shee sawe before her eyes woulde often times haue cast her selfe into the raging waters At length the tempest ouer-passed they discryed an Island wheretâ— with the helpe of theyr Oares they coasted shrouding them selues vnder the sides of an highe mountainâ— and although the place séemed casuall yet there they determened to caâ—tâ— Anker vntill the Seas were more calme and quiet Bâ—ing thus vnder the lée and defended from the winde with the hâ—ge Râ—cke Palmerin came vp on the haâ—ches to sée what iudgement he could make of the Island aâ—d so delectable thâ— country seemed vnto him as he was desirous to go on shore taking his Faulcon on his fist that was giuen him in England so with no other defence but his Sworde he went to viewe the soyle not suffering any body to beare him coÌ„pany Trineus and Agriola perswaded him to the contrary but all would not serue for the scituation of the Countrey pleased him so well as he walked on in great contentation not minding to returne againe to the ship till toward the euening Chap. LXV How Trineus Agriola Ptolome and all their Mariners were taken by the Turkes after that Palmerin was gone to viewe the Island THe Historie reporteth that while Palmerin was thus absent there arriued foure or fiue Turkish Gallies who likewise glad to shun the tempesteous weather cast Anker néere to Trineus ship and séeing no bodye on the decke of this strange vessel because fearing no harm they were all at rest they enuironed it about and hauing boorded it the Captaine of the Turks called to them saying What are yée asléepe within that ye let vs boord ye without any resistance by the reuerence of our gods we shal awake yée but litle to your ease So came the Souldiours on boorde after theyr Captaine who put the Pilote the Maister and many of the Marriners to the Sword sparing none but such as they pleased to ransome Then searching the Cabins they â—ound Trineus Agriola and Ptolome whom they tooke prisoners by reason they were vnarmed as also somewhat sicklye after theyr roughe passage This rouing Captaine or Pyrate named Olimael noting the singuler beautie of Agriola commaunded her to be â—arryed on boord his Galley When the Princesse sawe her selfe so hardly handeled and that her Lorde was prisoner with these villainous Moores so that perforce they must abandon one another she brake foorth into pitifull acclamations and looking on her husband thus spake Ah my Lord how hard straunge is this fortune haue we escaped a tempest so daungerous now to fall into this mercilesse extremitie Oh that you and Sir Ptolome had béene Armed that these Moores might haue bought our liues with the sword but despightfull chaunce hath 〈◊〉 thwarted vs as no meanâ— is left to preuent our perill Ah Palmerin how gréenous iâ—â—hine absence and how displeasaunt will our mishap bee to thée how much would thy valour now auaile vs being vtterly destitute of any succour or refuge I knowe our mishap will so offend â—hée as I feare thou wilt vse some outragâ— on thy selfe With these words shée fell downâ— among them in a dead traunce the sight whereof so enraged Trineus and Ptolome as snatching weapons out of the Moores handes they layde about them so lustily that in short time they had â—laine halfe a score of them But vnable were they to conâ—â—nd against so many wherefore being taken againe they were bounde so cruelly with cordes and chaines as renâ—e their tender and delicate flesh in many places and being so conueyed into an other Galley theyr Squires likewise prisoners with them the Moores tooke what they pleased out of the Shippe and when they had done set it on fire Then presently they weyed Anchor and launching away made haste least any reskewe should followe them so that quickly they losse the sight of the Islande and Olimael comming to sée Agriola assaied by many meanes to asswage her heauinesse embracing her in his armes and promising her great â—icheâ— if shée would be paciâ—â—ed But 〈◊〉 his spéeches were in vaine for shée séeing the Moore imbrace her with angry 〈…〉 like a Lyon enraged caught him by the haire and the throat saying Thou villaine Dogge thinkest thou I take any delight in thy company How darest thoâ— traitourlye théeâ—e lay hande on mee And so roughly did shâ— struggle with Olimael as if his men had not assisted him shée had strangled him notwithstanding hée tooke all patiently perswading himselfe that by gentle speeches smooth â—latterings and large promises hée should in time win her to his pleasure So came he forth of the cabin with his throat and face brauely painted with Agriolaes nayles washing away the bloud which made comely circles about his phisnoâ—ie then called he the Captaines and chiefe of his companie willing them to share the bootie among them and hée would haue nothing but the Princesse for his parte for he was so inueigled with the beautie of his prisoner as he had no delight but onely in beholding her In this manner then he bestowed his prisonners Trineus he gaue to one of his 〈◊〉 and Ptolome to a Knight that seruâ—d the Soldâ—â—â— of 〈…〉 hee gaue among thâ— common 〈◊〉 But when the Prince sawe hée must néedes leaue his Ladye and each man would carye his prysoner