Knight of the Lyons with their cōpany some others to the number of two hundred would not at all ioyne themselues with any of the troopes but in a loose manner would make a tryall to breake in on the backs of their enemies as soone as the battell should begin each one of thē for their better knowledge to theyr friends wearing on their Helmes a crosse of gréene and corronation coloured silke in this sort was ranged the whole battell of the States On the contrary side the Earle Dowglasse placed his Army in another maner making as it were but one maine battaile of his whole Armie in the midst whereof he placed for his owne gard fiue thousand Scots the rest he intermixed with the Danes the greatest part whereof hee placed in the forefront of the battaile his wings consisted most of a light kind of people which did vse to cast Darts beeing armed onely with a short sword and target with which when they came to ioyne blowes they did great spoyle to theyr enemies And now both Armies béeing thus ranged in battaile aray the Drummes Trumpets sounded making a most ioyfull sound to them whose harts not daunted with feare desired to incounter with their enemies euery Captaine incouraging his men to fight valiantly and to doe their best to winne the victory The chiefe of the states incouraging theyr souldiers with the iustice of theyr cause as beeing vrged to fight for their fréedome and liberty of their Country By this time were both Armies come together the Lord Louden giuing the first charge vpon his enemies brake his Launce valiantly and drawing out his sword beeing followed by his company made way through his enemies ranks but soone he was stopped from going farre and had it not béene that the Duke of Litsenbege and the Lord of Opencade came with fresh succours they had béene all put to the sword For the Scots séeing the violent rashnesse of the Lord Louden and the Count Mildrope opened theyr ranks of purpose and hauing suffered them to enter inclosed them round about but now at the cōming of the Duke the battell began to grow very hote insomuch that there were many slaine of both sides The Scots euer kéeping themselues close together made themselues the stronger whereas the States for want of skill and knowledge suffered theyr troopes to breake theyr ranks to theyr great dammage Which the Earle Dowglasse perceiuing with some twelue or fouretéene thousand entred in amongst thē making great slaughter where they went The Earle this day shewing that his yéeres had not any way taken away the vallor which in his former dayes he had showed for it was thought that this day hee slew with his owne hands aboue thréescore Knights Now beganne the Danes to fly trusting rather to their héeles then the defence of their swords which the Lord Itzenho and the Lord Rensberge perceauing came in with the rereward and againe renewed the fight which before was almost ended gathering together the disperced troops of the Duke But alas to small purpose had this their new onset béene had it not béene that the King with his company of Venturers hauing fetched about a great hill which lay on the side of the battaile came at the same instant on the backe of their enemies and withall their might charging them entred pell mell amongst them killing a great many before such time as they could turne their faces to knowe from whence this mischiefe came The King accompanied with the Knight of the Lions Adresto and the Lord Gwaltero made a plaine way for the rest to follow them especially the Knight of the Lions who neuer strake stroke but was either the death or dismembring of some Knight The Lord of Menew and Sir Henault did likewise the part of noble Knights so as in short space the odds beganne to appeare on the side of the States who before were euen vanquished Which when the Earle Dowglasse sawe and grieuing to behold he with his elected company came to make head where he sawe most danger and perceauing that the Knight of their Lions was in a manner the whole ouerthrow of his Armie hée set spurres to his horse and comming vnto him gaue him a great blowe on his Helme causing him to bend his head forwards But he soone requited the same for lifting vp his sword he gaue the Earle such a blowe that had he not warded the same with his shield hee had ended therewith his life for notwithstanding his defence it caused him to fall from his horse in a traunce and so was taken prisoner to the great discouragement of the whole Armie who presently put themselues to flight but were so hotly persued that they were but few that escaped but were either slaine or taken prisoners Of men of name there was slaine of the States the Duke of Litsenburge the Lord Londen and the Count of Mildrope And of the Scots traytors there was slaine Sir Iames Lewrence the Earles Cosin the Lord Crecon a Scot and the Count Hermes with some twenty thousand of the Commons There was taken prisoners the Earle Dowglasse the Vicount Barwicke the Archbishop of Maiance and the Lord Harding which two latter were the next day executed for their rebellion Thus the victory béeing obtained by the States they gaue thanks to GOD with publique solemne prayers then causing the wounded to be cured they called a counsell to determine on their affaires where all the chiefe of the Armie béeing assembled euery man commended the great vallour of the Venturers but especially that of the Knight of the Lyons the gréene Knight which was Adresto and the two tawny Knights whereof the one was the King the other the Lord Gwaltero The King now séeing it was not good longer to conceale himselfe stoode foorth in the midst of the Assembly and taking of his Helme discouering his face spake with a resonable loude voyce My friends welbeloued Countrimen I perceaue the long absence of your King hath worne out in many theyr naturall loue obedience which they ought to haue to theyr natiue Country and also in most of you the knowledge of me who by the prouidence of God and vallour of this noble Knight poynting to the Knight of the Lyons am deliuered from a long and grieuous imprisonment which my Cosin Gwaltero and many others héere present can well witnesse and now am come vnto the ayde of you my true and louing Subiects Wherefore it is my will that the chiefe of those conspirators who haue raised this rebellion be to morrow next to the example of all others hangd drawne and quartered The whole Assembly hearing séeing theyr King who for the space of twenty yéeres they all imagined to be dead with one voyce cryed aloude Long liue King Fredericke to raine and rule ouer vs and withall ranne each striuing to come first to kisse his hands and welcome him into his kingdome greatly desiring to heare the cause of his long absence which was deferred till some other more conuenient time This newes was presently spred through the whole Army to the great ioy of all men which they euidently shewed by their shoutes and bonfires which they made that night The next day the King hauing séene the execution of the chiefe Traytors and pardoning the rest dismissing all his Army sauing some few which he sent to the Townes that were in rebellion which presently yéelded vnto his mercie he departed towards Maiance hauing still in his company the Knight of the Lyons and Adresto whom he intirely loued and to whom he made many large proffers if they pleased to haue stayed in his kingdome And being come to Maiance he was receiued with the greatest ioy that might be by the Cittizens where he remained by the space of a month in the greatest ioy that hart could wish saue onely the remembrance of his Quéene did something hinder the fulnes thereof which was awhile swéetned with the delightfull company of his vnknowne sonne where I will leaue them and so conclude the second part of this history FINIS
considering her rare beutie which though it were not set foorth by any Art or abiliments yet in that carelesse and couert sort did it appeare to be most singuler demaunded of her many questions which she answered in such good and modest sort that shée grew thereby in great liking and good opinion of her entertaining her amongst the rest of her Sisters where shee behaued herselfe in such good sort that in short time she gained to herselfe not onely the loue of all the house but also the fame of her godly liuing was spredde abroade through all the country adioyning to the great commendation and famousing of the Monestry Where wee will leaue her in her godly meditations and returne a little to declare what hapned to the Lord Gwaltero and Sir Henault with the rest of their company that tooke on them the search of their King CHAP. VIII How the Lord Gwaltero the Lord of Menew and Sir Henault with diuers others were deuided by a strange aduenture and what hapned vnto the Lord Gwaltero thereby IT is to be remembred before how the Lord Gwaltero the Lord of Menew and Sir Henault with diuers others taking on them the search of their King began their iourney from Maiance resoluing not to returne with out some certaine newes of him whō they sought for thus trauailing on together through most part of Denmark they hapned at length cōming into a Forrest to méet a Squire on horsback making all the spéede that possibly he might euer looking backwards as if some body had pursued him At length méeting with the Lord Gwaltero and the rest of the company who were in all to the number of twelue Knights besides their Squires and thinking by the costly Armor which he ware him to be the chiefest in the companie alighted from his horse and falling on his knées with the teares standing in his eyes spake as followeth Most curteous Knight for so much my minde assureth you to be I humbly beséech you and the rest of your company heere present for the honour of knight-hood and the loue that you ought to beare to all distressed Ladies and Damsels that you wil doe so much as succour and reuenge a most beautifull Lady who euen now in this Forrest béeing trauailing to a brothers house of hers some 3. leagues distance from her owne béeing accompanied with her husband my Lord and Maister and some foure or fiue attendants more whom I feare mee by this time are all neere-hand slaine or grieuously wounded by a ranck Traytor who hauing long time sued vnto my Lady for lasciuious loue and not béeing able to maintaine the same by reason of her chast and honest denials this morning knowing that she was to passe this way accompanied himselfe with some tenne or twelue as wickedly disposed as himselfe whom hee had made acquainted with his villainous pretence vnawares set vppon vs at the first incounter grieuously wounded my Lord by reason he was vnarmed hauing nothing but his sword to defend himselfe as not douting any such euill Thus concluding his tale with whole floods of teares which issued from his sorrowfull eyes which mooued pitty in all the beholders especially in the Lord Gwaltero who not long before had tasted the like mishap willing the squire to stand vp and comfort himselfe assuring him that he had met with those who would reuenge the wrong which hee had declared vnto them Wherefore willing him to shewe which way he should take he set spurres to his horse and galloped as fast as hee could hoping to come soone enough to their succour which when the rest of his companie beheld they followed after as fast as they could but had not rodden long before they had lost sight of him by reason of the thicknesse of the wood and the swiftnes of his horse which was accounted to be the best in all the Kingdome Thus galloping onwards at length he came where the way deuided it selfe into thrée seuerall paths and taking that on the right hand as thinking it to be the right way hee rode on still neuer looking backe for his cōpany so earnest was his mind set on the rescue of the Lady and her husband The rest comming after when they came vnto the place where the way deuided it selfe knew not well what to doe nor which way to take yet at length béeing directed by the Squire the most of them as Sir Henault and the Lord of Menew tooke that way which ledde directly foorth betwéen the other two appointing some to take the other wayes to follow the Lord Gwaltero if peraduenture he had missed in his way Amongst which his Squire two other Knights the one named Sir Brewes the other Sir Cadrus tooke the way which he before had roden The Lorde Gwaltero as wee haue said before beeing pricked on with a desire to rescue those which were distressed made such hast that after he had passed the place where the wayes deuided it selfe and hauing rodden about two miles from the place met with a peasant driuing of cattell before him of whom he inquired whether he had séene any company thereabouts fighting or any Knights or gentlemen slaine The peasant made aunswere he saw no such but some halfe a mile before he met foure Knights crossing the way towards a little Castle some two leagues of leading a very faire Lady pittifully wéeping whō he thought they constrained to goe onwards against her will When Gwaltero had heard this he assured himselfe that this was the same Lady whom he went to rescue wherefore demanding which way they went the peasant shewed him where they were riding vp a little hill almost a mile before him which when he beheld he spurred on faster then before hée had doone so that before they were attained vnto the sight of theyr Castle he had ouertaken them in a fayre meddow betwéene two small hills And calling to them sayd Traytors turne and deliuer me that Lady whom so villainously you haue carried away or your liues shall pay my sworde her raunsome They hearing him call and looking backe séeing but one Knight alone persuing them stayed and he who ledde the Ladies horse by the raines being a very bigge and comly Knight answered foolish and most simple Knight thinkest thou me so fond or faint harted that only at thy threats who art able to performe nothing but in words I will deliuer this my prize whom I haue gotten so hardly and with the price of much bloud or that my loue towards her is so small so lightly to part from her No no I counsell thée rather for thy owne safegard to depart away or else this my Launce shall make your passe-port to old Caron Gwaltero hearing this and being no longer able to indure those braues placed his Launce in his rest and setting spurres to his horse they ranne together like lightning and at the encounter their speares slew into the aire Gwaltero passing on without any hurt at
