cannot last long and therefore I believe your Majesty would not advise me to match any of my Daughters to him least as his Father did he at last should come to poverty notwithstanding his Riches Indeed said the King he has built a fair Palace and many other stately Edifices yet his Estate is not at all Impaired for I have been informed that he has Iewels by him worth 100000 Crowns and yet he will not sell one of them therefore if you will take my Advice offer him one of your Daughters and I will second the matter By this the Earl perceiving that Fortunatus was highly in the Kings Favour he said Well if it please your Majesty I will commit my Daughters to your dispose and with whatever your Majesty shall do I will be well satisfied to which the King answered That since he reposed so much trust in him he would not only give her in marriage but give her a Dowry likewise and thereupon ordered the Earl to send his three Daughters to the Queen Whereupon he went home and acquainted his Wife with what had hapned with which she seemed at first displeased but after he urged it was the Kings pleasure she was contented and thereupon sent her three Daughters well attended and in costly Earbs to the Queen who received them joyfully The King having notice that they were come he sent for Fortunatus telling him that he understood he had a design to take him a Wife and that he being loath any of base Extraction should possess so fair and costly a Building himself would if he thought fit provide him One of Noble Birth and such an One as he doubted not but would please him Whereupon Fortunatus bowing low gave his Majesty many thanks saying That indeed he intended to seek out for a Wife but since his Majesty had so far condescended as to give himself the trouble of providing him One he would not look any further but wholly submit to what his Majesty thought fit Then said the King I have in my Palace three fair Virgins Daughters to the Lord of Nemina of those you shall take your choice therefore say whether you will see them separate or altogether At this Fortunatus paused not but replyed If it may please your Majesty I would see them together and hear them speak one after another that you shall said the King and thereupon sent one of his Pages to the Queen to get the Ladies in a readiness for that he was to bring a Guest into the Presence-Chamber and having notice that they were prepared he took Fortunatus by the hand who likewise desired that Leopoldus might go with him which the King consenting to they went all three together when being come the King sate down and caused the Ladies to be brought before him and placed in order according to their years the eldest being named Germania the next Marcepia and the youngest Cassandra CHAP. XVI How Fortunatus havjng his choice of the Lord Nemina's three Daughters chose the youngest whose Name was Cassandra to whom he was married in the presence of the King of Cyprus THe Ladies being placed in order the King demanded of the eldest whether she had rather continue at Court and be one of the Queens Maids of Honour or with her Father and Mother to which with a modest Deportment she answered That may it please my Soveraign Lord the King it is not seemly that I should dispose of my self but rather that I submit to what your Majesty or my Father shall think most convenient then said the King to the next tell me Marcenia which from your heart you love best the Earl your Father or the Countess your Mother to which she replyed That is a hard Question and therefore I must humbly beg your Majesties pardon to excuse me if I answer not directly to this Point because I love them both so well I know not how to incline to either hand and therefore must be silent as to my report in that Affair then the King said Cassandra prithee tell me should your Father and Mother be here and several young Nobles were dancing and if your Mother should bid you Dance and your Father forbid the same which would you choose to obey Indeed my Gracious Soveraign said she that Ouestion is unanswerable especially upon such short warning and by one whose tender years are not capable of discerning things as they are for should I obey one I should disobey the other and on either hand prove disobedient After the Celebration of the Marriage Fortunatus and his Bride were joyed by the King Queen and Nobles but the Sisters of Cassandra wept for madness that their younger Sister should be chosen and they neglected which Fortunatus perceiving comforted them in the best manner and sent for his Casket of Iewels which he had purchased at Venice and after having presented the fairest to the King and Queen he bestowed the rest upon his Bride and her Sisters as likewise upon the Queens Ladys and Maids of Honour he also sent Leopoldus with a present of 1000 Crowns to the Countess of Nemina as also to desire the Earl to repair to Court The Countess when she understood he had chosen her youngest Daughter whom she entirely loved was somewhat displeased but dissembling the matter she and the Earl come to Court in the most splendid manner they could and at their arrival were welcomed by the King and Queen and all the Nobility as likewise by Fortunatus who bestowed richer presents on them than before which quite dissolved the