whether him pleased his gréefe for his wife and sorrowe for his friendes I leaue to your iudgement as not â—able to â—ée expressed Yet some hope of comfort hée reposed in Palmerin thaâ—by his meanes 〈◊〉 escaped theyr hands he should get againe Agriola else was there no waye lefte to helpe him Ptolome who déerely loued the Prince before they parted thus began Why how now my Lorde where is your woonted prudence and disâ—â—etion Where is that constant magâ—â—nimitie which in so many fortunes héeretofore you vsed what is it lost or haue you forget it What meane ye will ye be subiect to passions as a weake effeminate person You that are sprung from the most auncient noble and generous race of Christendome esteemed for a most couragâ—ous and vertuous Knight will you â—ée driuen into these sad and desolate â—pinions What then would a Turke Moore or barbarous Myrâ—â—don doo in like afflictions when he yâ— hath assurance of his God and knows that all persecutions fortunes and mishaps are prooues of his fidelitie and the meanes to attaine eternal quiet shewes thâ—se vndutifull behauiors as though he had lost all meanes of hope and comforte If the body be afflicted let the spirite be animated and armed with patience against all infirmities of the flesh Leaue these soft countenances for Women and if you will not perswade your selfe that these troubles happen for the encreasing of our ioye it maye bée the meanâ— that God will forsake vs. Then neyther feare or dispayrâ— I praye you for he that suffered vs to fall into these Moores handes both can and will deliuer vs againe As for your Lady Agriola doubt not of her vnconquerable loyalty for shée hath in
Palmerin D'Oliua The Mirrour of nobilitie Mappe of honor Anotamie of rare fortunes Heroycall president of Loue VVonder for Chiualrie and most accomplished Knight in all perfections Presenting to noble mindes theyr Courtlie desires to Gentles theyr choise expectations and to the inferiour sorte howe to imitate theyr vertues handled vvith modestie to shun offence yet all delightfull for recreation Written in the Spanish Italian and French and from them turned into English by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine At London Printed by I. Charlewoode for William VVright and are to bee solde at his Shoppe adioyning to S. Mildreds Church in the Poultrie the middle Shoppe in the rowe 1588. To the right noble learned and worthie minded Lord Edward de Veâ—e Earle of Oxenford Viscount Bulbeck Lord Sanford and of Badelsmere and Lord high Chamberlaine of England A. M. wisheth continuall happines in this life and in the world to come AMong the Spartanes right noble Lord and sometime my honorable Maister nothing was accounted more odious then the forgetfulnes of the seruaunt towardes his Maister which made Mucronius who had beene seruaunt to Hagarbus a poore Arteâ—an and for his vertues afterward called to the office of a Senatouâ— in all assemblies to reuerence his poore Maister so that he would often say It was honour to Mucronius that he had beene seruaunt to Hagarbus Though this example my good Lord be vnfit for me in what respect beseemes me not to speake Yet that excelâ—lent opinion of the Spartanes I count it religion for me to immitate For if this vice was so despised among such famous persons what reproch wold it be to so poore an abiect as my selfe beeing once so happy as to serue a Maister so noble to forget his precious vertues which makes him generally belooued but cheerfâ—ly mine owne dutie which nothing but death can discharge In remembraunce therfore of my officious zeale I present your Honour the willing endeuours of your late seruaunt howe simple soeuer they be right perfect shall you make them by your fauourable acceptaunce this being added that were I equall in ability with the best all should be offered to my noble Maister If Palmerin hath sustained any wrong by my bad translation being so worthely set downe in other languages Your Honour hauing such speciall knowledge in them I hope will let slip any fault escaped in respect I haue doone my good will the largest talent I haue to bestowe And seeing the time affordes me such oportunitie that with ending this first parte the olde yeere is expired I present it my noble Lord as your seruauntes New yeeres gift and therewithall deliuer my most affectionate dutie euermore ready at your Honours commaundement Needelesse were it by tediousnes to growe troublesome when a woord suffiseth to so sound iudgement I submit my selfe and my Booke to your gracious conceit and the second part now on the presse and well neere finished I will shortly present my worthie Patrone In meane while I wish your Honor so many New yeers of happines as may stand with the heauenly appointment â—nd my modestie to desire Sometime your Honours seruant yet continuing in all humble duty Anthonie Monday To the courteous Readers WHen I finished my seconde parte of Palmerin of England I promised this worke of Palmerin D'Oliua because it depended so especially on the other to discharge that debt for promise is no lesse accounted with the new yeere I send him abroad a freendly companion for the long euenings and a fit recreation