all but the other Knight whose name was Brandoll being wounded a little in the left side was so sore astonied with the stroke that he could hardly containe himselfe from falling from his horse which Gwaltero perceauing his carreare ended returned againe with his sword in his hand then méeting the one the other there beganne a fierce and doubtfull combat which had foorthwith ended by a stroke that the Lord Gwaltero gaue him on the right shoulder which was so mighty that breaking his pouldron wounded him shrewdly in the shoulder and sliding downe farther cut him into the thigh with paine whereof hée fell from his horse which when the rest of his companie beheld all at once they assailed him charging him so roughly that hée was likely to haue gone besides his Saddle had he not taken hold on the horse maine with his hands but they had no great cause long to boast thereof for gathering all his forces together and raysing himselfe in his stirrup hée tooke one of them so sound a blow on the Helme that the stéele not able to kéepe out the stroke claue his head to the téeth to the great discomfort of the rest Who séeing one of their companie slaine and their Captaine lying on the ground in little better sort determined either to bée reuenged or else to followe them in the like misfortune raging chafing the one only Knight should be able to make resistāce against them assaulted him more fiercely then they had done before One of them whose Launce remained whole determined to charge him on the backe and comming behind him with his full carreare at such a time as he was raising himselfe in his stirrups to haue striken one that was before him gaue him such a cruell stroke that caused him tumble headlong ouer his horse necke and had not his Armor beene excéeding good that blowe had made an end of the combat but hee who was reserued for other purposes féeling himselfe so cowardly striken quickly recouered his féete and defended himselfe valiently though with more disaduantage then before whereby he receaued many wounds and was likely to haue béene ouercome for by this time Brandoll had againe recouered his scences and séeing the Knight who had brought him into that case to continue still fighting against his Knights and had already slaine one of them being vrged forwards both with shame and griefe taking his sword in his hand hée ranne vpon him like a fierce vnskilfull mastiue who being once tossed by the sturdie bull commeth on more hastily then before but Gwaltero perceauing him comming séeming to méete him lightly made a thrust at one of the Knights horses which charged him on horse-backe which thrust lighted so luckily that so piercing his belly hee caused him with his Maister to tumble to the ground where by reason of one of his féete being in the stirrup he could not so suddenly rise againe by which meanes Gwaltero the more nasier delt with Brandoll and the other Knight who séeing his fellowes mischance dismounted himselfe for feare of the like mishap now grew the foote combat more hote and fierce then that on horse-backe by reason that Gwaltero perceauing himselfe almost wearied and fearing the comming of the other Knight whose foote was in the stirrup vnder his horse layd on with al his might but Brandoll being a strong Knight as most in that Country séemed to set light by his furie and charged him againe with so many mighty blowes as well hee gaue him to vnderstand that he knew better how to fight on foote then on horse-backe The good Lady in the meane time sate wéeping on her palfrie being held by two of Brandolls Squiers euer praying and beseeching God to preserue and defend the strange Knight whose vertue and prowesse she much admired and whom she feared was not long able to indure the brunt of the battaile for that the other Knight hauing recouered himselfe from vnder his horse came likewise to to the combat to her great griefe and sorrowe But casting away her head from the sight of the battaile as loth to sée the death of him who had so valiantly fought in her defence she espied two Knights with a Squire come galloping as fast as their horses could runne whom shee likewise feared to be some of Brandolls companie but therein she was deceaued as you shall heare in the next Chapter CHAP. IX How Sir Brewes and Sir Cadrus with the Lord Gwalteros Squire came to his rescue and how they conducted the Lady to her Castle SIR Brewes and Sir Cadrus the two Knights which tooke the way after the Lord Gwaltero accompanied with his Squire thinking because he had taken the wrong way that hee should haue had no occasion of fighting made the lesser spéede after him vntil such time that comming vnto the top of the hill which he had passed where the peasant showed him the foure Knights that ledde away the Lady from which place they beheld them fighting and thinking that it might be Gwaltero they set spurres to their horses and galloped so fast that they were come within the calling euen as the Knight who was hanging by the stirrupe had recouered himselfe Then Sir Cadrus cryed to the sayd villaines giue ouer fighting with that alone Knight and defend your selues from the force of my Launce and there with gaue one of them so sound a buffet that he had no néede at all to séeke for a Surgion for his Launce entring in at his brest passed through his hart almost a yeard Sir Brewes ranne at the other and missed course but turning againe with his sword in his hand gaue him such a blowe on the head that cleauing his Helme and wounding him somewhat déepe caused him halfe astonied to fall to the ground Gwaltero séeing this vnexpected ayde béeing almost before in vtter dispayre of victory gaue Brandoll a sore blow on the right legge and closing with him by cleane force ouerthrew him to the ground then setting his foote on his necke he rased of his Helme and with one blow parted his head from his shoulders And comming to the other whom Sir Brewes had wounded would haue doone as much for him but that hee immediatly fell on his knées crying for mercy protesting for euer after to be at his commaund in all places whatsoeuer Gwaltero vppon this his promise granted him pardon swearing him for euer after not to offer wrong nor violence to any Lady or Gentlewoman Then turning to Sir Brewes and Sir Cadrus hee gaue them hartie thanks for their succour without which he had béene doubtlesse slaine Demaunding of them likewise what was become of the Lord of Menew sir Henault and the rest And they told him how they parted at the 3. waies to goe succour the Lady whom hee had so well rescued telling him likewise that they did admire how or by what meanes the Lady was brought thether seeing it was in the other way that ledde directly forward that
with the same no man was able to compare with him neither in happines nor valour one day perceiuing the King to be walking alone in a pleasant delightfull Garden adioyning to the Pallace came vnto him and falling into some conference with him at last intreated his Maiestie to grant him leaue to proclaime a Turny which hee and some certaine number of Knights of the Court would defend against all commers for the space of 3 daies And that after by the space of sixe dayes more hée himselfe would kéepe the field and defend against all commers his Mistresse the Princesse Emilia to excell all others in beautie whatsoeuer The King hearing his demaund and considering the great danger which thereby might happen to him disswaded him from it assuring him that it would be impossible to continue against so many as would hazard themselues in that enterprise and that although he by his valor might ouercome many hardie and gallant Knights yet at length béeing wearie tyred with ouermuch labour might peraduenture be vanquished by one inferior to those whom before he had subdued whereby hee should lose his former reputation gotten with no small perrill and danger This and many other matters did the King alleage vnto him to cause him to giue ouer that enterprise But hee béeing as is before said so puffed vp with a selfe conceit assurance of Fortunes fauour imagining that on whom Venus smiled Mars would not séeme to frowne continued still verie importiue till at length the King béeing ouercome by his earnestnesse granted to his sute Presently causing Heraults and messengers to be sent abroade into diuers places to giue notice thereof that euery one which desired to try his fortune in his Loues commendation might be there to make triall at the day appointed In the meane time the Duke ordained a place for the Tylt-yard which was hard adioyning to the Pallace which he caused to be inuironed in with railes of great height appoynting at each end a large gate or entrance that tenne Knights on horsebacke might enter in front The space within the rayles was of that bignes so that 5000 knights might well turny togethers round about were scaffolds erected for the beholders to sit on sauing that part next to the Pallace which was open for the King the Quéene and their Lord Ladies who standing in the windowes and battlements of the Pallace might with more safety behold the Turny Likewise he caused another place to be inclosed with onely one gate or entrance hard adioyning to the part of the Pallace where the King with the rest might more conuenietly stand to behold the single combats which by him should be foughten and at the other end he caused a rich Tent to be pight which was of Blew veluet sette thicke with starres of gold and Flowre-deluces shewing that he was descended from the blood royall Vpon the top thereof stoode Cupid all naked with his bow and arrowe in his hand ayming directly at a faire picture of Marble which stoode fast by the said Tent on the top wherof was placed the portrature of the beautifull Princesse Emilia which was so artificially made that it séemed to be the princesse herselfe vnder whose féete were diuers places made for placing of their pictures whose Knights should be ouer come by the Duke In this sort was all things ordained against the turnie when the Lord Menew Sir Henault and diuers other Knights came into the Cittie some two dayes before the Turny began where they tooke vp their lodging in an honest Burgesses house making preparation for such things as they should want against the day CHAP. XII How the Duke and the rest of the Lords and Knights bare themselues in the Turny and how Prince Edward the last day bare away the Prize THe day béeing come that the Turny should begin and many Knights and great Lords of diuers Countries come thether some only to sée others to prooue themselues therin The Duke of Orleance as chéefe Challenger accompanied with the Duke of Aniowe the Lorde Mompenscer the Duke Robert of Normandy the Marshall de Berone Francis the yong Prince of Condy together with two thousand other Knights entred the Lists at one end at the other entred Charles the young Prince of Spayne accompanied with Edward Prince of England the Duke of Yorke the Lord Mowbray the lord Dowglasse of Scotland the County of Zeland the lord Mongomery the young Henry of Burbon two French lords who because they were not intreated by the Duke and partly by reason they meant to prooue themselues against him in the behalfe and triall of their Mistrisse beauty entred the field against him with the number of two thousand taking their places as he before had done The King and Quéene béeing placed all the other princes Lords and Ladies tooke also their places where Emilia sitting amongst the rest séemed like Cinthia placed amongst the lesser Starres béeing in the fulnes of her power or like Diana following her chase thorow the woods and launes accōpanied with her traine of Nimphs whose paine in pursute had raised in her Alablaster chéeks a liuely vermilion die so séemed the beautifull Princesse hauing in her well proportioned face the louely rose and lilly striuing for maisterdome which caused the lustie young Duke to be of such a couragious mind that not beeing able longer to desist from the battaile desired the Duke of Brittaine and the County Palatine of Rene who were appointed Iudges of the field to cause the signall of battaile to begin which was presently done by the sound of a trumpet and the Heraults crying to the Knights euery man to doe his best Then ranne together the Duke of Orleance and Edward Prince of England and met so fiercely together that the Duke breaking his Launce on his enemies shield caused him to stagger and had hee not taken hold by his maine hee had gone to measure his length on the ground but the English Prince met him with no lesser might for piercing his shield his Launce lighted on his Gorget causing him to loose both his stirrups with his head almost to touch the pummel of his saddle which being séene by the King was greatly commended the Prince Charles of Spaine and Robert of Normandie met likewise and breaking their speares past on without once moouing on the other the Marshall of Berone was dismounted by the Lord Mowbray but rescued by the Duke of Aniow and others By this time were the greatest part of the Knights met together so that the cloudes séemed to be couered with the splinters of the Launces which were broken many on both sides were vnhorsed and againe remounted by their fellowes there might you haue séene some vsing swords other maces of Iron twise that day was the Prince Charles beaten from his horse and againe remounted by the Duke of Yorke and Henry of Burbon The Lord Douglas this day showed that the Scots were not much inferriour vnto any
