brauâ—ly was in so profound a thought calling to minde the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in trauersing the â—eltique Belgicke Gaule that he shewed outwardly some apparent token of gladnes and seeming to be in the Countesse thoughts and to feele the same pleasure which he receiued remembring the perfections of his Lady answered him merrily in this sort My Lorde I foresèe well the paine and trauell which will lie vppon your necke in this charge and howe much courage she giueth you whom you loue so perfectly that in her fauour you enterprise so Knightly an exployt Whereuppon I assure my selfe that beside the praise which shall remaine vnto you shee shall estéeme you much more considering the great hazard into which you expose your owne person But that I may condiscend vnto your request albeit I should bee very sorry if I shoulde accorde you any thing which might turne you to any hurt I grant you fréely to execute your enterprise therein and in all other honest and loudable 〈…〉 of Chiualry Gratious Lord replied the Countie as long as my soule shall dwell in his passible bodie I will alwaies endeuour in all places to manifest the praise of her merite according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to giue me whollie vowed yea fatally destinated to her seruice when my forces shall not answere my hart which in this respect is mexpugnable I shal augment onely but the number of these who cannot bring their driftes about thanking you in all most humble affection of the fauour which you shewed me in giuing me such licence in your house After these speeches and manie other which they had together the Countie retired himselfe into his lodging whereas soone as he was come he commaunded that on the morrowe they should plant in the place before the Pallace an inclosure which should haue in Diameter and circomference of the Center vnto the ends foure and twentie sethome in latitude and eight and thirtie in longitude which was done with high railes in so sufficient proportion that sixe Knights might easily fight together afront besides hee would haue a doore made hard by where he gaue order to set vp a Tent a Bedde a Kitchin with Offices al which was necessarie for so sumptuous a recreation The next day at Sunne rising be armed himselfe at all points and mounting vpon a double Courser hee came to appeare within the listes where were manie Knights disarmed to kéepe him companie whome he vsed verie magnificently in the feast The first man who came within the listes was the Duke of Drante vassall to the King of Thessalie young in age but lustie and verie skilfull in managing Armes who loued with a singular affection a daâ—nsel his subiect faire and marueilous gracious who finding the doore of the Tilt shutte thrust it open with the great end of his Launce to enter in therefore soone mounted the Earle on horsebacke and taking his sworde in his hand demaunded the Duke whether hee would Iouste or Combat wiâ—â— him I will haue but the Iouste quoth the Duke for that I thinke quicklie to make you confesse her whome I loue to excell in beautie and good grace the Ladie for whome you enterprise an exploit which seemeth to passe your cunning It were a thing almost miraculous replied the Earle if with so great reason as I haue to make good mine enterprise I should be vanquished by the first assailant Saying so they went to campe themselues at the two ends of this place then comming violently to encounter they shiuered both their Launces and dashing one another with their shields they passed brauely the rest of the carriere whereof the Earle was verie sorrie when he cried to his aduersarie Knight take yet one staffe more for the encounter of this first Iouste hauing béene so fauourable vnto you I will see how you will behaue your selfe in the second Then shall bee séene manifestlye the iust occasion I haue to Iouste answered the Duke taking another Launce with the which comming couragiouslye to charge him he mist his blow in striking which the Countie did not but running aright carriere sent him ouer his horse croupper with a tumbling cast downe to the ground Saying with a ioyfull courage An other time venter not with me in the listes if you haue no better reason to combat To that the Duke answered him nothing for hee founde himselfe ashamed to haue voyded the Aâ—son before Francheline his soueraigne Ladie and many other Lords and Knights who beheld them through the Pallace windowes But rising vp he put off gently his Coate of Armes and afterward beeing remounted he departed out of the Tilt-yeard to goe whether it pleased God to conduct him whereof Palmendos had so great remorse because of the vassalage which hee owed vnto the Father of his affianced Ladie that with some apparance of reason hee would haue entred the listes himselfe to haue reuenged him Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knightes from whome the Countie still carried away the honour and hanbergions So that about Sunne setting when hee retired for that day he felt himselfe verie wearie and ouerpressed with the burthen that he was faine to sustain notwithstanding the iâ—iâ— which rauished his spirites more and more made him forget the dolour and wearines of his members Thether came Arnedes with all the French Knightes to feast him and to kéepe him companie the greatest part of the night where to stay our selues no longer the Earle continued sir whole daies before he was vanquished of anie doing marueils of Armes as well at the Iouste as at the Combat at the sword making great cheare and banquetes to those who visited him whereof the Emperour meruailed much no lesse of his prowesse and valour than of his magnificence and sumptuositie which hee continued vntil the seauenth day following when there came thither two Knightes one whereof tooke awaie within few houres from the Earle all the honour hee had wonne in the former dayes as you shall presently heare CHAP. VII How Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos being departed from Constantinople passed by the Duchy of Bort where Tyrendos vanquished at the Iousts the Knight who kept a passage out of the Cittie for the loue of the Duchesse and what fell out afterward vpon this occasion WEE declared a while since how Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos departed vnknowne from Macedon to go to Constantinople and riding great iournies passed by the Duchy of Bort whereof was Lord an aged and grayheaded father who in his youthfull yeares loued rest and his delights better than the Courtlie life or any millitarie exercise He had two faire Daughters and one Sonne estéemed a verie valiant Knight who against his Fathers will was gone to Constantinople and at his second mariage did this oldman take to wife a verie yong Ladie excéeding his daughters in beautie whereof a rich gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured before and after the Duke
THE FIRST BOOKE OF PRIMALEON of Greece Describing the knightly deeds of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former Historie of Palmendos brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon LONDON Printed for Cuthbert Burby and are to be solde at his shop by the Roiall Exchange 1595. The first Booke of Primaleon of Greece Describing his Knightly deedes of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former History of Palmendos Brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon c. CHAP. I. How the Ambassadours of Fraunce came to Constantinople where they were Honourablie receaued by the Emperour who hauing heard the effect of their Ambassage and conserred theron with the Prince Arnedes affianced him immediatlie to his Daughter Philocrista by whose hand the Ambassadours presented the Letters of credence from the King their Maister IN the Historie of Palmendos after which this Booke of Primaleon followeth you haue hearde of the Loue betweene the Prince Arnedes 〈…〉 Philocrista Daughter 〈…〉 Emperour Palmerin and 〈◊〉 a Courtier was sent to aduertise the â—ing his Father thereof That hee might â—nâ—ay the like good fortune â—s Palmendos had done with his mistresse Francelina and thereby confirme a generall reioysing The messenger béeing carefull to dispatch this businesse made such haste in his iourney as in short time be arriued at the famous Cittie of Paris where the King vnderstanding the will of his Sonne quicklie resolued to conclude these assures Electing as chiefe in this Ambassage the Duke of Orleaunce a verie wise prudent Lord commanding also that the Marquesse of Oliuet the Countie Peter one of the bost knightes in his Court should be are him companie with manie other Barrons so sumptuouslie accoustred as euidentli declared how far the French excéeded al other Nations in magnificence and good partes whereof at this time wee haue no leysure to speake The King hauing giuen them his Letters of credence and instructions concerning the summe of their charge he deliuered them sundry precious gifts which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes But before their departure there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castile to aduertise Recinde howe his Brother béeing deceased without issue all the people verse much reioyced that the Scepter of the Kingdome should fall to a Prince so valiant When the King of Fraunce heard these newes by the gentleman of Spaine named Pinedo be made answere how Recinde was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople where as hee heard by credible intelligence hee daylie wonne great honour and renowne Hereupon Pinedo determined to passe into Greece with the Ambassadors and comming to Tolloain Prouence they embarqued them selues on the Mediteranean Sea where sayling with winde at will it was not long before they arriued at Constantinople euen at such time as Arnedes was in his wonted passions of loue No sooner were they entred the Porte and bad cast Anker but the Duke of Orleaunce commaunded a generall iouysance in applauding heauen for their happie nanigation whereof the Emperour béeing aduertised he sent to know the cause of this reioysing When he heard the arriuall of the French Ambassadors he was right glad thereof hoping Arnedes woulde now recouer health by some good tidinges and therefore sent spéedily to acquainte him therewith intreating him to bee of good courage séeing the Lordes of his Countrie were come so happilie It were needlesse to demaund if Arnedes were wel pleased with these tydinges considering the present cure hee found in one moment hée reby which shewed that herein consisted the onelie medicine for his malladie this made him leaue his bed and goe with Primaleon to the Emperour who séeing him come so 〈…〉 was not a little glad of his good recouerie and said Me thinks Sir Arnedes that the arriuall of these French Gentlemen hath reuiued and verie well strengthened you Well haue you saide