword and Shéelde wherefore he was the first that came to the Quéenes Chamber where hee found Florendos guarding the entraunce who presentlie knew him saying Depart my good Friend Cardyno vnlesse for the Quéenes loue I shal take thy life from thée And what art thou sayde Cardyno that knowest mee so well I am thy Fréend quoth the Prince the most vnfortunate Florendos Straunge it is my Lord quoth Cardyno that you durst venture into this Court but take héere my Swoorde and Sheelde and defend your selfe for I thinke you will stande in great néede thereof In the means while I wil go aduertise the Duke of Pera of this mishap he is your good fréend and by his meanes you may haue some succour for oftentimes haue I heard him say at Constantinople that he wished you as well as my Lord the Emperour Dispatch then said Florendos that thou be not found héere with me assuring thée if I may escape this daunger I will acknowledge this seruice to thine owne content Florendos armed himselfe with the Sword and Shéeld whereof hée was so glad as if hée had béene backed with manie trustie fréends vowing before he died to make such a spoyle among his enemies as should remaine for an after memorie Cardyno went with all diligence to the Duke and secretly acquainted him with all this misfortune whereat the Duke greatly amazed answered I will do my vttermost for his safetie because full well he hath deserued it And so accompanied with many Grecian Knights he went to yâ— Quéenes Chamber and thrusting through the throng in despight of them that guarded the stayres bée got to the Chamber At the entrance whereof he found Florendos defending himselfe with such manly courage as nine or ten lay slaine at his féete The Duke and his men caused the Hungarians to withdraw themselues saying that himselfe would not suffer the matter so to escape for the offence ought to bee punished by iustice after the truth were knowne and thorowlie vnderstoode Hereupon the kings two Nephewes came in great rage saying to the Duke of Pera that the Quéene and the Pilgrime ought presently to die What quoth the Duke depart you likewise your willes shall not héere stande for Lawe nor is the Quéene to bée intreated with such rigour So drawing his swoorde and his Knights likewise resisted the Hungarians so that manie of them were slaine vntill certaine Gentlemen came who louing and estéeming the Quéene appeased this tumult Then was it agréed vpon that the Duke should take him into his charge who had murthered the King on whom such punishment should bee inflicted as the cause required and héereupon the Duke tooke his oath before all the companie In this sort the Kinges Nephewes were quieted who presentlie departed the Chamber causing the dead and wounded to bee conuayed thence that the people might receiue no further occasion of offence and the Duke comming to the Prince Florendos said Yéeld your selfe to me my Lord and I will promise you on the faith of a Prince that I will maintaine both your right and the Quéenes whatsoeuer daunger I hazard therby If you will not assure your selfe that your bodies cannot suffice the villainous surie of these people for they haue confidently sworne your deathes I know my Lord quoth Florendos that you speake the trueth and I repose my trust on your nobilitie which is such as you will not suffer anie iniury to the man béeing in your guÌ„â—rde I yéelde my selfe to you and earnestly intreate you not to imprison the Quéene for on mine honour she is guiltlesse And if any offence hath béene committed it was by me yet not without iust cause and in defence of mine own life My comming hither-was because I am newly returned from Ierusalem and remembring the manifold honours which sometime I receyued of my Ladie in the Emperour her Fathers Court in my passing by I was destrous to do my dutie to her At the instant time I was saluting her the King came into the Chamber who moued with an auncient hatred which you verie well know would haue slaine me but I preuenting his intent with the ayde of my weapon bestowed that on him which he wished to mee I beléeue well what you haue sayd quoth the Duke yet must you néedes abide triall in this case Frenato perceyuing his Cozin in such daunger sought about the Chamber for some weapon to defende him and finding the Kings Sworde by the Quéenes bed side shewed it to the Duke that he might
giue the better credite to the Princes wordes Yet notwithstanding all their excuses these two Pilgrims were taken into sure custodie and shut vp both togither in a strong Towre which was verie long before they could accomplish because in leading them thither many sought meanes to kill them and they had done it but that the Duke verie strongly defended them Chap. XXVI The sorowfull complaints made by the Queene Griana seeing her Huâ—band dead and her friend taken And howe the Duke of Pera conueyed her to Constantinople causing Florendos and Frenato to be brought thither by fiue hundred armed Knights VErie sorrowfull was the Quéene Griana séeing so manie misfortunes succéede one another as euerie houre her death was expected and saâ—s she woulde haue committed violence on her selfe but that Cardyno with diuerse Knights attended on her that none of the Kinges kindred shoulde offend her while the Duke of Pera led Florendos and Frenato to the Tower At whose return as he thought to comfort her shée fell on her knées before him saying Ah noble Duke of Pera if euer pittie had place within your heart for Gods sake make an end of my vnfortunate life and execute on me without any fauour the sharpest rigour of equall iustice not suffering longer life to a woman so dispised and miserable O God doost thou permit a happie life to enioy so bad an end Thou that onely knowest the inward secrets of the heart séeing I stand suspected in this treason let my spéedie death deliuer mine innocencie Ah inconstant Fortune that in my yonger yéeres was so aduerse to mee how might I credite thy continuall mallice but by this strange and vnexpected accident Ah gentle Prince Florendos it was not for loue that thou camest to sée mée but for a secret hatred more then deadly séeing that by thée and that with great shame I shall remaine for euer defamed Where was that loyaltie and the great feare to offend mée which sometime thou séemedst to haue Knowest thou not that in a royall and noble minde one onely note of infamie is an extreame torment Doubtlesse if thou wouldest well consider the wrong thou hast done me thou shalt finde it to excéede all other worldly iniuries But I may perswade my selfe that my destinie was such for being long since by thée dishonoured it must fall out for a finall conclusion that by thée also I shall receiue death In this maner the Quéene complained with such effuse of teares and bitter sighes as the Duke pitying her case sayd I beséech you Madame to endure this mishap paciently séeing now it cannot be recalled and consider that these teares and lamentations can yéelde yée no amendes but rather threaten daunger and will in the ende not onely weaken your bodie but hazard desperation The King is dead he must be buried Florendos hath offended hée shall be punished your people are wounded they must be cured Offende not then your selfe with these bootlesse regrâ—â—tes but commaund that the proofe of your innocencie be followed Hereupon the Duke caused preparation for the funerall pompe and brought the king to the bed of honor not without many teares and lamentations of his Subiects When the obsequies were finished Promptaleon and Oudin came and exclaimed on the Duke because hée brought not the Quéene and Florendos to open punishment My friends quoth the Duke haue I not heretofore tolde you that wée must not inconsiderateâ—y put such persons to death let the Councell bee called togither and as they determine I will procéede Then were all the Princes and Lordes assembled among whome the Duke was intreated to speake his opinion which hée did in this maner I thinke it conâ—enient vnder correction of you my noble Lords that the Prince Florendos and the Queene ought to bée sent to my Lord the Emperour and there to haue iustice extended on them as well for the sureâ—ie of your owne persons as for the conseruation of the Realme For except iustice and by probable causes you condemne the Prince Florendos hardly may you perswade the Macedonian Princes beside the Lordes may say that without hearing hee was cut off and likewise by his open enemies Againe thinke you that the Emperour will let passe in silence so great a wrong to punish his Daughter and not arquaint him with her offence Considering this indifferently you shall finâ— your selues on eyther side endangered your goods will be spoyled your liues endamaged for hardly can you resist agaynst such power So well coulde the Duke sette foorth his discourse with confirmation of Hystories both auncient and moderne that in despight of the Kings Nephewes it was concluded how the prisoners should be sent to Constantiople If they were hereat offended it is not to bee doubted but hearing the Counsuâ—les resolution prepared themselues to goe to the Emperour determining a sharpe and seuere accusation trusting so much in their strength and prowesse that if the Emperour for proofe of the cause shoulde committe it is the Combat they easily thought to compasse their intent So were the two Pilgryms committed to the Dukes Nephew with an hundred Knights of Greece for their guard and foure hundred Hungarians who would néedes followe for the loue they bare the Quéene she béeing maruellousâ—â—â— fauoured in her countrey for her many vertues and chiefly charitie The Quéene her selfe with the yong Princesse Armida her Daughter and all her Ladyes and Gentlewomen were committed to the Duke of Pera his charge and the rest of the traine that came with him in the Ambassade When the Quéene vnderstoode shée should be caried to the Emperour shée 〈◊〉 further out of pacience then shée was before rather desiring a thousand deaths then is come with this reproach before her Father yet notwithstanding all her intreaties shee was conueyed into a Litter and not so much as a pinne left about her for feare of inconuenience To comfort her her Daughter Armida was placed in the Litter without whose companie such was her gréets to come before her Parents as shée was diuerse times in daunger of death by the way But the yong Princesse béeing twelue or thirtéene yeares of age coulde so well comfort her sorrowfull mother as her talke expelled many bitter imaginations If the Quéene was in heauinesse wée must thinke Florendos griefes nothing inferiour séeing his Ladie led in such sort and accused of a crime wherein none but himselfe was culpable yet made hee no account béeing reuenged of his auncient enemie so the Quéene were deliuered though himselfe endured the death But nowe are they come to Constantinople yet not so soone but the Nephewes of the deceassed King were before them where they had blazed a false and most shamefull reporte And but for the aduise of certaine noble Princesse that fauoured Florendos and the Quéene Griana vpon the trothlesse spéeches of these twaine the Emperour had concluded to burne his Daughter and the Prince so soone as they came such horrible slaunders had these traytours spread of
them Namely that the King was murdered finding Griana committing adulteris with Florendos At which words the Emperour was so enraged that like a man depriued of reason he violently pulled himselfe by the heard saying Ah wreâ—ched and infortunate olde man haue the heauens suffered 〈◊〉 thus long life that after the death of thy sonnes Caniano and yong Cariteos thou must sée thy daughter conuicted of treason adulterie and murder If I haue had some comfort by my Sonnes lying now in the Hearse of honour for maintenance of the Christian faith doubtlesse this iniurie is so great and enorme as no ioy or comfort can now abide in mée Ah my louely Daughter Griana whom I had good hope would bee the onely support of mine age and for that cause sent to haue thy companie commest thou now with such shame and monstrous report Florendos if héeretofore against the Turke Gamezio thou didst me seruice with great wrong hast thou now reuenged thy selfe taking from mee that good which thou canst neuer restore againe But let it suffice that knowing the truth of thy disordered dealing such shall bee thy punishment as shall remaine for perpetuall memorie The Empresse likewise forsaking her Chamber came and knéeled before the Emperour desiring him to put Florendos to the first councell and be to be dispatched with dilligence At which words the choler of olde Remicius augmented hee answering Madame for Gods sake getâ—e you gone for you are the onely cause of my dishonour and then you beganne it when you would not suffer the Prince Florendos of Macedon to match with our daughter but gaue her to your Nephew perforce and contrarie to her owne liking The Prince séeing him so offended intreated her to depart perswading her that the accusers of Griana were her cheefest enemies and that might easily be gathered by their proude and maleuolent detractions which happily would proue false rather then truth For if they might heerein spéede of their purpose and theyr accusation passe for currant the princesse Armida should be disinherited and themselues be the onely heyres of the Kingdome This was their principall drift not any deuotion to reuenge their Uncles death as they in outward shew declared and hereupon all opinions were set aside vntill the next day when the prisoners arriued Chap. XXVII How Florendos and Griana were brought to Constantinople and there were appointed by the Emperours Councell to purge themselues of their accusation by the combate of two knights against their accusers Promptaleon and Oudin THe Duke being arriued at Constantiople immediately caused the Queene Griana and Armida her daughter to be conducted to the Pallace by manie noble Lords and Gentleman When Griana saw shée must néedes go before her father she began again her wonted pittifull complaints notwithstanding shee was so comforted by the Lordes of Greece by theyr solemne promise to defende her right as shee encouraged her selfe and comming before her Father fell on her knées and thus beganne My gracious Lord and father inconstant fortune euermore hath beene and still will continue a most cruell enemie of them of highest calling and no further néede I speake for proofe of my words then the History of your last warres against the Turks and the present slaunder of mine enemies against mée I cannot likewise forget that twentie yéeres and more are nowe expired since to my great gréefe I was seperated from you but with much more excéeding heauines am I now returned if by my misaduenture you receiue any impeach or I deserue to loose the name of your Daughter Therefore my Lord forgetting the name and office of a Father let naturall regarde be exempted from me and exercise on mée tyrannous â—orments with the greatest rigour that may be deâ—ised Yet all too little in respect of my deserts not for any offence in this matter as God is my witnesse but for the suspition of the common and vulgare people more credulous of the faults of Princes and noble Ladies then of their discréete and sober vertues Neuerthelesse receiuing death for a matter neuer committed and with patience despight of mine enemies it will redound to my immortall honour Upon these spéeches the Princesse Armida making great reuerence to the Emperor and with the teares trickling downe her chéekes saide Dread Lord my chéefest desires euermore haue béene to sée your maiestie but so it falleth out nowe that in stéede of ioy and pleasure it is with gréefe teares and tribulation Yet gracious Lord for the first request that euer I made to your highnesse I beséech you to credit me that my mother hath committed no treason or any dishonour to the deceased King my Father neither euer permitted any man entrance into her Chamber but hee whom now the question cencerneth and at that time I with these other Ladies were present and are credible witnesses of the whole action Such efficacie wrought her words in the Emperours minde as he beganne to defie the accusation perswading himselfe that it was nothing but falshood and louingly taking the yong Princesse vp by the hand addressed his spéeches in this manner to the Quéene Well hast thou sayde that Fortune hath béene too contrarie towards thee for when my whole hope remained in thée and that the Crowne of mine Empire should haue béene placed on thy head thou hast fallen into such wounding reproch as both thou and I shall be for euer dishonoured My Lorde quoth Griana vnder correction and sauing the reuerence of your imperiall Maiestie neuer imagine the case any thing to your defame if you credite not mine enemies or common report from whence is engendred all vntruth This speake I not to excâ—se my death which I know to be the refuge for the desolate and ende of al afflictions but to declare mine owne innocencie and that mine honour shall at length be founde vnspotted But now consider good Father with what violence you enforce mee to match with the King Tarisius my heart being still against it and the néerenesse of linage betwéene vs forbidding it Nor were you ignorant of my loue to the Prince Florendos the most gentle Knight of Greece and whose only trauaile hither was to make mee his Wife all this will I not denie nor can my heart permit to passe in silence Notwithstanding by your commaundement I was constrayned to forsake my best beloued and take the man I was not borne to fancie After I sawe it must néedes be so acknowledging him my Lord and Husband and my selfe his Wife and Subiect neither in word or déede nor so much as very thought did I dispose my selfe to any disobedience but liued in most loyall and hâ—nourable dutie Uerie truest is that he founde Florendos talking with mee but I protest before Heauen that it was with such chaste and modest regarde as the Sister might conferre with her Brother And so little time our talke endured as I had not the meane to answere the Prince for the King comming in and prâ—uoked with
frenzie or wicked iealousâ—ie woulde haue slaine him whereby such fortune fell out as the King receiued what he would haue giuen Nor can Florendos hée worthily blamed for comming to sée me in respect of the long time since our last companie beside hauing not forsaken his Pylgrims wéede wherein hee trauailed to the holie Lande he came to acquaint me with the maruailes in his iourney Sée héere in bréeâ—â— the whole truth of his Historie and if the Kings Nephewes auouch otherwise I say my Lord they lie falsely In this respect as well to proteâ—t mine owne honour as the Princes I humbly desire your Maiestie that our innocencie may be discided by Combate for such is my hope in a rightfull cause as I shall find some Knight to fight for me The Lords of the Empire were altogether of the same opinion and instantly desired the Emperour to graunt his Daughter her lawfull request whereto hee answered that he would take counsell thereon and iustice should be doone her as it ought Héereupon the Emperour went into his Chamber and the Quéene was brought to the Empresse her Mother where the poore Lady was assaulted afresh for shée was no sooner entred the Chamber but her Mother thus beganne I knowe not Daughter how badly thou hast béene counselled that since the day of thine espousall to the Prince Tarisius who loued thée so déerely thou hast continued such hatred against him that at length thou art become the onely cause of his death Madame quoth the Quéene you speake your pleasure but in regarde of my reuerence to you I aunswere that I neuer though it Wherefore I intreate you to forbeare such spéeches and if you consider all things well your selfe will be founde in greater fault then I. For conâ—rarie to my solemne promise which I had made to the Prince of Macedon you compelled mee to marrie with him and if Florendos had the opportunitie and in defence of his owne person hath slaine him ought you then to impute the crime to me With these words the Empresse held her peace and sate conferring with the yong Princesse Armida in meane while came the Duke of Pera who had the Quéene in charge and conducted her to her Chamber and afterward by the Emperours commandement he shut Florendos into a strong prison The next day Promptaleon and Oudin came to the Pallace where with great and audacious impudencie they came before the Emperour saying Why haue you not my Lord prouided the fire to burne your Daughter and her adulterer Florendos Soft and fayre aunswered the good Remicius bee not so hastie I finde them not so faultie as your accusation deliuereth for no other harme was committed then talking together and because Florendos was disguised is that a consequence my daughter must die Nor will I encurre with infamous report in putting such a Prince to death without hearing how he can answere for himselfe you therefore my Lord of Pera go fetch Florendos that hee may answere to their propositions The Duke obeyed his commandement and brought the Prince so spent with extreame gréefe because hee had caused the Quéene into such danger as hardly he could sustaine himselfe but after he had with great humilitie prostrated himselfe before the Emperour he began in this manner Most mightie Loed and Emperour of Greece maruaile not that with such heauinesse I come before your maiestie when in stéede of dooing you seruice according as my dutie commandeth me I bring you cause of offence and displeasure Neuerthelesse I repose my self on your benignitie and princely iustice wherein I must intreate you to haue regard on the Quéene your Daughters innocence for the fault that is committed if it deserue to be called a fault was doone without the Quéenes knowledge or so much as a thought of the matter on her part before it happened Moreouer there is none of so harsh iudgement or reason but will consider what familiaritie and friendship both passe betwéene Princes and Ladies in occasions of honour Which may serue to answere the cause of my comming to sée the Quéen being thereto bound by dutie and honest loue wherewith in my yonger yéeres I faithfully serued her And this I did without any iniurie to her honor much lesse occasion of offence to the King which hee would néedes interprete in that sort when with so good indiscretion hée came and assailed me These are fables quoth Promptaleon for the conspiracie and treason betwéene thée and the Quéene is so manifest as euerie one knowes it And if the Emperour doo not this day consumate your liues both together in one fire he offereth the greatest iniurie that euer Prince did and before the whole world wee will héereafter accuse him Darest thou maintaine by Combate in fielde saide Florendos what thou with such brauerie affirmest in this Hall that will I by mine honour quoth Promptaleon and let the Knight come that dares aduenture on this condition that if I be the conquerour the Quéene and thou may beâ— burned as ye haue deserued and the Princesse Armida declared not legitimate and so disinherited of the Kingdome Now hast thou reuealed thy villany saide Florendos and for the last condition doost thou follow the cause so earnestly rather then by any matter of truth and equitie but thou art deceiued in thine intent and thy death villaine shall deliuer assurance of her succession So please my Lord the Emperour of his grace to prolong the day of Combate till I haue recouered some health my selfe alone against thée and thy Brother will prooue ye false Traytours and that maliciously yée haue accused the Quéene The Emperour seeing the Prince so weake and sickly and yet with so good courage willing so defence his Daughters wrong resolued himselfe that shee was innocent Remembring then his noble seruices in defende of his Empire and how 's iniuriously he denied him his Daughter he was mooued in such sort as he could not refraine from teares thinking for vengeance of that offence that heauen had iustly permitted the death of Tarisius wherefore beholding Floâ—eâ—dos with pittifull lookes pronounced the sentence in this manner You Promptaleon and Oudin Nephewes to our deceased déere and beloued sonne the King of Hungaria shall mainteine your words in open Fielde against two such Knights as my Daughter and the Prince Florendos can deliuer on their behalfe and that within twelue dayes after this instant one of which the Prince himselfe shall bée if he be not furnished with another to his liking alwayes prouided that the vanquished shall be declared Traitors and attainted of the crime of Lese Maiestatis and so punished according to the exigence of the case The two Brothren accepted these conditions béeing so farre ouercome with their owne pride as they reputed themselues the most valiant Knights of the world Florendos féeling himselfe so weake of body would gladly haue demaunded a longer day but the sentence being giuen the Emperour likewise promising to appoint another knight in his
trauaile till he heard certainly of his life or death Ah Vrbanillo quoth the Emperour in such a luckie howre maist thou goe as to finde both him and my Sonne Trineus good leaue hast thou to goe when thou wilt But when I beholde you both aduisedly verie hardly doo you séeme to bée Cozins for if there be anie alliaunce betwéene you it neuer came by the Fathers side and if it be by the Mother the one was then married in Barbarie and the other in Scotland Why my Lord quoth the Dwarffe rather had I die then tell an vntruth before your highnesse and with such protestations did the Dwarffe sooth his tale as they of greatest doubt gaue credite to him Hereupon the Emperour commaunded them to goe take their leaue of his Daughter willing her to write to her Brother Hauing obtained what they desired they stayed not long in returning thankes but went presently to the Princesse Chamber where shée aduertized of their comming staid for them Honourable salutations on each side deliuered a Chayre was brought for the Prince and he sitting downe by Polynarda she thus began Albeit my Lord I am verie loath to forgoe my Seruaunt yet hauing found him so honest and for the good will I wish to all his kindred especially you who haue enterprised to séeke his Maister and my Brother I am the better contented to part with him If the Prince commended her beautie when being ambushed hée sawe her passe by what may wee imagine of his opinion nowe For beholding her the comfort of her long absent Fréende had called all her beauties togither enriched with so many swéete and amiâ—ble graces as hee coulde not repute her of humaine linage but rather some Angell discended from heauen to make the glorie of Palmerin more ample whereupon to deceiue the Ladies béeing present hée returned this answere Undoubtedly Madame if I and all mine had spent our soules in your seruice we should holde our selues sufficiently recompenced with the princely fauor you affoord our Cozin which he is no way able to deserue And perswade your selfe faire Princesse that if he be your obedient Seruaunt my selfe am no lesse in all things that your excellencie shall please to commaunde mee so that if there were not vrgent occasions to excuse my departure it would be my onely content to remaine at your disposition Yet such is my hope that this gréefe shall bee changed into ioy by a spéedie returne when wee shall bring the Prince Trineus and our noble Maister Palmerin The sooner the better welcome will they be quoth the Princesse for therin consisteth my chéefest comfort And after many other spéeches betwéene them she gaue him manie rich gifts wherewith he helde himselfe so honoured as if he had gained the Monarchie of Asia so kissing her hande the Prince with his newe Cozin returned to his lodging Now was it concluded betwéene Palmerin and the Princesse because the Empresse on the morrow would come to sée her daughter that he should depart the same way he came wherefore the hower béeing come that hée shoulde passe the Wall Polinarda thus spake Nowe is the time my Lorde that you must leaue me and I be forced to consent because there is no remedie but perswade your selfe that with this parting begins my sorrowes Yet if I knowe where you trauailed my gréefe woulde be the 〈◊〉 and my life prolonged with better hope but béeing vncertaine of your way and knowing what misfortunes and daungerous perilles may incounter you in vnknowne Countries I knowe not howe I shall dissemble my torments Notwithstanding swéete Fréende if your stay be long send Vrbanillo againe to comfort poore Bryonella and myselfe for loosing the onely maintenaunce of our languishing liues impossible is it but our spirits will soone forsake their miserable habitations For Gods sake Maâ—ame quoth Palmerin neuer talke of such a separation for the remembraunce thereof is death to me and it so offendeth mee to sée you in this perturbation as I loose both courage and hope of well dooing Continue then the humour you haue done since my comming that I beholding you pleasaunt may be comforted thereby during the search of your Brother which I hope will bée both short and sudden Otherwise before the earth bée readie for mée I shall bée forced to take vp my endlesse Hostage So after many swéete kisses and gracious courtesies passed betwéene them they tooke their leaue each of other with such effusion of teares as the verie inwarde soule bemoned their departing So with his Ladder of Cordes hee gotte ouer the wall againe and came to the lodging where he left Olorico then arming themselues they rode away in great haste because they feared to bee knowne by any Chap. XXIX Howe after Palmerin was departed from his Ladie there appeared to him one of the Fayries of the Mountaine Artefaeria who declared to him part of his fortunes following And of a Combat which he and Olorico had against ten Knights GReat haste in their iourney made these two knights so that in short time they came into the Kingdome of Hungaria where passing through a great forrest they ascended a high Mountaine at what time the ayre béeing calme and cleare was suddainly obscured by manie darke Clowdes and such outragious windes and rayne beganne as they were glad to shrowde themselues vnder certaine Pine Trées néere at hande Hauing there rested themselues a while they behelde a verie thicke misâ—e about a Fyrre Trée and heard withall a verie terrible thunder and the fogge somewhat clearing they behelde a comely Ladie vnder the Trée whereat they were strooke into no little admiration yet Palmerin desirous to vnderstand the effect of this aduenture made towards the Trée when the Ladie began in this maner to him Palmerin d'Oliua meruaile not at this accident which hath happened onely for thy sake and profite Heretofore I came to thée on another Mountaine where I and my Sisters healed the woundes thou didst receiue by the Serpent At this time I am come to thée so wish thée followe thy iourney begunne assuring thée that they whom thou séekest are yet liuing and in the custodie of Turkes and Infidels but before thou canst find them thou shalt be deliuered from death by him thou hatest most And after thou hast founde this fauour by him hée shall ayde thée in restoring from prison and death thy best and dearest Fréendes and so I leaue thée to thy happie successe Then suddainlie vanished the Woman away and coulde not afterwarde bée seene againe leauing Palmerin verie pensiue for what hée had heard which he estéemed to bée true because hitherto hée had found no lesse all that the Sisters sayd to him on the Mountaine Artifaeria Returning to his companie Olorico demaunded what Goddesse had talked with him and what made him on a suddaine so chéerefull Trust me my noble Fréend quoth be the matter is such as for all the Golde in the worlde I would not but haue knowne which Vrbanillo can better