Nation for feats of Chiualrie for beeing acompanied with the Lord Montgomerie the Lord of Menew Sir Henault the Countie of Zeland and some tenne or twelfe other Knights beate downe all those which put themselues against them which being séene to the Duke of Orleance was worse thē death who being held very short by Prince Edward the Lord Mowbray and others so that he could hardly helpe any others yet séeing the hauocke which was made by the Scot and his companie fearing least they were preuented he should loose the day set spurres to his horse and with his sword in his hand made such way that at last he came where they were and lifting vp his sword gaue the Scottish Earle such a blow that brusing his Helme caused him to fall besides his saddle which blow beeing séene by Sir Henault was likewise partly reuenged for with one blow which he strake hee cleft the Dukes shield and sliding downewards wounded his horse in the shoulder In the meane time the Spanish and English Princes with their companie were like to haue wonne the day for that the French no longer able to indure their extreame blowes began for to turne their backes which being perceaued by the Iudges they foorthwith caused the retreate to be sounded thereby to saue the Challengers from shame Then departed euery man the Lists for that night returning to their lodgings to refresh themselues against the next day the King to showe the more honor vnto the strange Princes sent for them desiring them for that night to sup and rest themselues in his Pallace vnto which many of them cōsented where at supper they were roially feasted and welcomed by the King and Quéene And after the Tables being with-drawne they fell to dauncing masking and courting of the Ladies and damsels where the young Prince Edward dallying with the fire was scorched by the flame for taking the Princes Emilia by the hand to daunce after they had ended their measure fell to court her with pleasant spéeches which shee still most wittily answered which Cupid beholding wounded his hart with a poisoned shaft of loue turning his iest into earnest thus past they away most part of the night in dauncing and reuelling vntill such time that Ioue his eternall lampes wherewith hee lights the nether world were halfe spent and Atlas moist daughters stroue into the Ocean déep to driue their weary droue then departed these to their beds where euery one quietly tooke their rest except the English Prince who of all the night could not inioy any sléepe so sorely did the remembrance of his new loue torment him sometimes determining to aske her of her Father then thinking the Duke to haue a former promise of her séeing hee vndertooke the defence of her beauty was minded to fight with him for her hoping either to kill him and so to get her or else by vanquishing him to winne away her loue With these and many such like imaginations past he away the wearisome night vntill about the breake of the day Somnus seased on his ouer-watched eies so that he slept vntill the sunne was two degrées from the earth ascended then rising vp hee apparrelled himselfe and went downe into the great Hall where he found the King withall the other Princes and great estates ready to goe to the Chappell to heare diuine seruice whether likewise hee accompaned them afterwards returning to the Pallace they found the Tables couered for dinner where they were all serued according to their estates with most costly and daintie cates Dinner being ended euery one went to arme themselues for the Turnie where the strangers bare themselues so valiently that they wonne the honor from the Courtiers which was such an extreame griefe vnto the Duke of Orleance that for that night hee would not come to the Pallace vowing the next day to be reuenged especially on the English Prince and his companie who twise that day had beaten him from his horse Most part of the rest spent the time as they did the night before in dauncing and such like pastime where againe the English Prince found meanes to Court his Ladie declaring vnto her his loue affection but she who as yet was another waies minded made small account of his prattle scarce belieuing any thing that he sayd touching loue The next day the trumpets sounding warned the Knights to prepare for the Turnie euery one desirous to showe himselfe valiant and hardy when entring the Lists at the first encounter the English Prince séeing the cheefe Challenger comming against him and looking vp to the window where Emilia sate calling to minde his former determinations was resolued to doe him the greatest disgrace he might the Duke on the other side was of the same opinion for hee greatly feared least the Prince would prooue his coriuall in loue by the ofen casting vp of his head to the window where shée sate Thus being both resolued they met together so furiously that the Duke was forced to forgoe his saddle and measure his length on the grasse the Prince passing forwards sorely shaken hauing lost both his stirrups at length recouering himselfe entred the prease where on all sides he beate downe Knights and vnbarred Helmes making such way where he went that he might easily be followed of his companie especially the Prince Charles Henry of Burbon Sir Henault the Lord of Menew the Lord of Yorke the Lord Mowbray and others who following the young Prince ouerthrew all they met causing the French to giue backe and retire euery man thinking himselfe happiest when he was farthest of On the contrarie side Robert of Normandie the Prince of Condie the Duke of Aniow and the Marshall with the aide of their followers made that part where they were very hote and dangerous to the strangers vnhorssing and beating downe many The Duke of Aniow with his Launce before he brake strake downe thrée Knights to the earth at last being incountred by the Lord Douglasse was dismounted and taken prisoner in dispight of all his company The Duke of Orleance being againe remounted went raging vp and downe séeking for the English Prince and comming to the Lord of Menew gaue him such a blow that hee draue both horse and man to the ground which being séene by Sir Henault like a man inraged rod to him and gaue him such a blow that he caused him to bow his head to his brest But the Duke recouering himselfe returned him the like payment Thus continued they two laying the one on the other like two Smithes striking with their sleadges on an Anuill till such time as the English Prince with a mace of stéele in his hand returned gaue the Duke so puissant a blow therewith that breaking his shield in péeces so amased him that his horse carried him from place to place in a sound which being séene by the King and thinking the Duke to be sore hurt imagined likewise that it was impossible for any man to indure those mighty blowes
time he would a little wash and annoint the same with such water and oyntment as hee had for the same purpose brought with him the Knight glad hereof gaue him harty thanks and hauing had his wounds drest departed with him towards his Cell where his wounds were cured as hereafter you shall heare with the occasion of the Monsters beeing in that place In the meane time wee will roturne to speake somewhat of the Lord of Menew and Sir Henault whom the former part of of this history left remaining in the Court of Fraunce in the company of the English Prince and diuers other Noblemen CHAP. III. How Sir Henault and the Lord of Menew departed from the Court of Fraunce and arriued in Holland where they heard of the aduenture of Coruew and how they were both taken prisoners AFter Prince Edward had ouercome the Duke of Orleance and continued the defence of the Princesse Emelias beauty to his great honor and renowne hee remained a while in the French Court greatly feasted where for a time he stayed with him the two noble Danes the Lord of Menew and Sir Henault intertaining them with great familiaritie and kindnesse But béeing at length weary of idlenesse and desirous to follow after their quest they departed towards Belgica being earnestly intreated by the English Prince to haue accompaned him into England Thus departed they onwards on their iourny still making diligent inquiry after their King of whom nor of Sir Gwaltero they could learne any certainty In this manner rode they together through most part of Fraunce leauing behind them in all places a famous memoriall of their vertuous acts which caused their names to bée spred farre and néere But at length passing the spacious Kingdome of Fraunce they arriued in the vnfortunate Dukedome of Holland infortunate in regard of the many vilde customes erected by the tirrany of their vngodly Duke as is in the first part of this History declared Scarce were they entred one whole daies iourny within this prouince before that Fame the Herault of reports had brought vnto their eares the custome of the Castle of Coruew with the many famous explots there exercised with the innumerable number of Knights which had there lost themselues among whom there was one Knight for his excéeding vallor farre famoused aboue the rest who by the description of body and Armes which he bare they presently imagined to be the Lord Gwaltero Wherefore determining either to recouer him or loose themselues they set on thetherwards where the next morning they arriued so me two houres before that Phoebus vntired stéedes with their neuer resting Chariot had attained the mid heauens and comming within the view of the Castle the strength thereof strake a sudden amazednesse in them but considering the cause of their comming was to deliuer him whom they intirely loued and also that to a valiant hart nothing should séeme difficult and withal the harder the enterprise the more is the honor obtained by the victor they determined rather to die then to returne not making triall of the aduenture being sonéere which would be for euer a great dishonor vnto thē The Lord of Menew desiring to make the first triall whereunto Sir Henault willingly consented hoping that if hee were ouercome his honor in obtaining the victory would be the greater Thus being agréed tthe Lord of Menew went presently vnto the shield giuing it such a blow that he cleft it in two in the midst which beeing séene by those that garded the bridge immediately one of them arming himselfe came foorth mounted on a mighty stéede of a browne bay cullour with a little white starre in the forehead and one white foote and comming with an easie trot vnto the Lord of Menew demaunded of him wherefore he sought and what was the occasion of his so outragious striking of the shield The Lord of Menew aunswered that his comming thether was to séeke for a Knight which bare in his shield two Lions rampant sable in a féeld argent who as he vnderstood had béene by treason subdued and imprisoned within that Castle and for the striking of the shield hée listed not to giue him any other reason then that he hoped with the fame Launce to pierce both his shield and his hart The other replied that such a Knight indéede was there imprisoned whose hauty hart caused him attempt that which he could not accomplish in pursuing whereof by force and not by treason he was vanquished and according to the custome of their Castle made forfeiture of his life but that for his vallor they were contented hee should a while liue to helpe to strengthen their gard if hee could thereto be wonne Then turning about his horse they both prepared to fetch their carrere and placing their staues in their rests they met together so rudely that the Knight of the bridge was sent to measure his length on the ground being mortally wounded with a splinter of the Launce in the visage the Lord of Menew likewise beeing so sore shaken with the incounter as he had much to doe to kéepe his Saddle then presently came foorth other two Knights well armed and mounted crying to him to prepare himselfe to incounter them which he presently did and méeting together strake one of them so stronge a blow that missing toward it with his shield his Launce passed cleane through his body but the other Knight breaking his Launce in the midst of his shield caused him to tumble ouer his horse taile but it was not long before such time as he had recouered his féete his Squire beeing ready with the horse of the first Knight on which he presently mounted and drawing foorth his sword was presently ready to assault the other who séeing him dismounted made no great hast but with vaine glorious brauery passed on his carrere when turning about and perceauing him to bee remounted drew foorth his sword saying Sir Knight well may you thanke your Squire for so quicke puruaying of a new horse for you but I feare me hee shall but little stéede you against the force of my arme which hath once already sent you to measure your loutish length vpon the ground The Lord of Menew being madded with rage stayed not to aunswere him with words but with his sword lent him so friendly a blow that caused him to bend his head euen to his brest but quickly recouering himselfe againe he strake the other such ablow that had hee not warded the same with his shield he had gone néere to haue cleft his head in two thus continued they a while sometimes the one sometimes the other séeming to haue the better Fortune so equally guiding the ballance that it was hard to iudge whether side should obtaine victory At last the Lord of Menew imagining with himselfe that to be long in conquering would be a cause that himselfe in the end should be ouercome determined either to obtaine a spéedy conquest or a spéedy death wherefore