Countesses displeasure insomuch that they thanked God and the King that they had provided her Daughter so brave and rich a Husband especially when she perceived how highly Fortunatus was in the Kings Favour Then said the King I think it convenient that the Wedding Feast be kept in our Pallace nay said Fortunatus I beseech your Majesty let it be at my own House in Famogosta it would content me said the King that it should be there were it not for the excessive charge it will put you to no matter for that said Fortunatus for there is nothing that can be had in all the Isle of Cyprus but it shall be there at your Majesties service and if it shall please your Majesty to ordein Tilts and Turnaments I shall be exceeding glad that I may prove my self a man before your Majesty to all this the King consented and ordered his Nobles to be ready within two days to depart for Famogosta as likewise the Ladys that waited upon the Queen and others and for that day the Bridegroom and Bride dined privately with the King and Queen CHAP. XVII How Fortunatus and his Bride were accompanied by the King and Queen to Famogosta and what happened there during the Wedding Feast FOrtunatus having the Kings consent to go with him to Famogosta sent Leopoldus with 2000 Crowns to buy provision for the entertainment who so well managed the matter that at the Kings arrival
call his men back into the Galley which Fortunatus perceiving and being desirous to Travel went to the Earl and offered him his Service When the Earl perceiving him a goodly Youth and having by reason of sickness lost two of his men by the way he entertained him when as the Earl and Fortunatus being on Board they set Sail and in a short time arrived at Venice CHAP. II. How Fortunatus departed his Country and how he became greatly esteemed by the Earl AFter some Contests with the Winds and Sea the Galley safely arrived at Venice where the Earl and his Men landed and there by the help of Fortunatus who amongst all his men could onely speak the Language he bought rich Iewels and Gold Imbroderies in order to his Marriage he being to Wed the Duke of Cleves Daughter at his return to whom he had been Contracted before his departure By these and such other Services Fortunatus gained the Love of his Lord insomuch that the rest of the Servants began to envy him A while after the Earl coming into his own Country bought all his Servants Horses and gave to Fortunatus the best next what himself rod on so that it greatly grieved the rest of the Servants who wished the Devil had had the Italian before he came into their Lords Service A while after the Marriage being Celebrated a great number of Nobility being present Tilts and Iusts were prepared where after the Nobles had done great Feats the Earl set up two Iewels valued at a hundred pounds for the Servants who should do best upon which Fortunatus prepared his Horse and soon with his Lance overthrew one of them that run against him whereupon he carried away the Prize then one Timothy having won the other Iewel the Servants urged Timothy to Iust with Fortunatus who should have them both but in the Conflict Timothy was born down Horse and Man so that Fortunatus got not onely both the Iewels but the great Applause of the Spectators and the greater Favour of the Earl who highly praised him telling them by what chance he had met with him whereupon the Nobles and Ladies gave him many Presents this more and more raised the Malice of his Fellow-servants against him but when they well perceived that they could do nothing against him fairly they wrought by subtilty for there being amongst the rest one Robert an ancient Servant to the Earl who promised for Ten Crowns to make Fortunatus run away to this they gladly hearkned and every one paid his Dividend most joyfully when this was done he insinuates himself into the company of Fortunatus expressing more than ordinary kindness carrying him abroad to Treats and other Meriments without suffering him to pay ought this Fortunatus imagining to proceed from the intire good will he bore him he gave the greater credit to all he said not perceiving his subtilty When the Money was almost spent and the Servants began to put Robert in mind of his Promise he one day taking Fortunatus into a private Apartment after several Discourses he began to sigh and look sad which Fortunatus well noting demanded the Cause who told him it was for his sake then was he earnest to know the Reason truly said Robert it was told me by my singular good Friend who upon a great Penalty enjoyned me Secrecy but for the Love and good Will I bare to you I shall reveal it Then thus our Lord intends to Morrow to Ride to Lausan to wage Law against the Earl of St. Paul where for the jealousie he had lately conceived of his Chamberlains least they should either have carnal Copulation with his beateous Wife or any of her fair Ladies and Gentlewomen that attended her he is resolved to have them all Gelded and though he entirely loves you above any of his Servants yet he cannot serve the rest so while you take part with them in the same you being chief Chamberlain and the most comely amongst them after which he will only reveal it ho his Lady forbidding her to reveal it but as the manner of Women is it cannot be expected