reading such Romances Many other ways might be invented said the Coroner to divert Mens Fancies than this destructive one of rending such Books which the better they are Writ the more dangerous they are for some young people are so intentive upon them that they imagine themselves to be such as they read of And such a one I suppose this young man to be who by reading Books of Knight Errantry would Fool himself into a conceit that he is a Knight Errant But such people so conceired ought not to be soothed up in their Follies but rather sharply reproved and if that will not mend them then either let them be sent to Bedlam or Whipped at a Carts-Tayle until this foolish humour be Whipped out of them Sir Billy was in such a rage to hear these words that the Icy Current of his frozen blood kindled up in agonies as hot as flames of burning Sulphur fretting and suming like a piece of Gumm'd Velvet Monster of all wicked Men said he whom I cannot name without spitting after it for fear of being poysoned could thy malice vent it self in nothing but speaking against the most noble Order of Knight-Errantry nor know I whether thy envy or arrogancy be greatest in it nor what punishment is equivalent to such high presumption yet shall not thy malapertness escape unpunished if my trusty Sword fail me not and therefore if thou art as valiant of thy hands as thou hast been prodigal of thy Tongue I challenge thee out into the field to fight with me which if thou shalt deny to do I shall proclaim thee the most Cowardly Carpet Knight that ever wore Sword only valiant in Voice but at the sight of an Enemy ready to run away from thy self The Coroner who was a man well skill'd at his Weapon and with Courage answerable to his skill scorning to be out-braved by such a Princocks was resolved to chastise his folly and therefore told him that though it were beneath him to answer one so Inconsiderable yet least his rashness should take that to be fear which was only contempt he would answer him at any time place or weapon he should appoint bidding him be sure in making his words good of what he had promised or else he would be a shame unto the Order he did profess And I quoth Ricardo Squire unto the renowned Knight Sir Billy of Billerecay do challenge the Squire that belongeth to the Knight which is to fight with my master at any Weapon he shall propose to fight withal so it be such a Weapon as former Squires to Knights-Errant used for to fight withal This unexpected Challenge of Ricardo put all the Company into a merry kind of amazement endeavouring by all means to have the humor go forward There was at that time attending on the Coroner a young Man much about the Age and stature of Ricardo who hearing this Challenge desired his Master he might accept of it which being granted him he told Ricardo he should be answered at his own Weapon at the time and place when their Masters did fight All things being thus agreed they next consult of the time and place when and where it should be done Sir Billy would have had a sortnights space and that in the mean time Messengers should be sent abroad to declare by sound of Trumpet in all Market-Towns and general assemblies of this their fight But the Justice and Coroner not willing to have a private divertisement made so publick would not agree to it so at last it was concluded to be the second day after in a large Meadow behind the Justices House during which time the four Combatants prepared themselves for the encounter which how it was performed on both sides we shall in the next Chapter the sacred nine assisting in our endeavours in full and ample manner declare unto you CHAP. 15. Sir Billy's Encounter with the Coroner How he was relieved by Ricardo His admirable description of his Mistress With Ricardo's Counterbuff thereto SOON had wide-mouth'd Tatling Fame dispersed the News of the combat betwixt Sir Billy and the Coroner so that at the day appointed there was a great concourse of people to behold the same The Old Justice had the day before highly caressed Sir Billy and his Daughter a Virgin of about sixteen years of Age gave him all the encouragement she could bestowing a Ribbon upon him to wear on his Hat telling hiâ— that if he overcame him he should be her Knight and that she should account her self the most happy Woman in the World to have such a Servant I think my self extraordinarily engaged to you for your goodness said Sir Billy and doubt not Madam of my success it being in the vindication of those noble Knights Amadis de Gaule Sir Huon of Bourdeaux Don Belianis of Greece Palmerin of England Orlando Furioso Don Flores of Greece Sir Guy of Warwick Bevis of Southampton and abundance of other noble Heroes who spending their time in Arms dyed in the Bed of Honour whose memory this foul Miscreant seeks to deprave and that with such opprobrious words enough to raise the Ghost of those deceased Worthies out of their Graves to vindicate their own Honour had not the Fates allotted me in this latter Age to be a Brother of that noble Society for the punishment of all those who shall offer to villifie such a noble profitable Honourable Order You have reason in what you say replyed the Damosel for should such noble Orders fall into contempt it would be a great discouragement to vertuous enterprizes and then for want of such persons how would the World be pester'd with Tyrants Oppressors and merciless persons Dragons and Monsters would abound in every place and Gyants so increase that the habitable World would be turned into a meer Desart Whilst they were thus discoursing there came a Messenger to Sir Billy to bid him make ready for the encounter for his Antagonist was upon entering the Lists whereupon Sir Billy buckled on his Armor which was something difficult for him to do each piece being so ill proportioned to the other and now thus Armed as he thought Cap-pe he marched into the field against his Enemy who was attending him clad in a Buff Coat with no other Armor but his Sword Ricardo and the other young man came into the field habited for to fight and with a resolution answerable to the Courage of their Masters And now a general expectation was fixed in the minds of the Spectuors each promising to themselves an assured Victory but the Eyes of most there present were fully fixed on Sir Billy who marched in as great state towards the Coroner as Hector the Trojan Prince before the Walls of Ilium and being come near to him he said yield thy self Prisoner to my conquering Arm else shall thy Life pay for thy Tongues presumption I crave no favour said the Coroner but look to thy self else will the Honour of Knight Errantry lie in the dust
fasts and his custom used to be rather to neglect his work than the satisfying of his Stomach Had not the great hopes of his Masters being suddenly Knighted and the entertainment he should have at the next Castle diverted him And to see that fortune is sometimes Favourable to Knights Errant they had not rid long before they came to a sumptuous building wherein lived an ancient Esquire who kept a very bountiful House and courteously entertained strangers that came to him Thither rid Sir Billy and his Squire and meeting one of the Servants in the Yard asked him if the Lord of the Castle was within The Servant stared upon them seeing them so Ridiculously habited and seeing Sir Billy have on some pieces of Armor which he had never seen before but only such as hung up in his Masters Hall I tell you said he this is no Castle nor is my Master any Lord save only that he is Lord of the Mannor I perceive said Sir Billy that thou art ignorant of what belongeth to Knights Errant and therefore go tell thy Master that the most Heroick and invincible Knight Sir Billy of Billerecay would confer with him Tell me then quoth the Fellow how long thou and the Springal that tendeth on thee have been come out of Sedlam and perhaps I may acquaint him with your being here else may my Master be angry with me for of all scents he loveth not that which comes out of Bedlam These words put Sir Billy in a great rage drawing out his Morglay and Brandishing it about his head that he looked like the picture of St. George fighting with the Dragon The Fellow seeing him draw out his Killing Iron knowing it to be dangerous meddling with edge Tools told him he would