considering withall the goodnesse of his Armor vnwillingnesse of the defendants to come foorth determined to enter whilst the wicket was open wherefore stepping a little to the right hand he gaue one of them so sore a blow on the left shoulder that caused him to fall to the ground and héerewithall hee lept suddenly to the wicket and got in thereat which they of the Castle perceauing and with all fearing the sequell bee ganne to arme themselues and all at once to assault him some with swords other with Launces some others againe betooke them to throwing of stones diuers engines of iron at him where with he was greatly troubled But seeing no remedy but either to conquer or die he couered himselfe with his shield and with his trusty blade in his hand hee made such way amongst them that he thought himselfe surest that was farthest off from him so that within the space of two houres he had not left aboue sixe of them liuing all which were likewise very sore wounded beeing vtterly voyd of hope to escape his conquering arme determined to submit themselues to his mercy hoping thereby to saue their liues which otherwise they could not long preserue Wherefore falling on their knées with one voice they craued mercy which he soone graunted vnto them being as I haue many times before said naturally inclined to pitty And willing them to stand vp hee demaunded what prisoners there were in the Castle and for what occasion that custome was there erected all which one of them at large recounted declaring how that the King of Denmarke as yet remained there with diuers other noble and gallant Knights Which when the Knight of the Lions heard hée commaunded straight waies to be conducted vnto the prison and likewise that Adresto should be brought in and his wounds dressed by the Surgian of the Castle which was a man greatly experienced in that science all which was presently performed And one of the Knights running to one of them that was slaine tooke from him a bunch of keyes wherewith he opened a little iron doore and discending downe a narrow paire of staiers they came to a dungion vnderground at the entry whereof was another iron doore which they likewise opened then hauing a torch lighted in their hands they vnchained all the prisoners amongst whom they found King Frederick the Lord Gwaltero his Cosin the Duke of Litsenburge the Lord of Menew Sir Henault and diuers others to the number of a hundred all or most part Knights of Denmarke Many of which were sore pined away and almost famished through their extreame griefe and course fare but the King the Lord Gwaltero Sir Henault were little or nothing altred for all their long imprisonment And now being all brought foorth into the great Hall of the Castle they with one accord gaue harty thankes vnto the Knight of the Lions and then falling on their knées with one consent they gaue praises to almighty God which being ended the King with the noble men came vnto the Knight of the Lions desiring him to declare who hee was that they were so much bound vnto for their deliuerance To which hee aunswered that hee was commonly called the Knight of the Lions But as touching his parents or Country he knew not only this he had heard that being a child he was taken vp in a Forrest in the Kingdome of Denmarke by the Duke of Saxonie who since that time had carefully brought him vp as his sonne Which when the King had heard hée imbrast him in his armes desiring him to accompany him into his Kingdome where hee would showe himselfe so thankfull vnto him as hee should not thinke his labour ill bestowed The Knight beeing by the instinct of nature greatly affected vnto the King soone consented héereto although it were farre out of his way towards Spaine whether he was trauelling For which the King gaue him harty thankes and withall beganne to haue an inward loue towards him héere continued they by the space of eight or tenne daies to refresh their weake bodies as also for the curing of the wounds of Adresto and making preparation for their Armors whereof they had great store in the Castle some horses others they got abroade in the Country néere adioyning for their monies And now hearing that Grifforie was gathering his forces to come against them they departed towards Flaunders where hearing of the warres and rebellion in Denmarke they determined vnknowne to hasten thether and naming themselues to be all Knights arrant met together by chance and hearing of these warres were minded to entertaine themselues in the armie of the States With this determination arriued they at the Citty of Gaunt which was still held by the Danes and héere they remained to prouide themselues of such things as they néeded CHAP. XX. How King Fredericke the Knight of the Lyons and the rest of theyr company arriued in the Army of the States and how the next day they gaue battell vnto the Scots where by the vallour of the King the Knight of the Lyons and theyr company the States got the victory and howe the King made himselfe knowne THe King and the rest of his company hauing prouided themselues of all things necessary for theyr iourney departed from Gaunt towards Denmarke béeing in all to the number of an hundred Knights wel furnished and prouided for the warre And marching thus together through Flaunders and other prouinces of Germany they arriued within thirtie dayes at Rensberge where the two Armies by the space of sixe daies had line incamped one against the other continually skirmishing but neither side daring the one to assault the other And now béeing héere arriued the King and the rest béeing disguised for feare of being knowne came vnto the States desiring entertainement and withall declared a long fained circumstance how they had met together and béeing all minded to ayde theyr right and iust cause against the Scots and traytors they were come together to proffer their seruices The States béeing glad of this succor and withall knowing diuers of them as the Duke of Litsenburge and others whom they receiued with great ioy and gaue entertainment to all the rest who by the meanes of the Duke were placed in commaund and entring into counsell they determined to send presently vnto the Scots to demaund battell which by the Earle Dowglasse was soone graunted and the next day it was appointed that it should be tryed by a pitched battell who should haue the victory The morning béeing come and both Armies ranged in the field the States had deuided their forces into thrée battalions the first whereof was ledde by the Lord Louden and the County of Mildrope containing eight thousand the second or maine battell was ledde by the Duke of Litsenburge and the Lord of Opencade containing twelue thousand the third last battalion contayning nine thousand was led by the Lord Itzenho and the Lord of Rensberge The King the
they set on her and her husband as the Squire informed them By this time the Lady being let goe by the two Squiers that held her who séeing their Maister slaine made hast by flight to saue their owne liues which they might easily doe for that no man pursued them came vnto the Lord Gwaltero and falling on her knées before him gaue him most humble thankes as well for the safegard of her owne honor which shée estéemed farre afore life as also for reuenging her husbands death whom Brandoll in the former fight had slaine with some two or thrée of their seruaunts who put themselues in their defence with all offering him many large proffers for reward But Gwaltero taking her by the hand raised her from the ground willing her to be of good comfort assuring her whatsoeuer hée had doone for her was but his and the dutie of euery good Knight and therefore willed her to attribute it not to him but to God who is the reuenger of all wrongs and to account of him but as an instrument appointed by God to minister iustice on those murderers Then the Ladie entreated him and the rest to conduct her vnto a Castle of hers some two leagues of where she would intreate them to rest themselues vntill such time as his woundes were throughly cured which should be doone by a damsell of hers very expert in the Art of Surgery Vnto which request they easily consented especially the Lord Gwaltero whose hart was already wounded with the Ladies beutie Then binding vp his wounds as well as they could they mounted on horsebacke directing their course towards the foresaid Castle the better to passe away the time Gwaltero beganne to question with the Lady of many matters especially of the cause of the late combat which shee declared vnto him with such a modest and comlie grace that hée béeing before a little wounded with Cupids shaft was now so altogether ouercome with loue that either he must néedes sue for grace or die by concealing his affection so feruent was the flame and so weake his resistance By this time were they passed most part of theyr way and were come vnto the Castle euen about the time that the Sunne drawing into the West séemed to take leaue of the view of these hether Regions where by the Lady they were most kindly receiued and welcommed with such chéere as the suddennes of the time could affoord After Supper the Lorde Gwaltero béeing brought into a most goodly and fayre Chamber had his wounds carefully looked vnto and dressed Then beeing layd in a ritch bedde imbrodred very costly with gold and pearle and curiously wrought with imagry and other sumptuous shewes where beeing layd the good Lady curteously bad him good night willing him to commaund for all things in the Castle as his owne Then departing away leauing him in a world of imaginations shée tooke order for the interring of her Husbands bodie which the next day was effected with great solemnitie according to the custome of the country then vsed CHAP. X. Howe Gwaltero with his company staying the healing of his wounds made his loue knowne to the Lady with his successe therein and of his departure in his quest THE Lord Gwaltero and his company staying the curing of his wounds which were most carefully looked vnto and dressed by the same Damsell which had them in cure was euery day visited continually by the Ladie of the place who shewed herselfe so thankfull vnto him that she almost neuer would depart frō his presence which bred in him such ardent desire that not béeing able longer to conceale his loue one day shée béeing sitting by his bed-side none béeing in presence but his Squire and the damsell that attended his wounds taking her by the hand and fixing his eyes stedfastly on her face said Gracious Lady I doe not knowe nether can I immagine how these my speeches which at this time I shall bée forced to vetter may be by you accepted yet trusting in the gentlenesse of your kind nature haue made choise rather to open my griefe vnto you then by concealing thereof or euer to languish in paine Know then that since the first time it was my hap when I fought with Brandoll and his companie for to see you that then your rare and singular beauty wounded me more farre deeper then did either their swords or Launces which since by your continuall courtisies and by your many exquisite vertues which I haue behold in you are so much augmented and increased that vnlesse you of your excellent bounty take pitty and compassion on me and with spéede yeeld some reliefe vnto this my oppressed passions I knowe not what to expect saue death onely which if you should prooue pittilesse it would be most welcome vnto me wherefore let me intreate you to consider these my passions and to ease them with pitty and thereby shall you gaine vnto your selfe for euer a true Knight and a constant louer Thus concluding his speech with a most déepe sigh procéeding from the bottome of his hart he remained silent attending her answere which should be to him either as life or death to which she replied My Lord I cānot but muse at this your discourse neither can I chuse but smile to sée your honor so merrily disposed to iest at me in this kind of sort hoping that mirth is a signe of the amendment of your wounds which to me would bee most ioyfull séeing that in my defence you receaued them But if these your spéeches procéede from you in earnest knowe then that the beauty which you say hath inflamed you in my conceit is of no such force as to wound a man of your worth neither is it likely that so sudden a liking as you speake of should bee able to work any such effect if my curtesies haue béene the cause they were neuer more then you deserued and therefore to be estéemed by you as a debt due from mee to be payd if my vertues which you speake of they alas are so fewe and small that they are not to be accounted of but yet such I hope which rather should giue you an occasion to séeke to others then any show to yeild vnto your lawlesse loue for know for a suerty that Menea for so was she called regardeth more her honor good name then she doth all the riches or wealth of this world knowing the one to be but momentarie the other perpetuall wherefore I beséech your honor to giue of these vaine sutes But if you séeke to inioy me as your wife which I thinke you will take scorne of I being but a poore Lady and descended but of a meane Parentage in respect of your Lordship yet notwithstanding consider I beséech you the late death of my husband whom if I should so soone forget it would for euer be accounted a great ignomie and shame vnto me The Lord Gwaltero at these last spéeches interrupting her replied most
which he continually saw the Prince to giue caused the Iudges to make an end of the battaile which was presently doone euery one attributing the chéefe honor to the English Prince especially the King causing foorthwith a Herault of Armes to proclaime him the cheefest Knight in the asembly and being brought to the windowe where the King saie by the Iudges of the field had a Garland of flowers set vpon his head by the faire Emilia Which as she was doing vnawares was something touched with loue towards him which being by her then suffred to kindle afterwards grew into a great flame Thus being crowned as King of all Knights hée was conducted with great honor to the Pallace the Duke of Orleance being mightily grieued with his disgrace as also fearing the dislike of Emilia retired to his Tent minding not to come foorth of the Listes till such time as hée had recouered some part of his lost honor CHAP. XIII How the Duke defending his Ladies beautie ouercame diuers Knights how the English Prince being disguised entred the Lists THe next day no sooner had bright Aurora vnbard her christall gates and bridgrome like stept foorth the glorious sunne spreading her siluer raies on old Neptunes face but that the lusty Duke prickt on with his former dayes disgrace hoping to recouer his lost honour was all armed sitting on horseback with his Launce in his hand causing the trumpets to sound to summon vnto the battel those who in defence of their Ladies beauties would hazard thēselues to try the doubtfull verdit of angry Mars The Duke bare in his shield the portrature of a man with the one hand renting his owne bowels and with the other presenting his hart to a fayre Lady which séemed little to regard or to estéeme the same with this word or motto written ouer their heads I liue through hope all the rest of his Armor was set full of flaming harts which séemed very liuely to burne Hee had not long remained on horsebacke before such time that the King and most part of the Lords and Princes hauing taken their places to behold the issue of his enterprise there entred the listes a gallant young Knight sonne vnto the Marcus of Ferara his Armor all gréene and in his Shield he bare two harts combind in one with these words Nil timeo Hée brought likewise a small chest couered ouer with thinne plates of siluer in which was inclosed the liuely portrature of his Lady who was daughter vnto the Duke of Millaine In this sort comming vnto the Duke he told him vnlesse he were misinformed the contents of his Challenge was that those Knights that by him were ouercome should leaue behind them their coate-armors and also their Mistrises portrature to be placed at the féete of the fayre Emilia and so to depart but whosoeuer should ouercome him should likewise haue the desposing of the portratures