for other vacant times But because some perhaps will make exceptions against me that being but one Booke in other languages I now deuide it twaine my aunswer is that to glut men with delight may make them surfeit and so in expecting thanks for my paynes I should remaine condemned by generall misliking Beside a Booke growing too bigge in quantitie is profitable neither to the minde nor the pursse for that men are now so wise and the world so hard as they looue not to buie pleasure at vnreasonable price And yet the first parte will entice them to haue the second when it may bee alleaged the cost is as great as though it had come altogether yet Iâ—am of the minde that a man grutcheth not so much at a little mony payd at seuerall times as he doth at once for this aduauntage he hath in meane time he may imploy halfe his mony on more needful occasions and raise some benefit toward buying the second parte Againe the other part will be new at the comming forth where now it wold be stale for such are affectioÌ„s now a daies that a booke a sennight olde is scant worth the reading Thus no iniurie is offered by deuiding my Booke but profitte both to you and me yours I haue rehearsed and mine is that a little pause dooth well in so long a labour beside this aduauntage would I take that if my first parte deserued no liking you should neuer be offended by me with the second Yet heerein I am encouraged that what hath past with so great applause in diuers languages can hardly merite to be despised in England being matter altogether of delight and no way offensiue for noble and Gentle mindes are farre from iniuriâ—g the Historie that hath so highly pleased Emperours Kinges mightie potentates if then the inferiour sorte mislike it is because they are not capable of so especiall deseruinges And yet I am perswaded that both one and other will freendly entertaine Palmerin D'Oliua because his History iâ— so plentifully stored with choyse conceit varietie of matter and exquisit conueyaunce as nothing can be reprooued but my simple translation yet that I hope will be pardoned too in that to translate allowes little occasion of fine pen worke The second parte goes forward on the Printers presse and I hope shal be with you sooner then you expect In the meane while let this haue fauourable acceptaunce and that wil be a spurre to hasten the other Yours to his vttermost A. Munday The first parte of the auncient and honorable Historie of the valiant Prince Palmerin D'Oliua Emperor of Constantinople Sonne to the King Florendos of Maccdon and the fayre Griana Daughter to Remicius Emperour of Constantinople a History full of singuler and Courtlie recreation c. CHAP. I. Of the secrete loue which the Prince Tarisius bare to the yong Princesse Griana and the arriuall of the Prince Florendos at Constantinople THe auncient Histories of the famous Emperours of Constantinople doo record that the eight Emperor succeeding Constantine the founder of that auncient and famous Cittie was named Remicius who gouerned so iustlie and with such excéeding honour as not onelie his Subiectes intirelie looued him but of the kingdoms about him he was so feared and reuerenced that his Empire increased more large then in the time of his Predecessors This Remicius was of such a princely and munificent minde that
séeing him rise in such a furie came and tooke him by the arme demaunding what he would haue Death quoth he if I could for it gréeues mee to liue anie longer You speake verie wiselie quoth hée in mockage is all this for the imprisonment of Griana is it not better she should be there then in the custodie of Tarisius her captiuitie you know cannot long endure but were she married she could neuer be recouered Therefore let good hope perswade you and now send an other Messenger with spéede to Constantinople to know what accidents haue happened since and to practise the meane to speake with Cardina who will certifie you from Griana what is or may be doone in these affayres This counsell liked well Florendos whereuppon he presentlie dispatched a Gentleman of trust who with all dilligence did execute the commaund of his Maister for in good time he arriued at Constantinople when Griana had libertie to speake with her Gentlewomen which when he hearde he was not a little glad whereupon he searched earnestlie till he hadde founde Cardina to whom he deliuered his Maisters minde as also in what sad and heauie plight he left him desiring her with all spéede to certifie the Princesse thereof and what seruice she would commaunde him to his Maister Cardina knowing how glad the Princesse would bee to heare these tidings from Florendos went to séeke her Sister Lerina to whom she imparted what you haue heard and she well aduised of the time and place discoursed the same to the Princesse vnséene and not suspected of old Tolomestra How ioyfull she was of this message I cannot vtter nor you conceiue but shee was resolued neuer to haue any Husbande but Florendos and therefore to comfort him she deuised to write to him that he might hope as wel as she did but wel she knewe not how to accomplish her intent by reason shée wanted pen inke and paper and she was