presently acquaint his Master But Sir said he my memory is bad and therefore I must intreat you once more to tell me your name I tell thee said Billy It is the Victorious Knight Errant Sir Billy of Billerecay A killing name and a killing look said the Fellow I doubt my Master will be afraid but yet for my own Safety I will adventure to tell him So going into the House he found him Discoursing with Gentlemen to whom he said Sir there is without the Vincible Knight Sir Billy of Billerecay desires to confute with ye The Gentleman laughing at his simplicity looked out to see what great Don this same should be But when they saw two such Anticks clad in patches of Armour like Mars his petty-toes they could not contain but were ready to burst with laughter at such a ridiculous sight And therefore expecting to find rare sport in their conversation they went all forth to give him Entertainment whom Sir Billy accosted in this manner SIR I am one who for the publick good have taken upon me the Exercise of Arms for to revive the Honour of Knight Errantry which too-long hath lain neglected in the world to the great prejudice of distressed Damosels wronged Ladies and Captived Knights and how since the World hath been Pestered with Gyants Monsters and Inchanters there is none can be ignorant and which I and my Squire felt to our Cost but very lately for Encountring with a terrible Gyant notwithstanding I gave him a total overthrow yet were we set upon by two wicked Negromancers who by their cursed Magick Art gave us many terrible Blows which we were not able to withstand and as I conceive the Reason is for that as yet I have not received the Order of Knighthood my request therefore is that since I have devoted myself to the publick good I may be kindly entertained in this Castle and that the Lord thereof will dub me Knight according to the Rules of that Heroick Order of Knights Errant The good Old Squire hearing Sir Billy's oration could not chuse but smile and being one of a pleasant Disposition he resolved to Sooth him up in his Fancy thereby to make himself and the Gentlemen his Friends the better sport therefore fixing his eyes on Sir Billy with a grave Countenance thus spake to him How highly your noble resolution is to be commended I want words for to express sure you imitate the Arts of the valiant Hercules whose Labours were for the suppressing of Tyrants and righting such persons as were wronged Know then Sir you are very welcome to our Castle and for the Order of Knight-Hood we shall take such a course that you shall not go without it lest the World should be destitute of those many Successes which are destined to your Victorious Arm. These words were very pleasing to Sir Billy but much more to Ricardo who now was in good hopes of recruiting his wambling Belly which wanted the usual mess of Porrege that he used to have for his Breakfast before he went to plough therefore alighting off their Horses and committing them to the care of one of the Servants they walked in with the Gentlemen and were by the Master of the House kindly entertained But it would have made a Horse break his Bridle with laughter to see how the young Knight Errant and his Squire were put to their shifts in getting off their Armor which after some difficulty they accomplished and were as soon Complemented by the Gentlemen there present Sir Billy returned them the like Civilities but with as many absurdities as a Citizen at Court or as a Clown at a Dancing-School After some little discourse the Gentleman of the House invited Billy and his Squire to take a repast of Victuals provided for them which was Courteously accepted by Sir Billy but especially by Ricardo whose barking Stomach cryed aloud for a supply The Gentlemen there present desired excuse to fit down with them but with great Admiration beheld how the Knight and his Squire laid about them in this Teeth-Encounter more Valiant and far more Fortunate therein than in the Encounter with the terrible Scare-Crow After they had sufficiently refreshed themselves Sir Billy's Teeth now lying Idle his Tongue having free liberty to speak he began his Speech in this wise There is no undertakings whatsoever so Honourable and necessary to mankind as this of Knight Errantry were it not for them how would Gyants and Monsters o'recome each Country destroying all with Rapine and Violence It is the Knights-Errant unconquered Arms that delivereth distressed Knights and Ladies from their Imprisonment in Inchanted Castles who overcomes Magicians and Negromancers putting an end to their Devilish Inchantments but only the undaunted Prowess of Knights-Errant Did you ever hear of any Dragons Griffins or Sagitaries slain and destroyed but by the invincible Valour and Matchless Magnanimity of Knights Errant In brief they are the Avengers of Injuries the Righters of Wrongs the Supporters of the distressed the Defenders of the Peaceable and quellers of the riotous The want of these Heroick Persons in this last Age hath been the cause of so many Villanies that have been committed none more able nor more willing to suppress outrages
than Knights-Errant To this Honourable Function have I therefore devoted my self beseeching you most Mighty Monarch of this Famous Castle for the Consummation of my intended purposes to bestow on me the Honour of Knight-hood whereby I may be enabled to perform such seats of Arms that Babes unborn may read with Wonder the Valiant Arts performed by me The Courteous Old Gentleman hearing his Extravagancies and willing to make some pastime with his folly as also that his Friends might have some Jovial Divertisement he freely granted him his request in these Words Most noble Youth in whom appears the early sparks of Martial Resolutions who would seek to quench the Flames of Magnanimity which I see already enkindled in your Breast that were to deprive posterity of the knowledge of your renowned Actions therefore know your request is granted you performing those Services which Knights-Errant are bound to do Namely this Night to watch your Arms and manfully defend them against any one that should seek to oppose ye thereby shewing your self worthy of the Honour to be conferred on ye and the next day we shall Dub ye Knight accordingly Sir Billy thanked him very heartily undertaking the Charge and performing it most Valiantly as you shall hear in the next Chapter CHAP. 3. Sir Billy watcheth his Armor and is made Knight by the Lord of the Castle his ill success in running at the Quinten with other things which happened NOw had the Curle pated Waggoner of Heaven finisht his Diurnal course and driven his panting Steeds down to the Western Hill and Nights black Wings had Maskt up the light in gloomy Darkness when the renowned Champion Sir Billy of Billerecay having refreshed his Spirits with the sprightly Liquor of the spreading Vine undertook according to those Presidents he had read in Books of Chevalry to watch his Arms for that Night accordingly they were seated in a very convenient place where if any opposition should be offer'd unto him he might have full liberty to bestir himself the Gentleman wishing him to be very watchful because the place he said was troubled with Devils and infernal Spirits which yet notwithstanding nothing daunted Sir Billy's Courage so much was his Heart fraught with invincible Valour that he dreaded no Danger whatsoever Whilst Billy was thus fixt in watching his Armor to try his-Man-hood the Master of the House with the other Gentlemen perswaded a Groom a lusty Stout Fellow to Encounter with him promising if he overcame him a good reward for his Pains The Fellow willing to show the Gentlemen some sport undertakes the same but thinking it more pleasant to overcome without blows he intends to do it by Stratagem and to this purpose there being a Bears skin in the House he cloathed himself therewith and putting a Vizard on his Face and carrying on his shoulder a lighted Candle in the Rinde of a Pompion cut out with the resemblance of Nose Eyes and Mouth it looked most dreadfully but least those should not take the wished Effect he carried in his hand a good Ashen Towel to defend himself Being thus Accoutred in the dead of the Night when darkness had clothed our Hemisphere save only a faint light which Cynthia gave through the dusky Clouds he