sending for them to the Pallace where Promptaleon and Oudin staied their comming the Emperour himselfe thus began Now Promptaleon héere maist thou behold two yong Knights who speake the contrarie of that thou hast reported wilt thou yet maintaine that my daughter hath committed treason and hath béene disloyall to her Husband thy deceased Unckle I will my Lorde quoth he and sweare by my Baptisme for that cause she shal die the death and if anie dare vndertake the contrarye I am readie to prooue it by force of Armes I thinke it conuenient said Palmerin my Good Lord that no Combat should be graunted without the presence of the accused Immediatelie Florendos and Griana were sent for and being come before the Emperour Palmerin said to the Prince How saye you my Lorde doo you permit in maintenance of your right that I giue these false accusers such discipline as their wicked and treacherous dealings deserue I doo quoth the Prince and Heauen prosper thée in thine enterprise What saye you Madame quoth Frysoll to the Quéene doo you affoorde the like to me Shee aunswered as Florendos before had doone whereuppon Palmerin thus spake to the accusers We two Knights will maintaine that you both are Traitours and that by couetous and gréedie desire of rule and to enioy the Kingdome you woulde against all right disinherit the yong Princesse Armida for which cause you haue shamefullie accused the Quéene her Mother to haue committed murder and more then that charge her with disloyall lubricitie For if the Prince Florendos talked with her when the King founde him in her Chamber it was in no other sort then honor allowed and according to â—he dutie of honest loue wherein all Princes are bounde to their Ladies Beside if your King was slaine by the Prince if was in defence of his owne life and in repelling the iniurious spéeches he gaue him to approoue what I say wée present our gadges to the Emperour so please him to receiue them The like did the too Brethren desiring his highnesse to appoint the Combat presentlie in the wide and necessarie place before the Pallace For quoth they wée will teache these vaine-glorious Strangers the price of such iniurious spéeches spoken to those that know how to correct them I thinke quoth Palmerin thou shalt néede to teache thy selfe but if thou hast learned anie newe dexteritie practise it well thou art best for I can tell thée the time will require it The good Emperour Remicius commaunded silence and taking the gadges of these foure Knights bad them goe arme themselues saying hée woulde sée the ende thereof before he tooke any sustenaunce The Duke of Mensa and the Counte of Redona auncient Princes of Greece were appointed to bee Iudges of the Fielde who commaunded two hundred knights to Arme themselues for assurance of their owne persons Chap. XXXI Of the noble Combat in the Cittie of Constantinople by Palmerin and Frysoll against the two Nephewes of the deceased King of Hungaria whome they vanquished by which meane the Prince Florendos and Queene Griana were deliuered PRomptaleon and Oudin being departed the Hall Palmerin and Frisoll taking their leaue of Florendos and the Quéene whom the Emperour caused to be shut vppe in their prisons againe went to their lodgings to Arme themselues The Duke of Mecaena an honorable prince discended of yâ— most ancient race in al Greece with many other great Lords went after them and when they were Armed the Duke would néedes beare Palmerins Launce and the graund Squire attending on the Emperor caried Frysols In this maner came they to the place appointed for the Combat where the two Brethren were alreadie staying for them the eldest thus beginning in mockage Beléeue mée Knights for men that shewed themselues so hardie in a Hall mée thinks you haue béene very long Arming your selues I thinke you came on your footcloth Mules to the Fields entraunce for feare of felling to hurt your selues but soone shall ye be taught better horsemanshippe I warrant ye If there were in thée so much wisdome and exercise of Armes aunswered Frysoll as are high words and brauing behauiour it would bée a little better discerned then it is notwithstanding ere wee haue doone I thinke they that came first into the Fielde will tarrie last héere vnlesse some bodie for pittie carrie them out before Héerewith the Trompets sounded and the Heraldes commaunded the Champions to doo their deuoire which was the cause that these hotte words were chaunged into déedes and running fiercelie against eache other they encountred with such puissaunce as Palmerin cast Oudin foorth of his saddle with a verie great wound on his left side and Promptaleon was receiued by Frysoll so roughlie as he fell backwarde on the crupper of his Horse because hée was lothe his Brother should fall without companie The two Brethren enraged to bée thus foyled at the first came with their swords drawn to kill their aduersaries Horsses so that they were constrained quicklie to alight when they assayled each other with meruailous furie for either side expected victorie the one in hope of a kingdome the other to saue their Freends liues Strange was it so beholde this violent fight yet the two Brethren seemed vnable long to holde out for theyr Armor was so cut and mangled and themselues so driuen foorth of breath as hardly they coulde sustaine themselues so that Promptaleon desired Frysoll to rest a while who mooued with anger thus aunswered Nay Traytor now shall I teach thée how to defende thy selfe and not one minute will I graunt thee to trauerse with mée but will send thy soule to the Father of thy villaine vnlesse with spéede thou denie thy slaunder With these words he laid so many sounde strokes on him as at length hee fell downe deade at his féete which when Oudin perceiued hee threwe his Sworde at Palmerin and caught him fast about the middle thinking that way to get him downe but Palmerin striking away his féet caused him fal on his backe and without attending for his reuolt noblye stroke his head from his shoulders So comming to Frysol he asked if he were wounded No my Lord quoth he I thanke God the greatest wound I haue cannot with-holde me to doo you further seruice if so be you haue anie néede Then putting vp their Swords they demaunded of the Iudges if any thing else remained to be doone for deliueraunce of the prisoners Nothing worthy Lords answered the Iudges and them will the Emperour nowe deliuer with all possible spéede The good Remicius heartilie thanking God for his victorie sente a Knight to the Champions with request to come and lodge in his Pallace as also that they should presently come speake with his Maiestie yet could not the Messenger make such haste but they were come foorth of the Fielde the Duke of Mecaena and the Prince Olorico bearing them companie When the Knight had ouertaken them hée saide Returne woorthie Knightes to my Lord the Emperour for
hee would conferre with you and haue your wounds attended by his owne Chirurgions So turning again to the Pallace they entred the Hall where the Emperour méeting them said Right welcome are ye my noble Fréendes who hauâ— so happilie defended my Daughters honor for whose sake I shall make ye such recompence as shal be hencefoorth an encouragement to all Knights to aduenture the Combat on the behalfe of anie distressed Ladye Imediatlye in theyr presence by sounde of Trompet hée caused to bee declared that the Prince Florendos and the Quéene Griana were innocent of the trayterous accusation and therefore in open Fielde bad they should bee deliuered commaunding likewise his most expert Chirurgions to giue diligent attendaunce on the wounded Knights causing them to be lodged in the most statelie Chambers of his Pallace Afterwarde hée suffered the bodies of the vanquished to bee buried giuing expresse charge on paine of death that none of the knights of Hungaria should depart from Constantinople without his leaue because hée woulde while they stayed there prouide for the gouernment of the kingdom as appertaining to his yong Daughter the Princesse Armida The Empresse was so ioyfull for the deliueraunce of Griana as shee had soone forgotte her Nephewes misfortune the Quéenes Ladies likewise were not a little glad but aboue all the yong Princesse Armida her comfort could not be expressed that her Mother was so graciouslie defended and now the Duke of Pera who hadde the Prince Florendos in custodie fetching him foorth of prison said My Lord thanke God and the Knights that fought the Combat for you for by theyr meanes the Emperour declareth you absolued and set at libertie The Prince lifting his eyes to Heauen thus began Ah my God how happie is the man that trusteth in thy mercie doubtlesse he that beléeueth in thy promises shall neuer perish Noble Duke in all mine afflictions I haue euermore founde your speciall fauour but if God prolong my life I will not be vnmindfull of your gentlenesse In sooth my Lord quoth the Duke for so good a Prince any honest minde would gladlie endeuour himselfe and if I haue pleasured you in anie thing I did no more then my dutye which christian amitie requireth of each other So taking him by the hand hée brought him before the Emperour when falling on his knées the Prince thus spake If héeretofore dread Lord both I and my people gaue our selues to â—rauaile and aduentured desperate hazard in your defence at this time I count my selfe sufficientlie recompenced séeing your displeasure qualified and the hard opinion you conceiued against me chaunged into princely and honorable iustice Syr Florendos aunswered the Emperour when I remember the wrong you did my Daughter leauing such a scandalous report of her at the first time you came to this Cittie I thinke you woorthie of the sharpest death But placing mercie before rigorous iustice I am desirous to let you knowe that it liketh me better to be loued then feared forgetting quite the offence against our person the murder of our Sonne without any regard to the murmur of the people whose ignoraunce cannot consider of Princes mercie Nor will I stayne mine aged yéeres with mine owne proper bloud or the death of a Prince so noble whereby I shoulde leaue to my following posteritie as a Trophe of my life an endlesse memorie of tirannous crueltie but rather shall my chéefest aduersaries stop their mouthes with remembrance of my clemencie and princelie bountie as your owne conscience shall well witnesse with me You therefore my Lorde the Duke of Pera see that the Prince Florendos be lodged in the best place in our Cittie and kéepe him companie vntill his traine shall come from Macedon With great humilitie the Prince kissed the Emperours hande acknowledging his manifolde and princelie courtesies desiring the Duke likewise before his departure that hee might speake with the two Knightes Frysoll and Palmerin Béeing brought to their Chambers the embracings and gracious courtesies hée vsed to them I am not able to vtter and verie loth was hee to parte from them but that hée woulde no way preiudise theyr health wherefore giuing them the good night he was conducted to his lodging leauing Palmerin verie sadde and pensiue remembring what the Quéene of Tharsus had saide to him howe hée should deliuer his Father from death before he could know him which was likewise confirmed by the apparition of the Ladie to him vnder the name of his best and déerest Fréendes O that the Heauens did so fauour me quoth he that I were the Sonne of the Prince Florendos and Quéene Griana then woulde I imagine my selfe the happiest man in the world Yet can I not forget that the Fayries tolde mée on the Mountaine Artifaeria that one daie I shoulde bée Lord of all Greece but God is my witnesse that I couet not such honor and preferment were it not for the loue of my Ladie to the ende her Father might not dislike of our contract And hence will I not depart before I vnderstand the truth héereof and to what ende this aduenture will happen Frysoll on the other side he deuised how to make himselfe knowne to the Emperour and Empresse because he had good hope when himselfe might bée knowne that his Father Netrides shoulde enioy the Kingdome of Hungaria The Prince Florendos likewise coulde take no rest for his great desire to recouer the Quéene Griana Such were the passions of these thrée Princes eache one liuing in hope of good successe which happens according to their expectations as you shall reade héereafter Chap. XXXII How the Queene Griana with the yong Princesse Armida went to visit Palmerin and Frysoll and howe the Queene knew Palmerin to be her sonne to the no litle ioy of the Emperour and the Prince Florendos TWo daies after the deliueraunce of the Prince Florendos the yong Princesse Armida deuising with the Quéene her Mother said Me thinks gracious Madame we are to be reprooued of ingratitude in that we haue not as yet visited the poore wounded knights considering how greatly we are beholding to them I beséech you let vs this morning go sée how they fare Alas Daughter aunswered the Quéene hast thou the heart to bring me among such persons when I am saide to bee the cause of thy fathers death Then the Princesse breaking foorth in teares replied Beléeue me Madame if you remember your selfe well you are in as little faulte as Iam and so hath an honorable victorie declared but had you béene anye way culpable therein yet nowe you ought to comfort your selfe hauing had such a famous proofe of innocencie In signe whereof and to declare your thankfulnesse to those gentle Knights it will bée counted a speciall point of courtesie to visite them that ventured for you Go we then said the Quéene séeing you thinke it so necessarie and are so desirous So accompanied with manie Ladies clothed all in mourning blacke they went first to Frysoll greatlie thanking
no Ladie may comparâ— her felicitie with mine Ah my sonne by thée are my sorrowes chaunged into ioy my dispaire into content and from death it selfe am I brought againe to life for if my husbands hard hap made me dâ—spise life now may you be assured how much I desire it Then declared shée how to saue the Prince Florendos life whose faithfull loue brought him to such extremitie by sicknesse she aduentured her honor for his safetie and entering the paradise of loue bestowed that iewel on him which she most of all estéemed And so maist thou quoth shée report to the Emperour yet in this manner that not by carâ—all impudicitie I so consented for God is my witnesse that notwithstanding the perill wherein I sawe him no perswasion could cause me yéeld him that especiall remedie before he had first solemnly vowed marriage to mée which against all right was broken by the Emperours commaundement Madame quoth Palmerin Florendos is of such valour and his honorable actions so well receiued among men that albeit he had made you no such promise yet reason may excuse you in this matter But if by promised faith and to saue the life of so gentle a Knight who happilie by your refusall might haue miscaried you honoured the Temple of Loue with so swéete an offering among people of good minde it ought rather to bée tearmed a vertue then anie bad affection or vnlawfull lust And therfore Madame comfort your selfe for shortly I hope to assure your peace with the Emperour and séeing I haue you for my mother and the Prince Florendos for my Father I féele my selfe frée from any gréefe or vexation assuring you that I will driue it to no further delay but this morning will I confer with his Maiestie The Quéene béeing fearefull that her long stay should cause anie bad opinion hauing kissed her sonne gaue him the good morrowe and so went to her Chamber where shée found Cardyna her Gentlewoman to wâ—om she shewed the Crucifixe her sonne had giuen her saying Tell me I pray thée Cardina doost thou remember that heeretofore thou hast séene this Crucifixe and in what place Beléeue me Madame quoth shée I thinke I haue seene it before nowe but in what place I am not certaine Why forgetfull creature knowest thou not that this is the Crucifixe which was tied about my sonnes necke when thy selfe did carrie him to the mountaine In gooâ— faith the Knight is hée who fought the Combate for my Lorde Florendos Nowe sée the great mercie and bountie of our God who preserued his life then and from infinite daungers hath defended him hitherto Notwithstanding bee thou secret and on perill of thy life reueale it to none vntill the Emperour my Father be acquainted therewith Cardyna was so ioyfull héereof as shée must néedes goe presently to sée Palmerin and finding the Chirugions with him visiting his woundes shée fetched a gorgious Mantle of purple Ueluet broydered round about with Pearles Diamonds and Rubies as wel might beséeme the greatest Monarch to weare As Cardina holpe him to put on this Mantle she noted the marke on his face which she remembred since thâ— time of his birth and in this maner goes Palmerin chéerefully to the Emperour whom he founde conferring with his Lords and Barons but his presence caused them breake off talke imagining him the comeliest person that euer they sawe The good olde Emperour Remicius reioycing to sée him in so good and able plight demaunded of him howe he fared Right well quoth he I thank God and your highnesse readie to aduenture on any occasion shal like you to commaund me and now am I come to aduertise your Maiestie of such matters as will not a little glad ye in the hearing so please your grace to vouchsafe me priuate audience Hereupon the Emperour commaunded euery one to depart the Hall and they béeing nowe alone Palmerin thus began Dreaâ— Lord and mighty Emperour till this time haue I frequented the Courts of manie Kings and Potentates without desire of requesting anie thing vntill this present when faine would I request one boone of your Maiestie the grant whereof shall returne you both profit and honor My noble Fréend Palmerin aunswered the Emperour what euer thou pleasest demaund and on my worde it shall bée graunted Palmerin with humble obeysaunce kissing the Emperours hand sayd In sooth my Lorde all that I haue to request is onely to desire your highnesse that all offences committed by the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter may not onely be forgotten but also forgiuen For thy sake Palmerin quoth the Emperour I forgiue all their offences whatsoeuer May it then please your Maiestie quoth he to remember howe when Florendos came to doo you seruice during your warres agaynst Gamezio because you denied to giuâ— him your Daughter hée was so sicke as euerie howre his death was expected It then so fortuned my Lord the Princesse your Daughter acquainted with the cause of his sicknesse to giue him some comfort as also to defend so good a Prince from death by gracious spéeches shée gaue him such hope of her loue and such for trueth as before they parted a solemne promise of marriage was concluded betwéene them I know not the conditions of their agréements but it séemed the Articles consisted on no difficult accorde for each receyued of other the swéete desires of loue in so much as that night was I begotten And for a trueth my Lord I am the Sonne to the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter who as I vnderstand by the Empresse perswasion against all right you compelled to marrie with the Prince Tarisius Florendos notwithstanding my Mothers wrong was verye great hath continued so loyall as hée would neuer accept anie other for his Wife nor as yet will but onely her Nowe my Lord that this matter may not séeme a fantasticall inuention I can resolue you of the place of my byâ—â—h which was in the Tower where my Mother remained prisoner by your commaundement vnder the charge of a Ladie named Tolomestra who to defende your daughters honor caused me to be carried to a place not far hence which is called the Mâ—unt of Oliues from whence my surname is likewise deriued in that place was I â—ound by a Countrey pesant vnder a Palme Trée who in signe thereof named me Palmerin d'Oliua My sorrowfull Mother hoping one day to sée me againe diligently noted diuerse markeâ— I haue and hung about my necke a golden Crucifixe which this day I gaue her againe and by this marke 〈…〉 like a Crosse shée well remembers me to be her Sonne In this respect my Lord that your Daughters offence was occasioned by true and faithfull loue and hauing likewise promised to forgiue all causes of displeasure graunt my father nowe at length to enioy his lawfull Wife that I béeing their Sonne may not bée estéemed as illegitimate the dâ—â—ing whereof will renowme your name for euer and loue
and lords of Greece for so many ioyfull and vnexpected accidents might not be compared with the pleasures of the Prince Olorico and Frysoll who would nowe no longer kéep his bed in respect of his ioy for the good fortune of his friend wherfore putting on his garments and accompanied with Olorico he came downe into the great Hall as the Prince of Macedon was betrothed to his Ladie when Palmerin stepping from al the rest welcommed them with very gracious courtesie After they had béene generally saluted Frysoll came before the Empresse and on his knée began in this manner Most excellent and gracious Madame may it please you pardon mine offence in shedding the bloud of your kinsman Notwithstanding as the Law of iudgement and reason exhorteth me of two euilles I choose to take the least so did I rather thinke it good to bathe my handes in the bloud of mine owne Couzin then permit him by the Prince Florendos offence to suffer open violence This speake I Madame as being the Sonne to your Nephew Netrides whom long since his eldest Brother disinherited and banished him his Countrey to a little Castle where at this time he remaineth in good disposition Now iudge which of these euents is most admirable that of your noble sonne Palmerin or this which I haue now rehearsed But may it be quoth the Empresse that my Nephew Netrides is yet liuing and can it be possible that thou art his Sonne Trust me Madame saide Frysoll I haue tolde you truth and by Gods leaue you shall haue more ample proofe therof within these few dayes Héereuppon the Emperour the Empresse Florendos and Palmerin with inexplicable reioycing embraced Frysoll not a little extolling theyr fortune that such hardie knights were discended of their linage Then Frisol rehearsed before them all the thrée Combats hée had with Palmerin and what great honour he woonne at the Tourney in France which report greatly contented the Prince Florendos hearing the honourable Chiualrie of his sonne nor would hée forget to ioyne therewith his conquest on the Mountaine Artifaeria with his Combats both in Bohemia and Durace At these reports the Emperour somewhat amazed saide before all his Lords I beléeue my Friendes that the maruailous rare fortunes of these two Cozins Palmerin and Frysoll with the strange aduentures they haue finished in their youth promise greater matters in their following yéeres Then an auncient Knight of Hungaria who was named Apolonio said to the Emperour how in time past hee had béene Page to the Father of Tarisius by which meane hee knew Netrides right well if hee might sée him And if he be yet liuing quoth hée in regard of his manifolde princely vertues the Realme of Hungaria néede no better Gouernour nor will the people themselues mislike of so good a change Wherefore may it so stande with your highnesse pleasure to grant mée companie beséeming the cause I wil do my dutie in the search of him and bring him hither with mée to the Court. Willingly the Emperor consented thereto and like order tooke the Prince Florendos that Cardyna with her Brethren and other Gentlemen should go to the Mountaine of Oliues and enquirâ— for Gerrard Palmerins foster-father Marcella his Wife and Dyoâ—ena their Daughter Palmerin séeing all things sort to so good ende falling on his knée before the Emperour and his Father saide Séeing it hath pleased God to make me knowne for your Sonne I will not conceale a matter from you which concerneth mée very néerely and although it be of great importaunce yet will I not further procéede without your aduise So discoursed he all his seuerall apparitions while he continued with his supposed Father whereby he was prouoked to go séeke the lady who by fatall destenie was promised him nor did he hide his troubles in her search but therewith bewrayed that her name was Polynarda daughter to the Emperour of Allemaigne and his Wife by solemne vowes passed betwéene them He declared moreouer how he trauailed to find the Prince Trineus whome hée lost on the Sea with the Princesse of England and them hée would recouer againe in respect of his faithfull promise to his Ladie Notwithstanding quoth he if you thinke it conuenient I would gladly sende to aduertise the Emperour and my Lady his Daughter of my present good fortune that his Maiestie may confirme our priuate agréement because I doubt the Prince of Fraunce whose Ambassadours haue béene there to conferre on the matter may otherwise present me of mine onely choyse In like manner if Netrides shall be founde to bee made King of Hungaria and the Princesse Armida to be bestowed in marriage on Syr Frysoll who is such a Knight in my iudgement as well deserues one of the chéefest Ladies in the world So God helpe me my Sonne quoth the Emperour no reason were it to disappoint what thou hast so well contriued for séeing things haue beene fore-pointed by fortune méere folly it is for men to contrarie them And because I haue héeretofore heard that the Emperours Daughter is the flower and choyse Ladie among all other whose vertues challenge the man beyonde compare in Chiualriâ— I will sende mine Ambassadours to the Emperour as well for the perfection of the marriage as to comfort her in her despayres with certaine assurance of our health and welfare and so shall your intended trauaile not bee hindered Notwithstanding before you begin your iourney you shall receiue the homage of all the Princes and Lords of Greece as their liege Lord and supreme Gouernour which béeing doone I will likewise take order for my Nephew Frysoll so soone as his Father shall come to the Court. Then calling for the Maister of his Horse commaundement was giuen for spéedie dispatch of messengers to all parts So leauing the Emperour busied in these affayres Florendos and Palmerin went to the Quéene who causing them to sitte downe by her after shee had very graciously welcommed them sayde I pray you tell me which of vs thrée is most beholding to Fortune the Father the Mother or the Sonne Doubtlesse who so considereth the condition of our aduenture will â—â—â—nde it such as seldome hath the like béene séene héeretofore And in sooth my Lorde Florendos the gréeâ—ous torments I haue endured since the losse of my Sonne and my great disloyaltie towards you by breach of my promise I iudge may bee equalled with the burthen of mine offence Neuerthelesse if you estéeme not your selfe satisfied let your noble regarde excuse what nature hath perfected which is to endure much more then as yet wee haue done Madame answered Florendos in time of ioy remember not our passed misfortunes but thinke what now is doone our gracious starres haue graciously furthered and limitted to this end that my loyaltie with the bountie and prowesse of our sonne should be laid open to euerie iudgement Héere had the Prince occasion to rehearse his afflictions in loue endured twentie yéeres space and more for her sake which