my Lorde answered Arnedes because it is the onlie meanes of my restoring Philocrista who knew full well the depth of his amorous desiers reioyced maruellouslie at this fortunate occurrence so that by outward view of her countenance might easilie bee discerned the inward content of her bart and whence procéeded this alteration wherein by silence shee bewrayed to the French Prince what boldlie she durst not vtter in spéech and whereof he néeded no interpreter but with like signes returned thankfull requitall minding to goe presentlie to the Porte to sée by whome the King his Father had sent this long expected message The Emperour commaunded manie of his Barrons with him for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassadors to the Pallace and in signe of greater fauour Primaleon himselfe went with Arnedes who sent his divarse before to let them vnderstand his comming to the Porte Whereupon the Duke of Orleaunce with his company immediatly laÌ„ded where first beholding their yong Prince they ran hare-headed to kisse his hand when he haning seuerallie embrased the thus spake to the Duke of Orleaunce My noble Cosen how many pleasures hath your art shall héere inriched me withall in sooth farre more than you can easlie thinke on But tell mee I pray yée ere we passe any further how sares the King my Noble Lorde and Father So well as your heart can desire my Lord answered the Duke and as one wounderfull longing spéedilie to sée you wherefore his will is that making so little stay héere as possible you can you vse some hast in returning to your Countrie of Fraunce Herein shall I most gladlie obey him replyed Arnedes ere many dayes after this hée expired in meane space giue honour to Primaleon here the Emperours Sonne who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome yée Primaleon maruelled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselues to Arnedes which made him imagine that he was Sonne to their King in regard whereof vsing the greater kindnes to the Duke of Orleaunce and the other Ambassadours he desired theÌ„ to resolue him concerning the estate of Arnedes who hitherto had not disclosed himselfe to anie one My Lord said the Duke this yong Prince is out Soueraignes Sonne who in respect of his earnest desire to be seruice to the Emperour your Father thought it méetest for him to come vnknowne to this Court and héere to remayne so concealed till hee should perceiue his priuate deseignes fall out to his owne contentment Concerning which the present message committed to our trust by the King his Father I hope will sort to good and successefull end with the help of him whome I pray so spéed vs as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed In good faith said Primaleon turning himselfe to the French Prince I haue very great reason to complaine of you Arnedes that you would thus long hide yourself from me for although you resolued in comming hither that no one should know ye yet you might haue exempted me from that vniuersall number considering the
a hardy Knight bée determined to lay an ambush for Prince Edward to take him away by violence as you shall vnderstand But the Lady being a very ioyfull woman to sée her businesse haue so happy issue would not depart vntil the Tourney were finished which her Knight also purposed to attend who in the meane time was fore offended with himself that he combatted not Belcar because that slaying him in battell hee thought to doo great pleasure to Gridonia who hated mortally the partakers and louers of the Emperour of her capitall enemy But the King and all the Lords there present had no other talke but of him so that Belcar who felt himselfe some what displeased hearing all the praise powred vpon him saide thus much in all their hearings The houre approcheth when we shall see what hee can doo Notwithstanding I maruell much of you my Lorde looking vppon his father that you suffer your selfe so soone to be ouercome with wordes I haue done it sonne replyed the King to preuent the perill of your life hauing no better right on my side and let mee heare no more for good Knights ought to be honoured and maintained by Princes After this commaundement this pleacame no more in question but euery one prouided to make himselfe braue against the Tourney attending with an incredible desire to sir howe the Knight of the Dogge would be haue himselfe Sunday being once come the King went accompanied with his Barrons and the Quéene attended by her Ladies to the Scaffold and presently the place of the Iousts was opened where wer about two thousand Knights what on one side and other and the Duke of Borsa and the Earle of Oregua helde vppon the Courtiers side being both very valiant Champions Aâ— the first encounter many knights were séene goe to the ground then beginning to strike one vpon another â—dgeling â—â—â—â—ling and point wise making such noyse as if a Legion of Smiths had béene beating vpon their Anuiles But King Frisol looked about on euery side thinking to recognize the English Prince who hearing say that the Skirmish was already begun supposing some one or other of the Kings Sonnes would be within the lists he came thether accompanied with the xx Knights of the Ladies so that seeing the courtiers at the point of carying away the victory he purposed to reléeue the féebler side and dashing Spurres to his Horse before he brake his Launce he laide many a Knight along then setting hand to his sword he did maruelous things By this means knew him many Courtiers who came to prooue themselues against him Amongst others the Earle of Oregua comming very neere him lent him two sound blowes with his Mace for which he susteined sodaine reuenge by one blow which Prince Edward crossed him ouer his Helmet wherwith being sore hurt he fell to the ground Surely quoth the King then who beheld the coÌ„flict I perceiue now that which my heart did presage vnto me of the prowesse of the Knight of the Dog to be true things which euery one may iudge aswel as I by his honorable seats of armes which do aduance him far aboue all those of the whole troope And as he vttered these spéeches behold Belcar and his brother Ditreus who enter the lists vnknowne and for they said they would not be séene in the Tourney that day to the end to auoid asmuch as might be the clamor of the vulgar sorte assoone as the Nobility were placed vpon the Scaffolds they went secretly to arme theÌ„selues to thrust in among the crowd as being no better than simple Knights onely where being ariued Belcar ran his Launce cowched with great fury against the Knight of the Dog who seeing him come with such a powder attended him couered with his shield whereupon he receiued one liuely attaint wherewith had it not bin for the band of the Armer or who fatally tempered it Prince Edward had bin in danger of his life Then began they to charge one another with inuincible courage neuerthelesse their conflict continued not long because the Englishman who excelled Belcar in chiualry féeling himselfe somwhat mooued lighted so fell a knock vpon his Helmet that he cleft it a two and wounded him déep in his head so that he was constrained to fall astonied to the ground When the Prince of Hungarie saw his brother Belcar lie so piteously vanquished the Courtiers ouerthrowne he ran as a mad man against Prince Edward with so terrible a furie that his blow glauncing within the plates of his pouldrons vnder his shield he gaue him a little wound in his arme but he went not farre from the place to vaunt himselfe therof for the Knight of the Dog reached him two so sound blowes vpon his left shoulder betwéene his Habergion and his headpéece that he sent him to kéep his brother company Afterward with the aid of the most valiantest on his side he brusht his aduersaries in such sort that he made them all discampe to saue themselues and seeing himselfe victorious being very weary and ouer trauelled he retired himselfe into his lodging where he was by the Lady and her Knights disarmed and his wound carefully looked vnto Meane while the King who knew nothing of his sonnes disafter shewed himselfe to be very ioyfull to see that which he presumed of the Knight of the Dog to be in effect most true and supposed thereby he had done very well not to graunt his sonne Belcar the combate against him neuertheles being arriued at the Pallace and finding them both in so ill pickle he changed his sodaine ioy into sorrow saying Alas I deserue this well who did my self intreate the knight to attend the Tourney to procure me this mischiefe now let him go his wayes on Gods name and that no man be so hardie as to disturbe and vexe him The English Prince vnderstanding how Ditreus and his brother were wonderfull ill at ease through the wounds which they receiued of his hand was the gladdest man in the world for the respect which you haue heard before and considering how it was not very good to soiourne any longer in this court requested the Lady to take her leaue of the King and that it would please him to pardon him if he abode no longer there which she did most willingly not without great enquiry of the King to know who her Knight might be wherein the good Ladie being not able to satisfie him any otherwise but that a Merchant of Arriace had taken him into his ship in England as a passenger He tooke her conge honestly of him to returne home to her own house whether the knight of the Dog would néeds accompany her a good part onward of her way whereof the Earle of Oregua being aduertized who hated him mortallie for that he had béene dismounted by him in the Tourney desiring also with an extreame affection to get his faire Dog Maiortes froÌ„ him encouraged a brother of his who was both a valiant and a hardy