Approaches to the place where Sir Billy stood with his drawn Sword to Encounter any that should oppose him At the first sight thereof he was in some little Fear as having never read in all his Books of Errantry of such a fearfull Apparition but his Earnest desire of being Dub'd a Knight made him slight all danger so that with his great two-handed Sword he struck at the Groom with all his might but Fortune herein was Favourable to him for the blow lighting on the Pompion Lanthorn broke it all in pieces and in an instant extinguisht the Light which made Billy verily believe he had cut the Devils head off Encouraged wherewith he so redoubled his blows that the Fellow thought he would send him to the Devil indeed imagining the cracking of the Pompion had been the cracking of his Bones wherefore giving him a fair pair of heels he hasted from his Clutches as hard as he could drive This Victory thus obtained Sir Billy imagined himself no less than a Second Hercules resolving to undergo whatsoever attempt should happen unto him In the mean time the Gentlemen with all the Rhetorick they could use were perswading the Groom to make a Second onset on Billy but fear standing at the Gates of his Eyes put back all perswasions which they could use whereupon willing to have the Frolick continued one of the Gentlemen undertook the Adventure and putting on a Buff Coat a Helmet on his head and taking a Sword in his right Hand and a lighted Torch in the other he marched directly to Sir Billy who very watchfully attended his coming And now Caliope thou sacred Sister of the Muses assist my Pen in describing this Jest Earnest Combat Assist my trembling and unable Quill O all ye Powers that haunt Pernassus Hill This young Gentleman whom for Distinction sake we will call Orlande seemed with great fury to make a pass at Sir Billy who seeing his bright Sword coming directly towards him went backwards but not as the Ram to return with the greater fury but with the same mind as Cowards who run away from the Battel only to be kill'd further from their fellows Thus retreated he back until at last his back touched a Brick Wall when all on a sudden remembring the Goddess he had devoted himself unto it put fresh Vigor into his Veins and crying out O Beauteous Dulcina assist thy Servant he laid about him with as much Courage as Alcides when he encountred with the Nemaean Lyon so that the Gentleman to defend himself was forced to use his utmost skill but his Torch being longer than Sir Billy's Sword he crost the Fire thwart his Face which put Sir Billy again to the retreat but it would have made one to split with laughter to see how the Gentleman coming up to Sir Billy and having given him three or Four slaps with the flat of his Sword he would fly back again as it were for fear whom Sir Billy then would eagerly pursue Thus did they make good their ground for several times when at last Mr. Orlando wearied as well as satisfied with the divertisement ran quite away from Sir Billy whom the Conquerour would not pursue it being his duty then only to watch his Arms. Next Morning no sooner did Aurora begin to display her Golden locks and the Sun to gild the Horizon with his Radiance but the Gentleman accompanied with the Master of the House went altogether to visit Sir Billy and to Congratulate with him for his great manhood in defending his Arms. Arms said Sir Billy I think I have been Encountred this Night with the Fellest of the infernal Region but had they had the strength of Ascapart who could bear a Knight at Arms and his Horse
nimbly slipt the Ring from off his Finger and as nimbly put it on his own whereby the Tinker again became visible but Ricardo was no where to be seen The Hostess seeing such Juggling tricks began to call out for her Money with such a loud voice as waked also the Bedlam who asking for his Master I think said she your Master is the Devil for the Tinker and he are in Dock out Nettle sometimes seen and sometimes not and here is Seven Shillings and six pence to pay and now the Young Devil is fled which I much marvel at for I think none of you both have any Crosses about ye to scare him away Whilst they were thus arguing the case Ricardo slipt away from them taking his course directly towards Billerecay where how he sped we shall declare in the next Chapter CHAP. 7. Hap Ricardo delivered his Letter to Jone Grumball with her Answer to it And several exploits performed by Ricardo with his Invisible Ring IT was at such time of the day when the Curl pate Waggoner of Heaven had well near finisht his Diurnal Course and was driving his panting Steeds down towards the Western Hill when the Renowned Squire Errant Ricardo entred into the Town of Billerecay bending his course directly towards the House of Jone Grumball to whom he delivered Sir Billy's Letter with much obsequiousness telling her such Stories of his Master's Valour his Honour of Knight-Hood and of the great affection he bore to her that her heart began to melt towards him even as a pound of Butter melts before the Sun But being she could not read her self she sent for a Journey-man Shoomaker to the further end of the Town to read it one who bore good will unto her and was at that present inditing a Letter to make her know the affection he bore her Crispin having read it over and understanding he had a Knight to his Rival was very much troubled but Jone Grumball was so well pleased with the Sugar-Candy Words he sent unto her that she vowed her self unto him both Body and Breeches asking Ricardo many questions concerning him all which he answered in such lofty Language amplifying his prowess the respects all people shewed unto him with the faithful Love he bare unto her that she was more and more entangled in the Lime-Twigs of Love vowing and protesting her self his for ever Crispin by these presages finding his Suit like to have but a cold reception to avenge himself on Ricardo by whose speeches he thought Jone's Heart was estranged from him he therefore ran to old Thomasio telling him his Son's partner in stealing away his Horses was at that instant at Jone Grumball's whom he might easily take and by that means know what was become of his Son as also of his Horses Thomasio quick as lightning taking a Constable along with him went to Jone Grumballâ— and seizing upon Ricardo threatned him with all the punishments he could reckon up as Hanging Burning Drowning Killing Stabbing and twenty other kinds of Death besides if he told him not where his Son and Horses were Ricardo nothing daunted at his Domineering but intending to put a trick upon him told him that his Son was become one of the greatest Lord in the World that Kings and Queens craved his Assistance and Lords and Ladies implored his help that he commonly kill'd half a dozen Gyants for his Breakfast and bathed his Sword in the Blood of Monsters and Dragons every day That his Master was at that present in the Sage Freston's Castle where the most excellent Princess Tantabilus courted his Love but that he had vowed himself only to the Service of his Beautiful Dulcina In sum that his Master was a Knight and he was his Squire and that therefore by the Laws of Knight Errantry they were not to be troubled nor molested wheresoever they came But Thomasio being minded not to be put off with such Noninoes charged the Constable to carry him before a Justice of Peace to which Ricardo willingly consented whether they immediately address'd themselves The Justice having heard the Allegations on both sides perswaded Thomasio to go along with Ricardo and see by fair means to bring his Son home again and if he were so obstinate he would not return to take away their Horses which would be a means to spoil their Knight-Errantry and that they might go the more lovingly together he called for a Bottle of Sack to drink them into Unity The Bottle was no sooner set on the Table but Ricardo vowed himself Master thereof and thereupon slipping on his Invisible-Ring he boldly steps to the Table and clapping the Bottle of Sack under his Coat marched away with it not being descerned by any The Justice and Thomasio were stricken into a wonderful Amazement to see the Bottle go away without hands as they thought but much more when they missed Ricardo And now remembring what strange stories he had told of Billy they