that she will keep the Secret long so that it being spread abroad it will redoun to your utter Disgrace if the cutting do not hazard your Life this I learned from him who is appointed to Geld you he telling it me as thinking I might be one of the Chamberlains in requital of some singular Favours I had done him When Fortunatus heard this he looked as pale as Death and desired Robert by all the Ties of Friendship that he would be assisting to him in making his escape for said he I would not be Gelded if my Lord would give me his Earldom When he talked of Flight the Hypocrite Robert feigned himself sad and desired his stay the better to perswade him into a Belief of what he had related telling him he was sorry that ever he had Imparted it to him but Fortunatus standing as it were upon thorns thought every hour ten till he was gone then Robert bid him in what place soever he resided send him a Letter that when the Earl was supplied with Gelded-men he might give notice to return But Fortunatus replied he would never return though he endured never such necessity or want Vpon this Robert inwardly cejoyced and helping him to a horse he rod out of the City as if he went on hunting and having passed the Gate set on full speed and never looked behind him till he thought himself out of Danger and purchasing another horse he sent back the Earls lest upon that account he might be pursued CHAP. III. How the Earl grieved for the Departure of Fortunatus and what befel him afterwards NO sooner the flight of Fortunatus came to the Earls Ear but he was exceeding sorry musing with himself what should be the Cause but when he could think of none he demanded of his Servants if they were privy to the Occasion of his Departure but they denied they knew ought then he examined his Lady and her Gentlewomen who were there at the same time saying that the Evening before he was very pleasant and had discoursed to them about several Affairs of Women and other things at which the Earl marvelled the more saying Although he could not then learn the true Cause of his Departing without taking leave of him he doubted not but that he should find it out and he would severely punish the Occasioner of it This terrified Robert so that he grew very Melancholy lest any of the Servants should betray him and thereupon he took an Oath of Secrecy of them all and when they were importunate to know by what means he had effected it he told them a story of his Fathers Advancement by the King of Cyprus quite contrary to what he had practised But to return to Fortunatus Fortunatus being on his way made what spéed he could to Calice where espying an English Ship he bargained with the Master to Transport him into England where
had Money to purchase them but coming to the Merchant after having well view'd them Fortunatus drew out the Money and payed it down and had the Horses delivered to him the which he and his Host conveyed to the Inn where he gave order for rich Saddles to be made and such Furniture as was wanting desiring the Host likewise to hearken out for two trusty Servants whom he would furnish with all things necessary but whilst he was making these Preparations the Earl sent as much Money as was demanded for the Horses When finding that they were gone he grew exceeding angry and sent again to enquire who he was that durst buy them out of his hands and having understood at what Inn they were he sent his Servants thither who coming to the Host demanded if such Horses were in his Stables to which he answered Yes Then said they our Lord has sent to know the man that durst to buy them out of his hands Why truly said the Host he is a stranger and came in by accident when amongst other things he asked me whether any good Horses were to be sold thereabouts and accordingly I told him but did not think by his Garb he was able to buy an Ass As for Furniture he brought it with him but how he came by it I know not Nay said the Servant in all likelihood he has robbed and murther'd some Gentleman upon the Road and thereupon he departed in a great rage CHAP. VII How the Earl caused Fortunatus to be apprehended and cast into Prison till he gave an account how he came by his Money and was obliged to deliver the Horses and Three hundred Crowns THe Earl having notice of all that had passed sent immediately to apprehend Fortunatus in his Inn who then by the Counsel of his Host was preparing to depart but having seized â—im they brought him before their Lord who after many reproachful words demanded whence he was and how he came by so much Money as to buy such high priz'd Horses out of his hands As to the First he answered That he was the Son of a poor Courtier of the City of Famagosta in the Isle of Cyprus As to the second he said What Money he had he came honestly by it and therefore ought not to be questioned about it unless any could prove to the contrary adding that he never yet wronged any body of one Farthing But the Earl angerly told him that it was not likely such a Fellow as he should have so much Money unless he had robbed or murthered some person for it and thereupon ordred him to be fastned to the Rack in order to force him to a Confession yet he resolved rather to suffer the worst Extremity than to confess the secret Vertue of his fortunate