forbidden to haue anie Notwithstanding she so well peâ—swaded her woman Tolomestra as feigning to wryte to the Emperour her Father she recouered the meane to execute her desire TheÌ„ withdrawing her selfe apart first she wrote a Letter to the Emperour and afterwards one to Florendos wherein she desired him not to be offended albeit things fell out not to his lyking for with the fauour of Fortune the end would be as pleasant to him as the beginning had béene vnhappie to them bothe withal that as he desired to prolong her life he shoulde doo nothing to the preiudice of his owne person These two Letters thus written sealed she called Tolomestra and gaue her that she had written to the Emperor desiring her to carrie it presentlie to his Maiestie by whose departing she had opportunitie to conferre with Lerina in bréefe she desired her to goe séeke the Esquire that he might returne to his Maister with the Letter she sent him which she did effectuallie and the gentle Esquire made no little hast to his Maister Who receiuing the Letter from hys Mistresse Griana was not content alone to read it but kist and rekist it a huÌ„dred times saying Ah swéete Letter writ ten with the hand of the only Princesse this day liuing for her sake will I kéepe thée as the best token a true Knight can receiue from his Mistresse CHAP. IX Howe the Emperour promised Tarisius that hee shoulde marrie Griana whether she woulde or no and howe she was deliuered of a fayre Sonne without the knowledge of anie but olde Tolomestra who had her in guarde WHen the Emperour had receiued the Letter which Tolomestra presented him from his Daughter albeit he found nothing therin might prouoke him to anger sauing that she earnestlie desired him to pittie her estate béeing innocent of anie thing was laide to her charge yet he shewed him selfe more discontented then before sending Tolomestra backe with this aunswere Say to Griana that séeing she was so aduenturous to incur my displeasure shee shall well knowe that I will not spare to punish her offence and let her assure her selfe that I wyll neuer looke on her while I liue if she match not with Tarisius to whom I haue giuen her All this Tolomestra told to Griana which rather then to obey shee desired to die wherefore when anie came to visite her she woulde shewe her selfe more pleasant in their companie then shee hadde doone in respecte of vnexpected heauines that secretlye touched her féeling herselfe so farre conceiued with Childe as she knewe no meanes to saue it and her honour if it should happen to be perceiued One onelie helpe shee had in this extreamitie that béeing so weake and sicklie the Phisitions could not discerne her disease but reputed her likely to die which she with all her hart desired yet doo what iniurie to her selfe she could she had better health then she desired to haue In the ende féeling her selfe so grosse and vnweldie she durst not leaue her bed but kept it dailie till her time drewe verie néere at hand when the Emperour by yâ— earnest importunitie of the Empresse happened to come and sée her bringing with him the Prince Tarisius who béeing thus entred the Towre they founde her in such gréeuous and daungerous estate as for all the anger the Emperour had against her it mooued the teares to stande in his eyes which he shaddowed so well as he coulde framing his spéeches to her in this sort Well Daughter it likes you to coÌ„trarie me in that which concernes your honour and profit and without anie feare as is thy duetie thou hast boldlie refused the Husband which I haue appointed thée but by mine honour I will cause thée know that thou hast displeased me for wilt thou or not before I leaue thée I wil giue thée to him whome I haue promised Then taking her by the hande and causing Tarisius to come néere he saide My Sonne in regarde of my word which I will kéepe inuiolalablie I giue thée heere Griana from henceforth account of her as thy Wife and holde thée héere is the Key of the Tower kéepe her in thine owne custodie and héereafter thinke of her as thou findest occasion Well sawe Griana that perforce she must obey her Fathers will wherefore with great wisedome couering her secrete thoughts with extreame teares deliuered this aunswere Alas my good Lord and Father I neuer thought yâ— your highnesse would vse such crueltie towards me as to enforce me take a Husband contrarie to my liking not my good Lorde but yâ— Tarisius hath much better deserued but that which toucheth me most in opinion is that our néere alliaunce in kindred is sufficient to continue the loue betwéene the King his father and you without anie such néedelesse séeking of newe vniting And moreouer good Father his education in your Court with my Brother Caniano and me since our verie yongest yéeres to this present hath béene of such equall and familiar condition as it séemes to mee impossible to reuerence him with that intire