concluded that both the Master and the Man were turned Conjurers and therefore dreaded what further mischief might by â—is means be shewed unto them In the mean time Ricardo was walked to Jone Grumballs with his Bottle of Sack never pulling off his Ring till he came within the House that not any one might take any Notice of him Here did he tell her what a trick he served the Justice and that therefore he must make all the hast he could to his Master Jone was very well pleased with the Jest but much more with her part she had in the Sack and having drank a Health to Billy she desired Ricardo to stay so long till she got a Letter in answer to his Master which by the School-Master of the Town was performed for her in these words My dearest Knight WIth what Joy I Jone Grumball the Lady of thy affections received your Letter may better be exprest by Imagination than words for hearing of the ardent Love that you beare unto me set forth in such Rhetorical Elocution it fared with me as with a Beggar who on a sudden finding a rich Treasure can scarce believe his own Eyes but fears it is a Dream or some fond Illusion Even so my dearest Knight did it happen unto me hardly could I believe my one Ears much less imagine that so Heroick Renowned a Champion as thou art wouldest become the Loadstone of my Affections But know that I am as much over Head and Ears in Love as thou Nor do not think me light for yielding so soon for what Heart can hold out at the Battery of thy Eloquence thou being a Conqueror of Affections as well as Gyants I shall think the time long till I hear from thee again much more till such time I see thee till when I subscribe my self Thine in indeared Friendship Jone Grumball Ricardo having received the Letter of her promised to be very careful in the delivery of it and she for her part promised him that when she came to be his Knights
manner how it was done they concluded it could be no other than the Devil to punish them for their Sins Then began the Host to tell the Bayliffs of their Swearing and Cruelty how many ungodly practises they used to get people in their Clutches and having them there how unconsionably they used them The Bayliffs on the other side tell the Host and Hostess of their false Reckonings Scoreing with a crotched Chalk and when people were near fuddled carrying away Flaggons before they were half empty and frothing them up again making them pay for whole ones as also how they gave information to Padders and Men of that profession the quality of the Guests that Lodged at their Houses The Horse-Courser was also accused for divers deceits in his Occupation so that if his picture be drawn to the Life you shall find him by his qualities to be no other than a Cozening Knave In the mean time their supposed Devil Ricardo was gotten beyond the length of their Clutches leaving them to lament their Losses and now he was minded to return the next day to his Master and to that end went directly to the Farmers where he had left his Horse But a new trouble appeared unto him for he had no Money to pay for his Horse-keeping but that difficulty was soon over for passing by a Usurer's House he heard Money clattering on the Table and the Door being open putting on his Invisible-Ring he went in where a Poor Man who had borrowed Ten Pounds of this Usurer was now come to pay it which being told and the Bond Cancel'd the Usurer put it up in a Bag of his own all which Ricardo Eyed very narrowly and no sooner had he laid it on the Table but Ricardo as soon took it away The Usurer whose Eye like his Heart was always on his Money seeing his Bag to creep away so insensibly was quite confounded with Amazement as it would move a Dog to see a Pudding stir and began to call upon him who before was seldom in his thoughts fearing the Devil whom he Judged to have drawn away his Bag would next come for him and therefore vowed a Reformation of his Course of Life That he would never more take the Rigour of a Forfeiture as soon as the day was past nor under Colour of Bonds Writing and Procuration make the Borrower pay at least Ten or Twelve Shillings in the Hundred Nay rather than fail to be preserv'd from this Danger he would build an Alms-House to maintain them who had been Ruin'd by his Extortion Now you will say it had been good Hanging this Usurer whilst he was in this humour lest he should be of the same Mind with a Master of a Ship who in a great extremity of Danger promised our Lady to offer at her Altar a Candle as great as the main Mast of his Ship And when one of his Mates jogging him told him he had promised an impossibility Tush Fool said he we must speak to her fair in time of need but if ever I come ashore I will make her be content with a Candle of six to the Pound But Ricardo was somewhat more Consciencious in his doings for being got safe out of the Usurers House he put some of the Money in his Pocket and waiting for the poor Man's return gave him the rest bidding him to be a good Husband with it and pray for the Squire of the Invisible Ring for his good Fortune And so leaving the Poor Man over-joy'd he went towards the Farmers when passing through a Meddow he saw a Maid Milking of a Cow who was sweetly singing forth this Song When first on Love I cast my wanton thoughts But yet not minding him for to obey For freedom sure I thought was better oughts Than serving him his Servitors doth slay For what to Hungry Lovers is relief But Sorrow Anguish Discontent and Grief But yet my mind is not so fully set For Maidens minds are subject unto change But if I could a faithful Servant get Whose Love would not be subject for to range I soon to Love should yield a due subjection And he should Master be of my Affection For Maidens Hearts they are not like to steal Obdurate hard will no Impression take But tender soft when Cupid's Darts they feel Which in their Hearts will soon Impression make No Fort so strong but may be won at last No Mind so fixt but it may change as fast Ricardo stood amaz'd at the ravishing Harmony of her Voice comparing it to the Melody of the Thracian Poet Orpheus when by his Songs he attracted Beasts Trees and Stones to follow him or rather to the Harmony of the Seraphick Choires wishing himself all Ear to listen to her Song the pleasingness whereof so insensibly crept into his Heart that he became a Thrawl unto her But first he began to consider whether Squire Errants might have their Mistresses as well as Knights and many weighty Arguments pro and Con passed in his thoughts but Love so over-swayed them all that he became solely captivated to her Affections and therefore was she no sooner risen from Milking her Cow but he accosted her on this manner Most beautyful Mistress the attractiag Harmony of your Angelical Voice hath so captivated my Heart that I am become a Sworn Servant to your Vertues and therefore among all the Days of my Life I must account this the Happiest wherein I had the Honour first to see you Nor think you have met with an ordinary person which seeks thus to gain an Interest in your Graces for know I am no less than a Squire-Errant to that Renowned Knight at Arms the invincible and Victorious Sir Billy of Billerecay whose Fame begins to sound all the World over and whose History is to be Writ with a brazen Pen and enroled in the Book of Fame Let me intreat you therefore to accept of me for your Servant by which you may come to be as Famous as Dulcina my Masters Lady and in process of Time the Wife to a Governour of an Island The poor Maid who had never before been acquainted with any Love-Rhetorick above that of a Ballad or in the Plough-Mans dialect Vaith Jone I Love thee stared upon him as one stricken into a sudden amazement at last she said to him Pray Sir do not use such hard Words you scare my Cows and spoil my milking Ricardo finding he was not rightly understood went towards her thinking to Salute her but the Wench as nimbly avoided him threatning to cry out if he approached any nigher to her whereupon slipping on his Invisible-Ring he thought to gain his purpose that way The Wench seeing him so vanisht on a sudden and feeling such smattering about her lips without perceiving any thing threw down her Milk pail and ran homewards as fast as her legs could carry her so that on a sudden she was gotten out of Ricardo's sight who seeing her fled thought it in vain to pursue her