Purse but being put to exceeding Torture he desired them to take him from off the Rack and he would confess the which they did and brought him before the Earl from out the Prison where when he had first begged Mercy he said As I Yesterday was travelling in a Forest so chanced that I found a Purse with 620 Crowns in it In what Forest said the Earl A Forest about four Miles from this place Why you Varlet then said the Earl with a stern Countenance will you rob me of my Right for know that I am Lord of the Forest it and that whatever is found there appertains to me I knew not that said Fortunatus and therefore humbly crave your pardon but said the Earl you shall be made to know it e're you depart and therefore first tell me what is become of the Purse and Money As for the Purse replyed Fortunatus I took the Money out of it and threw it into a Brook that runs through the Forest but if it should please your Honour to take the rest of the Money here it is That shall not serve said the Earl for I will not onely take your Money but your Life and therefore against to Morrow prepare for your Execution This made Fortunatus exceeding sad and began to wish that he had chosen wisdom instead of riches by which he easily might have escaped such troubles but seeing that power and tyranny would have its way fell upon his Knees and with tears besought the Earl to spare his â—ife and take both the Horses and the Mony for said he what will it avail you to take away my Life that am such a miserable Creature but if you spare me I shall ever extole your Clemency and Goodness This and the intreaty of the Earls Servants but especially the Countesses Gentlewomen moved him to relent so that having taken an Oath of him never to discover what had passed he gave him two Crowns back and sent his servants to see him out of Town where they left him at which Fortunatus did not a little rejoyce forasmuch as he had his dear Companion the Purse to bear him company then having abjured ever coming within that Earls Iurisdiction any more he departed towards Brittain and after some time came to Angiers a considerable City of that Dukedom where at that time was held a great Feast in Honour of the Marriage of the Dukes Daughter with the Prince of Saxony upon which occasion a great number of Lords and others were come thither gallantly attended upon which Fortunatus notwithstanding his late bad success by dealing in horse flesh bought three more horses and put himself in a splendid Equipage and likewise hired two servants and betook himself to the best Inn where he kept company and conversed with the best and so continued in great splendor till the Celebration of the Marriage CHAP. XII How an Irish Gentleman was entertained by Fortunatus as his Companion and what befell them in their Travels WHilst Fortunatus continued at this City he spent most part of his time in seeing the pastimes which were made as Pompous Shows Masques Dauncing Tilt Turnament and many other Noble Exercises and so being used every day to depart from the Inn with his men the Host began at last to mistrust he would give him the slip as some others had done and thereupon acquainted him with his thought at which Fortunatus smiling put his hand into his Purse and pulled out a hundred Crowns the which he gave to the Host saying here honest fellow take this and when thou thinkest we have had as much as it comes to ask for more I shall not be very inquisitive to know the account At this the Host began to look very pleasant ever after shewing great respect to Fortunatus setting him at the upper end of the Table and handing him the choicest dishes of meats and best wine though several Noble Persons eyes were present Not long after as he was sitting at dinner with six Earls and ten Lords besides other Gentlemen of good fashion several Musitianers came and offered to play before them telling them that they had been Gentlemen but where now fallen to decay and were forced to
her would by no means consent saying That his Daughters Virginity was all she had to set her off in Marriage and if by any means she should lose that she would not only undo her self but be a stain to all her Kindred and said he I know there are many slippery Blades abroad therefore I will not trust my Daughter from home amongst them but if the Gentleman has any good meaning and intends to see my Daughter let him come to my house and he shall be welcom but to let her come to any Gentleman abroad I will not At this the Host being much displeased departed and told Fortunatus all that had passed endeavouring to incense him against the Virgin and to bestow his Money upon some other but Fortunatus very well approving of the Fathers blunt and well-meaning caused his Servants to make ready his Horse and to attend him thither the Host being there when they came to the Door the Host knocked hard and the good man opening the same he told him that since he refused to let his Daughter come to the Gentleman he was come to her which the good Woman hearing and perceiving his Splendid Equipage she run and caused the Wench to put on her best Cloaths and prick up her Ears after the best manner she could and so with as much trouble as it is to bring a Bear to the Stake brought her into the Room where Fortunatus was who