that there were hanging and to defend the Challenge the rest of the time except he hapned likewise to be vanquisht The Duke aunswered that the same was his Challenge but the coate-armors were to be put of presently if they were vnhorsed and afterwards if they would hazard the Combat with him they should And as for the portratures hee hoped his should be the first which should be placed séeing the difference of their beauties did already manifest it Then departing the one from the other they placed their Launces in theyr rests and setting spurres to their horses they met together so fiercely that their Speares flew into the ayre and comming together with their bodies they strake one the other so rudely that the Duke lost both his stirrups and was forced to stay himselfe by his horse neck but the other was ouerthrowne horse man to the ground and by chance not able to cléere himselfe was sore brused by his horse not beeing able to get vp againe then the Duke dismounting holpe to get him from vnder his horse which curtesie the other perceiuing presently put off his coate-armor and departed the Listes béeing by reason of his bruse not able to combat Then the Duke caused his Ladies picture to be placed at the féete of Emilia and calling vnto him one of his Pages sent her the Coate-armor which she receaued willing him to tell his Maister hee had doone more then she desired Next vnto him of Ferrara entred the Lists that day the Lord of Montgomery bringing with him the picture of the Duke of Poyters daughter whom he earnestly loued and was likewise at the second course vnhorsed to his great sorow but yet not minding to hazard the Combat because the Duke was accounted the best combatter on foote in all Fraunce departed After him came diuers others who were all serued in the same sort for that day he vnhorsed in all the number of 22. Knights placing their Ladies Pictures according to their deserts The next day came into the Listes young Henry of Burbon very desirous to be reuenged for the disgrace of the Lord Montgomery his cosin yet also bringing with him the picture of a Damsell whom he somewhat loued but his comming was more to winne honour on the Duke then to obtaine his Mistrisses fauor He bare in his Shield Paris and the thrée Goddesses but giuing the Apple to neither with this motto Cuique nescio signifying therby the vnconstancie of his mind in loue At the first course they brake their Launces to their hands not so much as once moouing one the other then taking new Launces they met againe so furiously that Henrie had much to doe to keepe his saddle and the Duke loosing one of his stirrups and his raines of his bridle past on likewise and making an end of their carreare Henry returned with his sword in his hand which the Duke perceiuing drew forth his also beginning betwéene them a right fierce and dangerous conflict But the Duke béeing better experienced fought with the greater aduantage giuing Henry leaue a while to follow the rage of his furie thereby the sooner to weary himselfe Which indéede he did when the Duke more fiercely then before assaulted him causing him to séeke how to couer and defend himselfe vnder his shield At length béeing wounded in many places and hauing lost very much blood he fell from his horse in aswound to the great griefe of the King all the beholders who greatly feared least he had béen slaine But béeing conuayed out of the field and his wounds bound vp and stanched hee was soone brought to himselfe After him the Duke ouercame twelue other Knights not any of them béeing able to indure against him so intollerable were his blowes which the English Prince perceiuing and grieuing to behold the next day determined vnknowne to any one to enter the Listes disguised where he did not doubt but hée would soone abate his pride and resoluing hereof the next morning he armed himselfe and béeing mounted on a good horse his Armor séeming all rustie and his
his Helme desired his Maiestie to grant him leaue to continue the Dukes challendge when the King beheld him and saw that it was the Prince who had subdued the Duke his griefe for his hurts and ouerthrow was somewhat eased Then speaking to the Prince hee sayd my Lord I did not thinke you would haue thus delt with vs as vnknowne thus to haue put vs into such griefe as you haue doone by the wounding and vanquishing of the Duke our Cosin yet seeing it was his owne folly in making the challendge it doth the lesse grieue vs. But for your request in continuance thereof I would wish you rather to giue it ouer then to indanger your selfe therein but if so be you are so minded we fréely grant you leaue praying to God send you better hap then the Duke hath had before you The Prince humbly thanked his Maiestie and then turning to the Princesse Emilia intreated her likewise to graunt him leaue as her father had doone to defend her beautie séeing that it was his hap to obtaine the same by his good Fortune The Princesse being before hand a little touched with his loue and now séeing the paines and danger which he vndertooke for her sake was altogether ouercome wherefore dying her chéekes with a maidenly blush she told him the paines which he already tooke and that he would againe indure for her sake was vnknowne vnto her yet because she would not prooue discurtious nor ingratefull séeing the King her father had thereto consented she was content to accept him for her Knight and to alow of that which he requested The Prince héerewith beeing meruailous contented returned her harty thankes and so departed againe to the Tent where hee was met by the Spanish Prince the Duke of Yorke and Sir Henault and many others and was by them disarmed and after dinner his wounds being bound vp hee armed himselfe againe in a most costly Armor set all with true loue knots wrought of pure gold and beeing attended by the foresayd Lords he entred the Lists where hee had not long remained before such time that there came a Knight of the Kingdome of Naples a man in those parts famoused for his valor and hardinesse and being inamored on a young Damsell of that Country promised her to come into France whereby his valor hee would cause her to bee for euer famoused but his hap was so hard that at the first encounter he was sent to measure his length in the ground not being able to combat After him that day and the next day he vnhorsed to the number of 40 Knights the last day there came very fewe to try themselues the most part hauing in the fiue former daies béene by the Duke foyled by meanes whereof he past away the time in companie of the Spanish Prince and other great Lords vntill it was almost Sun set at which time there entred an ill fauoured withered face fellow something heigher then thrée horse loaues by birth a pagan but brought vp by the Quéene of Portugall as her Dwarfe this proper aplosquire falling in loue with a Damsell almost as hansome as himselfe being likewise attending on the Queene and hauing obtained her good liking on that condition that he should in all places maintaine her beauty desired the Quéene that hee might be made Knight assuring her that he would so behaue himselfe that thee and all others should thinke the order well bestowed vpon him The Quéene séeing his earnestnesse yéelded vnto him and caused him to be Knighted who no sooner hauing receaued the order and hearing of the Duke of Orleance challendge but he determined to fight against him and cause him to confesse his peate to more beautifull then Emilia Continuing in this imagination he caused her Picture to be drawne and therewith came vnto Parris entring the Lists at such time as the Prince with the other Lords were ready to depart and comming vnto the Spanish Prince demaunded which was he that had ouercome the Duke The Prince meruailing to sée such a gallant in that equipage demaunded what he would with him marry quoth the Dwarfe fight with him and cause him to confesse that the Damsell which I loue doth excell in beauty all others the Prince smilling hauing much adoe to containe himselfe from laughter demaunded who was his Lady and where her Picture was Hee aunswered she was attending on the Quéene of Portugall and therewith drew foorth her Picture at sight whereof euery one burst foorth in a great laughter The Dwarfe being héerewith angry asked the Prince whether it were he or no that he had inquired for the Prince aunswered no but showed him the English Prince withall telling him that the time was past whereby hée had lost his labor vnlesse hée could intreate him to Iust willingly Then the Dwarfe comming vnto him intreated him if the time were past that yet in courtisie he would breake a Launce with him he smilling aunswered that betwéene that and Sunne set hee was bound to Iust with any that should come wherefore he was contented Then taking each of them a Launce they ranne together the Prince missing his course of purpose but the Dwarfe with much adoe brake his Launce almost dismounting himselfe with his owne stroke The King Quéene withall the Lords and Ladies laughed hartily héereat the Dutches of Burbone telling Emilia that now her Knight was like to loose all his former honor The Dwarfe had no sooner broken his Launce but presently he drew forth his swoord but the Prince intreated him to runne one course more which he easily yéelded vnto then taking a new speare they ranne againe the Prince taking him in the midst of his Shield bare him out of his saddle a whole speares length not béeing able to rise from the ground Then was sent vnto him by the King the young Prince Phillip his sonne to intreate him to come to the Pallace whether he went béeing accompanied with diuers great Lords and Knights and was very roially receiued by the King the Quéene and their fayre daughter and feasted with many sumptuous and rare sorts of viands after supper they fell againe to theyr wonted sports of dauncing and masking where the English Prince againe made his loue knowne vnto Emilia assuring her that vnlesse shée pittied his estate he was but dead for without her he was but as a shadow without substance or as a body without a soule The Princesse who by this time was as much scorched with the flame as hee and did féele as great force of loue knew not well what to aunswere but at last yéelding to loue she told him that if he loued her as hee made shew of shée had no reason but to requite him with the like but as yet shée was young and at her Parents disposition without whose consent she could not make her owne choyse but if he could obtaine her Fathers consent shee was likewise contented to accept of him as her Lord and husband Héere will we leaue
and béeing prickt in conscience with the guilt of his fault grew halfe into dispaire and would willinglie if it might haue béen with his honour haue desisted from the Combat But God who hardned the hart of Pharao likewise hardned his thereby the more euidently to make knowne vnto the world his mercy and louing kindnes towards them that feare him and his iustice on them which against their owne consciences commit sinne and iniquitie So that causing first the Lady to be conuayed towards the stake the trumpets were sounded but no Knight was séen to approch which caused him to grow more proude and insolent thinking then that no man dared to combat against him But at the second warning the Lord Gwaltero appeared mounted on a mighty Courser with his Launce on his thigh and his Helmet on in this sort came hee before the Iudges and lifting vp his beuer made a little shew of reuerence then procéeding on with his spéech he said that béeing accepted of Vitella as her Knight hee was come to defend her innocencie and that he marueiled that they being appointed Iudges of the fielde would contrary to all reason send her towards the place of execution before the Combat were ended then desiring that she might again be sent for he held his peace which they foorthwith caused to be done placing her whereas she might behold the issue of the battell In the meane time the Duke comming vnto Gwaltero demaunded what and of whence hee was who aunswered that he was a Knight arrant of the kingdome of Denmarke and passing through his Country had heard of his cruelty shewed vnto the distressed Lady and béeing mooued with pitty was come to vndertake her defence which he hoped so well to performe as before night to cause him confesse his treason against her The Duke raging hereat replied that doubtlesse he was some one of her Minions that béeing weary of his life was come for company to be burnt with her which should be performed with all the torments that might be Now by this time Vitella béeing brought backe and placed the Iudges caused both Knights to be sworne then being warned by a Herault euery one to doe his best they set spurres to theyr horses and incountred so rudely that the Duke was throwne out of his saddle béeing wounded a little vnder the right breast and sore brused with the fall Gwaltero was not wounded at all but yet by reason of the mightinesse of the encounter his horsebacke brake vnder him wherefore he was in like sort driuen to alight and being both on foote they began a cruell and fierce fight cleauing their shields and hewing their armor in péeces so that euery blow caused the blood to trickle downe dying the gréne grasse into a scarlet hue Thus continued the fight a long time very vncertaine no man knowing to whō victory would incline some-whiles the one tryumphing in the others losse and by and by againe the other reioycing to sée his enemy stoope Thus continued they the space of thrée houres the beholders meruailing they could indure so long at length standing to breathe themselues the Duke spake vnto him saying Knight thou séest that as yet I haue the aduantage but the great vallour which I haue found in thée makes me to pitty thy estate wherefore I am contented to remit thée the Combat conditionally that thou wilt remaine with mee and also I will giue vnto thée halfe of her lands whom thou defendest Nay nay replied Gwaltero I scorne thy proffers but if thou wilt restore the Lady and her goods and confesse héere before this company thy treason committed against her I will grant thee thy life otherwise looke for no mercy at my hands Then taking theyr swords in their hands and couering themselues with the remnants of their shields they fell againe to their former conflict which cōtinued not long before that Gwaltero deliuered a mighty