néedes goe méete him and so went downe into the Court accompanied with many yoong knights lately come to the Emperours seruice Gerrard séeing this goodly troupe among them all knewe Palmerin perfectly wherefore alighting from his Horsse and without giuing him in charge to any Page or Lackiâ— â—an and fel downe at his féete but Palmerin staying him in his 〈◊〉 said Father Gerrard and 〈◊〉 deare friends the Gâ—d of Heauen 〈…〉 praysed in that by bringing me to the knowledge of my Parentes I haue the meane to satisfie your paine and trauaile for me sauing my life in my yongest yeares and nourishing me to the state of discretion Ah my Lord quoth Gerrard I thinke in all the world is no man so happie as my selfe hauing defended from perill so noble a person therefore néedelesse is it to make offer of money for your nurriture in that I prize your golde and siluer lesse then drosse such is my content to sée you so well Palmerin likewise whose match might not be founde in courtesie and nobilitie of heart louingly welcommed Marcella and her daughter Dyofena walking along with them vp into the Pallace where in this sort hée presented them to the Emperour Sée héere my good Lord they that from mine infancie with excéeding kindnesse and loue nourished mée let mée therefore intreate your Maiestie so to conceiue of them as their paines and charges may be sufficiently requited The Emperour taking great pleasure to beholde them saide they should continue in the Court with him commaunding them to bee brought to his daughters Chamber who entertained them verie graciously but when they came to vnfold Palmerins little pack of cloathes hardly can you imagine the inwarde ioyes of the Mother For Tolomestra well knew the Scarlet mantle which her selfe had all embroydered with curious knots of Gold and all the other prettie trinkets saying Doubtlesse Madame it cannot bée but that Palmerin is your Sonne for well I knowe hée was wrapped in these cloathes when Cardyna carried him hence to the Mountaine Then did Gerrard discourse before all the Ladies in what manner hée founde yong Palmerin among the Trées not forgetting to report euery thing from that day till his departure without his knowledge Many swéete smiles did the Quéene intermedle with her forced teares hearing the 〈◊〉 daungers her Sonne had endured and for the great loue shée bare to Marcella she made her one of the Ladies of her Chamber and gaue Dyofena a worthie dowrie to her marriage As for Gerrad himselfe the Emperor made him one of his chéefest Barons and dubbed his Sonnes Knights who proued afterward of hardie courage as héereafter in the Historie you may perceiue This done the Emperour brought Florendos and Palmerin into his Treasurie saying My friends take beare away all is yours dispose thereof as you please furnish your selues with all néedefull thinges against the day of my Daughters marriage Giue bountifully to the poore Knights that they may likewise prepare themselues in readinesse all which will redound to your perpetuall honour In sooth my Lord answered Florendos it is against all equitie and reason that during your life I should presume so farre well worthie were I of the sharpest reprehension to vsurpe that which by right appertaines to him who gaue me life and honour When the Emperour sawe hée coulde not perswade them hée sent a sumpter Horsse loaden with Golde to the Prince Olorico and Erysoll beside diuers other Iewels of inestimable value that they might the better furnish their estate against the solemnitie of the Macedonian Prince On which day these two Knights determined a Tryumyhe at Armes for the loue of their friende and companion Palmerin who the same day should bee sworne Prince and sole heire to the Empire Upon this occasion and by his highnesse commaundement the Heraldes were sent abroad to publish the Tourney which should endure tenne dayes togither with the excellencie of the prize to them that should beare the honour of the Ioust each day These disports so prouoked the Lords of Greece as neither King Duke Countie Barron or Knight that was able to mannage Horsse and Armes but repaired to Constantinople in such troupes as though a new world had bene to be conquered Chap. XXXV Howe the Knight that Florendos sent to Macedon rehearsed to the King Primaleon the effect of his charge and how Palmerin entertained his fathers Princes and Knights FLoreÌ„dos hauing sent one of his knights to Macedon in verie short time yâ— Messenger arriued at a Castle of pleasure where as then the King remayned for his delight with the Princesse Arismena his Daughter to expell such contagious thoughts as daily troubled them for the absence of the Prince of whome they coulde vnderstande no tydings The knight beeing come into the Kinges Chamber where his Maiestie sattâ— deuising with his Daughter and setting his knée to the grounde in this maner beganne his message Right high and mightie King I bring you the very straungest tidings yet repleate with ioy and speciall comfort whereof your Maiestie neuer heard the like My Lorde the Prince Florendos your Sonne with humble dutie saluteth your excellencie and the faire Princesse Arismena his Sister certefying you that the aduenturous knight Sir Palmerin euen hee by whose meanes your health was recouered is his owne Sonne begotten on the princesse Griana Daughter to my Lord the Emperour to whom hee is nowe betrâ—thed by the consent of all the Princes of the Empire and Sir Palmerin your Sonne shall be Emperour after the decease of his noble Grandfather The good king Primaleon olde and decrepite was so surprised with these newes as he imagined he heard some fantastical illuding voice rather then matter of trueth and certaintie with which inwarde oppressing conceite his weake estate not able to support it selfe béeing ouercome with ioy doubt and suspition as hardly could Arismena his Daughter kéepe life in him so often hee swouned with hearing this reporte yet at length taking the Knight by the hande he sayde My good Fréend God I trust will blesse thée with honour and prosperitie for bringing mee the tidings I haue long desired Nowe may I well say that neuer anie Princes age was more beautified with happinesse then mine is hauing my Sonne allyed in such an house and another Sonne excelling all the Knights in the worlde But if the Heauens vouchsafe me so much grace and fauour that I may once sée him before I ende this life it will be such sufficient content to mée as then I force not though I liue no longer Then calling for one of his Secretaries to reade the Letters his sonne had sent him and hauing heard the contents there of commaunded present dispatch of Messengers to aduertise the Lords and nobilitie of his Realme who likewise were so gladde of these newes as each one prepared himselfe agaynst the day appoynted The King hauing written Letters to his Sonne as also to Palmerin whom hée entreated to come and sée him gaue them
â—hee saluted his Maiestie with great reuerence yet not kissing his hande because he came from as great a state as hee was afterwrd he beganne in this manner Mightie and redoubted Monarch of Allemaigne the most high and excellent Emperour of Constantinople my Maister vnderstanding the losse of your Sonne Trineus gréeteth you with health and continuall happinesse Giuing you to vnderstande that within these fewe daies such good fortune hath befallen him as in all his life time hée neuer had the like And albeit in his last warre with the Turkes and Moores he lost both Sonnes Nephewes and many great Lords of his kindred and since that time hath béene troubled with the hard â—ap of his daughter Griana Quéene of Hungaria and the sodaine death of her Husband the King yet hath his Maiestie changed all these gréefes into ioy by knowledge of the good Knight Sir Palmerin whose renowne liues as wel in Heathenesse as in Christendome béeing now found Sonne to my Lord the Emperour and therefore created sole heyre to the Empire And the noble Prince Palmerin on his behalfe humbly saluteth your imperiall maiestie béeing the Lord to whom he is most affected in seruice so that to finde out your Sonne Trineus and the faire Agriola Daughter of England whom two yéeres since and more hee lost in the East Seas he abandoneth all honorable preferments vntill his trauaile shall be finished and he hath brought him hither before your highnesse And hauing alreadie searched in many Kingdomes at length hée vnderstood that they were liuing and in health also that himselfe should in the ende recouer them hée thought it necessarie to acquaint you herewith because he doubted of your extreame sorrow and heauinesse The Emperor astonied to heare the good fortune of Palmerin as also the losse of his Sonne Trineus could not subdue his passions which mooued the teares to trickle downe his chéekes with conceit of ioy and gréefe together yet shadowing his alteration so well as he could thus replyed In truth my Lorde Ambassadour I alwaies imagined by Palmerins woorthie actions that he was discended of noble or royall linage and greatly it contenteth me that he so happily hath founde the house of his discent expelling altogether considering his promise and prowesse what hath béene long imprinted in my heart considering the losse of my Sonne Trineus For so fauourable are the heauens to Palmerin in all his enterprises and admirable aduentures as one may imagine that déeds of honor and account are reserued onely for him chéefely the recouerie of my Sonne which I hope hee will effectually bring to passe And trust me not without great and sufficient reason doth the Emperour your Maister repute himselfe happie this onely good fortune béeing of force enough to discharge his mind of all sorrowes and cares that former occasions mooued him with all Now know I howe to recompence his princely kindnesse honoring me with so good and happy tidings but that it may please him to accept of mee héereafter as his louing Brother and faithfull Friend No other thing my Lord quoth the Duke dooth his Maiestie desire and to beginne this amitie and alliance betwéene you hee requesteth that if his Sonne Palmerin hath héeretofore founde such fauour in your eyes you would now confirme it by giuing him to wife the Princesse Polynarda your Daughter whom he will not marrie vntill he haue brought home your Sonne Trineus As for the other conuentions of the marriage this Letters shall certifie you so kissing them hée deliuered them with very great reuerence And her shall he haue with right good will sayde the Emperour for a fitter husband can shée not haue I thinke likewise her selfe will consent thereto for the good opinion she had of him while he remained in our Court But because I will not displease the King of Fraunce who in like manner requesteth her for his Sonne and heyre I will conferre with the estates of the Empire and then deliuer you certaine answere So the Ambassadours withdrew themselues to their lodgings and the Emperor caused the Letters to bee read before all his Princes and Lordes who could no way mislike of this marriage and therefore great ioy was made through the Empire in hope the Prince Trineus should soone be recouered These ioyfull newes soone spreading through the Court at length were brought to the Princesse Polinarda in her Chamber who not able to conceale her sodaine ioy ranne to Bryonella saying Swéete friende nowe maist thou reioyce with me in that our loues are nowe assured vs whereof before wée vtterly despayred Ah my Brionella Heauen hath now confirmed our fortunate successe in that my Palmerin is founde to bee the Emperours Sonne of Constantinople whereof he hath certified my Lord and Father by his Embassage and howe Palmerin hath heard tydings of my Brother Trineus whom shortly he will bring home againe yet not without thy Ptolome I hope Therefore my onâ—ly copartner in loue and feare let vs abandon all gréefe and sorrow which greatly may preiudice our health and welfare and nowe dispose our selues to a contented resolution of life attending our long desired fortune God graunt it may be so quoth Bryonella yet my minde perswades mee that wée shall not sée them so soone as you wéene The Emperour hauing conferred with the Lorde of Allemaigne who very well allowed the marriage of his daughter with Palmerin determined to send to the Emperor of Constantinople ambassadours for perfect confirmation of the marriage And by generall consent the Duke of Lorrayne and the Marquesse of Licena were chosen for this present Embassage Which being doone the Emperour went to the Empresse Chamber and sent for his Daughter Polynarda who was so ioyfull of these happie newes as she could scant imagine how to dissemble her content when shee should come in her Fathers presence yet shadowing it from any open suspect after shee had saluted her Father with great reuerence the Emperour thus spake Daughter you haue hitherto refused so many noble offers as hardly can I permitte to mooue you with any other yet once more will I trie you againe in hope you will stand vpon no more refusals but ioyne with me in opinion as beyonde all other best beséemes you The man of whom I speake is noble Palmerin of whose honourable behauiour you haue some knowledge and for no other cause hath the Emperour sent his Ambassadours aduise your selfe then what you answere for all our nobilitie allow the match and thereto haue generally subscribed their consent The Princesse couering her inwarde ioy with modest bashfulnesse thus answered If héeretofore my good Lorde I excused my obeysance to your commandement especially for taking a husband it was onely for the promise I made to my Brother Trineus but nowe seeing it is your pleasure and the good lyking of al the estates as also that the marriage shall not be solemnized till my Brothers presence I will not disobey your commaund assuring your Maiestie that more content am
I to match with him then any other you named heretofore And this one speciall cause that he laboureth to bring home my noble Brother which Heauen graunt hee may otherwise can I not marry without verie great impeach to mine honour The Emperour well perceiued by the grace of her answere and her countenance nowe nothing sadoe or melanchollie that shee was nothing offended with this motion wherfore he said Happie may I count my selfe faire daughter that among all the Christian Princes you haue chosen such a Husband therefore apparrell your selfe to morrow in the best sort you may for then shall my Lordes the Ambassadours see you So departed the Princesse to her Chamber and no more spéeches were vsed till the next day when the Emperour sent for the Ambassadours of Constantinople and in the presence of the principall estate of the Empire ratefied the mariage betwéen Palmerin and his daughter And for further confirmation thereof promised to send his owne Ambassadours with them to satisfie on his behalfe the Emperour Florendos and Palmerin For which excéeding gentlenesse the Duke of Mecâ—ena in the Emperours name thanked his Maiestie earnestly entreating him to dispatch them thence so soone as might bee because their charge was to returne with all possible spéede This resolution absolutely sette downe the Emperour for the greater honour caused them to dine with him at his owne Table and grace being said by the Lord Almoner the Duke of Mecana desired his Maiestie that hée might sée the Princesse Polynarda whereof hée made promise so soone as Dinner was done when taking the Duke of Mecaena by the one hande and the Countie of Reifort by the other brought them to the Empresse Chamber where they founde the Princesse in such sumptuous ornaments and accompanied with such rare grace and exquisite beautie as they iudged her rather an Angell then anie earthly creature And greatly was the Duke abashed at such a singular spectacle not knowing how to frame his opinions but hauing humbly saluted the Empresse came to the Princesse and on his knée reuerently kissed her hand with these spéeches Let it not displease ye faire Madame that I vse this honourable dutie to you for I doo it in this respect as to the gracious Ladie and Empresse héereafter of Constantinople By this meane hée secretly conueyed Palmerins Letter into her hande for which the Princesse gaue him many deuout thankes which were coupled with such magesticall gestures as neither to Nero or Galba were done the like no not by Constantine himself to the Pope And though the Dukes words had raised a swéete blush in her chéekes yet could she with such choyse answeres excuse the same as gaue greater countenaunce to all her behauiour Then turned the Duke to the Emperour and smiling saide Trust me my Lord nowe doo I verely beléeue what hath heretofore bene told me of the Prince Palmerin that hée is an especiall Iudge of the beautie of Ladies for in mine opinion hée hath chosen one without a second and of her may truly be affirmed what the Poets described of Helena tearming her the Goddesse of beautie With this rare Princesse to be matched an Husband so famous well may be saide the couple to be without compare for the faire formed Paris may not be equalled with Palmerin So the Ambassadours departing the Princesse withdrewe her selfe to her Chamber where reading her friends Letter her ioyes and pleasures redoubled because shée might now boldly credite her fortune And before she would forget the inuention her spirite offered â—hée presently wrote an answere earnestly entreating him to hasten his returne to abreuiate her languishing desires which nowe made her life but a shadow of death Hauing close sealed her Letter shée sent it to the Duke by one of her most trustie Ladies with diuers other rich gifts and presentes The Duke of Lorraine and his companie readie departed thence with the Ambassadours and winde and weather seruing so well they arriued at Constantinople the day before Florendo's his nuptialls Newes being brought héereof to the Courte Palmerin accompanied with many Princes and Knightes went to the Hauen and at the landing of the Ambassadours Palmerin embraced the Duke of Lorrâ—ine and the Marquesse of Cicena and so ryding to the Pallace beguiled the time with diuers discourses where among the Duke of Lorraine thus spake Syr Palmerin I alwayes did imagine that those straunge aduentures aâ—chiued by you during the obscuritie of your yonger yeares would in the end reueale your honourable parentage and make your name for euer immortall and were the Prince Tryneus with you nowe for the verie best condition in the world would I not leaue your companie Gentle Duke answered Palmerin if I did not perswade my selfe how greatly I should comfort your minde by recouering your Prince Tryneus I should account my life so vnhappie as presently I would â—â—sire my death God graunt quoth the Duke that you may finde him againe for that will bee the greatest good that euer came to our Empire considering the vertues magnanimitie and speciall chiualrie which is as currant in our yong Prince as in any other And thus they spent the time till they came to the Pallace where the Duke of Lorraine after hee had saluted the Emperour and the Princes deliuered the message committed to his charge Wherewith Palmerin was not a little pleased considering what he had read in his Ladies Letter which discouered the sorrowes shee endured for his absence but being assured of her firme loyaltie as also that shée was now promised him in marriage his cares were the lesse commaunding the Duke to be lodged neare his owne Chamber that he might the better conferre with him of his Mistresse whom he loued as deare as his owne life Chap. XXXVII Howe after the Prince Florendos and Queene Griana were espoused togither Palmerin was sworne Prince and heire of Greece and Macedon by the consent of the Lords of the Empire and the Realme THe Ambassadours of Allemaigne being now come the Emperour was aduertised thereof and considering that the Princes of Thrace and Macedon had expected their presence for the space of sixe dayes it was appointed that on the morrow the Prince Florendos Griana should be married And the day being come of this long desired wedding shée was cloathed in such rich and costly garments as though she had bene still a virgine But héere to set downe the sumptuous vestures of her her husband the Emperour the Empresse with diuers other Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen also the solemnitie and ceremonies both at the Church and at the Pallace would waste a great deale of time in vaine and without any pleasure or profit to the Readers and therefore I will let it passe vnder your conceit and speake of such things as are most néedfull After that the Prince Florendos and Griana were espoused by the Patriache of Constantinople the whole traine returned to the Pallace where before the Gate was erected a goodly Theater hanged
as you can better conceiue then I expresse After all these courteous grâ—etings they went to the Court where began a fresh occasion of ioy betwéene the Empresse and her Nephewe Netrydes shée then embracing him in her Armes thus spake Ah my noble Nephew how haue the Heauens blessed me with speciall fauour in suffering me before my death to sée my chéefest Fréendes whom I was out of all hope to behold againe especiallie you whose long absence from your Countrey hath rather deliuered imagination of your death then life Neuerthelesse it is the prouidence of the highest that after all the troubles you suffered in your youth you might receiue the recompence in your age by the knightlie honour and bountie of your linage In sooth Madame sayd Netrydes not so pleasant to mée is high preferment as that I liue to sée my sonne againe for hauing contented my selfe in my little Castle with a life frée from offence and sollitarie I did account it to excéede all other but nowe séeing in my declining yéeres the God of Heauen hath thought good that I might profit his people the thought were base and abiect in me to make refusall So long were they deuising on these and other matters as the good night beeing giuen on all sides the Emperour caused these newe come Fréendes to bée conducted to theyr lodgings But on the morrowe when Palmerin came to bid the Emperour good morrow he thus began You knowe my Lord that a Common wealth without a heade and Gouernour as for example is the Realme of Hungaria cannot long endure without sedicious tumults or rebellion wherefore vnder your Maiesties reuerende regarde I thinke it expedient that my Sister Armida shoulde bee giuen in mariage to Sir Frysoll because in nobilitie of minde and perfection of iudgement hardly may so good a Knight be found nor shée enioy a fitter Husbande and so may the Realme lineallie discende from Netrides nowe aged to his noble sonne The Emperour liked well of this aduise wherefore the same day were Frysoll and the Princesse Armida espoused togither to the good lyking of all but especially of the louers themselues whose secrete desires were now effectuallie requited After the feast was ended Netrides instituted Gouernour of Hungaria departed with his wife and Sons to his Kingdome where hee was receiued very honorablie by his subiects who had not forgot their former loue to him and the vnnatural dealing of their king his deceased brother Chap. XXXIX How Palmerin tooke his leaue of the Emperor his father and mother to follow the search of the Prince Trineus CErtaine daies after the solemnitie of this honorable mariage was ended betwéene Frysoll and the yong Princesse of Hungaria Netrides likewise gone to his seate of gouernment all the Lordes and Princes of the Empire except such as continuallie aboad in the Emperors Court returned to their own homes yâ— like did al the strange knights that came to the tryumphs except the king of Sparâ—a and the Lords of Macedon Wherefore Palmerin nowe remembring his promise to his Ladie and how long he had stayed slothfull at Constantinople determined to departe and vnderstanding that his Father was with the Emperor came to them with these spéeches My gracious Lords it is now thrée monethes and more that I haue remained héere by your commaundement contrarie to the promise that I made my Ladie wherfore â—y your leaue I am nowe determined to departe hence before the Duke of Lorrayne returne backe againe that hée may assure my Lord the Emperour that I am gone to séeke my Fréendes My Sonne quoth the Emperour vnwilling am I thou shouldest leaue vs so soone but if the matter may not be contraryed in respect you are bounde to her by faithfull promise who aboue all other deserueth loyall seruice I neither maye or will gaine-saye you but intreate your returne so soone as may be You shall therefore take with you a good companie of Knightes who may preuent anie sâ—nister occasions which your trauaile in strange Countreyes happilie may offer that my hart enioying life by your presence may once more sée you before my date bée expired I beséech you my Lord aunswered Palmerin gréeue not your selfe by my absence which shall not be long I hope neither will the multitude of Knights auaile in my enterprise for more by fortune then by force of Armes must the aduenture bée finished Doo then as you thinke good aunswered the Emperour in meane time I will cause prouision for your traine Palmerin hauing now licence to depart perswaded Frysoll so earnestlie as hee coulde to abide aâ— Constantinople as well for the loue he bare his Sister Armida as because he was loth to depart the new maried couple but all the circumstances he could vse might not perswade him for his religious vowe to his Fréend excéeded his affection to the Princesse so that for a flat resolution he aunswered that nothing but death shoulde seperat their companie Palmerin seeing Frysoll continue in his former amitie and that the desire which conquers all men coulde not preuaile in his noble minde reioysed greatlye thereat determining to recompence his princelie kindnesse if Fortune did not contrarie him in this enterprised iourney And fearing least anie newe occasion should arise to delaye this intent dispatched presently his Letters to the Emperor of Allemaigne and his Ladie Polynarda honoring his highnesse Ambassadours with manie sumptuous gifts Hauing nowe ordered all his affayres and euerie one béeing ready to mount on horsebacke hée came to bid the Queene his Mother farewell for well he knewe that if shée could any waie hinder his departure his iourney should be soone preuented The Quéene with motherlie loue embracing her Sonne saide Ah my Sonne 〈◊〉 thou béene so short a time with me and wilt thou now leaue mee trust me it is a point of great vngentlenesse to deale so hardly with thy mother but séeing the Emperour and my Lorde haue giuen their consent my gain-saye will bée to little purpose And nothing would it auaile mée to sette before thine eyes the inconstancie of Fortune her sleights and trecherie commonly against great persons when they are in the waye to prosperitie honor and renowme Therefore my sonne I committe shée to the protection of Heauen desiring thée to regard mine honor which by thée ought to be defended and now may runne in daunger of common reproche in that the vulgar sort iudge after their owne humours not according to the quallitie and estimation of vertue For this cause let thine returne be the sooner as thou tenderest my life and thine owne good All which Palmerin promised to doo and so comming downe into the Court founde there the Emperour and his Father mounted on horsebacke who bare him companie two miles from the Citie where after many courtesies betwéene them the Emperour and Florendos returned to the Courte againe where the Duke of Lorrayne stayed their comming when taking his leaue likewise went aboorde and sayled with so good a winde