but went on in his intended Journey until he came to the Farmers Now so it was that this Maid whom he had so Courted was the Farmers Daughter who seeing Ricardo coming squeaked out as if at the sight of some Spirit or Hob-goblin having before declared how she was served a Milking and now crying out This this is the Devil that haunted me But the Farmer himself knowing Ricardo perswaded her to the contrary telling her it was the Man that had left his Horse with him And so entring into the House after some discourse Ricardo told the Farmer of the affection he bore to his Daughter and the better to gain his good will how he was the Squire to a Knight Errant who Conquered Kingdoms at his Pleasure and how himself should be a Governour of an Island at least and for that which had befell his Daughter it was only things done by Inchantment to which Knights Errant and their Squires are very Subject The Old Farmer wonâ—ered at his words taking him now for another manner of Man than at first he judged him to be and therefore freely gave him his Consent as over-joy'd to have the Governour of an Island for his Son-in-Law but when this was motion'd to the Daughter she look'd on it with as much disdain as Penelope Courted by the Beggarly Irus Now by my Ferkens quoth she for ought I know this Squire Errant may be no better than the Knave of Clubs to the King and Queen of Hearts and therefore let his Master Conquer Kingdoms and Islands for who-so-ever he will but this skip-jack this Hocus Pocus shall never be any Husband of mine This answer was something a cooling Card to Ricardo but comforting himself upon her Fathers words he thought that time might alter her mind and for the present he knew not what to do with a Wife if he had her He therefore resolved she should be his Mistress and to bear the Name of Dowzabella which Name he promised to make as Famous by his Acts as that of Sabra the beloved Mistress of St. George or Philotheta the Lady of Montelion Knight of the Oracle Away you Fool said the Wench and spare your strength to throw ae Cudgel at a Paere-Tree or your Activity in being the best Man at a match at Foot-Ball and meddle not with a Sword as a Weapon out of your element but betake you to a flail as most fit for your Employment My dearest Dowzabella said Ricardo be not so cruel to me in thy expressions Hey day said the Wench what have we here I was Christened Mary and they call me Moll and must I now be named Dowzabella Now I wish that for your Pains if any one will be so mad as to Marry ye that your Wife from a Squire-Errant will advance ye to be Knight of the Forked Order And so Sir the way lies plain for you to be gone for your Room will be more acceptable to me by far than your Company Ricardo hearing these Words thought it in vain to stay any longer there and therefore paying the Farmer for keeping his Horse desiring Dowzabella to retain a better Opinion of him he mounted his Steed and returned towards his Master CHAP. 8. How Ricardo delivered his message to his Master and of the Challenge made by Sir Billy against all comers in Honour of his Mistress Dulcina SIR Billy had waited with great impatience the coming of his Squire desirous to know how his Letter was entertained by his Mistress Dulcina as also wanting his Company in pursuance of more Adventures when to his great Satisfaction his Squire arrived with the Joyful Tydings of the kind reception he had of that peerless piece of Beauty as he stiled her Aggravating her perfections to such a height as if she had been changed from a Blowze to an Angelical Feature since Sir Billy saw her And to compleat his Joy the more he delivered him the Letter from her which having received how often did he read and read again the Superscription of it it being directed to that Puissant and Magnanimous Knight at Arms the most redoubted Sir Billy of Billerecay but when he had read the contents therein contained he was so transported with an Extasy of Joy as if he had been placed in the Apogean or Zenith of all happiness And can it be possible said he that my Lady Dulcina takes such Notice of the Actions of her Knight has Fames Trumpet already blown my praise unto her Ears What then will it be when I shall have performed such Acts worthy to be Eterniz'd in Fames eternal Bead-Roll As he was thus applauding his own supposed happiness his Host the Sage Freston came in who seeing Ricardo welcomed him with great demonstrations of Love inquiring after the welfare of his Lady Dulcina and how he sped in his Message unto her to all which Ricardo gave very plausible answers according to what he though would best please his Master When said he I first came to that Idea of Beauty she was sweetly breaking the yielding Air with her Harmonious voice which so sweetly she breathed forth as was able to make the Rocks to dance and surly Beasts stand attentive to hear her the whilst her white hands in whose comparison all whites are Ink was sewing with a Needle which with so pretty a manner made his passage too and fro thorough the Cloth as if it were loth to have gone from such a Mistress but that it hoped to return thitherward very quickly again Thus did her Voice and Hands keep pace in an equal proportion as if her hands were won by the Attraction of her Voice to work or her Voice were taught to Sing by the Harmonious consort of her hands But when this Mirror of Beauty did cast an Eye upon me and with what a due Reverence I approached to deliver my message unto her she left off Singing and with such a smile as Venus the Queen of Beauty gave to Anchises she received the Letter from me being impatient till she had read the Contents thereof which both by her words and looks I found to be very satisfactory unto her But Ricardo said the Sage Freston you have not as yet told us what Song your Lady or Mistress was then singing when you came unto her O that said he can I well Remember for I have seen it in a Ballad glewed upon many an Ale-house wall and it begins thus When as King Henry rul'd this Land The Second of that Name Besides his Queen he dearly Lov'd A fair and Princely Dame c. Indeed said the Sage Freston I guest it was either that or the Ballad of Chevy-Chase as consisting the one of Love the other of War being both Concomitants of Knight Errantry Now by the Honour of my Knighthood said Sir Billy I question not but in time to perform such Acts as shall surpass e'er a Percy or Dowglass of them all and make Work for all the Ballad makers that shall live in
succeeding Ages when they have once read the History that shall be written of my Life And therefore Ricardo let it be your Care to provide for our sudden departure since Knights Errant were not born to sleep out their time in the Beds of Ease but to be still seeking out for Adventures as Men made all of Fire of such undaunted high erected Spirits as to make the Dead quake in their Graves to think of them Ricardo who was always more addicted to feeding than fighting as one who had indented with the Grave to bring all his Limbs thither and not to lose one Joynt of them by Quarrelling liked not at all of this proposal having found better Entertainment from the Gentleman than he could expect from his Master yet trusting to the vertue of his Invisible Ring by which he questioned not but to help himself in all his extremities he freely condescended unto it But the Sage Freston desirous to see what was contained in Jone Grumball's Letter thus spake to Sir Billy I make no question most Heroick Knight but the Lady of your affections who is so much Honour'd in having such 〈◊〉 Servant has so pleased your expectation in her most gracious Answer as hath given you satisfaction in her Love and Loyalty unto you and were it not an high presumption in me to beg such a boon I should think my self happy in the perusal os such lines as must needs fall from such a mellifluous Pen. I were very unworthy said Sir Billy of such transcendent Favours I have received from you should I deny you such a small request and thereupon he shewed him her Letter which when the Sage Freston had read as it were in admiration he brake forth into these expressions O the excellency of Natural Wit the Magazine of Eloquence rich Soul of Language a tenth Muse whom all the Muses Court the whole Monopoly