time on the other side Ptolome had so canuazed the Counties Brother as he sealed him a quittaunce with his sword for his life Then began the Counties Souldiours to dispayre of their successe and Palmerin with his traine to follow them so closelie as they were glad to take themselues to flight leauing theyr Maister ouerthrowne in the Armie where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horses Thus did the victorie remaine to the Duke his enemies scattering in flight gladde to saue their liues whom Palmerin commanded to follow no further least gathering themselues togeather againe and espying aduauntage they might so endanger them for oftentimes the vanquished too narrowly pursued recouer courage daunte the pride of the conquerers For this cause he returned with his men into the Citty the Duke vnderstanding the foyle of his enemie which made him with a great number of woorthy Cittizens to goe méet Palmerin and Ptolome whome embracing hee thus entertained Ah good Knights by you is my estate recouered and the death of my Sonnes reuenged on the murderer therefore dispose of me and myne as you shall thinke beste to which words Palmerin thus answered My Lord let heauen haue the honour of our victory as for me I haue doone and will héereafter what I can for the great kindnesse of the King of Macedon your Uncle who hath honored mee in sending me to you and other recompence I neuer did or will séeke As they thus parled togeather the Duke perceiued by the blood on Palmerins Armour that he was wounded in manie places wherefore quoth he I sée you are sore wounded let vs make haste to our Pallace where a Ladye attending on the Duchesse and well séene in chirurgeri◠shall giue attendaunce on you till you are recouered So mounting on horsebacke they rode to the Pallace where Palmerin was lodged Béeing brought into his Chamber the Duchesse and her Daughter holpe to vnarme him when the Ladie dressed his wounds perswading him there was no daunger in them to be feared Thus each one departing Laurana the Duchesse Daughter called Vrbanillo the Dwarsse saying to him My Fréende desire thy Mayster to make bolde of any thing he wants and that for my sake he will dispayre of nothing Madame said y◠Dwarffe you haue good reason to wish my Maister well as well for the good assistaunce he gaue the Duke your Father as also in respecte of his deserts which are as honourable as any that euer came in this Court These words Palmerin verie well hearde hauing his eye continually on her wherefore when shee and all the other were departed hee called Vrbanillo demaunding what talke he had with the Princesse which he reported and his answere also Gramercies said Palmerin I pray thée find the meane to let her knowe that I am her Seruaunt and Knight ready to accomplishe anie thing that she shal commaunde me Referre this matter to me Sir quoth the Dwarffe I knowe what Saint must patronize these affaires and what offering must bee layde on his Altar CHAP. XX. Howe Palmerin became highlie enamoured with the beautie of the Princesse Laurana thinking her to bee the Lady that sollicited him in his visions VRbanillo the Dwarffe not forgetfull of his Maisters commandement the next day when Laurana came with her Mother to visite Palmerin shee tooke the Dwarffe aside demaūding what reste his Maister tooke the night past Madame quoth he indifferent I thanke God and you for in you two consists the disposition of my Maisters health As howe quoth shee Thus Madame said Vrbanillo the first day that he behelde you hee gaue the whole possession of himselfe so firmely to you as day night he meditates on your diuine perfections doubting in requital of his seruice to my Lord your Father and his Countrey whose liues and yours he hath defended him selfe shal be repayed with suddaine and cruel death for had he not come for your safetie well had he escaped this daungerous extreamitie Then séeing fayre Madame that his valour hath béene the meane of your deliueraunce doo not so degenerate from gentle nature as to kill him that gaue you life Why my Freend quoth she what wouldest thou haue me doo To loue him swéete Madame quoth he as hée doth you Alas sayd she thou mayst assure thy selfe y◠none can wysh thy Maister better then I doo béeing my duetie and his desert with which wordes shee chaunged colour with such modest bashfulnes as it might be perceiued shee could hardly master her affectiōs Which when y◠Dwarffe behelde as one not to learne his lesson in this arte perswaded himselfe by the very lookes of Laurana that his Maysters loue would sort to happy ende and thereuppon he followed the matter thus I thinke Madame that you wysh my Maister as well as anie but that is not enough vnlesse your wysh agrée wyth his in this poynt that you graunt your selfe his onely Lady and Mistresse as hee hath vowed himselfe your Knight and Seruant If it may please you to wysh this good to my Maister vouchsafe this fauour as a president of your lyking that so soone as he shall finde himselfe better in health you wyll but consent to speake with him alone in some such conuenient and vnsuspected place as hee may haue liberty to acquaint you with the secrets of his thoughts Alas quoth she how should I so doo without offering too much impeache to mine owne honour Madame saide the Dwarffe the night giues fauour to loues swéete enterprises By this time the Duchesse was ready to depart which Laurana perceiuing sayd to the Dwarffe Assure thy Maister from me that