Arismena his Quéene Palmerin verie ioyfull of the Kings motion in that he was one of the chéefest estates of Greece acquainted his Aunt with the Kings request and what an honor it was to her to be so matched Nor was the Princesse heart so colde by her Fathers death but séeing the yong beautifull King loued her so well it began to warme againe so that considering her owne estate béeing nowe in yeares past foure and twentie shée made some excuses by her Fathers late â—eceaâ—e But Palmerin perceiued by her modest yeâ—lding lookes that the heart consented although the mouth was loath to vtter it Wherefore the next day they were espoused togither by which meane the King was more affected to follow Palmerin as he determined before hée came from Constantinople as well for the great kindnesse he found in him as for his fauour in furthering him with the ende of his desires Now was the King more importunate on Palmerin to accept him for his companion in his trauaile who at length condiscended although he imagined that his Aunte had rather haue her newe Husbande â—arrie with her The day béeing appoynted for their departure Palmerin concluded with the King of Sparta that hée should sende Arismena to Constantâ—nople there to stay his returne wish her Brother Florendos For her safe conduct thither all the chéefest Knights that came thence with him where chosen except the Prince Eustâ—ce Son to the duke of Mecaena And Palmerin fearing his voyage woulde be longer then hée expected commaunded Vrbanillo his Dwarffe to returne to the Quéene Arismena and if I â—â—ay quoth hée longer then a yeare from Constantinople go then to Allemaigne with this Letter to comfort my Ladie and take with thée thy Sister whom I sent to the Quéene my Mother The Dwarffe although he had rather haue gone with his Maister then attend on Ladies not daring to gain-say him returned with Arismena who in short time after arriued at Constantinople where the Prince Florendos very ioyfully receiued her béeing not a little contented that shée was ioyned in marriage with the King of Sparta yet his Fathers death hée tooke verie heauily How welcome she was to the Emperour the Empresse and Quâ—â—ne Griana I doubt not but you can sufficiently imagine who contâ—â—â—allie comforted her till her Husbands returne Before Palmerin departed from Macedon he established all things in due and decent order creating the Counte Roldin Lieutenaunt generall for the Realme commaunding as dutifull obeysaunce to him as to their souereigne Lord the King his Father Afterward hee tooke order that his shipping might be ready because he would delay no longer the search of Trineus Chap. XLI Howe Palmerin and his companions sayling on the Mediterranean Sea were taken by Olimaell Admirall to the great Turke and their fortunes in Greece where Palmerin saued Laurana the princesse of Durace ROldin established in the gouernment of Macedon and the Ship readie which Palmerin had appoynted hée went aboord with his vowed Fréendes that would not leaue him vz. Frysoll thâ— Prince Olorico the Duke of Pontus the King of Sparta and Eustace sonne to the Duke of Mecaena These sixe hauing sworne the search of Trineus committed themselues to the mercy of the winds and Seas not knowing where they should first take landing Hauing thus sayled sixe or seuen dayes togither and the Seas nothing rough or tempestioâ—s they went vp on the decke to see if they coulde descry any shore And as they were deuising merily togither they suddainlie espyed a great Fléete of Ships which with wind at will made apace towards them but because you shall vnderstand of whence and what they were attend the sequell and you shall be resolued The Moore Olimaell as ye haue read in the former part of this Historie after he had giuen the Princesse Agriola to the great Turke entred into so great credit as in recompence of his gift 〈◊〉 was made high Admirall of Turkie so that béeing renowmed for a Knight of Péerelesse desert the Turke gaue him the charge of his great Armie where with he shoulde continually disturbe the Christians This Olimaell was Generall of this huge Fléete descried by Palmerin wherat somewhat amazed he called one of the Pilots demaunding if hée knew the ensigne of whence they were The Pilot had no sooner behelde them but hée presently saide they were Turkes and no way there was for themselues to escape because he saw sixe light Gallies were made out to hem them in and the rest came mainly vpon them But Palmerin as a Prince experimented in daungers thus spake to his companions Noble Fréendes where Knightlie force or beâ—â—tie cannot auaile it were méere follie to vse it we are but sixe and all in one vessell and farre wee caâ—not â—lie before we shall bée taken I thinke it best therefore that wâ—e vse â—ound dissimulation and so expect when Fortune will better teach vs the way to recouer our losse and reuenge vs on our enemies to their confusion Withdraw your selues and leaue me alone to talke with them because I can well speake the Arabian language Yet thinke not that â—owardise or feare of death makes mée vse these spéeches for in an action inuincible hardinesse and knightly prowesse will bée estéemed as follie and indiscretion Haue then patience my good Fréendes I hope that all shall turne to our good No sooner had he ended his spéeches but hée heard the Captaine commaund them to yeeld or else they should dieâ— Die quoth Palmerin that goes verie hard assure vs our liues and we yéeld otherwise not I promise thée said the Captaine neither thou nor thy companie shall haue any harme So seazing vpon the ship they brought it to the Admirall Olimaell presenting to him all the Knights they tooke therin for which he hartily thanked them saying Tell me Gentlemen and dissemble not are ye Turks or Christians Sir quoth Palmerin séeing Fortune hath béene so contrarie to vs you shall vnderstand truly what we are We are Christians and poore Knights searching aduentures to gaine honour and profit in some Princes seruice be he Heathen or Christian. And because we can not now shew you what we are able to doo so please you to suffer vs enioy our libertie and graunt vs the benefite of our Armour we will promise you loyall and faythfull seruice Olimaell who was by nature sterne and austere séeing these sixe Knights so yong and braue accomplished persons imagined theyr assistaunce woulde greatlie auaile him wherefore he thus answered Gentlemen if you wil sweare to me by your fayth that you will not depart from me without my licence but will loyally imploy your selues in what I shall commaund you shall haue your Armour againe and I will not vse you as my slaues and prisoners but as my honest companions and Friends Which oath they all tooke to him wherefore they were immediately armed againe and remained in the Galley with Olimaell who séeing their armour so rich and costly estéemed them to bee of
should be maried to one of the best Knights of the world Wée néede not doubt that the Quéene was héereat amazed yet the loue of the Mother to her infant cannot conquer the loue of the Wife to her Husbande which among all loues is the most honest and loyall so that in hope to frée him againe on whom depended her health and welfare shée gaue her Childe to the Damosell intreating that shée might be vsed as beséemed the Daughter of a King and as the swéete beautie of the infant deserued Shée returning to Carderia with the Childe made her Sisters verie ioyful by her comming who there nourished the infant till shée was three yéeres olde when the beautie of the yong Princesse beganne to shewe it selfe as fayre Cynthia dooth among the Starres Nowe did the Sisters inclose her in a strong Tower made of purpose for young Francelina wherein was the most goodly Garden in the worlde there was shee attended by her Nursses and sixe waiting Gentlewomen and such enchauntments were imposed on the Tower as no man should euer sée her vnlesse he were the best Knight of his time The entraunce into the Tower was verie strayte and narrowe barred vppe with a great Gate of yron and guarded with two furious Lyons Ouer the gate stoode a huge Image of Copper holding a mightie Mace of Stéele wrought by such cunning as if anie Knight but he that was destenied to end the aduenture should assay to enter hardly might he escape to returne againe Moreouer the conquerour should not demaund the first demaund of the princesse which was the deliuerance of her Father and for this cause the Sisters enchaunted the faire Francelina whose Historie wée must yet forbeare procéeding where wee leâ—t before Olimaell béeing thus on the Sea laden with Christian spoyles and prisoners at length entred the port of the great Cittie of Tubant where hée made such a chéerefull noyse of Droms Trumpets Clarions and Cornets as though the greatest Monarch in the worlde had come to take landing The great Turke maruailing at this sodaine melodie sent one of his Knights to vnderstand the cause who béeing certified by Olimaell what great victories hee had obtained against the Christians and the number of prysoners he brought with him returned to the Pallace where he told his Lord that the Admirall Olimaell was come and had brought with him great spoyles from the Christians where among quoth hee is a Christian King in person many worthy Knights and Gentlemen and a young Princesse of incomparable beautie Not a little ioyfull was the Turke at these newes wherefore comming into his great Hall where the imperiall seates of maiestie were erected himselfe fate downe in the â—one and faire Agriola of England in the other expecting the comming of Olimaell who in tryumphant manner set forward with his prize brauely mounted on a lustie Coâ—rser sumptuously caparasoned and aduauncing his sword drawne in signe of victorie Béeing come to the Pallace Olimaell saluted his Lorde with great reuerence standing by him to make report of his conquest and make present of his prisoners after their estate and calling First he caused all the riches to be brought and all the meanest captiues one after another to kisse the great Turks foote then commaunding them to be carried thence he began in this manner It is not to be doubted most high and mightie Monarch that this victorie gotten on the Christians enemies to our Gods hath beene obtained onely by your fauour therefore it is good reason that the principall head of this enterprise the great and chéefest honour should be doone The witnesse héereof are the treasures present and these prisoners abyding your mercie who from the very meanest to the highest shall humble themselues at your maiesties fâ—â—te When very many had doone theyr reuerence and the King of Thessaly shoulde next follow who though his handes were pinniond behinde him yet had a Crowne of Gold on his head to shewe what hée was although he sawe himselfe in the Traitours power and Olimaell had commaunded him to kisse his Maisters foote boldly made this answere Nor will I so much displease my God vncircumcized Tirant as thou art in such sort to abase my self being a king and administratour of iustice to faithfull Christians to kisse the foote of the mostâ—nastie and vncleane creature in the world profaning the worship which I onely owe to my maker It is in thy power to take my life from mee but not to constraine me do the thing wherein consists my damnation and a thousand deathes I will endure before I yéelde so much as in thought to thée Uillaine quoth the Admirall darest thou speake so vnreuerently in the presence of my Lorde did not my regarde of him withholde mée soone should I seperate thy cursed heâ—d from thy shoulders With these words he gaue the King such a blow on the face as made him fall on his knées to the ground Ah Traytour quoth the King well hast thou shewen the nature of a villaine that without commaunde strykest a King captiue and vnprouided of Armes but might it so please thy Lorde in open Fielde will I prooue thée a disloyall and vnchristened Curre that thus abusest the bloud royall The great Turke séeing the King so moued and angrie the bloud likewise trickling from his nose and mouth commaunded him to be carried thence to one of the strongest Castles in Nacolia where he should be enclosed without any companie that his captiuitie might be the more gréenous to him When the King of Thessaly was departed Palmerin approched leading the Princesse Laurana by the hande hée and his fiue companions beeing Armed except theyr Helmets Gantlets and swords whereat the great Turke maruailing demaunded of Olimaell why hée suffered them to be armed My Lord quoth hee these sixe Knights were the first prize I tooke who after they had giuen me theyr oathes haue done such seruice to your Maiestie especially this poynting to Palmâ—rin one of the best knights that euer I saw as full well do they deserue libertie which in recompeÌ„ce of aduenturing their liues in your seruice vnder your highnesse correction I promised them By Mahomet answered the great Turk for thy sake I likewise confirmâ— it and if héereafter they will abide with mée I will make them greater then euer they were While the Turke was making these promises Agriola hauing well noted Palmerin knew him and with the sodaine conceit thereof was readie to swoune but staying her selfe on her Chayre said O sole bountie who is this are not mine eyes deluded and my thoughts be guiled At these wordes Palmerin knewe her which before hee did not by reason of her strange disguysed apparrell yet thought hee best to conceale his inward ioy least crooked fortune should now againe preuent him The great Turke séeing Agriola looke so pale and wan started from his Chayre and taking her in his Armes said Alas Madame hath any sodaine ill befallen yée hath any one in this companie
offended yée By our Gods if I knew him presently shoulde he die the death The Princesse trembling with feare séeing Hippolyta was not present spake thus in English What will my Lorde and Husband Trineus say if hee be in this companie séeing I haue so dissloyally forsaken him and thus though God knowes perforce in stéed of him haue taken the enemie to him and our faith Yet one comfort haue I that this Infidell hath not carnally knowne me for which perfection I thanke the heauenly maiestie At these spéeches Palmerin was so glad as the feare of death could not withholde him but in the same language he thus answered Feare not good Madame Trineus is not in our companie but so please you to say I am your Brother you may happily saue my life and practise your deliuerance The Turke misdoubting by Palmerins perswading that hée had caused this sodaine alteration imagining him to be her husband of whom he had heard her talke so often in a great rage said Knight how durst thou presume my Ladies presence knowing the sight of thée would any way displease her By the Prophet Mahomet thou shalt immediately die that all such audacious villaines may take an example by thée Agriola knowing the Turks censures were very peremptorie and commonly no sooner saide then excuted embracing him thus replied Ah my Lorde do not the thing in haste for which afterwarde you will be sorrie for I assure you on my honor the Knight that spake to mée is my Brother and hath left his Countrey onely to finde me and him I do loue so effectually as if you put him to death impossible is it for me to liue afterward When the Turke heard her speake with such affection qualifying his anger saide I promise ye Madame for your sake hée shall haue no harme but bee entertained with loue and honour conditionally that you forgette this melancholy and hencefoorth shewe your selfe more pleasant for in séeing you sad I am more gréeued then if I had lost the moitie of dominions In sooth my Lorde answered Agriola now shall I be merrie séeing you intende to loue my Brother for greater good cannot happen to me then this gentle entertainment and hencefoorth shall I tread vnder foote the sad remembraunce of my Countrey and Parents hauing him with me by whom I hope to gaine my greatest comfort So the Turke arising from his Chayre caused Palmerin and Laurana to accompanie Agriola and the other fiue Knights hauing kissed his hande hee went to his Chamber commaunding Olimaell for his greater honor to vsher Agrola who as she went thus spake Beléeue me Admirall if I was offended when thou broughtest me prisoners hither thou hast now made mée sufficient amendes in that by thée I enioy my Brother whom I was out of all hope to sée againe Alas Madame quoth he little did I thinke him to be such a one for had I his vsage should haue béene much better which fault I hope heereafter to recompence I commend him to thy countesie sayde Agriola let him and his friendes haue all things they want according as my Lorde hath appointed So taking her leaue of them she entred her chamber where she and Hyppolita conferred with Laurana of all her fortunes passed and the aduentures of her Brother Nowe was Palmerin and his companions by the Turks commaundement lodged néere the Pallace and to each of them he sent a goodly Horse with costly furniture thinking by these meanes to conquere Agriola and purchase that of her which he long had desired and talking with Palmerin sayde Right well may you be Brother to my Lady Agriola in that your beautie and complexion deliuers great likelihood séeing then our Gods haue permitted that for her comfort you shoulde be brought hither perswade her I pray yée that she be no longer repugnant to my will for could I haue a Child by her I would thinke my selfe the happiest Lord on the earth Beside I would haue you forsake the follie of your Christianotie and yéelâ— your selfe to our Law which is much better then yours and you shall sée how our Gods will fauour you likewise what great good you shall receiue therby My Lord quoth Palmerin I will labour with my Sister so much as lies in me to doâ— as for your Law as yet I am vnacquainted therwith but when I shall find it to be such as you assure mee easily may I bee drawen thereto and to serue you with such loyaltie as so great an estate doth worthily deserue I confesse my selfe likewise greatly bâ—unden to your maiestie in that you haue accepted my Sister as your Wife and to mee a poore slaue giuen life and libertie which I beséech you also graunt to the Marriners in whose Uessell it was my chaunce to bée taken in so dooing she may be greatly mooued by your magnificent libertie and mercie The great Turke presently gaue his consent causing their safe conduct to bee openly proclaimed so Palmerin and his Friendes humbly departing to their lâ—dging the Turke went to Agriolaes Chamber where sitting downe by her he thus began Now shall I perceiue Madame how much your Brother may preuaile with you for hée hath promised me so to order the matter as you shall graunt my long desired sute My Lord quoth shée my Brother shall command me nothing but I will doo it with all my heart as for your request it is not in my power but in the hande of God who defendeth me as best him pleaseth Nor can I change the opinion I haue held so long though by hauing my Brother with me I enioy farre greater content then I did before It sufficeth me saide the Turke to sée you so well pleased and as for your Brother that you may perceiue howe well I loue him before one moneth be expired I will make him the chéefest Lord in my Court next mine owne person so kissing the Princesse he departed to his Chamber The day following Palmerin saide to his companions You sée my friendes how friendly Fortune smileth on vs but least shee change as euermore she is wont wée must practise some meanes to escape from these Turkish infidels Beside séeing wée haue founde the Princesse Agriola I hope Trineus is not so secretly hidden but we shall heare some tydingâ— of him Of her will I therefore enquire if she know what became of him and Ptolome wheÌ„ we left them in meane while you may closely conclude with our Marriners that they be euer readie at an howres warning for I hope we shall set hence before eight dayes be past Palmerin went to Agriolaes Chamber and there by good hap hée â—ound her alone whome after he had humbly saluted the Princesse thus spake to him My noble friende you must be carefull howe you speake to me especially before the aged Lady you sawe héere yesterday for shee vnderstandeth all languages and if we be discouered there is no way but death therefore when you sée her with me conferre rather with Laurana
her hée sent it by one of his Pages to Laurana who hauing it in her hand came laughing therewith to Palmerin saying Howe say you my Lord haue I not handled the matter 〈◊〉 it should be the Turke mooued with pittie of our straite imprisonment hath giuen me the charge of Madame Agriâ—la for by his Page hath he sent me the Key of her Chamber and Hyppolita shall lodge nowe among other Ladies And because this night the action must bee fulfilled doo you aduertise the Duke of Pontus that at midnight he faile not to come to vse drunken Holofernes as hée hath deserued Palmerin and the King of Sparta praysing God that their affaires went forwarde so luckily returned to their lodging intreating Agriola to be ready at the houre that their intent might not be hindered by her Afterwarde they rehearsed to their companions what was concluded by the Princesse Laurana wherefore quoth hée to the Duke prepare to bring your Armour secretlye to Agriolaes Chamber where you shall finde the King of Sparta and my selfe Meane while Frysoll Olorico and Eustace sée that all out baggage be conueyed into our shiâ—pe which may safely be done without suspect considering what great multitude of Souldiours are embarquing and therefore prouide all things readie agaynst our comming The houre being at hand Palmerin the King of Sparta and the Duke of Pontus went to the Princesse Chamber where the Duke was immediately Armed except his Helmet which he left on the Table couered with the Mantle whereof Laurana spake putting on the attyre the Princes wore vppon her heade and so finely was he disguised in those habits as in the dark he might be reputed rather a woman then a man and béeing readie to depart about the practise he saide to Palmerin I thinke it best my Lord that you and the King of Sparta conâ—uct the Ladyes before to the Porte for if in mine attempt I should happen to â—aile yet shoulâ— you loose but the worst in your companie So importunate was hee with them to follow his aduise as he caused them to depart presently to the Hauen where they were ioyfully welcommed by Frysoll and the rest without méeting anie by the way to hinder them When the Duke saw himselfe left alone and now he was to dispose himselfe to his intent falling on his knée he thus spake O my God that suffered the mightie Holofernes to bée be headed by thy Seruaunt Iudith affoorde me at this time the like grace and giue mée strength to worke his death who is the greatest liuing enemy to Christians This said hée went to the Turks Chamber where he found the doore readie open and approching the bed the Turke who verilie thought it was Laurana raysed vp himselfe and taking him by the arme said Welcome swéete Ladie for verie long haue I expected thy comming Ah Traitour quoth the Duke I am not she thou lookest forâ— regarde of honour will not suffer her to sinne in such sort With which wordes hée stabbed him to the heart and smiting off his head wrapped it in the Mantle that Laurana gaue him so going to Agriolaes Chamber and clasping on his Helmet went presentlie to his Fréendes whom hée founde in prayer for his good successe and throwing the head into Lauranaes lappe said Madame hée that was so importunate for your dishonour as a witnesse of his loue to you hath sent you his head here by me wherwith I present you so deuoutlie as henceforth I dedicate my life and seruice to your disposing A thousand thanks my Lorde quoth the Princesse this vertuous act hath made mée so constanlie to bée yours as in anie thing that toucheth not the impeach of mine honour I remaine with my vttermost endeuours to pleasure you As the Duke woulde haue replied the other Knights came to looke on the head which when they haâ— cast into the Sea they presently hoysed â—aile and before day had gotteâ— farre enough from thence In the morning as the marriners came from theyr Gallies towardes the Cittie they espied the head floting on the water and taking it vp shewed it to their companions to know if they could tell whose it was When they be helde it so dreadfull the muâ—â—achoes â—â—routing out like 〈◊〉 bristles and the locks of hayre hang shagging downe they knew not what to thinke and one of them hauing well marked it said By all our Gods if I be not deceiued this is the head of my Lord the great Turke at which words all the other began to scorne and â—ocke Hyppolita séeing faire Phoebus let foorth the morning light came to the Princesse Agriolaes chamber where not finding her nor Laurana the chamber likewise dispoyled of many things she doubted immediatly that they were fled whereof to be resolued she went to the great Turks Chamber and séeing the Pages standing at the doore saide Why enter ye not the howre is past and my Lorde is not yet risen Lady quoth they as yet hee hath not called vs and you knowe as yesternight be forbâ—d our entrance till we were called it may bée hée 〈◊〉 but badly this night and therefore now is contented to take his rest I feare quoth she some other matter then sléepe dooth hinder his calling you so thrusting open the doore and entring the Chamber sawe the bloud dispersed on the ground and the headlesse truncke hanging beside the bed with which sight they made a verie pittifull outcrie whereat many noble men and Gentlemen came who likewise beholding what had happened ioyned with them in sorrowfull complaints Soone was the report of this murder blazed through the Cittie so that Olimaell bearing thereof ranne thither with all haste where he was no sooner preseÌ„t but Hyppolita thus began Ah Olimaell thou broughtest the Traytours hither that haue slaine my Lorde and by thy meanes hath this treason béene committed By all our Gods sayde one of the Turks Nephewes present it is true but because thou hast suffered Agriola her Brother and the other Knights to escape thou villaine shalt abide it déerely So drawing foorth his Semitarie killed Olimaell therewith saying Such be their reward that trayterously betray theyr Soueraigne mine Unckle of a poore Ianizarie made thée his chéefe Admirall and thou for his kindnesse hast requited him with death but now thy villainy is worthily recompenced Olimaell thus slaine his men ranne furiously on the Turks Nephew and â—â—ew him with fiftie Knights beside that defended his quarrell and had it not béene for an auncient Basso who with an hundred Souldiours came to part them they were in danger of a greater sedition because they sawe none pursue Palmerin and his companions The Basso that had thus pacified this tumult by promises perswaded the Ianizaries and preuailed so well with them as the same day he was proclaimed yonger Brother to the Soldane deceased and great Emperour of Turkie Many iniuries did he to Christendome afterwarde in reuenge of his Brothers death which yet we will forbeare to rehearse what