this hemisphere caused mee immediatly dispatch my Ambassadours toward your Maiestie to intreate that you woulde consent to an alliance which I haue purposed if you please betwéene our houses according to the ordenaunce of the last will which the into king of famous memorie my most Noble Father whom God absolue left me when he payd his mortall tribute to nature And because I haue instructed the bearers hereof in all the pointes and articles which on our behalfe you are to bee acquainted withall I shall need to vse the lesse discourse by Letter reposing onely on then sufficiencie Requesting you that in this cause you will giue them credit or what else they shall thinke méete and determine concerning the marriage of Arnedes Prince of Fraunce my Sonne as if I were with you my selfe in person and looke what honor shall be done to them in your Countrie I will account it as receiued by my selfe But least happilie you should repute it strange that thee â—est Sonne of so great a house as this should come to your Court so meanely attended therein I desire yée consider his earnest affection to accomplish some memorable déede vnknowne whereby you may easly gather how gladly he would goe beyond or equall the best Your affectionate and perfect friend The house of Fraunce This Letter béeing read the Emperour tooke the Ambassadours into his Chamber where after hee had heard at full the summe of their message immediatlie hee called together the Princes and Lordes of his priuie Councell to let them vnderstand his intent concerning these affayres This by their aduise was immediatly confirmed for good as well to accomplishe his promise to the deceassed King of Fraunce as also in respect Arnedes behauiour was so generally commended béeing a vertuous Knight and verie forward to Martiall exercise But aboue all the rest Primaleon was most willing and readie in consenting to this alliance knowing the earnest desire of his Sister to sée herselfe the wife of Arnedes another Adonis and for beautie well might Philocrista bée resembled to Psyches or rather if you will a second Venus The mariage béeing concluded on the morrow following they were affianced together with very stately and magnificent triumphes so that both in the Pallace and thorough the Cittie was nothing but disportes and pleasure to the no little content of the Emperour and Empresse as well for the comming and knowledge of Palmendos as for this loue knot betwéene Philocrista and the Royall Prince of Fraunce And now dooth Primaleon arme himselfe for knighthood that hereafter hee may bestowe his time in those commendable occasions Here the French Authour confesseth his fault for hauing intiteled the whole booke the first Booke of Primaleon both that which goes before called by me the History of Palmendos the name agréeing with the discourse and this where Primaleons chiualrie doth now but begin His reason is that the young Prince béeing verie daintylie brought vp and not of yeeres to receiue the order of Knighthood he tooke occasion in meane while to report the braue behauiour of his brother Palmendos But now shall wee speake of the gentle Prince himselfe the onely mirrour of honour and Armes as by reading his History you may perceiue CHAP. II. How Primaleon intreated the Emperour Palmerin his Father in the presence of the French Ambassadoures who prepared themselues to the Grecian portes that hee would giue him the order of Knighthood And how the Lorde of the enclosed Isle sent him a Sheeld and a Sworde wherewith hee tooke his order And what hee sent to the Emperour which he afterward sent to the King Florendos his Father requesting his presence at the mariage of faire Philocrista TO begin the narration and discourse of the déeds of our Primaleon who in his yongest yeares exercised himselfe so well in vertuous Disciplines whereof according to his verie naturall inclination and desire he declared himselfe a studious louer as one might iustly name him the true miracle of perfection So among other endowments for the spirite of wisedome he might be compared to Salomon for beautie both exteriour and interiour to the gentle Gréeke Alcibiades and for magnanimitie councell millitarie strategemes and such like to valiant Scipio the African or the subtill Hanniball of Carthage especiallie in this time of his youth when he had not receiued his order of Knighthood But now fit time therfore being come hée sell on his knée before his Father armed with a light Câ—â—ret which had no other beautie or brauerie then the plaine fashion which most he affected for his help in fight and with humble gestures hee intreated one request The Emperour very willingly made him graunt thereof as the like hee did to diuers others who this day demaunded his gratious fauour seeing him so bountifull in honour of this feast My Lord saide Primaleon the request which at this instant I desire your Grace not to denie mée is that I may be armed Knight by your hande in this armour on the day of the feaste for the nuptialls of Philocrista my sister for to make the same the more magnificent I hope to prouide a Tourney worthy the view of your Maiestie wherto I beséech you graunt me licence of safe conduct for all Knights whatsoeuer because I intend to haue it published in diuers Countries This had I graunted quoth the Emperour with all my hart albeit thou hadst not bound mee thereto by promise because these are the thinges that highly please me and very honorable is it to sée such solempnities at mariages especially of such a Princesse as thy Sister is My Lord sayd Abenunco to Primaleon I humbly beséech you to preferre me in this action in that I likewise earnestly desire to receiue my order of Knighthood with you so please the Emperour to honor mee with so much fauour The like request made Arnasin sonne to Duke Ptolome who was equall with them in youthfulnes of yeares wherwith Primaleon was not a little content Immediatly were Heralds of armes dispatched into diuers Regions to publishe the Tourney and the day purposed for the beginning of the sportes which shoulde continue during the feast with Court royall openly kept at the mariage of the Princesse Philocrista assuring all knights that pleased to shew themselues there to bee entertained with honour euerie way equall to desert Meane while was Arnedes seated by his affianced Mistresse more faire and brauer adorned than the daughter of Tindarus when Paris Alexander was euercome with her loue they bothe ioying yet with modestie and bashfulnes as neither durst enterprise the hardines to speake the first woord in which mute passions they rather resembled the two beautifull starres Castor and Pollux than humaine creatures possessed of life and moouing whereuppon Melicia smiling thus spake to them Ah that mine eyes were so happie that they coulde now behold him for whom my heart indures most passionate martirdome I would not show such pusillanimitie as you doe séeming as though you scantly knewe
each other why then doo you not giue some recreation to your affectionate soules but stand thus as dead bodies depriued of life Madame answered the Prince meruaile not to see mee silent and dispossessed of speech in that loue by nature sealed vp my lippes for seeing vs in greater content with the thing more conformable to our desires hee tooke the benefit of speaking from vs least the one should not please our eares so well as the other doth our harts Moreouer I haue till this houre so extreamely desired that which now I am perswaded is altogether mine as I shall neuer enioy any quiet in minde so yrksome is the thought of time to me till I may see the Crowne of Fraunce on the head of faire Philocrista As for you Madam be you certaine if my Cosin Recinde as yet liueth one day to rule the Realme of Castile for so perfectly doth he loue you as his returne hether will not be long to conclude this affaire which for my part I would be glad to hasten in regarde of the desire I haue to plesure you both to my power At these words Melicia began somwhat modestly to blush neuerthelesse being prudent and well aduised shee cunningly dissembled this youthful feminine shame saying My Lord the Prince Recinde is of such a vertuous and gentle nature and so well his valour and prowesse knowen where he trauaileth as each one ought to reioyce at his good fortune especially my selfe beyond all other that loue and honor him if it be so that hee beares me such good will as you speake of These speeches of Melicia so imboldned Arnedes that now he beganne somewhat to cheare vp himselfe and entered into further conference with his Lady taking of her the first ernest of their loue which were many daintie kisses soft touchings and such like yet so honest and comely discharged as it was no scandall or offence to the beholders but rather moued them to wish that they would longer continue this agreeable and pleasing behauiour Now the Emperour amongst those that were of greatest regarde there present highly esteemed and honored his sonne Palmendos in that the cheefest ioy and pleasure of this feaste proceeded from him heeruppon he remembred the sealed booke which he sent him with so many other precious thinges from the Isle of Delphos as in the tenth Chapter of Palmendos hath beene declared To make knowen therfore to the french Lords the magnanimitie and vertues of his sonne Palmendos hee commaunded the rich exquisite chaire wherin the Idol sat to be bright before him and the booke likewise which hee had caused to be kept in his treasurie amongst matters of greatest account To open the booke hee made proofe againe by many of his Knights but there was none could come néere it which hee perceiuing deliuered it to Palmendos saying My sonne make some little proofe of this booke for if you bring not this labour to end I am assured wee may set our hearts at quiet for reading or beholding any thing theerin contained Palmendos turning aside his head and making a lowly reuerence to the Emperour tooke the booke from foorth the hands of a Knight that endeuored to open it and with such ease did he open it as if the same had neuer been closed before heerat the Emperour was exceeding ioyfull and turning towardes the Noblemen of Fraunce he could not containe but néedes must expresse before them a most euident signe of fatherly affection to Palmendos Then taking the booke he turned ouer the leaues from one end to an other finding no matter or discourse written therin only he beheld the figures of two Emperours painted in the midst therof the one attyred after the greekish manner holding a sheeld vppon his arme wherein was the blazon and discription of the armes of the Empyre the other was armed cap a pe after the Turkish guise with a naked swoord in his right hand wherewith he seemed to menace the Gréeke and with his left hand very furiously hée snatched the shield from his arme If the Emperour were highly pleased with Palmendos opening the booke no doubte but hee greatlye marueiled what sinister presage these figures deliuered by their shew fashion wherefore he said aloud that these did signifie mighty matters hereupon all the Lordes and Knights approched nere him to see the figures and passing the booke from hande to hand they all could coniecture nothing but matter of astonishment But as each one deliuered his opinion according to such reason as best séemed vnto them there entred the pallace a young Gentleman in verie rich habilliments carrying it Sheeld and one of the verie best Swords for Armes that euer Vulcan God of the Forgers could deuise to make by his diuine Arte and being come before the Emperour he set his knee to the ground speaking in this manner Sir the Knight of the enclosed Ile sent me directly to this Court to kisse your hand on his behalfe béeing the man whō he loueth honoureth and estéemeth more than any other person this day liuing vnder the celestiall Spheres Albeit as yet hee neuer saw yee neyther knowes yée but onelye by the renowme of your manhood and generositie which hath so farre commended yée and gotten such conquest ouer him as hee cannot by his Magicke