blowe on his head which cleft his Helme in two and wounded him so sore that hee fell to the ground which Gwaltero séeing stept vnto him and would haue slaine him out-right had not he intreated mercy promising to confesse the whole circumstance of the treason Then the Iudges cōming vnto him hee confest first his loue to Vitella then the murder of Hostinius and lastly his hate towards her for refusing him from whence grew this manner of reuenge which be intended No sooner had he made his confession but turning about his face he immediatly dyed Then the Iudges caused his body to be carried away to the intent to haue him interred but they were saued of that labour for a flock of Wolues comming from out of the woods there adioyning deuoured his accursed carkasse to the great admiration of all the beholders Then immediatly was Vitella brought downe and greatly honored and Estonio being apprehended was burned in the fire prepared for his Lady Gwaltero béeing conducted to his lodging by the Nobility and Vitella was by them vnarmed his wounds very carefully looked vnto where hee remained the space of eyght wéekes during which time hee had many great prosfers made him by Vitella as the inioying both of herselfe all her inheritance and by the Nobilitie hee was proffered to be accepted as theyr soueraigne Prince and Duke if so be hee would accept of Vitella to be his wife But hee who had setled his minde in another place gaue thē all harty thanks for theyr good wills towards him excusing himselfe as well as hee might and desiring them to bestowe it on some one more worthy then himselfe with whom Vitella might be coupled in marriage Thus excusing himselfe from receiuing that which most men would haue coueted hee remained there till his woūds were throughly whole then taking his leaue of Vitella and the rest he departed towards the confines of Belgica hauing receiued of Vitella both horse and Armor for a remembrance of her in steed of his owne which in the battell against the Duke was broken and spoyled CHAP. XVIII How Gwaltero passing through Belgica arriued in Holland and comming to the Castle of Coruew was taken prisoner THus being departed from Viena hee was accompanied by diuers of the Nobilitie till such time as passing the bounds of Austria hee directed his iourny towardes Flaunders at which time the Austrians commending him to God and desiring him at his returne to come that way they departed againe towards Viena by whom Gwaltero commended to Vitella In this sort being departed hee rode onwards towards Flaunders disguising himselfe because he would not be knowne in that Country where he was beloued of many at last comming to the Citty of Gaunt he found it still defended and kept vnder the Subiection of the Danes there likewise he heard of the custome of the Castle of Coruew in the Duchie of Holland made by the Duke Griffory Which was that whosoeuer would enter the sayd Castle must first alone Iust with the fiue Knights
vniting all his forces together and raising himselfe in his stirrups hee gaue his enemie such a recombendibus on the head that the stéele being of too weake a force to resist the weight thereof gaue frée passage to the sword which found a ready way to his braines causing him to fall as dead as a herring vnto the ground But before he could haue any space to rest himselfe or almost to breath came foorth other two charging him both at once and he as gallantly aunswered their charge receauing both their staues vppon his shield which caused his horse a little to stagger backwards but as they passed by their Launces being brokē he gaue one of them so sound a stroke on the side of the head before hée looked for any such matter that he left him but halfe a face to court his Mistris withall then prouiding to incounter the other betwixt whom there passed a fierce and bloody conflict but in the end the victory remained vnto the Lord of Menew who although hee were grieuously wounded yet his hart being not a whit feared or any way dismaied went forwards vnto the bridge whether Sir Henault likewise came perswading him to giue ouer the enterprise to him considering he was so sore hurt but he that neuer knew what feare was could not be so lightly perswaded wherefore desiring Sir Henault if he were ouercome to do his best he made choice of such parts of armes as he wanted and taking a stronge Launce he went forwards towards the end of the bridge where he was incountred by two of the fiue Knights that kept the same betwixt whom there was a long and dangerous conflict but in the end through faintnesse and great losse of blood the Lord of Menew striking a full blow at one of them sent himselfe after to the ground his legges being no longer able to sustaine the weight of his body yéelding thereby the victory to them who were not able long to inioy the same for the one of them euen as he fell being in as weake estate strooke likewise at him and missing his blow sent the whole burthen of his body to imbrace him in death whom in life he had persued so deadly The other likewise being in little better state seeing his cōpanion fall thought to helpe him and stooping downe to lift him vp fell himselfe likewise into a traunce Sir Henault fearing least his companion had béen slaine went presently to haue taken vp his body but was hindred by the other thrée Knights who all at once assaulted him and being afoote in like sort as he was there beganne a bloody though vnequall combat each party séeking to ouercome Thus fought they a long time giuing and receauing many wounds Sir Henault giuing such blowes as well made show he meant to sell his liberty or life at a déere rate so long they fought that at length two of them fell dead at his féete the other séeing his fellowes slaine thought it more for his liues safety to trust to his legges then his hands so that turning his backe he ranne towards the Castle from whence presently issued fiue other Knights armed putting themselues betwéene Sir Henault and the runne-away Héere againe beganne a more fierce conflict then the former by reason they were fiue hardy approoued Knights and his former battaile hauing serued but as whetting of his courage caused him to lay on such blowes that in short time he had sent two of their soules to séeke passage at Charons ferry himselfe and the other thrée being greatly wearied stoode still a while to rest themselues when Sir Henault considering with himselfe the cause of his fighting as to release his noble friend Gwaltero and also to be reuenged for the death of the Lord of Menew hee was so repleat with ire that running vpon them as a man inraged he strooke one of them such a blow as he seuered his head from his shoulders then laying on at the other two such mighty blowes that hee forced them in the end to yéeld vp their soules as a sacrifice to his sword which being ended hée himselfe being-ouer trauelled and hauing lost great aboundance of blood sate himselfe downe on a stone where hée had not long sitten before he fel into aswound which being séene by the Knights of the Castle they came foorth and tooke both him and the body of the Lord of Menew with the rest of whom there was any hope of recouery and carried them into the Castle where in respect of their vallor they caused to be carefully attended and their wounds to be cured perswading them in the meane time to bee partners with them in garding this their lewd custome Which when they beeing well refused were immediatly put downe into the prison where the King and Gwaltero remained CHAP. IIII. Howe the Hermite declared vnto the Knight the discourse of the Monster afterwards beeing cured of his wounds was brought vnto an old Chappell where hee gained an excellent Armour beeing sometimes the Armor of the famous Prince Lionell THE Gentleman of the Forrest beeing brought by the Hermit and his Squire vnto the Hermitage he was forthwith disarmed and layd on a silly coutch on which the olde Hermit vsed to lie and béeing carefully looked vnto and attended on by the Hermit within 3. dayes hée was indifferently well recouered and sitting vp in his bed he desired the old man to declare vnto him as hee before had promised the discourse of the Monster which hee had killed The old man glad to sée him so well recouered and also desirous to pleasure him in any thing he could began thus Most worthy Knight not long since there was remaining in this Country a most vile and wicked Gouernour named Querenus a man for the detestable wickednes which he liued in hated both of God and man for what virgin or beautifull wife was there in this Country which if hee liked but he would force to accomplish his lustfull appetite yea to such a height of euill was he growne that he neither feared God nor man knowing no heauen but his worldlie pleasures nor fearing no other hell but the misery of this life the which hee continued to the mortall griefe of all his subiects who in the end béeing wearied and ouerburthened in this intollerable miserie chose rather to end theyr liues spéedily then continually to be tormented by this blood-thirstie Tyrant Wherefore gathering themselues together they made head against the Tyrant and after a long warre they preuailed so against him that he was forced secretly to abandon his Country and béeing onely accompanied with two men taking a small boate which hée found ready prouided fled away to the Sea where hauing béen some fixe dayes at last was put a shore in an Iland not farre distant hence where in times past the excellent and famous Magitian Bardus sometimes dwelt where being landed and calling to minde the estate which hee now was brought into determined there to take vp
imprisoned in an inchaunted Castle in Fraunce did florish with many braue and hardie Knights amongst whom there was a noble Gentleman called the Lord Mowbray a man for his vertue and vallor greatly estéemed of all but especially beloued by the Prince with whom hee went into Fraunce where by his vallor he wonne immortal fame and after the losse of the Prince hazarding himselfe for his deliuerance was likewise there taken prisoner This Lord left behind him at his departure a sonne and a daughter his sonne beeing of the age of seauen yéeres and his daughter called Beleriza of the age of fiue yéeres both vnder the custody of theyr vertuous and noble Mother who hauing brought them vp in vertuous and godly liuing vntill they were of ripe yéeres departed this world leauing both her children vnto theyr owne gouernments Beleriza had béene of long time beloued sued vnto by a gallant young Knight named Francisco whom shée likewise intirely loued yet minding to prooue his loyaltie intreated him to goe into Fraunce to combat with the two Giants Brandofell and Furioll who kept the Inchaunted Castle where the Prince and her father with diuers other famous Knights were imprisoned Francisco willing to haue so fit occasion both to pleasure his Lady and Mistrisse and also to showe foorth his vallor which he thought euen vnmatchable presently consented promising to worke wounders and so fitting himselfe departed towards Fraunce But before his taking shippe hée wrote vnto his Lady as néere as I can gesse these insuing verses Beleriza Goddesse mine Whose beauty Venus slaines Whose only chast vertuous minde Solely Diana daines Thy Maiesty not farre vnmeet To stately Ioue his Queene Thy pregnant wit to Pallas cake Full rightly I doe deeme Thou thou I say my hart hast bound In chaines of seruile loue My hart that earst full free I found Inflamde is from aboue Doe thou ô then vouchsafe my deere To ease those firy flames By being constant vnto him That burne with those same flames Then shall my vigor so increase And arme grow so strong That Brandofell and Furioll both On ground I le lay a long And from Inchauntment free I will That noble Sire of thine Together with our nature Prince That there so long hath line Yours if his owne Don Francisco Hauing written these verses vnto his Lady he departed what sithence hath hapned vnto him I doe not know but imagine he hath sped as ill as those who héeretofore haue made triall of the same aduenture Now being departed there was another gallant which likewise fell in liking with my Lady Beleriza one whom indéede the inheritance of my Lord their father if they both hapned to die without issue of right did appertaine This gallant called Signior Roberto imagining that my Lord their father and his kinsman was either deade or neuer to be deliuered deuised which way to assure himselfe of his possessions and thinking if hee could deuise how to obtaine my Lady to bée his wife the matter were in a manner assured considering that her brother whose name was likewise called Roberto being a man of a valient and hauty minde would hazard himselfe in the aduenture of the Inchaunted Castle wherein he did not doubt but that he would be eyther slaine or taken prisoner and then of right it should appertaine vnto him And béeing resolued héereon hee vsed all the meanes he could to obtaine her liking But she hauing setled her affection as is before sayd on Don Francisco made small or no account him which he perceauing turned all his fained loue into hatred deuising which way to bring to passe by trechery that which he could not hope for by the loue of my Lady which in the end he thus brought to passe Hauing many times animated his Cosin Don Roberto to hazard himselfe for the deliuery of my Lord his father which the young Gentleman himselfe had a great desire vnto and now hauing taken the order of Knighthoode and made preparation for his iourny into Fraunce and being accompanied the Sea-side through which he must néedes passe was at vnwares set on by a cupple of villaines and before he could drawe his sword was by them slaine his Squire flying away with in lesse then a mile met with this graund homicide his Maisters kinsman vnto whom he recounted the murder of his Maister Don Roberto hearing this making as if he had grieued thereat mightily raising the Country to apprehend those murtherers the one of them taking a Riuer hoping thereby to escape was drowned therein the other being taken was knowne to bee a seruant to the traytor Don Roberto who comming where he was after he had priuatly talked with him and instructed him what he should say examined him openly where the villaine most falsely auouched that they were hired to commit this murder by my Lady Beleriza which hee no sooner had confessed but Don Roberto fearing least the feare of death should make him in the end to confesse the truth with his ponyard suddenly stabbed him to the hart Then posting to the Court hée caused my Lady to be apprehended accusing her before the King of the murder of her brother which alas was more grieuious vnto her then the sentence of her owne death which presently by the King was pronounced against her if that within twelue months shee were not prouided of a Knight who in combat with Don Roberto should maintaine her innocencie And now there is not passing tenne daies to come of the prefixed time shee good Lady not hauing any one who will hazard himselfe for her deliuerance although she is greatly pittied of euery one yet so much is the number of good and hardy Knights in this Kingdome abated by the occasion of the Princes losse that there is scarce any one thought able to matche the traytor in single fight Loe héere most noble Knight haue I as néere as I can declared vnto you the truth hoping that God will so guide your minde as to vndertake the defence of the most vertuous and sorrowfull Beleriza The Prince Iago hauing attentiuely listned vnto her whole discourse by which he assured himselfe of the innocencie of the Lady bad her recomfort herselfe for if at his arriuall at the Court by inquiry hee should finde the matter to be as she had declared hee would if Beleriza would accept of him as her Champion hazard his body for her defence not doubting but to make her accuser confesse his treason against her Thus taking the Damsell with him they rode towards the Citty where they arriued a little before night The next day hauing rested himselfe and viewed the statelinesse of the Citty which to him séemed the goodliest that euer he beheld hee did what he might to inquire the truth of the Ladies imprisonment where by diuers he was informed in the same euen as the Damsell had declared vnto him Thus hauing stayed some foure or fiue daies in the Citty being continually visited by the Damsell and now being