happened to Palmerin and his companions being on the sea Chap. XLIIII How Palmerin and his companions metre two Turkish Ships from whom they deliuered Estebon the Merchant and his Sonnes and came to the Isle of Malfada where Palmerin lost them all and of the sorrow hee made for his mishap LAurana was so ioyfull that shee had so fortunately escaped the Turks hands beside was so reuenged of hir chéefest enemie as nothing could yéeld her greater contentation but howe much more would shee haue reioyced if shee had known the slaughter at the Pallace As she sat discoursing heereon with Palmerin and the Duke of Pontus Frysoll béeing aloft on the deâ—ke espied foure ships comming towards them with full saile whereupon hée called to his companions that they shoulde presently arme themselues For quoth he I see two 〈◊〉 Shippes and they haue taken two other or els my iudgement fayleth let vs therefore labour to withstand them least we 〈◊〉 a further danger No sooner had he spoken these words but they all puâ— themselues in readinesse so that when the enemie closeâ— with them and many entred the shippe thinking it was yéelded they had a sharper entertainment then they expected for not one escaped aliue that came aboord but either were slaine or thrown into the Sea In bréefe they ouercame both the Pirates and left not one aliue to carrie tydings hereof into Turkie Afterward as Palmerin searched the Cabins to sée what prisoners the Moores had taken he espied his maister Estebon the Merchant of Hermida and his two sonnes by him with two other Merchants chained by the handes and necks in like sort as the poore slaues are in the Gallies whereupon he saide Trust mée Maister hee that put this coller about your necke was little acquainted with your honest humanitie So looking vp and downe for the 〈◊〉 that opened the locks of the chaines hee â—spied a Turkish marriner who fearefull of his life had hid himselfe to whom he said By God villaine it thou she west me not quickly where the Keyes are I will sende thy soule after thy fellowes Spare my life most noble Knight cryed the Turke and I will giue ye not onely the Keyes but also shew you such secrets héere within as no other now but my selfe can shew ye wherein is infinite wealth and riches Dispatch then sayde Palmerin The Moore fetching the Keyes opened the locks tooke off their chaines and brake the manacles bounde about their handes when Palmerin lifting vp his eyes to Heauen saide Thanks to my God that so happily sent mee â—o succour Estebon by whose meanes I came to the knowledge of my Friendes and Parents and who first gaue me horse and armour for knightly seruice Estebon hearing Palmerins words maruailing not a little fell on his 〈◊〉 saying I beséech you my Lorde to tell me your name to the ende I may be thankfull to him by whom I haue escaped the cruell Infidels and receiued such an vnspeakeable benefit Why maister quoth Palmerin know ye not me I am your seruant Palmerin who you first prouoked to follow armes by your liberalitie and euer since haue I followed that profession and nowe haue requited some parte of your kindnesse Ah my noble Friende Palmerin said old Estebon suffer me to kisse thy hande for if heeretofore thou didst deliuer me from the Lions throat what may I say of the daunger from which I am nowe defended In happie houre was that knightly furniture giuen and with successefull fortune haue you imployed them but may it please ye to goe with mée I will prouide you of all things necessarie and giue you my Sonnes héere to be your Seruant The King of Sparta séeing Estebon vse such zealous spéeches saide to him Father you are very much deceiued imagine you the sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople a simble Souldier your age Father makes you forgette your selfe At these words the good olde man somewhat astonied excused himselfe to the King and turning to Palmerin saide Alas my Lord in not knowing you otherwise then one of my seruants I haue offered your excellencie very great wrong and great hath béene my desert of punishment vsing the great Lorde of Greece so vnreuerently But pardon my boldnesse noble Lorde and let mine ignoraunce excuse the offence committed for vnwittingly did I fall into this error Content thy selfe good maister quoth Palmerin in nothing hast thou offended mée but it thou wilt returne to thy Countrey these vesselles belonging to the Moores and all the treasure in them will I frankely bestow on thée Ah my Lorde answered Estebon since Fortune hath so happily brought me into your companie so please you to lisence me loth am I to departe from yâ—u for such store of Théeues and Robbers are on the Seas as hardly can I escape their handes aliue And sorrie would I be saide Palmerin that you or these merchaunts should any way miscarrie though perhaps your Wiues would gladly haue ye at home but this I must tell ye that I cannot retuâ—ne to Constantinople I shall be contented saide Estebon to stay your good leysure for a poore life is better to mée in this companie then welthie possessions among mine enemies Héereuppon Palmerin commaunding all the riches in the Moores Shippes to bee conuayed into the other sette are on the vessels and hoising sayle rode on merrily Within thrée daies after arose a mightie winde at Northeast which carried them with such violence as the Pilots â—old Palmerin they were nowe come on the borders of Persia and very néere the Isle of Malfada where they arriued before the Sunne setting They séeing the Countrey so faire and delectable would néedes goe on shore to refresh themselues for the Ladies were so distempered with the rough storme as they were very desirous to recreate themselues a little Palmerin not able to shun this fatall chaunce went on shore with his friendes and the two Princesses all the other likewise spéedily followed them where they had not long stayde but they were all diuersly enchaunted The two Ladyes were transformed into the shape of Hindes the other to Dogges Wolues and Leopards all of them running with such swiftnesse as though the furies had stood to chase them but Palmerin could not be enchaunted by reason of the gift hee receiued of the thrée wise Sisters on the Mountaine Artifaeria whereat hee greatly gréeued for such was his impatience thus to loose his friendes as hee entred into these lamentations Ah peruerse and vnconstant fortune how diuers and daungerous are thy trecheries Ah stepmother too cruell why dost thou not exercise thy rage on simple and forsaken soules but on such as excéede in honour and vertue Doubtlesse my sinne hath caused this mishap when I perswaded my Friendes to goe against their Christian Brethren onely by feare of my wretched life As he stoode thus complayning hee behelde the Ladie of the Isle with her Seruants comming to take the spoyle of their bootie whereof béeing ioyfull and thinking by
Palmerins féete so that hée demaunded of the Princesse if shée brought him from the Isle of Malfada for doubtlesse quoth he I thinke it is some Knight transformed by that cruell woman who héeretofore belike hath knowne me At which words the dog howled excéedingly when Paâ—merin tooke an oath that hée would searche all the worlde ouer to finde some meane to bring him to his former shâ—pe that hée might know from whence this loue procéededed The next day the king Tyreno assaulted the Cittie who was slaine in the battaile by Palmerin so afterward was Maulerino crowned king of Nabor and all the Countrey enioyed their former quiet whereupon the Princesse Zephira gaue Palmerin her dogge who requited her with many gracious thanks because he greatlie suspected that it was his fréend Trineus transformed into that shape but now let vs returne to the soldane of Babilon vnderstanding how his Armie was discomfited at Constantinople Chap. XLVI Howe one of the Nephewes to the King of Balisarca brought newes to the Soldane of his vncles death the foyle of his Armie the losse of Palmerin and Olorico And how the Princesse Alchidiana bought Ptolome whom she greatly honored for Palmerins sake THe King of Balisarca as you haue heard before being slaine his Armie discomfited and al his Galleys burnt before Constantinople one of his Nephewes that kept the straight of yâ— Bosphor with two foysts least any succour should come that way to the Christians by one Galley that escaped hearde all this misfortune wherefore making haste backe againe fearing to be taken at length arriued in the Soldans Kingdome where not staying long hée posted to the Courte and to the Soldane reuealed all that had happened When the Soldane heard how his Armie was thus ouerthrowne Palmerin whom he loued so well and the Prince Olorico lost in the storme on the sea vexed with greefe and rage hee called his Lorde Ambassadour Mauce to to him saying Haste thée good Maucâ—â—to to my Brother the Soldane of Persia and desire him to leuâ—y me a strong Armie against the Moneth of March next ensuing to encounter with the Emperour of Greece promising him the spoyle whatsoeuer it bee reseruing for my selfe nothing but the â—â—me of reuenge Maucetto departed presentlie on his iourney and by the way mette sixe Moores leading two Christians to the Soldans Court to sell which were Ptolome and Colmelio of whome hee demaunded why they were so bounde in chaines My Lord quoth one of the Moores they be Christian slaues who not long since were taken at the Sea by Olimaell Admirall to the great Turke And how came you by them said Maucetto The Admirall quoth the Moore gaue them to one of his Cozins who now is deade and his wife béeing loth to kéepe them anie longer sendes them to the Court to be solde for money Maucetto bought Colmelio of them refusing Ptolome because he was somewhat sâ—cklie and so passed on his Embassade The Moores comming to the Court with poore Ptolome and placing him among other slaues that stoode to bee solde there came a deformed Moore farre worsse mishapen then was Thersites yâ— Greek and he would néedes buy Ptolome of the Merchaunt but Ptolome disdaining to be subiect to so vile a creature gaue him such a stroke on the stomacke with his fiste as made him tumble ouer backward saying Thou monstrous Uillaine let me rather die then come into thy subiection At this instant passed by the Princesse Alchidiana smiling is sée the Moore lie along but when shée behelde the good personage of Ptolome shée remembred her louer Palmerin and was therewith mooued thus to speake Nowe durst thou take such hardinesse vpon thee béeing a bondslaue and a captiue thus to strike a Moore frée of this Countrey Ptolome perceiuing by the Ladies attending on her that shee was the Soldanes Daughter falling on his knée thus aunswered Assuredlie Madame rather desire I death then to liâ—â— at such an ill fauoured villaines controll my selfe beeing a Knight at Armes Are you then a knight said the Princesse I am good Madaine quoth he although my seruitude hath very much altered mée Alchidiana withâ—ut any further questions deliuered the Merchant two hundred Seraphes and by two of her Squires caused him to bee conducted to her Chamber where he was presentlie disroabed of his vnséemelie garments and cloathed in such as well became a knight to weare afterwarde she commaunded her attendants to depart the chamber and comming to Ptolome she thus began Nowe Syr Knight I intreate you by the holy faith you owe to your best beloued that you will truelie tell mee by what misfortune you happened first into thraldome Madame quoth he séeing of your owne grace and bountie you haue deliuered mee from these villaines that made sale of my life I will not fable with you in any one point but tell you a Historie repleat with wonderfull sorrowe Hauing reuealed the manner of his taking and all the mishaps hée endured euer since the teares trickling downe his chéekes he said And yet sweete Ladie all these passed miseries and still abiding your slaue gréeues me not so much as the losse of my déerest Fréende the best knight in the worlde who went to sée his Falcon flie when the Pirates came and vnhappilie tooke vs. Tell me good freende quoth the Princesse what may the knight bee called of whom you make such estimation Quoth Ptolome he nameth himselfe Palmerin d'Oliua O soueraigne Gods said Alchidiana haue you béenâ— companion to the noble Palmerin That haue I in truth Madame quoth he and knowe more of his affayres then anie other man doth Unhappie that I am said the Princesse nowe sée I well that I am deceiued in all my hope Saye good knight naie more I coniure thee by thy faith to the soueraigne Creator of all things to tell mee if he bee of our Lawe and hath béene dumbe of long or no By God Madame answered Ptolome your adiuration is such as rather will I make a sacrifice of my selfe then bee found vntrue to you in any thing Hée is a Christian borne in Greece and neuer had defect in his spéech if discréet consideration of following euents eyther to escape captiuitie or death did not inforce him to feigne such a deceite for hée is most expert among all other in dissembling anye matter may turne him aduauntage Then such hath béene my fortune quoth Alchidiana as his vertue bountie wise foresight vsed for the space of a yéere and more in my Fathers Court made me so religiously vowed to him in loue as neuer intend I to make other choise and I sweare by all our Gods that if I heare not the better tydings of him by thée my spirit will forsake this wretched bodye and except better fortune among the soules in Elisium Ah imperious loue how wonderfull is thy strooke My fréende is contrarie to me in lawe and profession a Knight errant vnknowne absent from mee and loues me not for these occasions were I the
by and sée not the Pillar send one of the Ladies to them to let them vnderstande that they may not passe before one of them haue 〈◊〉 with the Prince and his Knights If they be vnhorssed by him the Ladie must be deliuered to him yet with this condition that he refuse not to graunt her one demaunde By Mahomet sâ—yd Drumino husband to the Lady I will not meddle in this matter he may be such a one as if he hap to winne my Wife he will be loth to restore her backe againe Feare not that quoth the Magitian hee is so courteous and hath so faire a Fréend himselfe as he neyther may or will with-holde her By heauen said Tomano I will cope with him and to morrowe let the Pillâ—r and Pauillions bée erected there will I with my companions stay his comming Sée heere the cause why the King Aâ—imar commaunded the Princesse Zephira and her Knights to be so honourablie entertained By this time is the Princesse come within a daies iourney of Romata and Tomano with his Brother Sister Ladies and knightes betake themselues to â—he pauillions hearing that Zephira was come so neere and being themselues Armed their sister decked likewise in most sumptuous ornaments they vowed to breake many launces for her sake Chap. XLVIII How Palmerin Iousâ—ed against Tomano Drumino and their knights whome he all dismounted and what entertainment the king Abimar and the wise Nigromancer Muzabelino made them BY this time is the princesse with Palmerin and her companie come to the place where the pauillions were erected and not séeing the Piller they passed on wherefore Tomano sent a Damosell to declare the conditions of the passage Palmerin feigning himselfe somewhat wearie made this answer Damosell you may saye to the Prince and his knights that the Princesse Zephira is not in our guarde as the Lady he fights for abideth with him Nor comes she hither to he fought for rather doth she intreat him to spare vs the Ioust in that it will be small honor to him to conquer knights ouerlaboured in trauaile and whose horses are not able for that exercise The Damosell certifying the Prince of this aunswer he grew into anger swearing they should not passe before they tryed their fortune wherefore hee sent the Damosell againe who thus spake to Palmerin Sir knight your excuses may not serue you you must eyther Ioust or leaue the Princesse behind you Trust me Damosell answered Palmerin sorrie woulde I be to accompanie her so far and leaue her in the custody of one I know not did your Prince shewe more courtesie if woulde agrée much better with his order but because he shall not think that we refuse the Iouste through feare or cowardise say hee shall haue his desire both he and all his shall try their fortune ere wee passe further This answer returned to the Prince Drumino first shewed himselfe in the Fielde and by importunate intreatie certaine of the Princesses Knights would first try their valour but such was their ill fortune as Drumino vnhorsed them one after another Zephira somewhat offended heereat intreated Palmerin eyther to win them passage or else with his successe she was content to staye Prisoner I goe Madame quoth Palmerin and Fortune spéede mee as I regard the safetie of your honor Muzabelino hauing acquainted the King with this pastime they came in habits disguised to beholde it at what time the Prince Drumino encountred Palmerin But not to hold you with tedious discourse considering which way the victorie is intended the twe Princes and all their knights were manfullye foyled by Palmerin The Ioust béeing ended and the king returned again to the Cittie Muzabelino came to Palmerin and hauing saluted him with great reuerence thus spake Woorthie Lord who onelie deseruest the name of chiualrie let mee intreate you to excuse the kings Son who to make proofe of your valour by my meanes attempted this noble aduenture from which you haue escaped with great honour and to their shame that made the challenge What are you Syr said Palmeiin that know me so well and the cause why I came into this Countrey Your Fréend Muzabelino quoth he whome you haue taken such paines to finde and who knowing you to be a Christian will kéepe you from all dangers among these Mahumetistes Palmerin suddainlie allighting from his Horsse came and embraced him saying Noble Fréend suffer mée to kisse your hand as a witnesse of my reuerence to your honourable age Not so my Lord answered Muzabelino rather suffer me to doo my dutie to that incomparable person by whose meanes ere sixe Monethes be past the greatest nobilitie in the world shall receyue incredible honour While these courteous ceremonies endured the conquered Princesse with her Ladies came from the Pauillion and saluting Palmerin with great courtesie sayde Sée héere Sir Knight the Lady who trusting in your honourable benignitie commeth to submit her selfe at your disposition béeing woonne with more choyse chiualrie then euer any other Ladie was Notwithstanding I hope that you will not refuse to graunt me one demaund according to the conditions agréed in the Ioust Palmerin séeing her so discréet and modest so sumptuous in apparell and accompanied with so manie Ladies iudged that she was the Kings Daughter and Wife to the Prince Drumino wherefore entertaining her verie graciously hée thus replyed Unfitting it is faire Ladie that a Princesse of so high and speciall qualitie shoulde bée subiect to a poore and vnknowne Knight and though the agréement of the Ioust bee such yet do I humblie thanke you for this honour bequeathing you to your former libertie and restoring you to him that hath best right to you A thousand thankes worthie Lorde said the Princesse now I se'e the words of Muzabelino to my father are true that the Knight who conducted Madame Zephira as in chiâ—alrie hée surpasseth all other so in sranke ininde and ltberalitic hée hath not his seconde which was the chéefest cause why I aduentured my selfe in this hazarde of Fortune Madame quoth Palmerin if the wise Muzabelino hath vsed any speach of mée in mine absence and to my honor it procéeded not by my vertue but his good will in so â—â—â—ing which if I liue I will one day acknowledge Right welcome are you saide the Princesse and faire Zephira the rather for your sake and such be the houre of your arriuall héere as you may obtaine the ende of your desires Zephira humblie thanked the Princesse Tomano Drumino and all the rest embracing Palmerin thinking it no dishonour to bâ— conquered by him they mouâ—ted all on horsebacke and comming to the Cittie founde the King there readie with an honorable traine to receiue them who saluting the princesse Zephira verie kindly said No maruell Madame if you durst vndertake so long a iourney hauing yâ— only knight of Fortune in your companie as my Sonnes haue good occasion to witnesse and shée that ommits her selfe to his charge may bée well assured of 〈◊〉
defence Zephira with humble thanks requiting the Kâ—â—g Palmerin and all the rest graciously welcommed they rode all to the Pallace where being intertained in choysest sorâ— Muzabelino still accompanied Palmerin who forgot not his woonted kindnes to his louing Dogge Chap. XLIX The talke that the princesse Zephira and Palmerin had with the wise Muzabelino and how Palmerin departed from Romato to the Castell of the ten Rocks THe Princesse Zephira who had not yet talked with Muzabelino in the morning sent for him and Palmerin shée causing them to sit downe by her began in this manner My Lord if your great iudgement haue acquainted you with the cause of my comming and that you will doe anie thing for the loue of Sir Palmerin let pittie perswade you for in you onely consisteth my remedie Madame quoth Muzabelino vse not such speaches for what my studie and practise hath taught me you must make no account of but referre your selfe to the supreame Creator who by the meanes of noble Palmerin will restore your health and him will I acquaint with the manner how it must be compassed Your disease happened by smelling to a flower and by the smell of another it must be recouered The flower appoynted to giue you health groweth in an Arbour in the Castell of the tenne Rocks and kept by the enchauntment of a Ladie more skilfull in all artes then euer was the skilfull Medea This Ladie deceasing an hundred yeares since and more Shée séeing before her death the vertue of this flower and of a Bird which is kept there by the selfe same meanes hauing inchaunted them in a Garden the must sumptuous in the world raysed ten Rocks of Marble without the Castell each one ascending higher then an other and by these Rocks was the Castle named Such enchauntment did the Ladie exorcise on them as when anie one thinketh to passe them presently starteth out of each Rocke an armed Knight who returneth the aduenturer so forciblie as to to this day they haue not béene passed by any Couragious therefore must he be that passeth these Rocks which if Palmerin by his bountie and prowesse doo not accomplish no man liuing can ende the aduenture for by force not cunning must the enchauntment be ended When the Princesse heard that by the daungerous trauaile of noble Palmerin her health must be restored she thus sorâ—owfully complained Ah Gods suffiseth it not that héeretofore this good Knight aduentured his life in the daungerous battell when my Brother was slaine but nowe he must abide the diuellish coniurations where death is dayly and hourelie expeâ—â—â—ed shall I consent to offer him such wrong and bée guiltie of his blood who surpasseth all other in chiualrie rather let my death be a warrant for his safetie then noble Palmerin shoulde endure such perrill for me Lament not Madame quoth Muzabelino before you haue cause hée that slewe Malfada and her Seruaunts is so specially fauoured of the heauenlie powers as no enchauntment whatsoeuer hath power to hurt him Why Madame said Palmerin thinke you my good will is lesse to doo you seruice then when I was first brought to your Court Forbeare these teares I pray you and offend not your selfe for such is my hope in God that what is done by man shall bée destroyed by man besides it will bée great reproach to mée if comming into straunge Countries to séeke aduentures I shall depart without triall of my fortune Muzabelino hearing him speake so couragiouslie tooke him aside saying Noble and hardie Knight whom feare of death cannot dismay happie shall I account my selfe to doo thée anie seruice And to the ende thou mayst with better affection followe this enterprise assure thyselfe to passe the Rockes and enter the Castell with happie victorie where ending all the aduentures therein contained thou shalt finde a part of remedie for recouering thy companions but not all for the rest is in the Tower of Malfada where as yet thou canst not enter but at thy returne shalt easily open and in the ende ioyfully finde all thy Companions and Fréendes For the rest feare not my discouerie of thy secrete loue and parentage which is the most noble in all Christendome for rather will I bée torne in a thousand péeces then so good a Knight shall bée iniuried by mée Séeing you know so much quoth Palmerin I commit all to God and you let me therefore right soone craue leaue of the King for my departure because I long that the Princesse were eased Right sorie was the King to part with him so soone yet the hope of his short returne somewhat pacified him And when the newes were spreade abroade that Palmerin should trauaile to the Castell of the tenne Rockes Tomano Drumino and the Princesse Zephira woulde néedes beare him companie which hée being not able to gaine-say because they were importunate on him gaue his consent So departing from Romata they made such haste in their iourney as within fewe dayes after they arriued at the Castell and comming to the first Rocke they behelde a goodly Sworde encloseâ— therein hp to the crosse The two yong Psinces maruailing thereat allighted from their Horsses and assailed by strength to pull it out Which they were not able to doe wherefore Tomano entreated Palmerin to trie his fortune who after many courteous refusals offered to pull it foorth but a fearefâ—ll flame of fire suddenly issued foorth of the Rocke which compelled them to retyre back wherfore Palmerin said to the Princes This Sword I sée must be none of ours therefore it is in vaine to striue any further Chap. L. Howe Palmerin passed the tenne Rockes vanquished the tenne enchaunted Knightes and entered the Castell where hee finished all the enchauntments Triâ—eus returning to his former shape and what happened to them afterward PAlmerin when hee had failed in drawing the Sworde out of the Rocke hée prepared himselfe to the Combat with the enchaunted Knights whome as yet hée coulde not anie way discerne but first he began his orisons in this manner O soueraigne Creator who euermore hath succâ—ure◠〈…〉 aduersities and fortunes this day giue mée strength to confound these diuelries and enchauntments and let thy name haue the honour of a glorious victorie Then giuing his horse the spurres gallopped onward saying Sweete Mistresse Polynarda if euer your remembraunce gaue mée ayde and fauour now let your diuine regard comfort your seruaunt Béeing then betwéene the two foremost Rocks a mightie Knight mounted on a lustie Courser with a huge Launce in his hande called to him saying Turne Sir Knight you may passe no further then furiouslie encoâ—ntering one another they met so roughlie togither with their bodyes as they were both cast foorth of their saddles The Dog that still followed Palmerin séeing his Fréendâ— horse offered to stray caught the bridle by the raignes with his téeth and would not let him passe anie further In the meane while Palmerin hauing fought with the Knight and after a long and cruell combat smote