I am more his thē myne owne and I will doo for his welfare what I may with modestie By reason of their departure the Dwarffe coulde not make her answere but shaddowing the matter as hee had doone before went about his Maisters busines till hee came and found him alone when he discoursed all that had past betwéene the Princesse and him which so well contented Palmerin as nothing coulde more because he perswaded himselfe as I haue saide alreadie that this was shee which the thrée Sisters promised him by whom he shoulde receiue the honour that destinie allowed him For thys cause thence forwarde he was verie desirous to knowe her name commaunding Vrbanillo very straightly to enquire it which hee did informing his maister that her name was Laurana whereupon he well sawe that hee was deceiued in that the Sisters had named his Mistresse Polinarda and therefore he resolued to withdraw his affection and to depart thence so soone as he should be able to beare Armor But it may be easilie presumed that when one hath so far ventured in loue that he perceiues himself beloued as the Dwarffe perswaded his Maister hardly can hee giue ouer so faire a beginning yet héere it fell out contrary as you shall well perceiue that the ende was more suddaine then the beginning Palmerin now knowing the Princesse name began to vse other
countenaunce to her then hee was accustomed but shee good Lady in his excuse conceiued better opinion then she had cause yet as it euermore falleth out in loue that when Ladies sée themselues but slenderly courted by their Fréendes they growe importunate in their amorous desires so came it to passe with Laurana who perceiuing herselfe not solicited by Palmerin as shee was wont one night somewhat late shee called the Dwarffe and thus began Howe comes it to passe my good Fréend that thy Maister is not of so pleasaunt disposition as heeretofore he hath béene it may be thou hast not let him vnderstand my last salutation or els feare with-holdes him from following his determination I pray thée doo the message of my earnest good will to him and tell him that I long to impart our affections togeather to the ful resolution of our desired thoughts which I haue found the way vnsuspected to accomplish so please him to come to my ChaÌ„ber to morrow at night where I shall not faile to expect his presence When the Dwarffe heard Laurana vse these words thinking his Maister was still in his former cogitations thus aunswered Trust me fayre Madame within these fewe dayes my Maister is become so mellanchollie as I haue manie times feared his death and I am sure hee hath no other cause to torment him so but onely the fury of the extreame loue he beares you yet séeing you haue promised him such gracious fauour let me alone to change this vnpleasaunt humour Fayle not then quoth shee to let him know my minde I goe presently said the Dwarffe to acquaint him with these long desired tydings So taking his leaue he went to his Maisters Chamber whom he founde fast a sleepe when not daring to awake him let stay hys message till the next morning and so laide him downe to rest at what time sleepe had thorowly possessed him he began to cry and complaine so loude as his Maister hearing him arose and demaunded of him the cause of his lament Alas my Lorde quoth he neuer in all my life was I so affrighted me thought that one of the fayrest Ladies that euer eye lookt on helde a naked sworde against my throate saying Uile and villainous creature as thou art darest thou presume so much to offende me as to make thy Lorde and Maister amorous of Lady Laurana and to forsake me iustly doost thou deserue to dye on this weapon for thy paillardise and if héereafter thou carry any message to preiudice my right assure thy selfe that I wil chastise thée in such sort as all deformed villaines shal receiue example by thée I tell thée Traytour Palmerin his fortunes climbes higher then the name of Laurana and where he is more looued for the royaltie of his linage then for his base and Pastoral education With which wordes shee gaue me such a stroke on the heade with her sworde as I fearefull of my life cryed so loude as you say you hearde me This motioÌ„ made Palmerin easily perceiue that Polinarda had made thys threatning to the Dwarffe for Laurana which concealing to himsâ—lfe he said in laughter I think thou diddest forget to drinke when thou 〈◊〉 to bed and so thy hart béeing drie conceiued this fonde vision I praie thée sléepe trouble me no more with such idle passions The Dwarffe betooke him to rest but Palmerins thoughts all night were hammering on this Dreame so that he resolued to departe thence the next morning and séeke els where his aduentures séeing hee was admonished by so manie aduertisements So at the daie rysing he called the Dwarffe and commaunded him to prepare his Armour for hee intended to take his leaue of the Duke Ptolome hearing this and hauing noted beside all that the Dwarffe tolde his Maister in the night Dissembling the matter as was his manner he came and bad Palmerin good morrowe who aunswered Ptolome in this manner My déere Fréend I haue concealed none of mine affaires froÌ„ thée since the time we receiued our