Arts Necromancie Cabalist and hidden Philosophie wherein he may well bee named the second Zoroasbres foresée any thing that may turne to your griefe or discontent of mind but he imagineth himselfe bound to let yee know thereof Wherefore that yée may wade no further in the depth of doubtfull opinions which the two figures in this enchaunted booke may cumber your thoughts withall he tells yée by me that as yée behold here these Images euen so one day shall the Empire of Gréece and the glorie of her good Knightes be abated and destroyed by the enemies of our fayth So that for the sinnes and iniquities of the Christians God will suffer betwéene the Gréekes and Turkes mortall diuorce a hatred which shall end by a most bloodie discomfiture whereto you and your Son Palmendos haue alreadie giuen beginning Neuerthelesse this raine and decadence shall not happen in your time neyther of him or your posteritie because all their liues euen to the last day shall bee most glorious and triumphall not any of your enemies erecting one Trophe ouer them therefore receiue no griefe at this fatall iudgment considering we can no way escape the ineuitable destenie whereto God hath appoynted vs. I sée well then replyed the Emperour in great heausnes that man shall not haue anie one intire pleasure in this mortall life Ah soueraigne directer of all thinges most deuoutly I intreat thee that thou wilt for euer imprint within my soule the true caracters of thy holy catholike faith to the end I may both liue die thereafter without any other desire than to accomplish thy most blessed will And albeit that Greece in my time shall not receiue
before day which displeased Rifarano verie much for that hee could not take his leaue of the Emperour nor of Palmendos whom he destred to sée aboue all other Wherefore calling to him the Squire of the Countesse who followed him hee commaunded him before his departure from thence he should present himselfe before the Emperour and to tell him that Rifarano recommended himselfe most humbly to the good grace of his Maiestie beseeching him of excuse if he could not come him selfe to doe the message for that by reason of some businesse which was of great importance he was coniured to depart in all haste to the end to arriue with more spâ—d in Germanie and that he would ere long returne to make amends by his humble seruice for the Honour which he had receaued in his Court Then giuing him manie rich presents as well for himselfe as his Mistris commaunded him assoone as hee had discharged his dutie towardes the Emperour he should returne to hir strait to pray her learn him shee should not thinke amisse of him if during his aboue with her he neuer told her the name of his house and linage For which he would come to make amends hauing remayned some few daies in Almaine whether he was going with Ledefin to sée the Emperour Trineus his Father and that in the meane time she should make account of him as of the most affectionate seruant shee might finde in the vniuersall world After these spéeches the Pilot began to cut with his ship the spacious pliane of salt waters leauing vppon the shore the Squire verie pensiue and sorrowfull to abandon thus his Master but after he had called his courage to him he went to do his embassage to Palmendos and the Emperour who was wil sorrie for his secret departure because he would soone haue sent Rifarano home to his Father wish more honour The Countesse of Islande vnderstanding by her Squier that her Paramour was an Infidell and had nâ—â—eadie taken his way towards Germanie shee had almost 〈◊〉 for sorrow So that tooing afterwardes some â—â—llere pennance for her offence after the end of nine Moneths shee brought into this world a goodlie Sonne who inherited the â—arâ—â—dome of Island after the discease of his mother and following military Discipline did atchieue 〈◊〉 many strange thinges in Fraunce whether he went to sée his Father who was Duke of Burgundie as you shall vnderstand by the discourse of our Historie With this Childe the Countesse tooke so great comfort that by little and little she forgot the loue of Rifarano whom ' wee will nowe come to finde making saile in the Adrâ—aticke Sea where he had so happie Nauigation that within fewe daies hee came vppon the coast of Germanie and casting his ankers in a Porte foure dayes iourney distant â—â—om the Emperour Trineus Court they went thither in compleate armes except the head In breefe béeing arriued at the Pallace Rifarano sell on his knées before his Father demaunding his hande to kisse it The good Prince Trineus who vnderstoode long time before by letters from the Emperour of Greece of his Sonnes arriuall in Constantinople which hee then presentlie imparted to the Empresse his wife who greatly desired to knowe what they were séeing these two strange Knightes mistrusted lest the one should be him whereof serued for a good testimonie the gladnesse which hee shewed in his heart when he saide Sir Knight to giue you my hand I may not willingly consent before I knowe who you are My Lorde replyed hee againe in places where I am knowne they call mee Rifarano and this my companicâ— â—echefin Sonne to the Solton of Persia and to 〈◊〉 most affectionate friends O then you are thrice welcome quoth the Emperour into the place where your arriuall ouercommeth mee with gladnes So said he embracing them hauing for very â—ole so râ—re the teares in his eyes that he could hardly abstaine but some one did fall to the ground when he began thus Ah! my sonne happie may I thinke the perill and danger I past to be get you séeing that I see you no 〈◊〉 proued such fruite of my labour that all my life I shall for my part praise God for so great a grace but how could you stay so long away before you would come to see me considering your valour and Chiualrie did much increase my desire thereunto â— Alas It was the heauen which beeing enâ—â—ous and iealous of my blisse could not permit me to enioy your presence Hauing done this speech hee welcomed verie courteouslye Lechesin in the meane time they had this honest and gratious communication came in many Nobles who vnderstood newes of Rifarano to entertaine him the most Honourablâ—â— they could So that the Emperour who knew verie well the Empresse would be most glad of this occurrence taking the two Knights the one in the right hand and the other in the left went to finde her in her Chamber saying Madame these Princes the one who is of the Soldan of Persiaes sonnes and the other ouer whom you haue absolute power to commaund come to do you their humble reuerence and to offer you their seruice in any thing whatsoeuer wherein it shall please you to employ them Then the Empresse rising from her 〈…〉 to embrace them both with great loue especially Rifarano to whome she saide My sonne I haue now good occasion to reioyce mee of your presence and to cherrish you as mine owne Childe seeing you resemble him so naturally who following his destante gaue you your essence among men whome I loue aboue mine owne person with zeale so entire and perfect that it extendeth and redoundeth far ouer yours Madame quoth Rifarano nature hath so fullie accomplished you with all vertues that there can procéed from you nothing but a sincere good will for which I thanke you most humblie in mine owne behalfe albeit it much surpasseth my little merite which shall cause me to put this kindnes into the number of manie others which you haue so well heaped on mee that all my life I shall finde my selfe much boundeâ— vnto you Then bee kist her hand with the honour and reuerence which appertaineth to so high a Ladie and next did embrace Vernan her eldest sonne a Prince surely carefullie instituted in good manners and vertuous education which well hee could shew by the gentle entertainment he made him in recognisance of this new fraternitie albeit he were verie young of yeares Hee held the second place of thrée male Children and of two female which they had at one birth whereof the first liued not long because this was not in age marriageable the alliance of the houses of Almaine with that of Constantinople could not be redoubled giuing him to Philocrista whome the Prince of Fraunce had neuer other wise espoused their eldest Daughter of the age of fourtéene called Bellerisa was verie faâ—re yet not so faire as the younger But the Emperour caused the two Knights to bee disarmed and
shee for whose loue the French Lord fought is not so perfect in beauty but she yéeldeth and giueth the first place into you Aduertising you more-ouer that he and his companion remaine from this present houre your most 〈◊〉 and obedient Knights as hoping if it please you to doo them so much honour that they may accomplish the Lawe of the Ioust of County Peter vnder your name to employ themselues so in this place that the renowne of your beauty shall flie throughout all climates of the Leuant Hee that had there séene the comely beauty of Melissa should not haue sailed to haue ludged of the tamour aâ— her two Alabaster cheekes couered with a transparent and 〈◊〉 Lawne for the shame that seazed her hearing him speaâ—â—â—â— in her fauour Nor could she answere a worde to the young-man shee founde her selfe so confounded when the King her father who was there with the Emperour 〈…〉 this Embassage in good part said vnto her Daughter I will not beléeue but the Seigneur who sendeth you such a present knoweth you and though it were for no other respect at least you ought to receiue it and to honour him who sendeth it you for loue of his generous minde I know not my Lorde quoth Melissa then who may bee the Knight whose curtesie seemeth not to approch his force taking this hardlesse to giue a present to a Damsell whom he knoweth not which notwithstynding for that it is your pleasure I will accept of it You shall aduertize your Master quoth shee to the Page he greatly mistaketh to presume so much of my beauty as to continue the Ioust of the Earle for mee who haue deserued no such honour at his hand Neuerthelesse I thanke him for his good will in â—ccompence whereof if I can doo any thing for him you shall assure him from mee I will employ my selfe with as good will as I pray God to preserue him and his companion also from all incumbrances which may impeach his valiant enterprise for the small occasion they haue to charge so heauy a burthen for so little beauty as mine makes me feare they wil be vanquisht if their prowesse and dexterity doo not supply this default Then the young youth making a low obeysance to thanke her for this curteous answere tooke his leaue gratiously of her And turning to Duke â—ustace who was neer esâ—â—eâ—ought him to tell the Emperour and his company that who so euer had any desire to ioust against this Knight-vanquisher and his companion should appeare vpon the Battiers where hee should finde them alwaies ready which hee did without delay The Emperour