of Wit a branch of Minerva's Olive well worthy the Affections of the most Heroick Knight in the whole World How happy art thou Sir Billy in the Choice of such a Mistress whose parts are so transcendent she may well be stiled the epitomy of all Perfections Sir Billy was not a little proud of his Ladies praises verily conceiting her to be such a one as the Sage Freston had painted her forth the Wonder of Nature and Quintessence of perfection saying he would have a Solemn Justs proclaimed in the next Prince's Court he came at wherein by the strength of his Invincible Arm he would maintain his Lady Dulcina to be the Phaenix of Beauty and the Non-parelia of this Age and accordingly gave order to be gone the next Morning but that Ricardo stayed his Journey by a new devised Trick which he brought to pass in this manner Sir Billy used every Evening to walk in the Garden with his hands indented one with another as melancholy as a Gyb'd Cat his Thoughts of Chevalry being made so habitual to him as it was now become part of his Nature In this posture as he was walking his trusty Squire slipping on his Invisible-Ring saluted him with a Crab-Tree Cudgel overthwart his shoulders laying it on so lustily that Sir Billy thought himself engaged in one of those imaginary fights which he had read in his Books of Knight-Errantry and drawing his Sword began to strike but knew not at what at last he heard a Voice which spake to him in this manner Sir Knight before thou dost depart From forth the place whereas thou art Thou must maintain thy Ladies Fame ' Gainst any shall oppose the same Which if thou dost refuse then know Thou shalt receive full many a blow Sir Billy hearing a voice but seeing no Body might have thought it an illusion but that the blows which he felt assured him the contrary wherefore to avoid receiving any more he thus said whosoever thou art that thus speakest unto me know thy mind shall be fulfilled But let me desire to know from whence this message came that when I have finished the Adventure I may know by whose appointment I undertook it To whom the voice answered I am a Spirit sent from the wise Urganda the Lady of the Woods to warn thee not to stir whilst thou hast performed my Command else shall I haunt thee with revenge whethersoever thou goest And having thus said he withdrew himself without the Garden Gate and slipping off his Invisible-Ring came walking towards his Master who with great earnestness told him of this Adventure and so both of them together went to the Sage Freston and acquainted him with it wherefore it was agreed on all sides that a Challenge should be written and Messengers sent abroad into all parts to publish the same which Challenge Sir Billy himself would needs endite which he did in these words Whereas the renowned Knight at Arms Sir Billy of Billerecay hath by the Command of the wise Urganda the Lady of the Woods taken upon him to Justifie and Maintain his Lady Dulcina to be the Paragon of Beauty above all others These are to certifie that the said Sir Billy is ready by force of Arms to maintain the same at the Castle of the Sage Freston against any that shall oppose it either by Justs Turnament or any other Martial Exercise belonging to Knight Errantry Signed Sir Billy Eight days after was the time appointed when those Martial Exercises should be performed in the mean time Messengers were sent abroad to publish the same in all the Towns thereabouts which caused much Wondring amongst many people who this Sage Freston should be and of Justs and Turnaments which few could remember ever to have heard of but the Messengers soon resolved the Riddle informing them of the mad Whimzies of Sir Billy and how all was intended by their Master for sport and divertisement whereupon many Gentlemen thereabouts promised to come and to bring some of their Servants accoutred like Knights Errant to Encounter with Sir Billy but how they sped in their enterprize you shall hear in the next Chapter CHAP. 9. How Sir Billy was forced to run from his Challenge the Mirth Ricardo had at a Wedding what a Trick he served an Old Fornicator and how he went in persuit of his Master AMongst other places whether the Fame of this Challenge did spread was the Town of Billerecay wherein dwelt Thomasio the Father of Sir Billy who hearing of his Sons challenge resolved to encounter him with a Justices Warrant for the recovery of his two Horses and if it were possible to change his Son from a Knight Errant to a Plough-Man again and withal threatning to have Ricardo severely punished to which purpose he easily obtained a Warrant of the same Justice from whom Ricardo before had taken away the Bottle of Wine And being thus armed with better Authority than his Son had for his Knight-Errantry he took his way directly to the Sage Frestons where he had taken Sir Billy Napping had not Ricardo by chance heard of his coming
for Thomasio whom Age had brought to the downfal of his mellow Years being as most Old Men are very Tuchy and Cholerick could not forbear to give out threatning Words what he would do unto them before he had gotten his prey into his hand Wherefore Ricardo having notice of his intent was minded to frustrate his expectation and giving his Master Billy notice thereof he speedily packed him away himself staying behind to see what would be the event thereof not doubting when the worst came to come off well enough by the help of his Invisible-Ring And indeed he quickly found himself to have need of such help for Thomasio finding his Son Billy to have escaped his hands resolved Ricardo should pay for all and so by vertue of his Warrant seized upon him threatning him with so many punishments and such diversity of Torments that if words would have done it Ricardo had dyed a Thousand Deaths In this passion he was hurried before the Sage Freston who as we told you before was Justice of those parts to whom Thomasio made a grievous complaint how that Ricardo was both a Thief and a Conjurer that he had stolen his Horses and intic'd away his Son and for ought he knew made him away and therefore desired he might be severely punished But Sir said he if you have not a care he will escape your hands for he hath learned Hocus pocus tricks during his Knight Rascality by which he can make himself and Bottles of Wine to become Invisible as he served our Justice not long ago and therefore I do accuse him for a Witch and that as a Witch he may be burnt to death at a stake To this Ricardo answered that he had done nothing but what was warrantable by the Laws of Knight-Errantry according as his Master had informed him for said he did you ever read in any Books of Chevalry that Knights-Errant and their Squires went about to seek out Adventures on Foot and therefore since his Master must have Horses who could furnish him better than his Father Nor are we said he to be troubled or molested for whatsoever we do since Knights Errant are Lawless and if the Knights be Lawless by consequence the Squires are Lawless too Ricardo's words made the whole Company to laugh when in the very nick of time came the Justice of Billerecay from whom Ricardo had taken the Bottle of Wine invited thither by the Fame of Sir Billy's Challenge Ricardo seeing him come thought it was time to be gone thinking he would disclose the Trick he had shown him which indeed he quickly did in all its circumstances but the strangeness of the thing could gain no Credence with the Sage Freston who said he would try if he could serve him such a Trick and thereupon commanded three or four Bottles of Sack to be fetched and set on the Table Ricardo seeing and hearing all what was done thought it now high time to act his part and thereupon slipping on his Ring he seizes upon two of the Bottles and clapping them under his Coat marched cleverly away with them to the Astonishment of all there present especially to the Sage Freston who now began to think that Ricardo and his Master instead of two simple Fellows were a couple of crafty Knaves But notwithstanding Ricardo went away laughing with his Booty yet was his heart sorrowful as dreading what would be the effects of that which they had done for though he put great confidence in his Invisible-Ring as a sure protection for him in all his extremities yet hearing how vehemently Old Thomasio had accused