frō his finger and vnlacing his Helme he soone brought him to himselfe and perceiuing him to offer to rise said Adresto yéeld thy selfe and promise to forsake this wicked kinde of life and to goe into Spayne to the Dutches Lenarda or else thou diest Adresto béeing throughly come to himselfe and hearing the name of Lenardo began to call to mind his former loue towards her and in a manner cleane forgetting the Merchants daughter said Most noble Knight I doo not onely yéeld my selfe vnto your mercy but also willingly will doe as you commaund me where I will yéeld mee to the noble Dutches mercy whom I must néedes confesse greatly to haue wronged The Knight of the Lyons immediatly taking him vp from the ground imbrast him in his armes saying that if he did as he had promised he should do right well and in so dooing hee should find him for euer an assured friend For which Adresto gaue him infinite thankes vowing to him the like Now by this time was the Lady Lenardas Squire come vnto them and saluting Adresto demaunded how he did Adresto beholding him immediatly knewe him and imbracing him in his armes demanded how his Lady fared to whom the Squire declared the great sorrow wherin she had remained euer since his departure And now hauing bound vp the wounds which he had receiued in the combat as well as they could for as soone as the King was taken from his finger his wounds fell on bléeding they returned into the Cittie where they remained by the space of three wéekes for the curing of his wounds and prouiding all things necessary for their departure Then taking leaue of the fayre Damsell whom he left with child and the rest of his acquaintance they departed towards the Citty of Waterford where they were in hope to finde the ship in which the Knight of the Lyons had there arriued leauing all Dublin sorry for his departure CHAP. XIII How the Knight of the Lyons trauelling towards Waterford in the company of Adresto was like to haue beene murdered by the meanes of the Damsell of Dublin and by what meanes he was preserued THE Knight of the Lyons being accompanied with Adresto and his Squires rode on so farre the first day that they arriued in a small village some 15 leagues from Dublin where was onely one Castle and some fewe cottages in which Castle there dwelt a Knight that was some kinne vnto the Damsell which was so intirely beloued of Adresto and héere the Knights minding to rest themselues for that night were welcommed and entertained by the Lord of the Castle called Mack Gillum with the greatest shew of kindnesse that might be the more secretly to conceale the euill which he intended in his hart as it is for the most part the common vse of those Country people which will not sticke to laugh you in the face and presently to cut your throte euen so dealt this Traytor who hauing rece ued into his house as gests these two notable Knights binding them welcome with a Iudas kisse and feasting them with all the delica's that the shortnesse of the time could affoord yet his enueterate malice towards the Knight of the Lyons for carrying away Don Adresto from his Cosin was such that notwithstanding all the former curtesies which he shewed him minded in the end to rob him of his life which he thought to bring to passe in his sort There was vnder one of the fayrest Chambers in the Castle a darke and déepe vaute hauing no way into the same but by a trappe-doore out of the fore-said Chamber ouer which he caused a bed to be made for the Knight and hauing placed two or thrée villaines in the vaute with charge to murder him caused in stéed of ropes nothing but small sticks to be layd vnder the bed which might sustaine the weight thereof so that the Knight once laying him downe theron must of force tumble headlong into the vaut where the villaines béeing ready to receiue him should soone haue ended his life had not GOD otherwise prouided for his safety and appointed him to a farther setting foorth of his glory and thus it was His seruant Gillimo whose life he saued when as he slew the rest of his company the night before hee rescued Molenda and of a thiefe entertained him to be his seruaunt hée I say contrary to the common vse of such fellowes who according to the old saying Saue a thiefe from the gallowes and he will be the first that will cut thy throte hauing an especiall loue and care vnto his Maister as thinking that time ill spent which was not to his profit or content that in dooing the same hee did God good seruice was alwayes very carefull and diligent about him especially where hee did any way suspect euill to be meant towards him but now more thē at any other time knowing the wickednes of Mack Gillum hee listned and prided about to sée if hee could perceaue them whisper amongst themselues A little after supper comming suddenly into a darke entry he heard some talking and listning a while vnto them one of them sayd Well my Maister and they aboue doe their part kindly in causing the bed to fall this dagger shall pierce his hart farre sooner then Adrestos sword could pierce his Armor Nay replyed another I will surely giue him the first wound for robbing Valeria of her Louer Gillimo hearing this knew presently that it was his Maister whom they ment wherefore dilligently noting the place he returned safely into the roome where he left his Maister and finding them ready to goe to their Chamber hee could not conueniently make it knowne Now Mack Gillum hauing called for lights willed his wife and two of his daughters to accompany Adresto vnto his chamber and hee himselfe would accompany the Knight of the Lions vnto his where hee hoped ere long to be sufficiently reuenged for the wrong which hee had done vnto his Cosin Thus hauing brought him to his chamber he continued discoursing of many matters vntill he was almost vnready then bidding him good night he went towards the doore to haue gone foorth and comming somewhat neare the bed on a sudden Gillimo stept vnto him and before he was ware thereof tooke him in his armes and by cleane force threw him into the midst of the bed from whence immediatly the stickes breaking hée tumbled headlong into the Vaut where he was presently slabde to death by the villaines which he had prepared to haue kilde the Knight of the Lions so that the saying of the Scripture in him was rightly fulfilled he hath layd a snare for another and himselfe is falne into the mischiefe thereof The Knight of the Lions the rest of them that were in the chamber at the first were greatly astonied héereat but séeing the sequell and considering that it was deuised of purpose for to haue murdered him fell on their knées and gaue thankes vnto almighty God who had
of men readie to incounter theyr enemies so much had the lacke of vse of Armes since the losse of theyr King altered that florishing kingdom which in former time did greatly abound with many stout hardy Knights a great number whereof were either dead or lost in the search of their King The one halfe of which Armie béeing giuen in charge vnto the Lords of Opencade Londen marched towards the Archbishop and his confederates who with the number of 12 or 14. thousand souldiers being on the other side the riuer of Estate began to spoyle and sack the Country putting to sword all those that made any resistance against them and hauing taken Cargue and Londen two Townes of great strength placed therein garrisons then marching towards Opencade they heard of the comming of the Lords of Opencade Londen and fearing to be taken at aduantage they altered theyr course towards Rensborge where the Earle Dowglasse with his forces was landed hoping to ioyne with him which the Lords of Opencade Londen vnderstanding pursued him so eagerly that béeing come within sight almost of the Scots they set vpon their rereward putting a great number of them to the sword and euen at the same instant was the other Army which which was ledde by the Lord Itsenho and the County of Mildrop likewise come in sight which caused a great feare in the harts of the Traytors so that had it not béene for a company of two thousand Scots which came to their rescue vnder the conduct of Sir Iames Lewrence Cosin german vnto the Earle they had béen all eyther slaine or put to flight but the comming of this succor so animated theyr almost fainting courages that where before they were in a manner ready to turne theyr backes they now began to recouer theyr ground that they had lost the fight growing very hote and bloody on both sides there béeing slaine of the States aboue a thousand souldiers and of the Rebels 800. Longer had the fight continued but that the Lord Harding and the Count Hermes fearing the comming of the other power which was hard at hand caused the retraite to be sounded and so with an easie pace marched to the Scottish Campe not minding if they could chuse to fight in two or thrée daies because of the wearines of his souldiers who comming newly from Sea were many of them distempered The States likewise hauing ioynd both theyr Armies intrenched themselues thus lay they by the space of seauen dayes within view of each other daily skyrmishing together in which the States alwaies had the worst through theyr vnskilfulnesse in martiall discipline where we will for a while leaue them and returne to speake of other matters CHAP. XV. Howe the Prince Iago naming himselfe the Knight of Fortune departed out of England and arriuing in Fraunce trauailing through the Forrest of Towers hee deliuered a Lady from a mighty Giant PRince Iago hauing deliuered the Lady Beleriza naming himselfe the Knight of Fortune was greatly honoured in the English Court where at the intreatie of the King hee stayed by the space of a month where daily hee heard many strange reports of the Inchaunted Castle in the Kingdome of Fraunce and beeing desirous to try the aduenture thereof his Squire giuing him to vnderstand that there was a shippe ready bound for the Riuer of Nainse determined to passe ouer therein wherefore taking his leaue of the King and Quéene and others who had shewed him great honour during his abode in England the Lady Beleriza hauing made him many large proffers for the vnspeakeable kindnesse which shee had receiued at his hands all which hee refused but because hee would not shew himselfe altogether discurteous hee receiued a fayre Diamond which he promised alwaies for her sake to weare vpon his finger And now hauing prouided all such things as he had néed of and agréeing with the Maister of the ship for his passage he went aboord and hauing the wind fayre they set to Sea in so happy a time that within sixe dayes they arriued at a Port called Old-bay where going on shore they directed theyr course towards the Citty of Nanse where he staying awhile to rest himselfe he vnderstood that the Quéene with a great trayne of Lords Ladies were lately arriued at the Citty of Towels whether because it lay not much out of his way he determined to trauell to sée the fashion of the French Court which then florished with noble Dames among whō was the Princesse Emilia and her fayre daughter Oliua whom as before wee haue saide was begotten by the famous Prince Edward her betrothed husband the night before he departed towards the inchanted Castle together with a goodly sonne called Hendritio both which Children were very carefully educated by the good King Carolus theyr grand-father And béeing nowe come vnto the age of sixtéene yéeres the young Hendritio was exercised in riding of horses running at tylt wherin he shewed himselfe not any way vnlike to the noble Prince his Father hauing a great desire to be knighted whcih by no meanes his Grand-father would permit fearing least he would hazard himselfe in that aduenture whereof there had so many failed The Princesse Oliua in like sort béeing of most singuler and rare beautie could scarce be suffered to be once out of the sight of her Grand mother who loued her more then any of her owne Children and being now as we haue said at the Citty of Towers the Quéene partly for her owne content but chiefely for to delight the Princesse Emilia her Daughter who continually since the losse of the English Prince had spent her time in great sorrow onely the comfort which shée had in her children did a little mittigate the same did daily vse to ride foorth on hunting into the forrest which was euen hard adioyning to the Citty in which forrest there was great store of all manner of wilde Beastes And béeing the same day that the Knight of Fortune was comming to the Court gone foorth very early the Huntsmen had roused a mighty Hart which making way before the hounds caused all the Lords and Ladies to follow after and gallopping very swiftly through the Forrest had quickly separated themselues into many companies so that with the Quéene there was left no more but the Princesse Oliua and two or thrée other Ladies and some three or foure Knights when suddenly a mighty great Giant all armed issued out from the thickest of the wood and with a meruailous fierce countenance came towards them to the great astonishment of the Quéene the other Ladies who began to flie as fast as their horses could carry them One of the Knights that was with the Quéene béeing more hardie then his fellowes stayd to make resistance whilst the others escaped but alas small was the defence which hee could make being vnarmed against so mighty a foe whose huge Armour he was not able to pierce although thereon he brake his Borespeare which