misdoubting one of these Knights to be Belcar told if incontinent to King Fâ—isol who assured him the contrary for that he supposed hee had hardly lest the company of Florendos Now did Belcar all that day nothing but breake stanes for there was no French Knight but came to doo his best against him hoping euery one to reuenge the County Peter but the like chaunce befell them as did to him before for this Desendant was rough and a very good horseman which was his inheritance he helde from King Frisol his father who was esteemed one of the best men at Armes of his time That same day Belcar dismounted beside the Frenchmen about twenty Knights the most redoubted of the Court whereat the Emperour wondered much so that he sent Primaleon to them to know who they were who gladly did this Embassage with Palmendos entreating them to repose that night in the Emperours Court who gaue them such charge for the great desire he had to know them Gentlemen answered Belcar desire his Maiesty to pardon vs this once for that wee cannot leaue this place without incurring some blame beeing departed from our houses with full detemination to make our selues knowne to none This is a point of small curtesie quoth the Constantino Politan to refuse the honest offer which the Emperour maketh you with so simple excuse as you finde now And who are you faire Syr quoth Belcar faining not to know him who tearme vs discurteous I am Primaleon replied hée Sonne to the Emperour who sendeth to intreate you by mée to doo him this honour I haue done then presecuted the Desendant because I knowe you haue not as yet receiued the order of Chiualry Assuring you that for your praiers nor for the entreaties of the Emperour shall you preuaile further with me than as I told you before I will not importune you any further sayth the young Prince then being somewhat offended and when hee had so said he returned into the Pallace with Palmendos who was so wrath with this thwart answere that hee purposed on the next morrow to Arme himselfe to the ende to chastiâ—e his arrogance When the Emperour vnderstood they had disdained to graunt his request hée did but laugh at it saying they must he let alone in their obstinacie to sée what might bee the 〈◊〉 Neuerthelesse Palmendos would be reuenged and without saying ought to any body went secretly to endosse the Coat of Armes in which he vanquished the Tourney which we haue described before and came withall with a great Eaunce in his hand within the Barriers So soone as Recindes spide his Armour hee knewe it and who carried it on his back which he let his companion know requesting him not to Ioust against him for the Emperours sake Whereunto Belcar answered bee coulde willingly forbeare notwithstanding he oâ—â—ht not to refuse so good occasion to proone his valour against so 〈◊〉 a Knight for if he dismount me at the Ioust quoth hee I shall not thinke it any shame or dishonour for mee seeing hee is the Achilles of our age with whose valerous exployts all the Orient reseundeth When hee had done his speech hee did his best endeuour to make him feele his forces and running one against the other very roughly such was their encounter that Belcar had taken measure of the earth had he not taken hold of his horse-maine And Palmendos liked not very wel the knocke which he gaue him but it was néedefull for them to breath a little Then charging a fresh with new Launces for that the first flewe in pieces to their Gauntlets they met together with so sodaine a sury that they made the ground tremble vnder them where Belcar sound himselfe much bruised what with the blow and the fall in his Armour Then Palmendos who lost onely his stirrups glad of this reuenge demaunded his Hanburgeon aduising him if he would not fight at the sharpe to depart the field Other battell quoth Belcar séeke not I against thee for small hope haue I to gaine more honour by the sword than I haue already at the Ioust and for that also I estéeme and loue then too well to make further tryall against thée knowing right well by this encounter I should haue but ill spéede if I procéeded further Palmendos hearing him say so mittigated a good part of his indignation and
began Primaleon to take it in dudgeon finding him alwaies before him offering such fashion of Combat feeling rather a mortal bloudy fight than an excercise of ioy pastime wherefore he swore to be reuenged of him if hée encountred him any more in the Tourney which fell out euen so for that vpon the morrow séeing him with his Launce in his rest to come amaine vpon him snatcht another out of his Squiers hands quickly saying alowd in great indignation Discurteous Knight I know not who you are who filled with such a fury and mallice against mée will not suffer me to be one minute of an houre at quiet Neuerthelesse I will see now whether I can vncase this fellowe who thinkes to dispatch him who neuer as farre as bee knoweth offended him in his life Finishing these spéeches he went to charge him with his sword which he thrust so right into the middest of his breast that it ranne more than a foote and a halfe crosse thorough his shoulders and at that instant sent him as dead as a Dogge to the ground prosecuting his talke thus Now shall thou leaue mee manger thy mallice who hast dogde mee so these thrée dayes that I could neuer kéepe thée from behind or before mee Then in great hardiesse hurring into the thickest of the presse hée charged them so couragiously of all sides that ere long hée forced all his aduersaries to turne their backs To make a short abridgement hée got alwaies the honour of the victory as long as the Tourney lasted Whereof the Emperour and all the Nobles of Greece were passing ioyfull of his generosity valour and Chiualry But let vs nowe before wée conclude this first part of our History sée what good lucke befell the Spanish Prince who hath lately left the Iousts to Court his fayre Lady Melissa CHAP. XIIII Howe Recindes hauing espoused Melissa returned into Spatue Arnedes into Fraunce with Philacrista and all the other Kings and Princes into their Kingdomes Except King Florendes and Queene Griana who died in Constantineple to the great sorrow and mourning of the Emperour and all his Court. WHo might euer be able to recount the great magnificence and meruallous thinges which were done during the feast of Philocrista and Francheline Surely the sumptuositie thereof seemed so pompous and the feates of Armes so admirable that to describe them well they surpasse the cloquent tongues of Demosthenes or Cicero For there was present so great a number of braue and valiant Knights that you would haue iudged the whole assemblie to haue béene the choyce and flower of all the men at Armes in the whole world But aboue all Recindes made his valour well knowne there for the earnest desire which prouoked him to do his best endeuour in some thing which might the more recommend him to his deare and best beloued Melissa Therfore the Emperour who estéemed him highly told the King of Hungarie that he should get a good Sonne in law if hée purposed to giue him his Daughter in marriage King Frisoll answered hee would be very willing of this alliance and causing his Son Belcar Recindes great friend to be sent for demeunded him his aduise and what coniecture hee had concerning his will in this matter Whereunto making answere that it was the most affectionate point of the Castilians honour beganne thus to set this busines abroach Lord Recindes your valour and chiualrie sheweth it selfe so Heroicall among this Illustrious Troupe that I loue you as much as my Sonne Primaleon so that to accquite my selfe in part of satisfaction of the good turnes I ow you hauing done mee this great Honour to come and visite mee in my house I am content to giue you for wife Melissa my néece Daughter to so Honourable a King as is my Brother of Hungarie As for the perfections of the Infante séeing you know and sée them euery day your selfe I will not labour to dilate further vppon her praise séeming to mee that the amitle betwéene you and my Sonne Belcar should bee farre more inseperable when the accomplishment of this alliance shoulde be consummate The Knight most attentiuely giuing eare to the Emperours talke bowed himselfe with a lowly reuerence to 〈◊〉 his hande and likewise King Frisols accepting him for his father and reputing himselfe for the happiest Spanish Knight that euer set saile toward the Fennes of Meotis for that he alone had compassed such a marriage the which was solemnized the morrow after with so much pompe and a newe supply of Tourneying Tilting that Primaleon had leysure inough to shew his singuler prowesse valour nor hapned there any thing during all these Triumphes which disquieted the Emperour in minde but the death of Perrequin knowing that he was not the least of his faction for otherwise he would not haue cared so much for it When all the feasts were finished the Emperour gaue many presents to many Knights sending them home most ioyfull men into their owne houses and countries And in the meane while he shewed good cheare countenance Arnedes solicited by his Ambassadors demaunded leaue to returne into Fraunce with his wife Philocrista and so likewise did Recindes with his The Greekish Daminator denied them not their sutes but bestowed great riches vppon his Daughter to the end she should goe most honourablie into Fraunce and in like manner to Melissa his néece Then he commaunded to rigge out a fleete of ships well equipped with al things necessary for such a voyage The King Florendos gaue moreèuer manie rich and pretious Iewels to his néeces the King of Hungarie not forgetting to doe the like to his Daughter with whom hee sent a certaine number of his Knightes to accompany and sauegard her home And if the Empresse became verie sad at the departure of her two Daughters no lesse was the griefe of the two Princesse But for that they went away gallantly married to their content they easily forget all sorrowes past Euerie one then taking their leaues they be tooke themselues to the salt water and so well were they fauoured by Zoylus Neptune that with a prosperous gale and a calme Sea they soone arriued in the Coasts of Prouence where Recindes bidding adew his cosens Arnedes Philocrista followed the roâ—t of his voyage with Melissa And commaunding to single towards the strait of Gibraltar which lieth betwéene the two mountaines Calpe and Abylas at this day called the pillers of Herculos because the one of them in Spaine and the other in Barbarie were long since by him seperated to nauigate from the Ocean Sea into the Mediterranian came to land in the cittie of Siuill where he was most Honourably receaued From thence hee tooke his iourney towardes his Cittie Toledo where the King his Fathersoiourned who was passing glad of his arriuall most of all when hée heard the reputation hee had gotten in feates of Armes In somuch that going from his Pallace to entertaine them louingly could not forbeare weeping