found so good â—ase and my louing Brother Trineus hath wonne this Sword I thinke it best that wee set forwards to Romata which after they had séene the sumptuous buildings in the Castle the rich Tombe the beautifull Garden and all other mounments worthie view they did Béeing come to Romata and there receiued with speciall signes of honor the wise Muzabelino caused the fatall Bird to féede of the flowers which Palmerin hadde brought from the Castle of the tenne Rocks No sooner had the Bird tasted the flowers but presently shee deliuered such melodious notes as swéeter harmonie was neuer heard before and during the time of her singing fell so many droppes of precious water from her beake as before Dinner time the Cuppe was well néere filled Which when the wise Nigromancer perceiued hee brought a verie faire Lute to Palmerin saying I beséech you my Lorde play some exquisite péece of Musique that the Bird listening to your melodie may cease her owne recordes els shal we loose the soueraigne vertue contained in the Water Palmeâ—in taking the Lute plaide thereon so artificially that the Princesse of Romata whom he woonne in the Ioâ—st was enforced to vse these spéeches How can wee sufficiently maruaile at the perfections of Palmerin for if in prowesse he surpasse Hercules of Libia who ouercame Tyrants and Monsters at his pleasure well may wee name him another Amphion or Orpheus of Thrace who with theyr melodie â—amed the Fishes Beasts and Birâ—s Trineus taking the Cup brought it to the Princesse Zephira who dipping her handkercher therein bathed her face therewith the precious vertue whereof was such as all the enuenomed scarres the wormes had made were presently washed away and her face so delicate as euer it was before whereupon the Princesse falling at Palmerins féete ioyfully thus spake Doubtlesse my Lord I am greatly beholding to the Prince Trineus who saued my life when the Traytour would haue slaine mee in my bedde but I must confesse my selfe much more indebted to your worthinesse by whose paines the venomous putrefaction is extinguished whereby I endured torments farre excéeding death Madame answered Palmerin your happie recouerie must not be imputed to me but to the soueraigne Lorde that so prouided for you and seeing your health is so worthily restored I thiâ—ke best that wee sette forward to morrow on our iourney that we may finish the Magicall coniurations of Malfada as wee haue alreadie doone those at the tenne Rocks The Princesse of Romata hearing these words preuented the answere of Zephira and comming to Palmerin said I beséech you Sir Knight in honour of that God which you reuerence that you will not refuse me one demaund according to your promise made me when you ouercame my Brother and his Knights in the Ioâ—st Aske Lady saide Palmerin what you will and you shall not bee denied so that the matter consist in my power to performe Well may you performe it quoth she and to your endlesse honour I hope The summe of my request is that you wil not forsake the King my Father till his warre against the Soldane of Persia be finished And that you would entreate your Friende to accompanie you therein Denie mée not good Sir for no greater shame is to a Knight then breach of promise nor will I stirre from your foote vntill you haue graunted what I request In sooth Madame answered Palmerin although my Friendes and I haue great affaires in our Countrey yet in respect of my promise we will assist your Father let vs in meane while intreate you to pardon our returne with the Princesse Zephira who thinks the time long before shee come to Nabor Doubtlesse my Lorde quoth Zephira rather then you and my Lorde Trineus shall breake your promise to the Princesse in giuing succour to the King Arbimar her Father I can content my selfe to stay héere more willingly then to returne to the King my Brother Madame saide Muzabelino assure your selfe that Palmerin is the onely meane whereby you haue attained your present felicitie and by him shall you with honour sée your Countrey againe In sooth my Lord saide the Princesse full well I know his owne gracious nature induced him first to aduenture his life for the safetie of my Countrey then to passe strange Countreyes with daunger onely to finde you and lastly his rare fortune at the Castle of the tenne Rocks from whence hée brought those precious flowers and the fatall Byrd wherby my long infirmitie hath béene cured To offâ—r him fauour or all my possessions in way of recompence of so great paines they are not comparable for though I made him Lorde of my selfe and all those territories my father left me yet doth my conscience tell mée they are too base In bréeâ—e I know his deserts so excéeding my reach as well may I sitte downe to imagine but neuer bee able to contriue a sufficient rewarde Beleeue me Madame aunswered Muzabelino you haue spoken truth and his noble magnanimitie must onely helpe my Lorde and this I assure you that were it not the daunger of his kingly honour and hazard of the whole Monarchie of Asia hardâ—y might the knight be stayed héere of such waight and importance are his other affaires Then calling Palmerin to him whose inward thoughts were busied with the remembrance of his Lady he said Let not your stay héere my Lorde offende you though well I knowe the waight of your gréefe for that God who hath called you to this present estate hath forepoynted things that you cannot shunne in recompence whereof before your departure from this countrey great victorious honours are appoynted you Beside for a perfect resolution in your further doubts take you no care for nourishing your Birde for when your Musique made her cease singing at that instant I threw such a charme on her as hencefoorth shée shall liue without taking any foode And when you returne to your Citie of Constantinople let her bée pearched in some conuenient place in the great hall of your Pallace and there shall she remaine as a certaine Oracle vntill the day of your death to deliuer tydings of good or bad If anâ—e Knight or Ladie shall enter your Court either with intent of treason or bringing ill newes the Birde shall giue such fearefull shrikes as she did at the time when you tooke her in the Arbour but if the newes be of ioy and for your good then shall she sing more swéetly then when the souereigne water fell from her beake wherewith the Princesse Zephira was cured In bréefe my Lorde at the time when you must leaue this life for the glorious habitation among the blessed shée shall foretel such strange occasions as shall dismay the most resolute courage By this meane shall you be guarded from all inconueniences and your good fortune continued in such sort as you shall bee the most peaceable Emperour that euer liued in Greece Certes my Lord answered Palmerin not by any desert in me am I thus
Zephira by the hande and leading her to the window â—ounde some cause of conference which Lizanda perceiuing in anger shée â—long forth of the Chamber yet Aurecinda would not follow her for she being thorowly conquered with loue neither regarding feare shame or other such like behauiour séemely in Maidens tooke Trineus by the hand and causing him to sitte downe by her thus beganne I doo not a little maruaile Syr knight that when Ladies come to sée you their entertainment is no better It is not the manner of Gentlemen to be so sollitarie without hauing some friend or beloueâ— which you shall soone finde in this Court of higher calling then you imagine if Ladies may discerne some signe of your fauourable liking In good â—aith Madame answered Trineus if to you and your sister I haue not done such â—uety as beséemed me it procéeded by forgetfulnesse or my minde carried away with other occasions for nature made me obedient to Ladies If these words Sir knight quoth she procéede from your heart I can assure you to be loued of such a one who is not vnworthie the like good will and of such account is shée with the Soldaâ—â—e as he shall create you one of the greatest Lords in Persia so please you to stay in his highnesse Court That may not be quoth Trineus for so soone as the Soldane and the prince Tomano shall be espoused I must néeds depart with my companion about affaires of very great importance Palmerin who with one eare listened to the Princesse Zephiâ—a and with the other to the words of Aurecinda after she was departed to her Chamber thus spake to Trineus Good Friende beware of this Ladie that shee cause you not to offende God and violate the loyaltie you owe to Madame Agriola Such experience haue I had in these actions as when Ladies haue enterprised theyr amarous furies if they cannot compasse it by the meanes of men they will aduenture it with hellish familiars that can deceiue the very wisest especially in this wicked Countrey where is no knowledge of God or his Lawes Beside you know that such impudent loue cannot bee carried about without such apt mâ—â—engers and from whence procéedeth manie inconueniences Brother aunswered Trineus feare not my constancie for my Ladyes loue hath taken such sure foundation as death cannot make me false to her yet prooued his words contrarie in the end and for which hée repented afterwarde While these delights continued 〈◊〉 Ambassadour to the soldane of Babilon arriued at the Courte where the Monarch of Persia receiued him verie honourably willing him to conceale the newes till the marriages were past which on the morrow was performed with maruailous royaltie As the Princes and Lordes accompanied the soldane to the Temple it happened that Aurecinda was conducted by the Prince Trineus whereof she béeing not a little glad by the way entred into these spéeches Ah my true Friend and Lord Trineus when will the day come that I may be thus led to espouse the man whom I loue more déere then my life Madame quoth Trineus I cannot maruaile sufficiently to sée you thus changed considering the greatest Lord in the Orient may be thought too simple for such a Wife yet did you choose one that perhaps would not espouse you my Lorde the soldane béeing your Brother may constraine him thereto Héere-hence quoth shée procéedeth my sorrow for hée whome I loue is not the soldanes subiect nor dooth agrée with mee in faith and opinion he will giâ—e no eare to mine intreaties much lesse to such a one as can make him one of the greatest Lords in Persia. But thinke you my Lorde that I can conceale what you may plainely discerne in mine eyes You are the onely man my heart 〈◊〉 chosen and whome the soldane loueth more then his Brother Alas Madame quoth the Prince vnfitting is it that a Knight errant shoulde espouse the Sisters of so great a Lord as is the Soldane of Persia. And would his Maiestie so much honour me yet the contraritie of our faith is such an impeach as flatly it may not be for rather will I be torne in péeces then match with a Pagan or renounce my faith for her loue No no my Lord saide the Princesse I will râ—nounce mine for your loue and worship Iesus Christ the sonne of the blessed Uirgin Well worthie then were I of reproch quoth Trineus if I should not requite you with loue againe considering what you aduenture for my sake As they would haue procéeded further in talke Colmelio Palmerins Squire whome Maucetto hadde bought standing to sée the tâ—aine of Persian Lords and Ladies passe by espied his maister and the Prince Trineus wherefore preasing through the guarde of Archers hee came to the Prince and taking him by the Mantle saide Most happie be this houre my noble Lorde to finde you and my Maister Palmerin What fortune hath brought thée hither Colmelio saide Trineus hast thou yet spoken to thy Maister No my Lord aunswered Colmelio he conducteth the Princesse with the Calife of Siconia wherefore I durst not presume to trouble him Beléeue mee saide the Prince but thou shall speake with him and while the Arch Flamin was performing the ceremonies in the Temple Trineus presented him to his Maister Palmerin who was thereof so ioyfull as if he had gotten the best Cittie in Persia. Hee demaunded by what meanes hee escaped the Pirates handes the true discourse whereof Colmelio rehearsed and howe Maucetto the Ambassadour bought him as Ptolome and he were brought to the Soldane of Babilon his Court to be sold and there doth Ptolome finde great fauour as I haue heard of the fayre Princesse Alchidiana the Soldanes Daughter onely for your sake Thou tellest me wonders said Palmerin depart not from me till after Dinner when I will goe to thy Maister Maucetto to demaunde â—hée which I hope hee will not denie because when I was Knight to Alchidiana hee was one of my most specially good Friendes After the solemnitie of the marriage was ended and Dinner ended at the Pallace for preparation of pastime Palmerin calling Colmelio went with him to the Ambassadour Maucetto who not a little abashed to sée him that was generally reputed dead in the soldanes Court came and embraced him with these spéeches My Lorde Palmerin what great God hath raysed you againe The soldane was credible enformed that you and Olorico were drowned in the sea for which both hée and Madame Alchidiana more lamented then for the losse of his whole Armie before the Cittie of Constantinople Palmerin dissembling as though he knew not thereof séemed to maruaile thereat very much and the better to shaddow his conceit saide that after the tempest was ceased which cast him verie farre from the Soldanes Armie thinking to returne to Constantinople hée was by violent windes brought to the Isle of Malfada where the Prince Olorico quoth hee and all the rest of my companions remaine enchaunted whom I hope to recouer againe after I can
get hence Little thought I my Lord aâ—nswered Maucetto to finde you in this Countrey but did Madame Alchidiana know so much her sorrow would soone be conuerted into ioy But what newes with you my Lord said Palmerin What may bee the cause of your Ambassage I will not conceale the truth thereof from you quoth Maucetto I come to demaund ayde of the Soldane of Persia for a fresh inuasion against Constantinople I maruaile quoth Palmerin that he will enterprise the voyage againe which hath cost him so much and returned so little profit rather would I counsaile him to forbeare and so will I write to his maiestie before your departure as also to Madame Alchidiana his Daughter But I would request one curtesie of you Sir Maucetto that you woulde giue mée your slaue Colmelio who in time past hath béene my Squire Him shall you hauâ— with all my heart quoth Maucetto and not onely him but whatsoeuer els is mine beside so please you to accept thereof I thanke you good Sir aunswered Palmerin and I doubt not in time to requite your gentlenesse While they thus talked together the Soldane came to Palmerin saying Will not you make one my Lord in this daunce the Ladies say they cannot haue your companie In sooth my gracious Lorde answered Palmerin little doo I delight in any such exercises very earnest affaires haue I with the Ambassadour Maucetto which craue suddaine and spéedie dispatch Beside faine would I know some tydings of him from my Ladie Alchidiana from whose seruice I haue now discontinued a yéere and more The Soldane abashed at these wordes saide I pray you tell mee the truth are not you hee that slewe the Prince Amarano of Nigrea in Combat and afterwarde two other of his Brethren of which exploits remaine such fame through all Turkie In sooth my Lord aunswered Palmerin béeing vowed to my Ladies seruice I neuer could suffer her honour to be any way distained and in that dutie I will continue for the manifolde curtesies I haue receiued by her By the liuing God sayd the Soldane now think I my selfe the happiest prince in the world hauing the man in my Court whose verie name maketh the stoutest to tremble But séeing wee are thus farre entred tell mée is the Princesse Alchidiana so beatifull as Fame reports her That is she my Lord quoth shee and much more then fame is able to vtter beside shée is one of the most gracious and affable Princesses that euer I beheld in any Kings Court. Nowe is night come and after the Courtly pastimes were ended the Bridegroome went to receiue the honur of his Bride commaunding Palmerin to bee intreated as his owne person which not a little contented the Princesse Lyzanda thinking héereby alas too lauishly to obtaine him for her husband but héerein she was deceiued so that her rash loue procured her miserable death Aerecinda likewise continually courted Trineus as though shée had alwaies béene trained vp in his company wherefore one day after hee had béene warned foure or fiue times by Palmerin he thus spake to her Madame if your honestly and vertue hath imprinted in noble mindes an especiall conceite of your continencie and chastity I maruaile nowe what many will thinke in that you should not shewe any such signes of loue to me for it séemes yée yéelde the Cittie before any assault be giuen Al these spéeches could not qualifie her humour for loue had so emboldened her with such vnshamefastnesse as shee made no conscience of following the cause giuing credit to one of her Ladies perswasions that by good pursuit all things enioy a happy ende Chap. LIIII How Maucetto the Ambassadour to the Monarch Misos of Balylon declared his message before the Soldane and all the princes of Persia. And of the Combate betweene Trineus and the King Orzadine of Galappa AFter the mariage feast was fully ended the Soldane sent for the Ambassadour Maucetto who in the presencâ— of al the Persian Lordes thus began to deliuer his embssage Mighty illuous Monarch of Persia the soldane of Babilon my lord and maister hauing euermore coÌ„tinued in faithfull alliance to your maiestie lets you knowe by mee his great and damageable losse which he sustained before the Citie of Constantinople For recouerie whereof hee humbly intreateth your highnesse most fauourable assistaunce which well you cannot denie him in respect of the great sway you hold in Turkie as also for the establishment of our faith and generall destruction of the Gâ—ecian Empire Ambassdor quoth the Soldane I will better consider heereon and aunswere you accordingly So calling all the Princes presently to counsell diuers confused iudgements were amongst them whereupon hee sent for Palmâ—rin and before them all demaunded his opinion whereto hee shaped this aunswere Might it stand with your highnesse liking and the good conceit of all thâ—se noble Princes gladly would I bée excused in this matter wherein I may not speake without suspition because the entent is against mine owne natiue countrey and those whome I agrée withall in fayth and opinion But séeing your Maiestie will néedes know my iudgement pardon in speaking boldly what I would be loth to dissemble I thinke no one of you my gracious Lords but well remembers the late warres against the King of Grisca siâ—ce which time the souldiers are hardly recouered and extreamitie were it to endanger the liues of wounded men Moreouer the Soldane of Babilon who nowe demaundeth succour sending his Armie into Greece where raignes a Prince so mightie and puissant as well coulde repulse them with shamefull confusion Perswade your selues as yet there is no other but he that tryumpht in conquest before I feare can do the like againe and thus my Lords is mine opinion Well haue you answered quoth the Soldane and this peaceable conclusion liketh me best so arysing from counsell they went into the great Hall where before theyr comming as the Princesse Zephira was deuising with many Lords and Ladies entred an armed knight accompanied with sixe other in Armour and twelue Squires who séeing the Soldane not in his chayre of estate demaunded of the Quéene where he was Knight quoth she he is in counsell with the Princes and Lordes of his Realme and long it will not be before he come in meane while you may passe the time in conference with the Ladies By God said Trineus to the Quéene I thinke he scant knoweth howe to conferre with Ladies for his indiscrâ—ete behauiour shewes him to be the woorst nurtured Knight yâ— euer I sawe saw you not quoth hee to the Princesse Zephira how vnmannerly hée sot downe without vsing any reuerence to your Maiestie The Knight sitting strouting in a Chayre and hauing vnclasped his Helmet said to the Quéene I pray you tell me Madame are those two strange Knights in this Court that were against your Husbande in the battaile and tooke him They be Sir Knight quoth she well and in good disposition thanks to the soueraigne Creator I aske not of
Princesse with her Ladie shée being come thither to bathe her selfe and layd in her bed but in such surpassing brauerye as Iupiter with his lightning Neptune with his thrée forked Mace and Pluto with his Cerberus would stand and wonder thereat So â—inâ—lie had she tressed the golden wyres of her hayre and her heade attyre embellished with such goodlie Orientall Pearles as made her séeme a beautifull Angell béeing couered with a gorgious Canapie resemblingng the Sunne vnder a faire cloud Betwéene her daintie Breastes hung a precious Carbunckle which supplied the office of Venus her firebrand when she sawe Tryneus stand so agast she said Why my Lord are you more afraide of a naked Ladie then of the most puissaunt Knight in Persia armed cap ape I can iudge no lesse séeing you dare approch no néerer In sooth my Lord quoth the Pages Sister you may thinke your selfe happy to be desired of such a ladie whome mightie kings and princes haue earnestly sought and woulde gladly haue had the least fauour shée bestowes on you So taking him by the hand shee caused him to sit down in a Chayre by the beds side and giuing her Mistresse her Harpe she departed leauig them together Ah page quoth Trinens howe hast thou deceiued mee What saide the princesse you forgette where you are you must at this time somewhat pittie my sorrowes and heare a dittie which I haue made for your sake Then taking her Harpe shee thus beganne to sing as followeth The Dittie sung by Aurecinda to the Prince Trineus THe God of warre fierce stearne and rigorous when he beheld faire Venus heauenly beautie Made small account of her disloyalay But suddainlie became full amorous Beautie had thâ—n hâ—r power vigorous Chaunging rough lookes to sweetest secrecie But he I loue incenst with crueltie Doth not regard my torments langourous VVhy should I then pursue that stubborne minde That with excuses kils my hope out-right Yet if he helpe not death must me acquite Ah mightie loue in nature most vnkinde Thou doost constraine me to affect the man That neither fauour loue nor kindnes can VVhat haue I sayd the Knight of my desire Is meere diuine and furthest from compare VVhose Eagles eyes can well discerne my care Vnd with sweete pitties droppes â—lay this fire The little Cod hath made him gracious His Mother mild to rue the Ladies smart That shrines his liuely Image in her hart Then to despaire beseemes no vertuous Regard sweet freend the passions of thy Freend VVhom God and nature hath appointed thine Giue loue his due and then thou must be mine So shall long sorrow haue a happie ende The Persian mayd say boldly thou hast wonne That Monarches Kings and Princes neere could donne With excellent cunning did shée handle her instrument but with farre better grace and affection deliuered her dittie gracing it with such sadde countenaunce mournfull lookes and renting sighes as forced the Prince Tryneus to become excéeding amorous And burning in this newe fierie impression beheld the singuler beautie of Auredinda which rauished his sences in such sort as trembling like the Aspen leafe hee satte downe by her on the beddes side The Princesse laying her Harpe from her embraced him very louinglie with these spéeches Alas my Lord will you still continue in this rigour and cruell inhumanitie your heart is more harde then Adamant that will not bee mollified with so manie intreaties I sweare to you by the Sunne that lightneth the worlde vnlesse you graunt me one request before your face will I presentlye sâ—eye my selfe Full well doo I perceiue quoth Tryneus that hardlie can I escape mis-fortune the Seruaunt hath deceiued mee and now the Mistresse séekes my death Ah Madam quoth he how can I graunt your request considering mine offence to God and he that loueth me loyallie Eyther bée as good as thy worde quoth she else stand to the danger that may befall thée Why Syr Knight is my beautie of so slender account as I am not woorthie to bee helde betwéene thine armes wilt thou 〈◊〉 me to consume in this violent flame which thou maist with such ease and honor extinguish hadst thou rather sée a Ladie split her heart before thée then thou wilt vouchsafe to preserue her life Come come swéet Fréende sée how loue and his Mother hath made waye for thée refuse not opportunitie so fauourablie offered What blemish is on this bodie that shoulde deserue disdaine If the King of Gods would thinke himselfe honored with this conquest much more estimation shouldest thou make héereof In bréefe she was so perfect in her subtiltie and knâ—we so well how to inueigle the Prince with queint spéeches and swéete embracings that she made him forget God his Ladie loyaltie and himselfe so that of a Maiden he made her the fayrest woman in Persia. When the time came that hee should depart the Princesse saide to him Yet haue I a further request my Lord you must promise to mâ—ete mee in this place at timesâ— conuenient and endeuour with your companion that he may likewise loue my Sister Trineus made promise hee would but rather hee desired to stab himselfe with his weapon then that Palmerin shoulde knowe this great abuse so heinous did his offence séeme to himselfe Aurecinda perswaded her Sister still to pursue Palmerin with her loue and what had passed betwéene her and the Prince Trineus she declared whereupon her desire grewe the greater yet all was in vaine for Palmerin would giue no eare to her complaints which was the cause of this mishap following Lyzanda aduertised by her Sister that Tryneus still thus vsed her companie in the Bath euious of her Sisters benefit and despightfull at Palmerins obstinate refusall she went to the Soldane and with manie teares thus deliuered her gréefe Ah my Lorde how much better had it béene that wee had neuer knowne these cruell Christian Knightes whose ingratitude will bee the cause of my death for the yonger of them is meruailouslie beloued of my Sister who forgetting her faith honor and her obedience to your Maiestie hath dishonored both her selfe and you onelie to make proofe of the other knights Crueltie to me The Soldane admiring his Sisters report answered I did not will my Sister to abuse her selfe without promise of marriage but séeing it hath so fallen out by my Fathers soule they shall both repent it Durst the Traytour abuse me so much in mine owne Courte Why my Lord quoth Lyzanda you are the onelie cause thereof and therefore you must bee angrie with no bodie but your selfe Let me not liue an houre sayde the Soldane if I be not sufficiently reuenged on him Sister be you but secrete and referre the rest to my direction Then calling for the Captaine of his Guard willing him to take fiftie Knights and when his Maiestie was at Supper they shoulde goe take his Sister and the Knight with her in the Bathe and afterwarde carrie them to strong pryson But sée it doone secretlye quoth he for if
his companion know thereof it may arise to further inconuenience And because Palmerin should not misdoubt this treason all Supper-time the Soldane held him in familiar talke he hoping by this fetch to staie them still in his Courte but it fell out afterward to bâ—e the cause that manie of his best and chéeâ—est Knightes were slaine Not long had the ambushed Knightes waited where they were appointed but the Princesse Aurecinda opened the doore and came foorth with her Fréendes as she was accustomed where they were suddainlie taken Tryneus not hauing the leysure to drawe his sworde so was hee caried prisoner to one of the strongest Towers in the Pallace and Aurecinda at the same time to another Tryneus sâ—eing himselfe thus betraide fell into these lamentable discourses Unfortunate wretch that I am haue I so lately escaped by my fréende the cruell enchauntments of the hellish Malfada wherein I endured so manie paines and torments and am now come to the place where they shall be redoubled Ah Palmerin my good Brother and companion what wilt thou say when thou hearest of my taking but most of all when thou vnderstandest the cause thereof Miserable wretch how often did my Fréend warne mee of this inconuenience yet had not I the grace to credite his Cousaile doubtlesse my very conceit of shame when thou shalt bee acquainted with my soule offence will bee more gréeuous to me then death What dishonour paine torment and punishment shall bee sufficient for my misdéede Forlorne and despised Catife could not the feare of God which hath hitherto so graciously protected thée nor the loyaltie of Agriola who forsooke Parents Fréendes and all for thée haue kept thée from this monstrous acte O eternall God the man that forsaketh thee is vile and abhâ—minable When I had thy feare before mine eyes I was at rest and quiet in conscience estéemed and beloued of all men but when thou gauest mée raynes of libertie I became dissolute and forgetfull of thée as also of them that honoured me so much Ah miserable occasion and those deceits entisements and subtill perswasions howe mightie are they in operation neither men nor diueâ—â— could bring mée into such daunger as you haue plunged mée in vp to the eares Ah villainous Page that first brought mée thither and thou the falsest LadÃe in the world art cause of my euill Nor are they to be accused but my wretched selfe who séeking mine owne hurâ— â—ound it and hauing found it continued in it Thus sorrowfully wayled Tryneus where on the contrarie side Aurecinda reioyced for when shée considered the estate of her Fréende shée perswaded her selfe by this meane that the Soldane her Brother woulde enforce him to marrie her which hope made her as ioyfull Tryneus was sadde and pensiue When the Captaine had imprisoned Tryneus and Aurecinda he came to the Soldan sitting at the Table saying Will your Maiestie commaund me any further seruice I haue enclosed the knight Tryneus in one Tower and your sister Aurecinda in another Why quoth the Soldane did you find them togither I did my Lord quoth the Captaine your sister leading him by the hande out of the Ladies hote-house By Mahâ—met quoth the Soldane but that you speake it hardly coulde I beléeue it what shamefull villainie is this committed in our Pallace by the greatest God the facte shall be so worthiâ—y punished as it shall remaine for a perpetuall memorie At these spéeches Palmerin was not a little amazed and dissembling his anger so well as he could said to the Soldane I cannot be perswaded my Lord that Tryneus would commit so vile an acte without entisement thereto by your sisters treason shée béeing vnder your Maiesties correction the most shamelesse Girle that euer I sawe for twentie and twentie times haue I séene her followe him with gestures farre vnfitting one of her calling Then starting from the Table quoth he Consider what hée is and what thou intendest against him for neuer was imprisonment so dearely bought as this will be and before thou puttest him to death it shall cost mee my life and the liues of an hundreth thousand Knightes beside in reuenge of his wrong Béeing thus enflamed with ire hée could not so giue ouer but thus beganne againe By God Soldane thy treason is so manifest as thou canst not hide it full well doo I vnderstand thy flatteries whereby thou hopest to kéepe vs in thy seruice but farre art thou from thy reckoning for rather will I be torne in a thousande péeces then endure the reproach of such a mans seruice who vnder colour of friendship imprisoneth his Knightes and afterward threatneth them with death Tomano Drumino Corax and many other knights belonging to the King Abimar séeing Palmerin in such a rage as it séemed the fire did sparkle from his eyes endeuoured to perswade him and Tomano thus spake to the Soldane My Lorde vnder my safe conduct and your faith promised are these two Knights come with vs to your Court and yoâ— haue now imprisoned one of them aduise your selfe of spéedie iustice for this shame doone him is against all right and foreuer shall you be noted with breache of faith beside I repute his iniurie as done to my selfe The Soldane séeing the Princes thus mooued although himselfe procured those fifâ—â—e Armed knights to take Tryneus yet with smooth countenance hée thus answered Content your setues my friends Tryneus in right shall be defended and if I finde my Sister culpable shee shall be punished as she were a straunger More I demaund not said Palmerin for I am assured that by her flatteries Tryneus hath bene seduced So departing to his Chamber he met his two Squires Bellechino and Colmelio of whom he demaunded if they at any time perceiued the loue betwéene Tryneus and the Princesse Aurecinda They answered that they did perceiue it and diuers nightes they sawe him goe to the Princesse Chamber And why did you not reueale it to me quoth he worthilye haue you deserued death in concealing the shame of your Maisters Fréende wherein my selfe cannot escape vntouched Héereupon he Armed himselfe and sending for the Prince Tomano said to him I thinke it best my Lord that you kéepe your ordinarie guarde about your person till we knowe how the soldane will deale with Trineus As for my selfe I intende if your Brother Drumino and the Prince Corax will ioyne with mee to keepe the Fielde with the thousand Knightes that came hither with vs that none may enter into the Cittie without our licence In meane while you may sende a Courtier to the King your Father that he presentlye sende vs what helpe he may Sir Palmerin answered Tomano not onelie my Knightes shall enter the Fielde for you but my selfe likewise so please you to commaund mee and what you thinke best for the deliueraunce of your Fréende Tryneus I will bee willing to accomplishe to my vttermost Presentlye will I send a Horseman to Grisca and conferre with my Brother Drumino that his Knights