he had in his hand all to shiuers and drawing out his sword to try if that would doe any better before hee could deliuer any stroke there with was himselfe clouen to the middle And leauing him there the Giant persued the others which by this time had gained a great way before him and comming into a rough stony way the horse wheron the Princesse Oliua rode stumbled and fell to the ground not béeing able to recouer againe Which she perceiuing beganne to flie on foote whereby in short space the Gyant had gained a great deale of ground of her so that within lesse then a quarter of a mile hée must néeds haue ouertaken her had not the Knight of Fortune béeing as is aforesaid riding towards the Citty Towers hapned to arriue who at the first séeing a farre of one running so fast was presently touched with the remembrance of his former vision and calling to his Squire put on his Helmet and taking his Launce in his hand rode towards them when presently the Lady béeing cleane wearied and out of breath cast herselfe downe before him not béeing able to speake a word The Knight viewing her singuler beauty knew presently that it was the same Lady whō in his fancie hee had vowed to serue wherefore incouraging himselfe thinking that now was the time if euer to shew himselfe valerous béeing in her presence and in her cause for whose sake hée could indure a thousand deaths spake vnto her in this maner Most beautifull Lady comfort your selfe and feare not this huge lump of flesh which hath pursued you for I doubt not but God will so strengthen mine arme as I shall soone be able to make him confesse his folly in going about to wrong so heauenly a creature Then setting spurres to his horse he ranne against the Giant who by this time was come almost vnto them and hitting him full in the midst of the massy shield which he wore hanging by a stirrup about his necke gaue him such a blow that piercing the same he caused him to ramble backwards béeing hardly able to stand vpon his legges breaking his Launce all to peeces Thus hauing ended his course he turned about and fearing that in fighting on horsebacke hee might be in great danger if the Giant should kill his horse hee allighted and dressing his Shield on his arme hee drew foorth his sword going boldly to méete his huge enemie who hauing recouered himselfe of the incounter likewise went towards the Knight with a mighty Semiter in his hand thinking at the first blow to haue cleft him in two But he being wary easily auoided the same by shifting his body aside the Giant hauing mist his blow was not able to recouer his Semiter so lightly which was entred almost a foote into the ground but that the Knight taking the aduantage thereof gaue him a sore blow on the left arme almost at the shoulder which piercing his thicke Armour cut him to the bone the griefe whereof was such that hee could not afterwards rule his massy targe so well as otherwise he would by which meanes he had great aduantage for now the Giant béeing forced to lay on and onely to trust to his sword both for offence and defence many times receiued wound vpon wound sometimes likewise fastning blowes on his aduersary hee would cause him to bend his knées to the ground renting his Armor where he touched and causing the blood to issue out thereof in many places Thus continued they a long time the aduantage if there were any remaining with the Knight of Fortune By this time had the Princesse Oliua recouered herselfe againe and although shée saw the Knight to haue the better side yet the feare which she had was such that shee would haue fled away she wist not whether had it not béen for the Knights Squire who comming vnto her perswaded her with many arguments to stay and sée the end which hee was certaine could not be without the death of the Gyant for that his Lord did continually increase vpon him and whose vallour he knew to be such that the longer hee continued the more increased his courage but put case the Giant should haue the victory yet would it of force be with such danger to himselfe that they néeded not to feare his pursute The Princesse being something héerewith comforted was contented to stay the end yet not beeing fully resolued of feare she intreated the Squire to helpe mount her on his Maisters horse which he did then sitting to behold the combat she questioned with him of many matters touching his Maister whom in her hart shee greatly commended demaunding what and of whence hee was To which his Squire replied that hee was discended of noble blood but for his name and Country he might not disclose to any one being commaunded to the contrary only this he called himselfe the Knight of Fortune Then declaring vnto her his first combat at Sea and the battaile with Signior Roberto when hee deliuered the Lady Beleriza where hearing of the strange reports of the inchaunted Castle he determined to make triall thereof not forgetting to declare vnto her his Maisters Vision at Sea which more then all the rest did cause her to admire thinking with her selfe that it was only by the worke of God then considering what it was to bee loued by such a Knight whose equall she neuer had before séene beganne déeply to fancie him Thus past they away the time whiles the two fierce Champions continued their combat both giuing and receauing many wounds all the ground béeing stayned with their blood and now the Giant being altogether inraged rebelling and cursing his false Gods foming at the mouth like a mad man ranne vppon the Knight thinking to haue taken him in his armes but hée perceauing his intent and lothing such imbracements preuented him by auoyding through the quicknesse of his body deliuering withall so sound a blowe on his right arme which he had stretched foorth that he caused both it and his heauie Semiter to fly into the field then persuing his victory he neuer left wounding of him till such time as he caused him to fall dead to the ground And then parting his head from his shoulders he knéeled downe on his knées rending thankes to God for the victory and taking vp the head hee went and presented the same to the Princesse desiring her to accept the same as the first showe of his loue who had vowed himselfe wholy to her seruice The Princesse dying her chéekes with a moddest blush giuing him harty thankes for preseruing her life she intreated him to conduct her to the Citty where she would cause him to be honored according to his desert The Knight easily consented héereto and hauing bound vp this wounds caused his Squire to place her behind him in this sort rode they onwards the Knight declaring vnto her his loue which he had vowed long before he had séene her only by his vision which he
the decke with his sword drawne in his hand his shield vpon his arme replied that they meant to defend themselues as not béeing accustomed with wordes to be daunted The Pirat Geroll hearing this aunswere commaunded to grapple with the English shyp The prince at the first incountring with a great lubber who proffered to leape aboord their shyp gaue him so sound a blow on the sconte that it caused him out of the shrowdes to tumble headlong into the Sea and after him another and another so that in the part of the ship where hée was the fight began to grow excéeding hote many of the Pirats souldiers béeing gotten aboord but by the helpe of his Squire and the Maisters mate who was a lustie fellow they quickly cléered theyr shippe againe and the Prince hauing receiued a wound by one of the Pyrats who was aboord theyr owne shyp not knowing which way to be reuenged leapt foorthwith into theyr shyp béeing inraged laid on such blowes that euery one thought himselfe happiest when they were farthest from him for by this time there were slaine aboue twenty of the Pirats Which Geroll perceiuing knowing right well that if the Knight were slaine he should easily vanquish the rest and hoping to performe it with his owne hands he came stealing behind him but the Prince who was ordained to finish greater matters perceiuing his intent turned his face towards him giuing him such a salutation with his sword that it caused him to bend with one of his knées euen to the deck Now began betwéene them two a most cruell Combat the Pyrat béeing a strong and lustie fellow one that had foughten many dangerous battels and also béeing ayded by those of his partie assaulted the Prince with great fury and were as gallantly by him resisted to theyr no smal preiudice for within lesse then halfe an howre hee had slaine sixe of them wounding the rest very grieuously And by this time the English Ship hauing tackt about came to the rescue of the Prince which so dismayed the Pyrats that béeing but tenne of them left aliue and they for the most part hurt as before-said determined to intreate for mercy and falling downe vpon theyr knées besought the Prince with one voyce to saue theyr liues which he easily yéelded vnto And taking course for the safe custodie of the shyp they hauing with great deuotion giuen thankes vnto almighty GOD for this so happy victory which they had so luckily obtained without the losse of any one man dressing those that were hurt with such salues and other néedfull things whereof they found good store aboord the Pyrat they directed theyr course for Douer where the next day they safely arriued where the Prince at the request of the Owner of the Ship stayed by the space of three dayes during which time there arriued many of the Country people to behold him for by this time was his fame spred abroad by the Marriners to his great renowne And the Lieuetenant that had the gouernment of that Fort vnder the King of England béeing then returned from certaine affayres which he had to doe entertained him with the greatest honour that might be To whom the Prince would not make himselfe knowne but as a Knight arrant minding to trauell to the Court of the King of England the fame whereof had brought him from his natiue Country And now hauing rested himselfe by the space of tenne dayes for the curing of such wounds as he had receiued in the former conflict and séeing the Pyrats executed according to the Lawes of that Realme determined to depart the next day towards London where the King then kept his Court hauing remained a long time in great pensiuenesse for the losse of his sonne Prince Edward CHAP. X. Howe Jago comming to the English Court tooke in hand the defence of a Lady falsly accused and what hapned thereof THE Prince Iago hauing taken his leaue of the Gouernour of Douer tooke his way directly towards London accompanied onely with his Squire vnto whom for the more pleasant passing of the time hee recounted his dreame in a vision which hée had séene at his comming out of Saxony Thus past they away theyr wearisome iourney till on the fourth day comming within fiue miles of the Citty they heard one most pittifully wéeping and drawing somewhat néere the same there béeing a high banke betwéene them and the voyce which they heard they stayed awhile to vnderstand the cause of that lamentation When suddenly they might heare the wéeping cease and the party to fetch a déepe and grieuous sigh saying Is it possible that God will altogether forsake the distressed innocent and suffer such great iniustice not raysing vp any one to helpe or succour theyr rightfull cause against so euident a treason O that it would please him to raise vp another Daniell to find out theyr accursed forgeries and to frée this his distressed Susanna or that it would please his almighty power to indue mée with strength and courage whereby I might force them to confesse theyr most wrongfull and false accusation against the most vertuous Lady liuing but alas I sée mine own forces béeing a weake and féeble woman too too far vnable to accomplish the same and the eares of the Almighty so stopt against my prayers that he dooth not heare thē But what doo I meane so much to blaspheme his holy Name as to say hée dooth not heare when alas it is our sinnes which causeth him not to grant what we require or peraduenture he may deferre the same to the greater setting forth of his glory that when all hope is past euen then hee may shew his omnipotent power by some strange deliuerance Héere againe she paused And Iago mounting vp the banke perceiued that shee was a comely young Gentlewoman whom hee saluted and béeing by her againe resaluted he demaunded the cause of her griefe which by her complaint he imagined to be very great assuring her withall that if the matter were correspondent vnto truth and to be tryed by dint of sword she had met with one who would willingly hazard his life in defence of the innocent The Damsell hearing his kind proffer and withall viewing the comly proportion of his body began somewhat to comfort herselfe hoping that God had sent him of purpose to defend the iust cause of her distressed Lady answered him Most curteous and valiant Knight for so much my mind dooth assure you to be I render you infinite thanks for this your kind willing offer hoping by the time you haue heard my wofull narration you will be throughly assured of the equity of the cause which hath mooued in me many more this sorrow which euen now you found in me and the vniust and trecherous dealing of the most disloiallest Knight that liues Knowe then that whilst this Court of England enioyed their most vallerous Prince Don Edward who now by the space of eyghtéene yeres hath continued