woulde come thither ere it were long to marrie her In the meane time her Aunt went to speake with the Duke her Brother with whome after shée had giuen him to vnderstand that â—ot knowledge was not to 〈◊〉 to work Prince Edward to this passe she aduised him to go accompanied with twenty Knights Armed into his Daughters chamber Where sayning himselfe ignoraunt of the matter and shewing himselfe fore displeased against them hath hée should â—eaze vppon his body and put him in prison and so they might worke their matters as they lifted The Duke than putting in prâ—â—tize this stratageâ—â—e came with twenty men all in Armes who the chamber dore wherin he 〈◊〉 entred all alone 〈…〉 â—ignes of adâ—â—cation began thus to say Alas my God what a bayâ—â—â—â— case â—â— Isle Am I awake or doâ— I meaning beholde this 〈◊〉 Ah! I should haue thought to haue had a vertuous 〈◊〉 and chast â—â—â—den to my Daughter more 〈…〉 than any other in these Northen Regions and 〈…〉 I trustrated of mine opinion for I sée before mine owne eyes she is more vitious and corrupt than euer was 〈◊〉 as Messalina Truely I may well vaunt my selfe to make thâ—â— both dye in prison by the most 〈◊〉 torment that may bee 〈◊〉 séeing they haue shamefully dishonoured 〈…〉 all my posterity Enter then and come in my Knights to â—â— handâ— vppon this murthering Palliaâ—d to the ende I may know who be is and who hath counselled him to enter to râ—shly into my house for all those who are culâ—able and in any 〈◊〉 consâ—crate in this misdéede I shall make them pay deareâ—â—â— for it by a most 〈…〉 shamefullend of their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that hee â—ept out of the Chamber doore to â—et â—â— his 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 come in did nothing animâ—â—â— nor terrifâ—e the English Prince who setting band to his sword and with an inuincible 〈◊〉 putting his shield on his arme 〈◊〉 them thus Come now hardly who 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 and I shall shew him 〈…〉 from all 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 gathâ—ring 〈…〉 〈…〉 â—et for all thâ—t 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 about him so 〈◊〉 thâ—t he 〈…〉 them all 〈◊〉 not the 〈◊〉 after gone to worke with her magicke spels as you shall heare Shée forsooth darkened all the light of the Chamber making a sulphurous and obscure ayre 〈…〉 darke than hell itselfe in stéed therof then deliuering forth the Knights with the Infant◠〈◊〉 who would willingly haue bin in his place who was dead she shut Prince Edward fast within the Chamber vntill the morrow morning when she saw seuen of the Dukes Squiers lying along on the ground one staine outright and other 〈◊〉 sore wounded Now could not the Duke tell what it were best to doo with him because if he should deliuer him it séemed to him but to hasten too shamefull a death for himselfe and if hee should kéepe him any longer in his house it should but encourage him to forethinke all meanes to put him to more cruell torment so that he passed the night in this conflict vntil the morrow morning when an auntient Knight reprehending him sharpely because he suffered himselfe to be gouerned by women counselled him to cause Prince Edward to bee secretly conuayed out of his house by the same Damosell which giuded him thither The Duke who liked well of this aduise caused the Damosell who had béene the messenger to come before him vnto whom after he had shewed some signes of great heauines his made this spéech It grieueth me much that my sisters pretence hath not sorted to so good effect as she expected and for so much as you are the cause hauing conducted the Knight into the aduenture of the Cloyster where hee hath conquered such a it well which safe-gardeth him from all her enchauntments néeds must you your selfe get him by subtle meanes from hence saying you onely haue meanes so saue his life and for you should thinke your selfe greatly culpable of his death if it should chaunce to happen vpon the assurance which you gaue him bringing him into my house you will willingly set him frée from hence into the fields if hee will promise you neuer to séeke any reuenge of the Duke nor of any of his family Hereunto willingly condescended the Damosell when departing from the Duke troubling like an Daken lease shee came to the Chamber where Prince Edward was who studied already how he might breake open the doore to sackage them who would come against him Shée prostrating her selfe before him with the teares in her eyes beginneth thus the â—enour of her words Fayre Prince great is the occasion which I haue nowe to complaine of fortune for I hauing brought yâ—u into this house vnder a protext of the extreame loue which my Mistris beareth you they haâ—e deuised a spéedy and most shamefull death for vs all thrée for you especially whome the Duke hath surprised with his Daughter whom albeit he should pardon the vainousnes of the case which hee supposeth falsely to haue béene aâ—â—â—â—knowing you should 〈…〉 will 〈◊〉 ther owne bosome with some sword or 〈…〉 some nowe kinde of death as did â—ortia the Daughter of Cato where shée heard of the death of her husband Brutus As forme you may well thinke my Lord the Duke 〈◊〉 of the sourâ—â— of this occurrence as he beginneth already to doo most tractly finding out at last my priuy practiâ—es which I protest before God I neuer went about to carry to any euill end I shall be most sharpely punished of vs all thrée Neuertheles yet iâ— I dye will I not surcease as being the person of this Trinity which know I haue best deserued as wel I know I must die for it to employ my self in some subtle inuentions to make vs escape this imminent perrill so that ye will aâ—â—are mee neuer to séeke any reuenge for the offence which hath béene offered you in this place Wherefore I beséch you fayre Lord most humbly to graunt me generall remission to the ende that declaring it to the Duke at the article of my death hee may bée moued to compassion to pardon me also himselfe and this is the meanes whereby wee may peraduenture saue our liues from the mortall punishment which they prepare for vs euery day So well knew the Damsell to colour her spéeches that she wone the mercy of the Prince who answered her thus Fayre maiden for the loue of Rene who surely meriteth much more at my handes I haue willingly pardoned this iniurie to the Duke and to all his familie albeit it is one the most vilest touch and outrage which might bee offered to any Knight And albeit the death which they determine to make vs die be horrible and cruell yet I shoulde take mine in very good part if I might execute vpon those vaâ—less who woulde lay hands on me such a massacre as they deserue Neuerthelesse séeing the occasion presents it selfe to auoyd this scandall I am content to followe it so that no greater dammage may
who vnderstood her well speaking for her set one knée on the grounde and made this answere Madame in very déede I beléeue your Lyon neuer sawe this Damsell before because shee commeth but nowe from a 〈◊〉 Lande farre distant from these Countries but hée presageth the great desire which the Knight who sent her vnto you hath to doo you seruice and also can iudge of the high choyce of this Princesse beeing Daughter to the Soldan of Persia for so much as the Lyons by nature as being Kings among the foure footed Beasts doo recognize and knowe perfectly the illustrious and royall bloud So hee procéeded to declare the Embassage which Prince Edward gaue him incharge to deliuer by worde of mouth beside the letter which he had already giuen into her hand praysing him in valour and curtesie aboue all the Knights to whom the fower Elements had euer lent any influence of harmonicall constitution And told her moreouer how he caused him self to be called the Knight of the Dogge by reason of a very great and fayre Dogge that he carried along with him which was of so good knowledge that hee ayded and succoured him greatly in his necessities Squire my friend replyed the Princesse Gridonia I make no doubt but that the Knight of the Dogge is both magnanimious and of great Prowesse séeing that without knowing me hee hath had this remembrance of me wherein I pray the Lord God to giue me the fauour that according to his merite I may returne him his due guerdon and rewards and giue him so much power and strength as by his happy victory he may chace from my hart the languishing and bitter sorrow which hath ceazed it a long time And for a testimony of the loue and duety I too owe him reciprocally I take and accept this Infant his present in the place and steede of a sister and a good friend and so will I loue and honour her as if wee were both issued out of one wombe For this acceptation and curtesie did Diazan thanke her most humbly in kissing her hand then did hee interprete to the Infant what she said whereat Zerphira bowing her selfe very low did giue her also thankes for her part and then did Gridonia take her by the hand to make her sit downe by her praying her to be of good cheare and to deuise what pastime shee pleased all which Diazan expounded vnto her as well as he could Then shee who perceiued so much honour was done vnto her in eating and drinking alwaies with Gridonia which made her greatly comfort her selfe and droue away all yrkesomnes of the place but not that she could in any wise altogether forget her aduerse and sinister fortune Neuerthelesse she neuer shewed any euident token thereof but very wisely dissembled it whereat Gridonia maruelled not a little but much more at her great riches and iewels which shée carryed about with her Diazan after hee had rewarded the Merchants of Arriace with some present sent them away home to their houses because hee meant to abide there to serue the Infant Zerphira whom he aduertized by the way to take héede least shée shuld speake any thing in fauour of the Emperour of Constantinople to Gridonia nor to shew by any token or signe that she loued him or any of his stocke or kindred Which shee who was both sage and well aduised tooke for so good a forewarning that shee was neuer heard in her presence to speake any thing by affection of this family CHAP. XXII How the Knight of the Dog presented himselfe with the Lady of Arriace before King Frisol who at his entreaties let the widdow alone with her Cittie and how afterward he got the best in a Tourney which was held in his Court and what fell out by occasion thereof DIazan being departed with the infant Zerphira Prince Edward the Lady of Arriace accompanied with twentie knights whom they tooke for their safe conduct tooke their iourney towards King Frisols Court so that arriuing there the third day afterward about euening praier the Knight being in his complete armour except his head-péece and gantlets onely led the Lady by the hand euen vp to the