and Gentlemen may be Armed that came from Sauata as also they that came with my Nephewe Corax from Garara which will be in number a thousand more your selfe in meane time may get foorth your necessaries Who then had séene the Knights Arming the horses prouiding the bag and baggage carrying would haue said that Palmerin was as much feared and beloued in a strange Countrey as in his owne Such was the dilligence of the Nobles and Souldiours of Grisca Sauata and Garara as they were right soone before the Pallace attending for Palmerin who commaunded Tryneus his Horse and rich Armour shoulde be brought foorth by his Squires leauing in his Chamber all the riches and treasure that the soldane and the Princesse Zephira had giuen him and mounting on his owne Courser he came and embraced the prince Corax saying Let vs depart my Lord from these ingratefull 〈…〉 Chap. LVI Howe the Soldan seeing hee coulde not perswade Trineus to marrie his sister condemned him to death and what followed afterward TOmano who by the aduise of Palmerin 〈…〉 for the deliueraunce of the Prince Trineus and comming to the Quéene Zephira thus spake Madame séeing 〈…〉 〈…〉 him that so willingly aduentured his life for you Ah my Lord sayd Zephirâ— I feare the Soldane will hardly heare â—ée for when suâ—â— mightie persons are in anger little account make they of loue or vertue yet will I willingly too what lies in me So bidding the Prince good night shée went wéeping to the Soldanes Chamber which his Maiestie perceiuing came and embraced her demaunding who had anie way offended her Euen you my Lorde quoth shée and in such sort 〈…〉 and there before all his Knights said You haue heard my Lordes the confession of them both and withall haue séene their great obstinacie therefore by sentence irreuocable I condemne them to death and this day shall they be burned in the place accustomed none of you all mooue me to the contrarie for I will not be otherwise perswaded By heauen saie the Prince Tomano vnhappie should I be to stay with you any longer wherfore at this instant I forsake your alliaunce and henceforth will shew my selfe your mortall enemie Alas my Lord quoth the yong Princesse Bel-sina will ye so soone abandon my companie Follow me then answered Tomano where I go for no more will I be séene in this tyrannous Court where nothing but dishonour and crueltie is vsed Presently the Princesse and hée mounted on Horsebacke and with their traine came to Palmerins Campe who hauing heard the Soldanes sentence was readie to haue slaine himselfe but that hée hoped to saue the life of Trineus at the fatall houre Alas my Fréendes quoth hée to his companie this day must you assist mée to deliuer the most gentle Knight that euer bare Armes Set forwarde couragiouslie agaynst the Tyrant whom with the ayde of my God wee shall easily vanquish Zephira hearing that Tomano and Belsina were gone and how the Soldane had iudged Tryneus and Aurecinda to death entred into maruailous regrets and acclamations whereat the Soldane was so enraged as hée commaunded that Tryneus and his Sister shoulde presently bee led to the place of execution and vnder the charge of fiue thousand soldiours they were brought on horsebacke foorth of the Citie but when Aurecinda sawe herselfe so hardly vsed wringing her hands and renting her comely locks of haire shée brake forth into these pittifull spéeches Alas Gentlemen why are you the instruments to execute a Tyrants will what recompence can you expect at his handes that for gréedie desire of my patrimonie sendeth mee to death So piercing were these wordes in the eares of the Souldiours as they verie much lamented her case but Tryneus neuer chaunged colour ryding on with resolute constancie not once listning to the mones of the Princesse When they were come within sight of Palmerins power they raunged themselues in battell array committing Tryneus and Aurecinda to fiftie Knights who should conuey them to the Furnace where their death was appoynted which was a good quarter of a league from the Cittie Trineus nowe séeing death before his eyes and no succour néere to reskewe him prepared himselfe to the latest extremitie and with many sorrowfull farewels to Agriola and Palmerin was fully perswaded to endure the torment Palmerin knowing which way his Fréend should be led to death with a sufficient traine lay secretlie ambushed and espying oportunitie gaue summons to his men wherevppon they all issued foorth verie couragiouslie But as they rushed out from their secrete ambushment the ayre was suddenly obscured and such thunder haile and raine fell as neuer was the lyke heard or séene before the Soldanes squadron séemed to bée all in a flaming fire The poore Persians thinking the end of the world was come vppon them fledde towards the Cittie but notwithstanding all theyr haste the greatest part of them remained dead in the field If the natural fire prepared for Tryneus made him fearful doubtlesse this fire raysed by coniuration made him much more aâ—righted but suddainly came to him an Armed Knight with his Sworde drawne and mounted on a horse of mightie bignesse who tooke the Horse of Tryneus by the brydle saying Come Sir Tryneus in despight of the Tyrant thou shalt not die At these wordes arriued Palmerin who embracing Tryneus said Ah my déere Fréend and Brother what villanous minds beare they that would doo you this outrage 〈…〉 my Squire hath brought hither that wée may with honour reuenge this shame As they thought to goe set on the enemie the Armed Knight who was Muzabelino thus spake My Lorde let vs not tarrie tryfling time héere but summonâ— your people togither and sette forwarde to Grisca where you shall 〈…〉 The disolate Tryneus what with his former feare and present ioy to beholde his Fréende was not able to speake one worde but Palmerin hauing well noted the Armed Knight at length knewe him to bée Muzabelino wherfore embracing him sayd Ah my Lorde for euer be the King of Kings praysed in graunting me to haue knowledge of you let me be worthilie condemned of ingratitude if I doo not acknowledge this great fauour to my Fréend which I account as déere as doone to my selfe After many courteous salutationâ— passed on all sides they set forwarde to Grisca with theyr men and prouision where wée will leaue them to shewe what afterward befell to the Soldane and his people After a long and verie dangerous tempest with whirle-windes lightnings and straunge apparitions to the great discomfort of all the Persians one of the Princes came to the Soldane saying My Lord the lightning hath fallen so terriblie in the Court as all the Ladies of honour are â—laine therewith An other brought newes that thrée partes of the soldiours which conducted Tryneus and Aurecinda foorth of the Cittie lay all slaine in the rough tempest While these strange mishappes were discoursing Aurecinda entred the Chamber saying Now soldane maist thou behold thy sinne Séest thou
not that the celestiall spirits haue reuenged our wrong with the death of thy people and for my escape I râ—nder thanks to the highest not to thée that gaue my life to the fire yet much better would my death haue contenteâ— mée then to liue without him whose absence is my torment and did not the hope of his life giue mee some comfort thou shouldest perceiue how little I estéeme of my life Then entred the Quéene Zephira and she falling at the Soldanes féete thus began Ah my Lord the dishonour you haue this day done mée is vnspeakeable Haue my deserts béene so simple in your eyes that I might not intreate the libertie of one Knight who this day I feare hath perished by your ingratitude Neuer shall I sée those noble Knights againe whose liues haue béene endaungered for my welfare Ah my Lorde if you looke into the weight of your offence you shall perceyue my teares are not shedde without great reason Madame quoth the Soldane and you faire Sister at this time excuse my fault committed and patientlie beare what hath happened for I vowe to you by the fayth of a Prince that I will make sufficient amendes for my trespasse When hée now thought to bée no further troubled his Sister Lyzanda entred mad and raging and snatching his Fauchion from his side said Sée villaine sée what happeneth by thy commaundement one of thy Sisters is for euer defamed and the other will presently and her life before thée Héerewith shée stâ—â—d the weapon to her heart and felt downe dead at the Soldans féets to the no little sorrow of his Maiestie and all that were present but Zephira causing the bodie to bée taken away the Soldane commanded she should be honourablie buried and erecting a goodlie Tombe of Marble ouer her graue caused the maner of her death to be thereon described Afterward by the counsell of the Lords of Persia hee sent the Prince Tomano and the straunge Knights all the riches and treasure they had left behinde them the Princesse Aurecinda remaining in continuall heauinesse and within short time shée felt her selfe to be conceiued with 〈◊〉 Héere in shée somewhat comforted her selfe though Fortune would not suffer her to enioy the companie of her Fréend yet one day shée hoped to sée his liuely image which at the time appoynted by Nature shée did béeing deliuered of the goodlyest male Childe that euer was séene in Persia naming him Ryfarano whâ— carried the beautifull complexion of his Mother as hee did the hardinesse and magnanimitie of his Father Chap. LVII Howe Palmerin and Trineus hauing soiourned a while at Grisca with the king Abimar departed to the Isle of Malfada where by the meanes of Dulacco and Palmerin all the enchauntments were finished BY the way as the Princes rode towards Grisca Palmerin vsed these spéeches to Trineus Howe happie is the Prince that giues credit to good counsell and will not be led by flatteries or subiect himselfe to his own passions and how vnfortunate are they that fall into the the contrarie Can ye haue a better example héere of then the trayterous Soldane who first causelesse disquieted the good King Abâ—mar and afterwarde at his sisters motion I imprisoned his Friend for your good successe héerein my Lord you must thanke Muzabelino and the Prince Tomano whose power was so readie to defende you Tryneus remembring his follies past was still so ashamed thereof as hee could make no aunswere wherefore Palmerin thus spake againe Why my Lorde hath the imprisonment for fayre Aurecinda strooke you dumbe leaue this bashfulnesse to Women and remember your former courage Stoute Hercules whose honors are yet so rise in memorie did not hée for the loue of Iole weare feminine garments and spin among women Did not Achilles the like when hée was with his faire friend in the Courte of King Lycomedes Marke Anthonie the Romaine Emperor did not he follow Cleopatra before Octauius although his armie on the Sea was two folde the number of his enemies And you for a little familiar loue to a yong Princesse who conquered you onely by 〈…〉 sute remaine thus confounded Doo you imagine your selfe to excell in strength prowesse and knowledge Hercules Achilles and the Emperour Anthonie Alas déere Brother aunswered Tryneus well may you 〈◊〉 of your especiall graces béeing able to tryumph ouer coâ—cupisâ—ence but so yrkesome is my offence in mine owne conceit as I thinke myselfe vnworthie to be séene among men of vertue What shall I say to my Agriola when she shall vnderstand my hainous offence howe shall I dare to present my selfe before her For that saide Palmerin we shall doo well enough but I would it were so welcome to passe that we were with her to abide her censure Continuing these spéeches they arriued at Grisca where the king béeing aduertised of their comming came to méete themâ— vsing these words at their gracious enterâ—â—â—â—ment Righâ— welcome are ye my noble Friendes no maruaile though the Soldane sought to wrong you remembring howe for my sake you vsed him in the battaile In sooth my Lord aunswered Palmerin well doth your nobilitie deserue our seruice and his iniurious dealing sharpe reuenge which happily héereafter hée may féele to his cost vsing strangers so vnhonorably but héere we present your Daughter Belsina to your Maiestie after whose marriage al these troubles began Welcome faire Daughter saide the King much better then my soâ—ne hath béene to your Fathers Court. When my Father quoth the Princesse hath considered his furie doubtlesse he will be heartly sorrie therefore and make satisfaction for any thing misâ—oone till then I beséech your highnesse to conceiue the best And according as the Princesse had spoken it came to passe for within thrée dayes after the Soldane sent Ambassadours to the King Abimar to excuse the imprisonment of Trineus and the sentence of death hée gaue against him sending to him and Palmerin all their treasure and sumptuous presents in signe of satisfaction and to his Daughter Belsina and the Prince Tomano he sent sixe Camelles laden with gold as the dowry of their marriage Nowe are Palmerin and Trineus wearie of theyr so long stay from their friendes wherefore they desired leaue of the king to depart who séeing hée coulde not well intreate their longer aboade right thankfully yéelted to their request giuing them all things néedefull for theyr iourney as Horses Armour men money and diuers other gifts of inestimable value For which kindnesse they humbly thanked his maiestie refusing to trouble themselues with such riches in their trauaile nor would they take that the Soldane sent them or what they brought from the ten Roâ—ks except the Birde and the two Crownes giuing all the rest to Muzabelino desiring him to continue them in remembrance My Lordes quoth he no seruice can bee lost that is doone to such liberall Princes as nowe you giue mée good occasion to confesse and though both I and mine should spend all our following daies in your seruice
〈…〉 and they may come to kisse your 〈…〉 Florendos and the Ladies were 〈…〉 Long liue your Maiestie in health and happinesse here may you beholde the man for whom my Lorde Palmerin your Sonne hath endured such paine and trauaile The 〈◊〉 perceiuing by his spéeches that hée was Trineus the Prince of Allemaigne thus aunswered I hope my Lorde that you will beare with mine age and weakenesse which hinders me from entertaining you as fain I would but I beséech you to aryse for it ill beséemes so great a Prince to humble himselfe in such sort Florendos and Griana in this time welcommed their Sonne Arismena the King of Sparta Armida her Frysoll and the olde Emperour and Empresse graciously entertained Agriola and Laurana each absent Fréend so embraced and welcommed as all the day was spent onelie in those ceremonies The next morning Palmerin dispatched his Dwarffe Vrbanillo to the Emperour of Allemaigne that he and Polynarda might vnderstand these long expected newes and afterward comming to Sir Frysoll he sayd to him Brother our Mother hath eâ—riched vs with a Sister since our departure and my Sister Armida me with two Nephewes I pray you let vs go sée them Héereupon the Nurses brought the yong Princes the â—ldest of them being named Dytrius and the yongest Belear the yong Princesse Daughter to Florendos and Griana was called Denisa so faire and comely were the infants as if Nature had studied to make them most exquisite Beléeue me Sir Frysoll quoth Palmerin if my sister continu◠〈◊〉 she begins the Realme of Hungaria shall hardly want 〈◊〉 what two at a blow hir Ladie it is a â—â—gne of good 〈◊〉 And when you are entred the estate of wedlocke answered Frysoll if your linage increase according to the greatnesse of desire Madam Polynarda shall be as well sped 〈◊〉 her neighbors Thus iested the Princes togither attending â—ewes of 〈◊〉 courrier that went with Vrbanillo to the Emperor of Allemaigne 〈◊〉 at that time was at Vienna Chap. LIX How the Duke of Mensa and the Countie of Redona conducted the prince Olorico into Assiria where hee was espoused to the princesse Alchidiana FOr the space of a Moneth and morâ— Palmerin Trineus and Agriola soiourned at Constantinople till all thingâ— were prepared for them to 〈◊〉 towardes Allemaigne during which time Palmerin shewed such signes of loue to the Prince Olorico as he wold seldome be 〈…〉 that more and more his amourous passions encreased hée sayde Déere 〈…〉 Nor doo I this swéete Prince as enuious of your companie or that I stand in feare of the Soldane but onelie to kéepe my promise which was that I would ayde you to my â—ttermost to accomplish the marriage 〈…〉 for whom I see your 〈…〉 troubled My Lorde aunswered Olorico if euer perfect loue might be discerned in a Princes heart doubtlesse it is most amplie 〈◊〉 in yours Where you can finde in anie Historie seâ—blable affection or that a Christian would so fauour his enemie that is contrarie to him in law and 〈…〉 that so great â— Prince would 〈…〉 to accept as his companion in Armes the poore Sonne of the King of Arabia practising for his good not the suretie alone of the Christians but the alliance of the greatest Lord in Asia 〈…〉 Lorde since of your accustomed good 〈…〉 this offer of simple iudgement should I shewe my selfe to refuse it I accept your gracious kindnesse and assure your selfe of his readie seruice whom 〈…〉 to the Prince of Greece 〈…〉 the Soldane of Babylon in 〈…〉 The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the great Soldane of Babylon 〈…〉 〈…〉 against all your enemies Contrariwise if you will follow your former opinion wee must defende our selues so well as we may And for I can no more with 〈◊〉 forsake my Couâ—trey Parents and friendes to returne againe to your seruice I sende you the Prince Olorico a Knight both valiant and hardie as anie in all Turkie without exception of your Court the great Turks or the Soldane of Persia and he to serue you in my 〈◊〉 Desiring your highnes by that affection which you did beare me whâ—Ì„ the Prince 〈…〉 that you accept him as your Sonne and giue him in marriage your Daughter Alchidiana as the man that hath best deserued her if euer Prince might merit â— Ladies loue by bountie and choyse chiualrie So shall you performe an action of 〈◊〉 honour and 〈◊〉 me continually to acknowledge this kindnesse Your Palmerin d'Oliua Another Letter he wrote to the Princesse Alchidiana the tenure whereof was thus The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the Princesse of Assiria TO you Madam Alchidiana daughter to the great Soldane of Babilon Palmerin d'Oliua your knight sendeth health condigne to your magnificence Madame sending to your Father the Duke of Mensa and the Count 〈…〉 to the Crowne of Arabia You know faire Madame that neuer had he come to your Fathers Court had not the perillous battaile against the proude Brother of Amarano prouoked him nor would be haue aduentured the dangers of the Sea but in hope at length to purchase your gracious loue For these considerations good Madame entertaine him into your sober thoughts who hath no more feared to spend his bloud for your sake and thrust his life into infinite dangers then I haue doone to sette my hande and penne to this paper I know that your grace beautie and great 〈◊〉 commandeth the chéefest Prince on the earth for your Husband and to shéelde my selfe from blame I know that I promised you my seruice When I should returne from Constantinople but how hath it fallen out your Palmerin is knowne by them that haue like authoritie ouer him as your loue hath of the Prince Olorico I am a Christian a stranger Sonne to the simple king of Macedon and the Daughter to the Emperour of Greece beside of verie little or no desert at all Hee is of your Lawe your Neighbour sonne to the rich king of Arabia and a Prince of as high vertue as euer was in my companie witnesse whereof he made on the Phrigians and in an hundred places since in my presence Wherefore Madame if noblenesse of hart and loyall loue deserue so great an alliance I know no Prince this day liuing more worthie then he Assuring you withall that more gladly would I die thâ— death then sollicite the cause of him whome I would not imagine vnworthie my person Your Knight Palmerin d'Oliua When he had sealed these Letters hee gene them to to the 〈◊〉 who accompanied with fiftie Grecian 〈…〉 where their shippes was 〈◊〉 after them followed the King Maulerinos hundred Knights the number being supplied with other instead of them that were slaine and after them went the Knights that came with Ptolome then came the Prince Olorico and Palmerin deuising by the way on manie matters My Lord quoth Palmerin I imagine you nowe remember our taking by the Admirall Olimaell and feare that the like mishappe may againe befall you I therfore as your
guarde giue you the hundred Knights I had of the King Maulerino and fiftie Knights naturally borne in Greece as able in Armes as any other whatsoeuer intreating you to holde me excused if I giue you not such estate as 〈◊〉 your nobilitie Woorthie Palmerin answered the Prince the greatest Lord that is might well content himselfe with the honourable companie you haue giuen mee And did not extreame passions ouer-rule me and call mée hence to her seruice whom I haue onely chosen I woulde renounce Arabia and the Lawe of Mahomet onely to liue in your companie But in what place my fortune guides me héereafter neither Parents or Friendes shall hinder mee to saie that I am your vowed and affectionate seruaunt The like doo you conceiue of me sayde Palmerin So with teares they left each other Olorico and all his companiâ— béeing aboord such fauourable winde and weather they had as without any danger they safely arriued where the Soldane lay and first the tenne knights went â—n shore they that were left of the companie which the Princesse Alchidiana gaue to Ptolome and comming before the Princesse saide Madame your Knight sir Ptolome humbly saluteth you by vs sending your excellencie this Letter Beside there is nowe arriued at the porte the Prince Oâ—orico and certaine Ambassadours from the valiant Palmerin Prince of Greece and Macedon who come on his behalfe to kissâ— your hand The Princesse hauing heard these newes and read the Letter which Ptolome sent containing the great 〈◊〉 fortunes of Palmerin was inwardly so rauished with delight as a long space she remained silent but at 〈◊〉 brake foorth into these spéeches Ah Fortune how well thou knowest to change matters which way thou pleaâ—est not according to the wil and desire of passionate minds but on the behalfe of the highest in perfections Ah Palmerin the man whom my heart shall euer loue howe may faire Polinarda iustly tearme her selfe happie hauing thee for her Lord and loue considering that the beautie and graces of so manie Ladies conquered with thy deserts nor the sumptuous riches continually offered thée could once diuerâ— thee from thy first affection Ah Alchidiana that which hath made so many Ladyes and knights fortunate in compassing the onely issue of their desires dooth now remaine for â—hy torment alone making thée the most vnhappie creature vnder the Sunne Agriola Griana Arismena Armida and Zeplura are they swéete Knight by thy meanes in assuraunce of theyr loues Trineus Frysoll the King of Sparta Maulerino Abimar Tomano and â—iuers other are their Realmes quieted and their Ladyes triumphing in their ioyes onely by the price of thy bloud and daunger 〈◊〉 thy life And must I alone remaine disgraced for euer 〈◊〉 hauing lost the knight I loued aâ— my soule While the princesse continued these complaints the prince Olorico and the Ambassadoures were come before the soldane and beâ—ng entertained by him with verie gracious 〈◊〉 they presented the Letters from Palmerin which béeing read in presence of all his Lords the Soladne thus answered My Friends I will impart these 〈◊〉 to my Counsell and my Daughter and afterwarde make you answere as I may Héereuppon the Duke of Mensa the Counteâ— of Redona and the Prince Olorico 〈…〉 and soone after the Soldane sent for his daughter thus speaking to her Daughter our Princes thinke good and haue counselled mee to make peace with Palmerin who at 〈…〉 of Greece and requireth in 〈◊〉 of our truce that I should giue you in marriage to the renowned Prince Olorico Aduise your selfe hereon for Palmerin hath earnestly intreated it by writing and héere I haue a letter for you I think to the same effect The Princesse hauing read the Letter returned this answere It is verie true my Lord his request to mee is for the selfe same cause séeing therefore it liketh you and the Princes of our Realme think it conuenient in respect of the common profit and good may ensue thereby it is not for me to make deniall Right glad was the Soldane of this aunswere wherefore he saide go then faire Daughter and 〈◊〉 your selfe accordingly for after Diâ—ner in the presence of the Ambassadours you shall be affiaunced to the Prince Olorico since his arriuall had talked but little with his Ladie wherefore hée nowe determined to go sée her and meeting her as she returned from the Soldane he saluted her with great reuerence but the Princesse â—eigâ—ing that she knew nothing yet of their marriage thus spake to him I vnderstand my Lorde that your companion Palmerin hath altogether forsaken vs. Madame quoth the Prince if hee haue abandoned your companie it is onely by the fauour of Fortune who hath béene a greater Friend to him then any man beside yet cannot the great honours and possessions he now enioyeth make him forgette you in that at my departure he said for eâ—er he would liue and die your knight God kéepe him said the Princesse where euer he is for still is my heart vowed to his remembrance and gladly can I doo as 〈◊〉 for him as for my Brother though his present 〈…〉 from my seruice Such is his trust 〈…〉 present you my heart that neuer since the day of our departure from Constantinople hath enioyed any rest béeing absent from the onely meane of my comfort If then I haue liued all this while in some hope by remembraunce of your excéeding graces and courtesies beyonde all other should I account my selfe in happinesse if now at length you receiue me as your Seruant I receiue you saide the Princesse for Palmerins sake and for your owne deserts which haue béene so worthie requiting you with equall affection so that you denie mée not one request Nothing shall you bée denied swéete Princesse quoth hée if by my life it may be compassed Nor will I demaunde any thing of so great value said she this is the fauour you shall graunt me héereafter when time shal serue that you wil conduct me to Constantinople there to behold the faire princesse Polynarda and the magnificent Court of noble Palmerin in recompence whereof I giue my selfe to be your wife and accept you as my Lord and Husband If Olorico was now well pleased I referre to your iudgements wherefore confirming their promises by kisses and embracings with solemne protestations and irreuocable vowes they departed thence to their Chambers After Dinner the Princesse attired in most sumptuous garments came into the Hall with her waiting Ladies when the Soldane sent for the Ambassadours and thus spake to them My Friendes I now perceiue the man to bee ouer foolish that trusteth in himselfe I thought by my power to destroy Greece where on the contrarie my people are destroyed I thought to continue vnquenchablâ— hatred toward your Maister and now I am constrained to graunt him peace yet not constrained but by the worke of the greatest God I am mooued so to doo which in the presence of all my Lordes I protest and with as good will as hée â—ooth dâ—maunde