taking him to be a Prince at least fell down on her knees before him but he gently raised her telling the Father on what account he came therefore said he if there be any young-man that is deserving of her hereabouts let him come and I will give him a good Portion with her At which the Mother told him Yes there was a Neighbours Son who loved her intirely and would have wedded her long ago had not his Parents restrained him by reason her Portion was no ways answerable to his Then Fortunatus asked the Maid if she liked the Youth to which she replyed She would be ruled by her Parents and what they thought fit should be a law with her Nay nay says her Mother and it shall please yout Majesty she likes him well enough and has upon my Faith and Troath a Months mind to him but that the Bagage is shame-fac'd Then Fortunatus ordered the Youth to be sent for and found that they were of a fit age to be coupled whereupon Fortunatus asked him if he could like to take that Virgin for his Wife if he would give her a Portion to which he answered With a very good will if he would give her any thing considerable for I love her well enough but dare not marry her without a Portion least my Friends should disinherit me And then he asked the Maid if she was willing who modestly replyed Yes then the Friends being had he sent for a Priest who having joyned them in Matrimony he delivered to the young-man a Purse with 400 Crowns who with many scrapings and cringings received the same He also gave Money to the Parents of the Maid to buy them Cloaths and provide the Wedding-Dinner for which they gave him a thousand thanks and praised God that had raised them up such a Friend in time of need Then Fortunatus departed to his Inn and went to Dinner Leopoldus and the rest not a little wondring how he came by so much Money CHAP. XIV How Leopoldus slew the Thievish Host and how he and Fortunatus made their Escapes afterward When they were got out of the City they rod towards Turky with all speed not stopping till they had rid about 30 Miles and then only Baiting a little they set forward again and were so swift to avoid pursuit that they rod 100 Miles that day the next day they set forward again and came to Achipania a City garrison'd with Turks and governed by a Bashaw there they were not fuffered to pass through without a Pass-port from the Governor which Leopoldus for 24 Crowns obtained then had they an experienccd Guide alotted them who had for his Wages a Crown every day this Guide conducted them to the Great Turks Palace and then and not till then could Fortunatus be out of fear lest he should be pursued here they stayed a Month to behold the Splendor and Magnificence of a Palace which for Riches and stately Building surpassed the Courts of all the Christian Princes had they been united in one but seeing that they were for the most part Heathens and consequently God's enemies they would have no Discourse nor keep company with any of them from thence they crossing the Country passed through Bononia Hungaria Bohemia Saxony Dalmatia Swevia Denmark and many other places viewing the Monuments and stately Buildings as they passed and at last went into Italy where passing through the Dukedoms of Millain Florence Ferrara Mantua and the Kingdom of Naples they at last came to Venice which was then a place for Merchandize the Richest in the World there he bought many costly Iewels Pearls Gold Fringe and Gold Imbroderies with Velvet and other costly Stuff Now after 16 years absence resolving to return into his own Country to visit his Parents when he came to Famogosta he heard they were dead for which he greatly sorrowed and being shewed the place of their Burial he stately Monument to be erected with this Inscription Under this Marble Pile these Victims lie Whose Names Death has not pow'r for to destroy But unto after Ages they shall live And an Example to true Lovers give Fam'd Theodorus Fortunatus's Father And beauteous Greciana his dear Mother Lie here Intomb'd their Bodies here do lie But their great Souls are wrap'd above the Sky After this he built him a fair House and entertained several Maid-servants bought him a Coach and other things necessary so that the Gentry began to wonder how he came by such vast Sums of Money when as all of them knew he departed extream poor CHAP. XV. How Fortunatus by the Kings Command was married to fair Cassandra Daughter to the Lord Nemina WIthin a while after his Arrival in Cyprus he purchased the greatest part of his Fathers Estate which was Sold and Mortgaged then built he a fair Palace a Church and Chantry with Houses for 12 Priests endowing them with 1400 Crowns a year made stately Parks Gardens Fountains and Fish-ponds with many other rare Devices Insomuch that most of the Noble-men of Cyprus were proud of his Company and many were very desirous to match their Daughters to him Insomuch that the King himself taking notice of it and being in discourse with the Lord Nemina who had three fair Daughters he asked him what he thought if Fortunatus should request one of his Daughters in marriage Why truly replyed he and it may please your Majesty I do not think it fit for I perceive he has no great Estate and although he has ready Money he is so prodigal both in Expences and Building that it