him for Witchcraft and that if he should be taken unawares before he could put the Ring on his Finger it might be taken from him and all his forepassed actions laid to his Charge which last he had committed he thought would be none of the least in abusing him by whom they had been so kindly entertained for now he perceived that notwithstanding all his Masters brags of Conquering Castles and Islands the purchase they were likeliest to get was only a Jayle He therefore resolved not to expose himself to any danger more than needs must and to that purpose kept the Ring on his Finger until he travelled many Miles whereby he prevented his being taken by those which the Sage Freston had sent after him For these two Justices after his departure seeing how they were deluded had sent both Horse and Man to take him some of which Ricardo saw pass by him enquiring of every one they met after such a person When a new project came into Ricardo's Head to make them leave off their pursuit which was this He gets behind an Oak and making an hideous noise as it were the croaking of Ravens bellowing of Bulls and braying of Asses mixt together which made them all stand still as amaz'd at what they heard and having gotten them so together with a loud bellowing voice thus he said I am the Oak which the ancients of Old Consecrated to Jupiter in whose Name I straitly charge ye to persue no further after Ricardo Squire to the Invincible Knight at Arms Sir Billy of Billerecay seeing he is one whom we have taken into our safe Protection and whosoever shall offer him the least Injury we shall be severely revenged on him The messengers hearing such a hideous Voice and seeing no person notwithstanding they rounded the Oak Tree twice or thrice about were wonderfully amazed not knowing what to do and there being never a Knight-Errant amongst them which fear no danger but are fool-hardy in all attempts they thereupon concluded to return home as being sufficiently warranted by the voice which they heard which when Ricardo saw he laughed heartily to himself at those Sons of fear as men who were afraid of the Swords which themselves wore and affrighted at the clashing of their own Armor The messengers thus returning homewards with a sleeveless excuse of a fruitless Arrand Ricardo passed on his way but still diversity of thoughts perplexed his mind what Course of Life to take whether to seek out his Master Billy and pursue Squire Errantry or to live by the shifts of his Invisible-Ring at last he resolved with himself to go to his Master knowing his Necessities to be so great that without his help he was not able to support them having left behind him both his Horse and Armor by which he appeared at least in show not like a Knight Errant and therefore neither he nor his Squire acceptable to those places whether they should come Now as he travelled along often taking a sup of the Bottle to cheer his heart he overtook a Fidler who was going to play at a Wedding at the next Village with whom Ricardo consorted and to endear his Company the more as they went sitting down under an aged Oak whose spreading boughs sheltered them from the heat of Sols burning rayes which with his orient tresses cast a radient lustre over the World there
spake to him in this manner Most puissant Knight whose Warlike Acts have already filled Fames Golden Trumper and whose renowned dieds of Arms will hereafter be inscribed on ever-during leaves of Brass We being informed by the renowned Governour of this Famous Castle of your intentions to encounter with the Flying Negromancer could do no less than come to congratulate and applaud this your so honourable undertaking which may sufficiently evidence to the World the great need that Knight Errantry should be again revived which too long hath lain sleeping in the Grave of Oblivion to the great increase of Negromancers Magicians and Inchanters which now uncontroled do practice their Diabolical Arts. I Swear said Sir Billy by the bloody Falshion of fiery Mars that there is no Trade Calling or Occupation so good nor beneficial to Mankind as Knight Errantry were it not for them how would Tyrants and Monsters over-run the World Dragons Satyrs Lyons and other ravenous Creatures depopulate whole Countries had not St. George killed the burning Dragon in Egypt how had that Country been destroyed and had not be with the other six Champions of Christendom overcome Leoger Knight of the Black Castle how would the Shepherd have been revenged of him for the Ravishment of his Daughter and how would the King of Babylon at that time been freed from â—is Inchantment How would Magicians and Negromanâ—ers work Mischief in every place were they not taken down by our invincible hands as I intend my Lady Dulcina being propitious to me to work with this wicked Inchanter to day and to set the Lady Praxada 〈◊〉 from her Imprisonment These last words were spoken with such a confident boldness as if the work were already done and instantly he would have gone about it had they not perswaded him that the Inchanter appeared not so soon in the Morning for they were resolved not to let him go till the Rope-Dancer had gotten a great concourse of people about him and to that end one waâ—â—ppointed to bring them word when the time was fit for the purpose In the 〈◊〉 space Sir Billy held them in a long discourse concerning the loss of his Armor and 〈◊〉 his Squire was separated from him imputing it all to the malicâ— of Magicians and Inchanters who are evermore envious against Men of his profession Whilst they were thus talking the Messenger gave them Notice that then â—as a 〈◊〉 for him to come wherefore they acquainted him that the Magician was â—ow acting his freaks Then let me alone said he shew me but the place and the business is done asking them also if they would not go with him to see hâ—â—â— he would undevil the Negromancer who excused themselves with a pretence of fear Fear said Sir Billy is a passion wherewith Knights Errant are unacquainted whose Hearts Scorn Danger and dive for honour into a Sea of Blood therefore if you are afraid stay behind for I am resolved not to shun any Danger wherein the honour of our Knighthood is concerned And so being directed by a Boy which they sent with him he went the next way to the Inn where he soon spyed his supposed suchanter Vaulting on the Rope with Jack-Pudding shewing Antick Tricks to make the people laugh whereupon Sir Billy drawing his Sword cryed out to them with a loud Voice Come down you wicked Inchanters Sons of the Devil the ingredients of wickedness that have contracted in a Soul the Body of all Mischief you that have practised Villany from your Cradle and from the dug suckt mischief more than Milk the Monopoly of Vice and Hieroglyphick of all ill Come down I say and deliver up the Lady Praxada and submit your selves to the mercy of the Invincible Knight at Arms Sir Billy of Billerecay or Iâ—shall in an instant send your Souls to the burning Banks of Acheron that Flaming Torrent where the sad Furies bathe their ugly Limbs there to be tormented and burn with everlasting Flames of stinking Pitch All the Spectators were extreamly amazed at Sir Billy's oration some thought him to be a Mad-Man others that it was a device of the Dancing Master for the diversion of the Company and amongst the rest Jack-Pudding was of the same Opinion who to add to their Mirth turned up his Bum to Sir Billy which so incensed our Knight Errant that he gave him a prick on the Buttock with his Sword that made Jack to roar and bellow like a Bull. The dancing-Dancing-Master seeing that Sir Billy was in earnest in a great fear leapt off the Rope and with the fright fell flat along which Sir Billy spying leapt upon him and setting the point of his Sword to his Breast said Yield thy self thou foul Inchanter and deliver me the Keys wherein thou hast imprisoned the Lady Praxada or else I shall instantly send thy Soul to accompany those wicked Magicians and Negromancers which have formerly been put to Death by Knights Errant before me I know of no Keys said the Dancing-Master nor have any thing in my Pocket save only a paper of Verses which was sent me by a Friend in praise of my profession Let me see them said Sir Billy and that instantly that I may know by what wicked Arts thou practisest thy Inchantments