it Sée then the power of that Maiestie which can 〈◊〉 and conquerâ— where he lift and I swearâ— to you by my Crowne that the good fortune of Palmeriâ— contenteth me as well as if he were mine owne sonne Mightie Soldane answered the Duke of Mensa if you resolue to loue the worthie Prince Palmerin both hée and his will performe the like to you and on his behalfe we promise faithfully that against all your enemies Christendome excepted you shall be assured of his succour and assistance I request no better assurance quoth the Soldane then this that he hath sent and that you may witnesse I am his faithfull Friendes at this instant shall the peace be ratified by all the Lordes and Princes here present and to seale the same as he requested I giue my daughter to the Prince Olorico Great ioy was generally made for this good agréement and the two louers were espoused together within few dayes after and the time being come for the Ambassadours returne to Constantinople Alchidiana sent diuerâ— rich gifts to Palmerin and Polinarda the like did the Soldane and the Prince Olorico Chap. LX. How Palmerin Trineus and Agriola accompanied with many great Lords and princes went to the Emperor of Allemaigne at Vienna where great triumphs were made at the celebrating of the marriage between Trineus and the princesse Agriola SOone after the Prince Olorico and the Ambassadours of Greece were gone towardes Assiria Palmerin although the aged Emperour very much disswaded him made prouision for his spéedy voyage to Allemaigne and hauing conducted the King of Sparta and his Aunt Arismena some parte of their way homeward at their returne to the Cittie of Constantinople hée came to the Duke of Pontus saying I remember the time when you did cutte off the great Turks head an acte deseruing good and especiall recompence and that you thereby deliuered vs and performed it at the motion of the Princesse Laurana her haue you loued euer since both on lande and Sea and her Countrey is not farre hence will ye now make her your Ladie and Wife I promise ye my assistance so farre as I can My Lord aunswered the Duke fearing to offend you I still deferred to mooue you in this cause but seeing wee are nowe so happily fallen into these tearmes I will not conceale the truth from you In sooth my Lorde when first I sawe her I loued her and haue euer since continued in this hope that time at length would fauour my intent It sufficeth saide Palmerin and presently hée acquainted the Emperour therewith who thinking the match very méete and conuenient they were the next day married by the Achbishop of Constantinople and in short time after went to take possession of their Duchie of Durace where they were receiued very honourably and the whole state yéelded vp into the Dukes hande When Palmerin sawe that the most parte of his companions were departed at the earnest intreataunce of the Prince Trineus and Agriola he set forward to Allemaigne accompanied with Frysoll and Armida whome hée conducted into the Realme of Hungaria where Frysoll was crowned King by reason of his Fathers decease there went with him like wise Diardo of Bohemia the Prince Eustace Ptolome and other Lords of great account 〈◊〉 good speed they made in theyr iourney as in short time they arriued at Vienna where the Emperour béeing aduertised of their comming by the Dwarfe came with his courtly trayne to méete them and taking his Sonne Tryneus in his armes said I sée it is the will of God my Sonne that héere after I shall haue as great ioy by thée as in thy long absence I haue had gréefe and sorrow all which I patiently put vp for the loue of thy brother the noble Prince Palmerin and faire Agriola of England that well deserues it But in good â—â—â—th my Children had you not come in so happie time I should haue bene driuen to meruailous fears For the King of Fraunce perceiuing that I would not giue my daughter in marriage to his eldest sonne demaunded the King Recinde of Spaine his daughter who graunted his request so that they twaine with the aide of the King of England haue leueyed such an Armie on the Sea as neuer was the like séene to passe the Rheine But séeing you returned in so good disposition the lesse account I make of their angrie menaces yet are they the thrée principall Kings of Christendome My Lord answered Palmerin be not you dismaide at their enterprise for ere manie dayes bee expired I hope to sée all matters quietly pacified and that without anie effusion of blood The lesse is my doubt quoth the Emperour in that with such good fortune you haue finished your intentions for nothing you begin but comes to luckie ende Witnesse héerof appeareth in the search of my Sonne Tryneus whom the best Knights in Christendome haue laboured to finde but all their trauaile I sée hath béene spent in vaine By this time they were come to the Pallace where they were graciously receiued by the Ladies Alas my Fréendes said the Empresse which of you shall I first embrace Ah my Sonne Tryneus howe sorrowfull hast thou made mée since thy departure from England iust cause hast thou to thanke the Heauens who protected thée still in so manie daungers and forget not thy Brother Palmerin who hath endured such trouble for thy sake Faire Daughter quoth she to the Princesse Agriola welcome are you indeed God send you better fortune héereafter then you haue had alreadie which yet hath bene a Touch-stone of your loyaltie But while these spéeches continued howe the other two Louers with piercing regard beheld eache other and how many gracious signes passed as secrete Ambassadours betweene them Polynarda was clad in such costly 〈◊〉 for the pleasure she conceiued since the Dwarffes 〈◊〉 at the Court as shee seemed anothâ—r Iuno when shée stood to abide the arbitrâ—ment of 〈◊〉 or like Voluptas fâ—llowing her Mother Venus But fearing least this amiable encounter should decipher some part of her former courtesies to her friend which as yet was vnknowne to any but Bryonella she locked vp all secrets with so swéet a kisse as would haue contented the rudest of the Gods had it bâ—ne Vulcan or Neptune themselues And comming to salute the Princesse Agriaâ—a sayd No meruaile faire sister if your loue wrought wonders in my brothers minde for vnfainedly I speake it your exquisite graces deserue the greatest seruice in the world Alas Madame aunswered Agriola if nature or they that had the charge of me in my youth could haue painted me with such beautie as I see in you or enriched me with wisedome able to deuise with my Lord when he came to sée mee then could I haue said somewhat of the paines he hath taken for mée but I know my selfe so full of imperfections as the loue hée beares me procéedeth of his owne good nature not by any merit he can behold me Then Palmerin kneeling before the
haue I so offended the Ladie that the sight of mee should endaunger her life tell me my Fréende quoth hée to the Pilot doâ—st thou know of whence she is No my Lord aunswered the Pilot but I vnderstand she is a noble Princesse who comming to sée the Emperour hath lost her people and goods in the Sea Me thinks I haue séene her heertofore saide Palmerin but I cannot remember the place where Then beholding her more aduisedly he said I 〈◊〉 of this the Princesse Alchidiana that cannot bee my Ambassadours tolde me that shee was married to the Prince Olorico By this time was she a litle recouered and séeing how he helde her in his armes thus spake Ah Syr Palmerin why doo you hinder the departure of miserable Alchidiana thinkeâ— oâ— shee can ende her life in better time and place then in this Countrey and betwéene his armes whome she loued as her life yet neuer receiued courtesie by him till this instant Ah my Lorde héere maist thou behold the foolish and indiscréete Alchidiana who for thée hath lost her Husband Olorico that loued her deerelye Knightes Ladies and inestimable treasure hath shee likewise lost all which she maketh no account off but of her beloued whom she shall neuer recouer But may it be Madame quoth the Emperour that you are indéed the Princesse Alchidiana Daughter to the Soldane of Babilon the flower of all the Ladies in Turkie The same am I â—saide shee who loued thee so vnmeasurably as the loyaltie of mariage â—eare of daungers of the Sea nor thy â—oo rigorous refusall both in my presence and by thy Messengers coulde not 〈◊〉 me from this shame onelie to see thy Court and the beautie of Polynarda And that at lengâ—h I might 〈◊〉 my desire I brought my Husbande with mee who I feare the cruell waters haue swalowed and as braue Ladies as 〈◊〉 were séene with riches that well might decorateâ—â—â— Empire By Heauen Madame quoth Palmerin if the Prince haue lost his life in this aduenture neuer will my heart be merrie againe Nowe sée I the vnspeakable loue you beare me which I haue in some part requiâ—ed toward your Olorico yet dismay not swéete Ladie nor feare his death before further tryall for by mine honour I sweare no sooner shall I come to Constantinople but I will cause his search presently to be followed not doubting but hée may be found againe And nowe faire Princesse tell what vertue or desert you sawe in mée that might value the least paine you haue endured committing your gracious personne to so manie doubtfull hazards of feares affrightes perturbations heatâ— and colde which your choyse nature could hardly brooke in trauell vnworthie were I the name of a man if nowe I shoulde not pittie you And I sweare to you by the liuing God that if your mishap sort to an euill ende neuer will I weare my Diademe longer Alas Madame if heeretofore I haue deluded you consider it was a Louers deceit that had bequeathed his heart to such a Ladie as loues you as if you were her Sister But haue you quoth shée among your amorous delights acquainted her with my vnséemely boldnesse what may she theen conceiue of me but as of a Girlâ— giuen to loose and lauish appetiâ—e The loue of wedlockâ— faire Princesse said Palmerin cannot make me disclose her preiudice that honoured me so much let it suffise you that for the fauour I obtained when you found me in lyke place she remaineth to recompence you with all possible kindnesse Let vs then depart hence toward Constantinople that you may be vsed as beseemeth your high calling Héere despised that I am quoth the Princesse had I entred into conceit of your former illusions neuer had I fallen into so great daunger but as for matters past either of your rygour or disdaine your present affabilitie compelles mée to forget set on then when you please and I will beare ye companie The Pilot the Marchants Wife and her Daughters on their knées desired the Emperour to excuse them in that they had not reuerenced his Maiestie as they ought Worldly honour I expect not sayde the Emperour come with mée that I may recompence your paines taken for â—his worthie Princesse So rode they on and as they issued forth of the Forrest their staied the Knights and Hunters attending the Emperours comming they all maruailing at the great courtesie hee vsed to the Ladie then his Maiâ—stie calling the Duke Eustace to him sayd Thou must presently with thy Companions goe Arme ye and trauaile to finde the Prince Olorico whom the tempestuous seas hath separated from his Ladie Who brought these heauie tydings to your highnesse sayd the Duke This Ladie who is his Wife quoth hée hauing myraculouslie escaped shipwracke by the meanes of this Mariner When they were come to the Pallace the Duke of Saxon came to holde the Emperours Horse while he alighted Ptolome sayde Palmerin know you no better your Mistresse Alchidiana you must now remember her passed fauours when shée redeemed you from base seruitude And that shall not I forget my Lorde quoth the Duke while I haue a day to liue but I cannot thinke that this Ladie is sheâ— It is euen shée without further question sayd the Emperour doo you and the Duke of Mecaena helpe her from her Horse and conduct her by into the Pallace while I in meane time goe to aduertise the Empresse Madame quoth Ptolome yet can I not be thorowlie resolued In sooth Ptolome said shée I am Alchidiana who to accomplish what thou and thy companions coulde not am come hither in this pouertie discouering my want of knowledge by an vnrecouerable losse except you my Lords take the greater pittie on me Thinke you Madame quoth Ptolome that my Lord Olorico is lost neuer feare it I beséech ye but thinke you shall finde as great fauour in this Court as if you were with the Soldane your Father Palmerin comming to the Empresse said Madame as I was hunting this day I found in our Forrest the Princesse Alchidiana of whom I haue so often tolde yeée shée béeing wife to the Prince Olorico that named himselfe my Dwarffes Brother when I was with you last at Gaunt I desire ye to intreate her as her calling deserueth because I am not a little beholding to her So taking her by the hand they came and met the Princesse and Palmerin taking her courteouslie in his armes deliuered her to the Empresse saying Faire Princesse you shall remaine with my Ladie till our knights haue found your Lord anâ— Husband God will requite your kindnesse to a distressed Ladie said Alchidiana although I feare for my offences his fortune will be much the woorse Madame quoth the Empresse so noble and debonaire is your Lord and Husband as no danger can any way preiudice his life but thinke him as safe as if he were héere present with you which doubtlesse will be right soone and in good time therefore let mee intreate you to bée of
good chéere as if you were now in Assyria And although we cannot compare with the Court of Babylon yet théere shall you be vsed as be séemes so great a Princesse I doubt not thereof good Madame said Alchidiana the more am I indebted to the Emperour and you yet can I not forget the absence of my Lord beeing separated from him in a place so vncouth He that â—s the defender of the iust quoth the Empresse will send ye to méete againe in place more comfortable in that hope I pray ye to perswade your selfe laying aside these moutning garments the very sight therof cannot but affend yée These gracious spéeches somewhat contented her and expelled all priuate conceit of sorrow yet would she not chaunge her habite till she heard either good or bad newes of the Prince Olorico Chap. LXIIII. Howe the Prince Olorico was reskewed from the Moores by the yong Knights that the Emperour Palmerin sent in his search and what ioy was made at Constantinople at his arriuall VPon the Emperours resolution for the search of Olorico the Dukes of Mecaena and Saxon with each of them fiâ—tie Knights were prepared to see with two Gallâ—â—s and Colmelio Bellechino Sergillo Sonne to Gardino and the Marchant Estebons two Sonnes whom the Emperor had newly knighâ—edâ— with thirtie hardie Souldiours departed in an other Eight other vessels were sent on the Coast of Propontida and the Bosphor to séeke the Prince It so cause to passe that the same day Alchidiana was preserued from drowning Alibarbanco a Pirat was sayling towardes Natolia and passed verie néere where the Princes Carricke was split and him did hée espie floting on a Chest which was filled within with Martin skinnes being then mooued to behold him in such daunger hée caused his men to take him into the Shippe who readie to yéelde vp his ghost hée was so â—â—â—â—mmed with colde When Aliâ—arbanco sawe him so richly apparâ—lied and the Chest stuffed with thinges of such value hée imagined him presently to hée some great Lorde for whom he shoulde haue some large raunsome wherefore he vsed him verie courteouslie Olorico seâ—ing he was so happily escaped lifting his eyes to Heauen sayd Great is thy mercie O God that hast so fauourablie vouchsafed to regard thy poore creature nor were losse woorthie reckoning so my Ladie Alchidiana were safe in Assyria What angrie planet raigned when we be tooke our selues to Sea what answere shall I make to the Soldane your Father that gaue me such charge of your person at my departure hardly may I dare to come before him any more Alibarbanco hearing these complaints reioiced thereat By Mahomet quoth hée to himselfe nor shalt thou sée him anie more if I can hinder it for I will present thée to the great Turke his mortall enemie and for thy raunsome I shall receiue a bountifull recompence So thinking to strike toward Natolia he happened among the Emperours yong Knights ere hée was beware wherefore hée thought to takeÌ„ their ships likewise yet therein hée â—ound him selfe greatly deceyued For Bellechino knowing them to bée Turkes by their Banners said to his companions We are now I feare in the daunger of Turkish Piratâ— let vs therfore with courage winne our deliueraunce Héereuppon they fiercely assayled Alibarbanco and buckled so closelie that in the ende they hoorded him making such a slaughter among his men and throwing him likewise slaine into the Sea as none were left to resist their further entraunce where they found the Prince Olorico and béeing not a little glad of their good successe they each one embraced him with gracious courtesie Alas my Fréends quoth the Prince how knew you my béeing héere who gaue you in charge to séeke mée forth who hath béene the Messenger of my misfortune My Lord the Emperour Palmerin aunswered Colmelio vnderstoode thereof by your Ladie Alchidiana whom hée founde by good happe as hée râ—de on hunting But may I giue credite to your woordes said the Prince is my Ladie with his Maiestie at the Court Shée is in trueth my Lorde sayde Bellechino and the Mariner likewise that saued her life whome the Emperour hath highlie recompenced for his faithfull seruice I beséech you quoth Olorico let vs hoâ—â—e â—aile presentlie towarde Constantinople for my heart cannot bee perswaded till I haue séene her â—so great is my doubt considering our vnfortunate separation Neuer may I beare Armes in Knight-hoode sail Bellechino or lift my Sworde in honourable Chiualrie if Alchidiana be not at Constantinople where I both sawe her and spake to her before our departure So taking the vessell that belonged to the Pirate Alibarbanco with them in short time after they arryued at Constantinople where their chéerefull sounding of Drums Trumpets and Clarions at their landing deliuered testimonie of their good successe If the Emperour was glad for the recouerie of his Fréend the Princesse Alchidiana of her Husband and euerie one generallie for the man lost by such mishappe I leaue to your iudgements that can censure the rare ioyes of loue and fréendship What Triumphes Tournamentes Bonfires Maskes Momeries and other delightfull exercises were performed for ioy of the Prince Oloricos safetie whome the Emperour made account of as you haue heard before it would demaunde a larger volume to set downe you must therefore héere imagine that you behold his Maiestie highly contented Alchidiana thorowlie satisfied and the whole Court well pleased by this happie event giuing themselues to expresse the same in open manifest signes beséeming so great estates to prosecute and therefore of as great honour as may be deuised The yong Knights are especially welcommed for their woorthie seruice the Dukes of Saxon and Mecaena likewise though they failed of bringing the Prince yet they brought two Foystes belonging to the Pirate Alibaâ—banco richlie laden with manie wealthie spoyles which were giuen among the yong Knights in recompence of their paines During the time of these surpassing pleasures and delights there entred the hauen of Constantinople thrée shippes laden with meruaâ—lous sumptuous gifts and presents from the Quéene Zephira and her Brother the King Maulenno beeing sent to the Emperour Palmerin and his Empresse Polynarda by two great Lords Ambassadours from Persia to request familiar loue and alliaunce with the Emperour the Soldane confessing his iniurie to Trineus while he was in his Court When the Persians came before the Emperour who was honourably accompanied with Kings Dukes Princes Counties and many braue Ladies they were grâ—atly abashed yet thinking on the argument of their Ambasâ—ade one of them began in this manner It is no maruell redoubted Emperour and Monarch of Greece if thy subiects both loue thé◠and â—site thee when thy behaâ—â—our hath conquered the mindes of forraine Poteâ—tates who to enter aâ—ititie and peace with thée some haue left their Countreys to sende their Ambassadours hither other dare not stirre or assemble their men in warlike manner so is the name of Palmerin feared thorowe all Asia Hereof beare witnesse the
great Turke the Calâ—â—â—â— of Siconia and the heyres to the Prince Amarano of Nigrea not much inferiour in this condition is the Soldane of Babylon whose daughter with her Husband I héere beholde The victorious Ambimar King of Romata and Griscâ— the worthie Maulerino and the puiâ—â—aunt Soldane of Persia my Maister Husbande to the vertuous Quéene Zephira who with their Brother haue sent your highâ—esse thrée Shippes laden with the most wealthie riches their Countreyes can yéeld My Lord and they humbly kisse your Maiesties hande desiring you to forget his disceurâ—â—sie to the gentle Knight Tâ—yneus when hee became â—â—amoured on the Princesse Aurecinda But if their loue then sorted to a philosophicall trope or figure it hath sithence prâ—ued effecâ—â—uall in procreation to the no little ioy of my Lorde and Maister The Princesse was deliuered of a goodly Son growing in such exquisite forme and feature as it is expected hée will one day resemble his Father in châ—ualrie as he dooth alreadie his Mother in amiable perfection Ambassadour quoth the Emperour for the great vertue and nobilitie I haue founde as well in the Princesse Zephira as also her noble Brother I graunt the fréendly allâ—ance thou demaundest Yet heereof am I sorie that the Son to the Prince Tryneus should be nourished and spend his youth among Maâ—umetists without knowledge of hiâ— God and Redéemer for in such sort should hée be instructed after he is come to the yéeres of vnderstanding that all the Alchoran is tales anâ— fables and doubtlesse God will so deale with him in time as hée shall imitate the steppes of his noble Father As for the presents sent Vs by the King Maulerino the Solâ—aâ—e and his Queen Zephira we accept them as from our Fréenâ—s and will returne them some remembraunce of our thankfulnesse His Maiestie commaunded the Persians to bée lodged in his Pallace and continued still their former ioyes and tryumphs but to alter those Courtly pastimes and delights this misfortune happened which héereafter followeth Chap. LXV Howe the great Turke refused to assist Lycado Nephewe to the Admiral Olimaell against the Emperor Palmerin and what trouble happened to Constantinople by the Traitor Nardides Nephew to the King Tarisius Lycado Meuadeno and their father SUch was the humanitie and pittie of Palmerin when hee finished the enchantments at the Isle of Malfada as he gaue libertie to all the Turks and Christians which were before transformed as you haue heard among whom was Lycado Nephew to the Admirall Olimaell hée that at the taking of Agriola had the Prince Tryneus for his prisoner This Lycado séeing himselfe in his owne Countrey and out of daunger where he heard howe the great Turke was slaine and his Uncle likewise hée came before the Sultane that then raigned saying Worthy lord as men are naturallie inclined to bemone their losses so are Subiects bound to aduertise their Soueraignes of any shame or iniurie done to their Maiesties This speak I my Lord because you haue not as yet reuenged the death of your deceassed Brother now sléeping in the Armes of Mahomet albéeit traytâ—rouslie slaine by Palmerin and his Companions at which time my noble Uâ—cle was likewise murthered with many Knights of cheefe and especiall account And least you should be ignoraunt in the truth of the déede and who also â—arryed hence the Princesse Agriola I haue credibly vnderstood that Palmerin is Nephew to the Emperour of Greece one of his companions is the Emperours Sonne of Allemaigne and all the rest were Princes and Lords of Greece onely sent as spyes into Turkie Wherefore séeing you now holde the state in such peace and quietnes it were necessarie you should leauie a mightie Armie and please you to commit the charge thereof to mée I will loose my life or make an absolute destruction of all Greece I remember said the great Turke that your Unckle made like entraunce into my decâ—ased Brothers Courte as you by your spéeches now labour to doo but I will so warilie looke to such intrusions as no Traytors shall rest héere if I can hinder theÌ„ Your Unckle vexed the Christians what followed thereon the death of his maister and a daungerous confusion By you likewise may â—nsue as bad fortune departe you therefore from the Court and but that we are loth to bee noted with tyrannie thou shouldest presently be drâ—wne in péeces with Horses False Traytour thou that commest to counsaile vs in a matter wherein we cannot meddle but with great dishonour it behâ—ues thée first to regard the end of thy intent and what he is that gouerns in Greece Go villaine go and on perill of thy life neuer presume before our presence againe Lycado was greatly astonied at this sharpe answere and séeing he could haue no better successe hee went to his Father the Brother to Olimaell béeing one of the chéefest Magitians in all Turkie to him he made his complaints saying he would die in that resolution but he would cause the Turke to knowe that hee was no Traytour and this quoth he shall be the meane whereby I will compasse it I meane to disguise my selfe and trauaille to the Cittie of Constantinople where priuily I wil murder the Emperor Palmerin so 〈◊〉 my Lorde the great Turke tâ—uch mée with no further suspition but will reward me with greater benefits then euer my Unckle had My Sonne answered his Father thinkest thou that thy deuise will sort to effect thy Brother Menadeno would helpe thée héerein but hée is too yong yet when time serueth for thy departure I will not onely tell thée but conduct thee my selfe I beséech you good father saide Lycado further me in what you may for neuer will my hart be at rest till I haue paid Palmerin with the selfe same coyne the great Turke was In meane while do you studie and search all our Bookâ—s of 〈◊〉 Diuination Magique and Nigromancâ—e as Zabulus Orpheus Hermes Zoroastres Ciroes Medea Alphonsus Bacon Aponius and all the rest that write of the blacke speculatiue reade them againe and againe deuiâ—e such spâ—lles exorcismes and coniurations as the very â—pirits may speaâ—e of the feast I will make at the Cittâ—e of Constantinole Héereupon the olde man made his Sonne Menadeno Knight and with Lycado betooke themselues to Sea saying My Sonnes I will bring ye to Constantinople where by vertue of mine arte we will arriue before thrée dayes be expired remember your vnckles death and behaue your selues in such sort as you may be Registred for euer The time doth nowe fauour you with sufficient reuenge and therein shall you be assisted by a Christian Knight whome we shall finde readie landed there for the same cause Their Ankers being wâ—yed they launch into the déepe and cut through the waues with such violence as if the deuill himselfe were in their sailes so that they tooke landing at the selfe same houre as Nardides arriued at Constantinople As concerning what this Nardides was you remember the two Traytors Promptaleon and Oudin Nephewes