chamber of presence for in this place did the King recreate himselfe with his children and with many other Lords who were come the ther of purpose to see and welcome Belcar not long time before arriued from Durace and there was besides the Quéene his Mother accompanied with Esquiuela Alderine the wiues of Dâ—treus and Belcar his two Sonnes with many other Ladies deuising and sporting themselues together euery one according to their pleasure The King séeing the Lady come in knew presently she was Lady of Arriace and beholding the physiognomie and honest countenance of the Knight iudged with himselfe he descended from some high and great linnage when the Lady prostrating her selfe at his féete thus began to frame her complaint Sir it hath pleased you to cause notice to be giuen me to appeare before your royall Maiestie to the end that vnder the coulour of fortification and assurance of your kingdome you may dispossesse me of my towne of Arriace because it is situate vpon the frontiere confining vpon the Moores your enemies from whom yée suppose putting therein sure guarde and good garrison to shut vp all passage that way to cut off the hostile inuasion which they might other wise make into your Maiesties dominions wherein I maruell much that you addresse your selfe to me being but a poore widow rather than to any other of your vassalls to vse such rigour extremitie towards them considering if you alledge that my sonne is too yong to kéepe quarter and to hold so dangerous a passage I will answer you this reason séemeth not sufficient to execute iniustice towards him but rather ought you as his King soueraigue Lord to take him into your protection and safegarde Nor can you finde iustly any fault that my citty is not well guarded and fortefited séeing I ordinarily kéepe in pay a great number of Knights and Souldiers who do not neglect their duty and diligence aswell in placing Sentinels and Scouts both by day and night within and without my walles as likewise in maintaining all other things which are requisite for a frontire towne besides euery one may presume that in loosing of it I should most of all be endammaged as being depriued of the principall cittie of my domaine which I will not exchange for any other which you shall offer me in recompence to haue it This is the matter I am come to let you vnderstand hoping to finde some pitty and compassion in a Prince so full of clemencie as you are otherwise I would neuer haue presumed to haue béen so bolde to appeare before your presence assuring my selfe if you cause the charters of your Royaltie to be exactlie looked ouer you shall finde it appertaineth not to you by any vassellage but hath alwaies beene the chiefe citie belonging
Captaine of his Penâ—â—oners that assembling all his Aâ—chiers with their halberts he shoulde make a round in forme of a close field wherin none should dare to stirre from his place nor speake anie word and so was there made a great circle furnished with the gardes standing arme in arme one by another except on the side of the Emperours tent to the end both he and the Empresse and their daughter might easily behold this combat The Dukes Eustace and Pâ—holomey were appointed for iudges who brought them both within the lists equally without anie fauour distributed to them the Sunne Then placing themselues at the one side of the circle and causing the word of the assalt to be giuen by the Herald the knights who had great desire to come together displaced themselues to fetch theyr carierâ— as fast as they could galloppe one against another with so great a brauerie and furious violence that the verie earth seemed to sinke vnder them at theyr incounter which was such that breking their lances one against the other they went both roundly ouer theyr horse croupers to the ground either of them being wounded a little But the desire to vanquish the shame they receiued in being both cast out of their faddles Primaleon before Torques and prince Edward in presence of Flerida whom he imagined had still her eie vpon him made them make quicks speed to recouer themselues and imbracing with an inuincible courage their shields they began a most fierce fight with theyr sâ—ordes being both right exquisite and singular good Wherewith be laboring each other roughly in a short space they couered y e ground round about them with the peeces of their shilds with the broken plates of theyr armor so that disarming each other at euery blow they stroke they neuer lighted anie foile or touch but presently the bloud followed to the ground the beholders affirming they neuer sawe the like cruell combat whereof they could not discerne as yet who should beare awaie the victorie The two knights then hauing a long time buckled together in this manner without perceiuing anis vantage one of an other felt themselues verie féeble by reason of the great heals which they indured vnder their harneys and also for the smell intermission they tooke to continue this hot and fearefull â—ight of their first assault Wherefore they returned from choler to repose and breath themselues a while when the Empresse séeing her sonne in so euill case cryed out to the Emperor saying Alas my Lord what a disaster mischiefe is this Will ye than permit that I beholde the mortall issue of so tragick a spectacle Ah heauens for bid for if Primaleon die I shall presently beare him companie If then either loue of a child or of a wife â—â—ay find any place in the heart of a father and a husband I humbly intreate you haue pittie of vs both considering the great danger wherin he is now and the extreme anguish which I féele which ye may soone remedie praying them to procéede no farther in this theyr deadly fight Willingly would I accord quoth the Emperour were it not for the shame and dishonor which thereby would fall vpon my head for the world woulde then saiâ— I had done it expresly fearing my sonne should be discomitted in the battell albeit I perceiue no signe of aduantage that the one hath ouer the other assuring you that by the death of two so valiant knights the worlde shoulde receiue great losse for the good fruit which might come of their persons Rather let your daughter Flâ—rida go to intreate them for her loue they would end and desist this combat and doubtlesse I suppose they will sooner surâ—â—ase it for her than for anie other and by this means shall I auoâ—â— the danger of being â—aâ—ed therefore by mine enemies and euil willers Scanthad the Emprour spoken these wordes but the Empres who seemed greatly to feare the death of Primaleon for this effect sent the infant her daughter accompanied with many damsels who comming with all speed vnto the knights who had alreadie renued their assalt more furiously than before called vnto them aloud Stay your hands my Lordes stay I beseech ye heare me a little what I would intreate ye to do for me Thou prince Edward seeing her before him who had wounded his hart cleane thorough could not lift vp his arms to strike a blow seeing himselfe vereft againe of all his forces which caused him to retire backwards a little when Primaleon chaâ—ing with great indignation against his sister spake to her verie rigorously Sister Flerida what meane yee get yet gone from hence presently and let vs pursue our assault for I will die in the place or I wil make him die who hath put me to this plungs Dearchrother replyed the infant I beseech ye aboue all fauours that ye wyll euer do me desist the desire ye haue to finish this combat wherein I thinke your enemie so curteous that he for his part wil be content to agree for my sake Then turning towardes prince Edward Faire Knight quoth she albeit I finde my selfe of smal trierite in your behalfe yet must I needs request ye by the saith ye owe to knighthood which is to haue compassion of all Ladyes and by the zeale and sincere affection ye beare to her whom ye loue most to absolue your aduersaris as touching this different which I may no longer indure to beholde so bloudity tried betweene ye so inuincible seemeth vnto me the high valour and extreame prowesse of yee both And if for my sâ—lâ—e ye do any thing heerein I shall haue cause to sâ—ie I haue found more fauour and curtesie in a straunger than in mine owne naturall brother which shall not be without honest reward when it shal please ye to imploie me in anie thing wherein I may manifest my good will to requite this vndeserued curtesie of your hands The knight seeing with what grace his sweete enemie intreated him reputed himselfe more than happie by this opportunitie to finde me and to do some thing which might please her so that bee framed her this answere Madame ingratefull and voice of all good iudgement shoulde I bee if I shoulde refuse so high a Ladie as your selfe the â—â—ing yee demand of 〈…〉 your sweete saue who deserue much more at my â—auden then may euer come from me I absolue Primaleon of the controuersie for which wee entered the combat or else yeelding my selfe vnnquished by him I giue him the honour of the battell 〈…〉 it for your selfe quoth Primaleon then for since it is not 〈◊〉 by right I will not inrich nor glorifie myselfe therwith Then shall â—â— triuth â—â— my pleasure when I shall 〈…〉 ouer ye Therefore sister Flerida get ye henâ—â— speedily or otherwise yee will make mee shew my selfe discourteous towards ye for I will not haue this knight make his vaunts how hee brought me to this bay Doo then your pleasure replyed the