knighthoode and parted togeather from the Courte of Macedon nowe therefore shall I impart to thée what I haue determined It is so that vrgent occasions constraines me presently to leaue this Countreie and henceforth to frame my course which way Fortune will direct me by which occasion I see we must be enforced to leaue each other notwithstanding let me intreate that our absence may no way impayre our fréendshippe not doubting but in good time we shall meete togeather againe In meane space if you sée the King or Prince Florendos forgette not the humble duety of theyr vowed Seruaunt I beséeche yée who dedicates his life and honour in all attempts to their gracious fauours By God said Ptolome let who will doo the message for me for neither death nor daunger shall seperate me from you but I wil beare you companie while life and soule hold together If you be so resolute said Palmerin shame were it for mee so to refuse you Set forward then when you please quoth Ptolome for we neither must nor will depart that 's flat So béeing bothe armed they came to the Duke who meruailed much to sée them so prepared and therefore demaunded whether they went My good Lord answered Palmerin in that your Countrey is nowe quieted wee must intreate you for our departure because waightie affaires in other places doo so commaunde vs. How happens it fayre Fréendes saide the Duke that you will so soone leaue mee My Lorde quoth Palmerin wee are so enforced and therfore we humblie intreate you not to be offended If your affaires bee such saide the Duke lothe am I to hinder you commaunde of me and mine what you please for all remaineth at your disposition Most humble thanks did Palmerin and Ptolome returne the Duke and ere they went to horseback they came to take their leaue of the Duchesse Laurana who was well nie deade séeing her hope deceiued for she expected the night comming when shée and Palmerin should conferre togeather of their loue but séeing him now departing she was out of all hope to sée him againe the extreame gréefe whereof so ouercame her as giuing a greate shrike shee fell in a swoune The Ladies and Gentlewomen in great amazement came about her ignoraunt of her euill but onelie Palmerin and his Dwarffe which hee likewise woulde not reueale to anie for the reason you hearde discoursed before and rather would she entertaine her own death then make knowne a secrete of such importaunce wherefore hauing somewhat recouered herselfe and not able to conceale her anguish with an extreame sigh she thus breathed foorth her sorrow Ah Palmerin easilie hast thou kindled the fire which with great shame thou leauest consuming vnquenched Who would haue thought such treason coulde harbour where faire conditions and honourable valour shined so brightlie Well may I condâ—mne al men of disloyaltie séeing thou hast failed resembling so excellent Beléeue me Knight thou hast doone mee great wrong and thy selfe much more
doo not finde the meane to helpe mee By my fayth my Lorde quoth the Dwarffe so please you to tell me howe and wherein I may helpe you let me die a thousande deathes if I doo it not Understande then my good Vrbanillo sayd Palmerin that this strange alteration procéedes froÌ„ the diuine lookes of my péerelesse Mistresse Polinarda whose fiery beames haue searched so narowly euery corner of my thoughts as I must die because I loue too déerlie But couldest thou make knowne to her the least parte of my insupportable vexations may bee shee woulde haue some pittifull remorse of my martirdome for well may it be iudged that a Lady accomplished with so many vertuous perfections must néedes bee stored with sweetnes fauour and pittie Not vnlike my good Lord said Vrbanillo but doo not you remember how I was punished when in the like case I ventured to sollicite your looue to Laurana Daughter to the Duke of Durace by my fayth my Lorde I shall not forget it while I haue a day to liue and am afrayde to fall againe into the like daunger And this spake Vrbanillo with such a grace as Palmerin coulde not but laugh noting with what feare the deformed felow gaue it foorth whereupon he sayd Thou needest not be dismaid if she that smote thée in thy sléepe bee that Polinarda for whose loue I am thus tormeÌ„ted for whom I was borne as many haue enformed me I pray thée therefore speake to her and dreade no coullers It is good saide Vrbanillo that you woulde haue mee more hardie then you are your selfe speake to her your selfe if you dare for I dare not aduenture it for feare of my life If thou doost it not quoth Palmerin assure thy selfe thou shalt neuer henceforth serue me Nay then quoth the Dwarffe I will rather put my selfe in ieoperdy to be better beaten then I was the last time before I will loose so good a Maister I pray thée doo sayde Palmerin in respect thou séest the earnestnes of mine affections Feare not quoth the Dwarffe albeit you were a great deale more fit to breake the matter then I but I wil gadge my life to gaine you the Ladie and héereupon they rested till the next morning CHAP. XXVIII Howe Polinarda desired Palmerin to giue her his Dwarffe and of the speeche which she and Vrbanillo had afterward togeather EArly the next