I practise no Inchantments quoth the Dancing-Master and therefore take away thy Sword and thou shalt see what is in it Whereupon the Company perswaded Sir Billy to let him alone whilst he had read what was written which being granted the Dancing-Master pulled it out of his Pocket and it being read contained as followeth Sir hearing by Fames Trumpet your Ability In the performing rare feats of Agility I thought I could no less do in Civility Than give you praise for this your Doubility Which far alass transcendeth my Debility My weak infirm faint impotent Fragility And therefore I implore you in Humility That as you are descended from Gentility But not one whit ally'd unto Nobility That you will Pardon this my Imbecility Of which I hope there is a Possibility Because that I in you find great Stability That you will Pardon my Muses Sterility So wishing unto you a long Tranquility And that your Calling may have great Vtility To all Spectators and Friends Visibility Sir Billy hearing such hard cramp words would not believe but that they were plain Conjuring and therefore Swore by the Bloody Falshion of Mars he would Cut off his Head and would also have been as good as his word had not the people ran in and held his hands In the mean time the Dancing-Master got away and sent for a Constable whom when Sir Billy spy'd he strived to get out of their hands crying with a loud Voice Come all ye infernal Spirits whatsoever and with your Damned Magical Charmâ— do your worst I am prepared to encounter with ye all But the Constable a sturdy robustious Fellow taking him by the Coller struck up his heels and disarming him of his Sword said unto him Sir Errant Rascal
and thereupon they began to lay on at each other Sir Billy with much strength and fury the Coroner with Courage Joyned with skill by which he so much o're-matched our young Knight Errant that notwithstanding he earnestly invocated his Lady Dulcina and implored the assistance of the whole Mirror of Knighthood the Coroner so bestirred him that putting by the thrust of his Sword he closed within him and strikeing up his heels took his Sword from him telling him he was not fitting to wear any such Weapon without he knew how to handle it better This Combat gave more cause of laughter than admiration Sir Billy having promised so much and performed so little In the mean time Ricardo and the Coroners Man began a more mirthful Combat between them for Ricardo by vertue of his Invisible-Ring feared not any danger he should be exposed unto which made him so forward to challenge the other With much Courage and resolution these two Petty-Toes of Mars did fight it out for a while but when Ricardo saw his Master lie at the mercy of the Conqueror and himself hard bested he thought it was high time for him to fly to his old shifts and therefore skipping about in antick manner to make the people laugh and counterfeiting a flight he slipped on his Invisible-Ring and then returning with great confidence laid on load upon the Coroner who feeling the blows and not seeing the hand that gave him them was struck into such a Panick fear that he ran away as swift as the Eastern wind or shafts shot from a Russian Bow Ricardo seeing his flight too swift for him to overtake turned to the other and as one that had all his thoughts bound up in Choller he laid on load with might and main The young man seeing how his Master had run for it before thought it was in vain for him to stay behind especially when blows came so thick and fast and therefore betook himself to his heels Ricardo following him sometimes strikeing him on the Back and sometimes tripping up his heels making him tumble over and over which caused a great laughter in the people to see the Master and Man after they had obtained the Victory to run away as they thought from their own Shadows Sir Billy who lay fretting vexed with this disgrace seeing them both run away presently an imagination came into his head how the Sage Freston had sent him relief and therefore rising and taking up his Sword which the Coroner for hast had dropped as he ran he flourished it about his Head saying Come all ye Miscreants Foes to Knight Errantry come I say and see how the Fates Favours those who are followers of this noble Order against whom no strength of Arms nor Magical Charms is able to prevail having always some to succour them in their greatest distress And thou Sage Freston how am I bound to thee for thy special aid in all my necessities how would this Vile Monster have Domineer'd had he prevailed over me how would the Honour of Knight Errantry have been deprest had I miscarried in this Action How will after-Ages read the History that shall be written of me with admiration what perils I have endured for the Honour of Knight Errantry Whilst he was thus Vaunting the Coroner who had by this time run himself out of breath feeling no more blows nor seeing any one ashamed of himself for this Cowardise he returned back again towards Sir Billy with more fury and indignation than before and laying about him as furiously as Achilles on the flying Trojans he had given Sir Billy a total overthrow had not Ricardo seeing his Master in such danger left following the young Man and come to his rescue and seeing it was no time to delay he laid upon the Coroner giving blows as thick and fast as when he threshed Corn before he turned Squire Errant The Coroner feeling the smart of the blows and seeing nothing by which he received them was struck with a deep amazement like a Man gone a far Journey from himself or like unto Prisoners when they felt themselves turned into Beasts so that instead of running from his Enemy he was ready to run away from himself Sir Billy who was always more valiant of his Tongue than his hands seeing the Coroner stand struck with astonishment as if he had lookt on the Gorgons Face began to brustle up himself speaking such Gigantick words that if his deeds were to be measured by them each one that heard him would have taken him for a Man of Valour But Sir Billy was one of them who could speak much and do but little for the Coroner exasperated at his words ran upon him and by main strength overthrew him and doubtless had kill'd him on the place had not Ricardo also run upon him and tumbling him over Sir Billy by that means gave his Master leave to rise again The Company seeing them thus in earnest fearing it would grow to more mischief than was intended resolved to part them which Ricardo perceiving he left the two Combatants and getting out of sight pulled off his Invisible-Ring and returned back limping all the way as one wounded in the encounter This bred more wonder in the Company than any thing that had passed before how Ricardo should come to be hurt seeing to their thinking he ran away before he received any Wound or the least matter that should cause him to hault Ricardo e're he came at them began to exclaim on this manner Accursed place that ever valorous Knight Errant or faithful Squire should come into it surely the Stygian Prince that general Adversary of human Nature haunts this place who by his wicked Emissaries hath so belaboured me as if he intended to make Mummy of my flesh but could I but see this black Prince of Acheron or any of those his infernal Messengers which thus carried me out of the fight he should see I would not fear to encounter with him but thus to beat and misuse Men unseen is both Cowardly and base and quite contrary to the Rules of Knight Errantry The Coroner and his Man hearing Ricardo's discourse declared how they were also served shewing several Cuts and gashes of a Sword on their Clothes with some slight hurts on their Bodies protesting it could be no other than a Spirit This made them all amazed but only Sir Billy who would needs perswade them it was a punishment inflicted on them by the Sage Freston 〈◊〉 was an Enemy to all those who opposed Knight Errantry and a special Friend in all times of distress 〈◊〉 them who practised the Rules of that noble Order But replied the old Justice how comes it to pass that Ricardo who is at least a retainer to Knight Errantry should also be punished by him as well as these who are professed Enemies of that Order That is deservedly inflicted on him replied Sir Billy because not many days before I came hither his foolish Tongue was