whole vnto your beauty prowesse and valour which hath brought me into such a taking that no reason beeing able to preuaile ouer the flaming desire of my heart which you infused into mee when I gaue you mine I am constrayned to abandon mine honour vnto you Wherein I cannot but merualle to finde my selfe so quicklie ouer taken with your loue regarding the small time I feele this burning passion in my breast for to make you knowe the waight you sée presently howe I haue feared nothing which may staine the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renowne The Duchesse perseuering in these her curteous Ceremonies the Damosell beganne to cut her off thus Maddame it is nowe time to bring into some harbour the two Barkes so tossed with the amorous storme and tempest So that to preache is not nowe required in this place rather let the Pilots thereof alone to doe the deuoire of their office By this meanes Tirendos hauing well vnderstoode the watch worde set vp the Mast with one hande and lifted vp the Sayles with the other then laying downe his Armes of steele required in mortall battells hee helped himselfe with those which are more esteemed betweene two Courtaines couching himselfe neere the Duchesse side where tooke some end the anguish of two Louers who remayned in that manner vntill they thought it high time to giue order for the rest of their Nauigation a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner There hee soiourned nine or tenne dayes in the greatest pleasure and contentment that as yet hee euer tasted in his life for the Duchesse who loued him as dearelye as her own life was faire and gratious in perfection in such sorte that the departure and discontinuing of this felicitie and pleasure was a most grieuous thing to both these vassals of Loue. For fearing lest at length this secrete misterie would bee discouered the Knight must néedes go out of his swéet and voluntarie Prison albeit the Duchesse did not much feare her old and gray-headed Husband who may bée an example to all other that euery one should séeke his match lest the other inconuenient happen But Tyrendos in taking leaue of his Lady promised vndoubtedly to sée her againe which comforted her a little and afterward in going out of the Garden hee was met by Dirdan who louing the Ladie as you haue before vnderstood could by no meanes rest or sléepe but walking all night long about her lodging to bee within sent of his Paramour in meane while to allay as he thought the restles fit of his burning feuer Hee séeing Tyrendos sally foorth of the Orchard was vexed to the gall as euerie one who hath tasted the bitter fruite of iealousse may presume insomuch that to knowe who hee might be he drew neare raging and grumming betwéene his teeth these wordes Ah a cursed death maist thou die who commest nowe from the place the issue from whence hath wounded peirced my heart in twaine wish that he would haue laide hande on his choller to stay him but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sworde reached him a blow vpon his coxcombe which cleft him downe to the shoulders continuing his purpose thus Now shal the martyrdome end which hath hetherto tormented thée for her whose shoo-sole thou wast vnworthie to kisse Then making hast to the place where Velican attended him hee mounted strait and without any other company but this Knight who would neuer leaue him went directlye to Constantinople where they arriued in good time for the Turney On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden dore whereat was great murmuring the people saying hee was slaine for loue of the Duchesse which brought her into some suspition of her honour As soone as shee knewe thereof shee quicklie déemed who was the author of this Homicide Tyrendos her louer whom she neuer saw afterward albeit all the rest of her life he was the chiefest Darling of her destres The Duke who was old and loued his Ladie aboue measure neuer enquired farther of Dirdans death nor cared hee much what the worlde might thinke But misdéemed the Duchesse had caused him to bee dispacht to banish him for euer her presence for which déede hee estéemed her the more and had better opinion of her than before and so we will let them liue the one ioyfull of this perswation and the other passing sorrie to depart from her swéet louer whome wee shall finde hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behaue himselfe better in other Combats CHAP. XI How the King Florendos arriuing with his Queene Griana his wife in Constantinople were most honourably receaued by the Emperour Palmerin their Sonne who met them with a great traine a dayes iourney from the Cittie And howe Primaleon Abenuncq and Arnasin receaued the order of Knighthood THe King Florendos and his Quéene Griana being departed from Macedon in the companie of the principall Barcons of their Kingdome tooke by their way all the pastimes they could deuise But beeing entred within the bounds of the Empire they were ioyfullie receaued by the Emperours commandement who had giuen order to his Subiects for the same effect as also for that the Queene Griana his Mother was their naturall and Soueraigne Princesse All this Troupe beeing arriued within a dayes iourney of Constantinople hee came to méete them accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court with all the honour and most kinde entertainment as a Sonne so well brought vp as hee might shew towards his Father and Mother who hauing first grâ—eted him receaued and chearished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children who did vnto them all the reuerence possible to be thought of The like curtosie vsed Arnedos towardes them whome they reputed as their Sonne and in like manner all the rest both Kings and Princes who accompanied the Emperour So that these interchaungeable gréetings and welcomes were so long a dooing that they could not reach Constantinople but tooke vp their rest for that night in a most pleasant place foure miles distant from the Cittie where the Quéene could not fill her eies with beholding her sonne To bée breefe on the morrow they entred the Cittie with the greatest ioy that was euer heard of the Empresse Quéene Arismene the thrée Infantes and manie Ladies of high renowne who kept them companie béeing at the first Gate of the Pallace to receaue them more Honourablie who entertayning first the King and the Quéene after them came the thrée Infants to kisse their hands and then all the other Princes one after another These welcomming Ceremonies of the Ladies accomplished all this Royall companie mounted into the principall Hall of the Serraglia where the Emperour sate downe next to the King his Father and the Empresse bringing her thrée Daughters with her next the Quéene who could not faciate her selfe furuaying with an vnspeaâ—eable ioye so Heroicall and Illustrious a â—rue In so much that in
this profounde contemplation shee could not countermaunde her spirite but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse when she thus brake foorth Lord God now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to represent before mine eyes the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor sent forth two most lamentable scréeches and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes as shée was alwaies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fauourites So that the Emperour who was very sorrowful for this presage gaue great héede vnto it with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering some siniser accident was presaged But he dissembled it as well as he might without shewing any outward appearance but said incontinent to the Queene Madame I beseech you most humbly let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly seeing you being yet farre from death shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion My sonne replied the Quéene then Death hath this by nature that there is none liuing in this world who can stew himselfe so strong against it that he may anoyde it our predestmation being such we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute whereby ensueth that for any thing I haue now saide I can neither retarde it nor hasten it any thing the sooner When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace shee embraced the Infant Flerida who seemed vnto her the â—aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life before and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide Fayre Daughter I pray God he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth wherein I thinke well neither maide nor wise can bee founde to come once neere your Paragon Most true was that which the Queene spake for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse iudged her to be a Venus in beauty and a Pallas in prudency But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court and in the euening Primaleon besought the Emperour againe that hee woulde the next day following giue him the order of Knighthood and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenuâ—â—cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits except Primaleon and his â—ead companions who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell whether the Emperour comming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter hee was so attainted with her loue that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse the extreame desire which set him on and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise that which he could make good there The Masse beeing ended hee humbly besought the Emperour hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptisme before he came to the order of Knighthood For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores hee would no longer liue in Paganisme Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity So that vncouering his head the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently cheâ—sing for his Godfather the King Florendos who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act For testemony whereof he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes the Greekish Monaâ—ke turned himself towards Primaleon saying Sen request of my most honourable father it would please him to arme you Knight with his hand for if I haue purchased some little honour in this world I can assure you all procéeded from him who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood which I hope will be augmented more in your person if it please him to enrich you therewith Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin and I vnto Abenuncq your companion Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfather beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vnto him his sworde of Armes whereof hee excused himselfe saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes who were there prayed him so instantly that in the end he was constrained to condiscend thereunto and giuing him as well his fatherly blessing as the militarie acoladoâ— hee soone made him Knight the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight and afterwards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order The ceremonies were done with so great pompe that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell so that the dinner staying for them after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recouered the Tables rounde the Squiers of the kitchin were not long before they serued in their first seruice So comming from Church they went strait to dinner where the Emperour sate downe with his father the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably and as such a magnificent Feast â—e séemed so Royall a companie of Princes After the tables were taken vp the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired that the onely aspect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires which tooke so déepe roote therein that they could neuer afterwards hee 〈…〉 Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many matters Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruellous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you to make you Ladie and Mistresse of one of the most valiant Knights who liueth vnder the zodiacke besides he is in all other thinges a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches He of whome I speake