morning Palmerin arose and hauing walked abroade to contemplate his desires returned into the Chamber of presence where he founde Trineus the Emperors Sonne conferring with the Ladies at which very instant the Dwarff entred whose badde shaped body and face made them all fall a laughing so that Trineus came to his Sister Polinarda saying Sister did you euer beholde a more proper Page to attende on Ladies then this gaunt Squire that serues my Lorde Palmerin In good â—ooth Brother quoth she hee is farre vnlike his noble maister yet wold I like well enough if he were mine I beséech you Sir Palmerin said Trineus bestowe your Seruaunt on my Sister Polinarda Madame quoth Palmerin were he better hee is yours and his Maister likewise then called hee Vrbanillo who knéeling to vnderstand his Maisters pleasure hee saide Vrbanillo I haue giuen you to my Ladie Polinarda as her man will you not serue her honourablie and truelie aboue all other Yea my Lorde quoth he next after you but you will I not leaue while I liue although you woulde disdaine my seruice Good reason hast thou said the Princesse and wel am I pleased it shold be so yet during the time of his stay heere you shall forsake him and abide with mee For yâ— Madame quoth the Dwarffe I am well contented Then looke you faile not said the Princesse hencefoorth to giue your attendaunce These spéeches were thus vsed as it were for pastime that shee might thereby deceiue the iudgments of other but her whole intent was to know of Vrbanillo if his Maister were affected to any other Ladie by whose meanes her loue might be frustrate For as you haue heard a little before that loue had brought her vnder such obeysaunce as did not the regarde of honour with-holde her her selfe would first breake the Ise of her vexations rather theÌ„ Sâ—aie too long and not be solicited Many other deuises had the Ladies with Vrbanillo who knewe so well howe to behaue himselfe as from thence forward he grew so familiar amongst them as he woulde enter their Chambers when himselfe pleased vnder couller of attendaunce on the Princesse Polinarda from time to time to mooue his Maisters messages But at length she preuented him in this sort for béeing alone at a windowe in the presence Chamber shee called the Dwarffe and making her entraunce by other occasions she asked him whose Sonne Palmerin was God knowes Madame quoth hee for I doo not nor himselfe neither but of this I can assure you yâ— neuer was Knightlie Chiualrie better imployed by any then by him for since the time of my knowledge he hath doone such noble acts as it is not remembred that â—uer Knight in this age did the like And then from point to point he discoursed all yâ— Palmerin had doone since he came to him and can you thinke then Madame quoth the Dwarffe that he is not dâ—sceded of noble linage Trust me Ladie I haue my self heard by manie learned Magitians and other that their diuinations were no lesse then I saie When Polinarda heard the Dwarffe thus speake on his Maisters behalfe if before his loue had kindled her liking no meruaile if hart and spirite were nowe enflamed so that nowe she could no longer coÌ„ceale what she had hetherto couered and therefore sayde to the Dwarffe I beséech thée Vrbanillo by the faith and duetie thou bearest to thy Maister tâ—l me one thing that I desire to knowe of him which shall bee nothing but to his honour and aduantage You haue so coniured mee faire Madame quoth the Dwarffe as death shall not make me hide what you please to command if it lye in me to resolue you Knowe then Vrbanillo said the Princesse that I looue thy Maister as well as my Brother Trineus and am desirous to knowe of thee what Ladie it is hee estéemes aboue all other because when I knowe her I may loue her the better for his sake withall that I may commend the Ladies happines whose fortune is to be loued of so braue a Gallant Well perceiued the Dwarffe that now or neuer was the time to bestirre himselfe according to the promise he made his Maister wherefore hee aunswered the Princesse in this manner Beléeue me Madame were it to anie other I would not reueale such secrets of my Lorde as you desire to knowe but to you that are his Lady Mistresse I am content to bewraie the whole Suffiseth then Madame that he loueth in such sorte as if the heauens sende him not remedie the sooner vnpossible is it that his life should long endure for I sée him so far beside
in such sort as you may neuer depart from the Emperours seruice Palmerin with excéeding contentment receiued the Chaine and on his knée huÌ„bly thanked the Empresse and the Princesse to whom hee spake as followeth Madame I am well contented to abide in such a pryson and neuer will I desire any other libertie but still will bee his vassaile that hath power to commaunde mee This aunswere pleased the Emperour excéedinglie in that he desired to haue Palmerin still abide in his Court Wherfore he said to Polinarda you haue doone well Daughter thus to binde Palmerin for nowe he can not escape awaie when he list So the Tables béeing couered the Emperour and all the Knights of the Tourney satte downe to meate where much talke was speâ—t as concerning y◠〈◊〉 on al sides but Palmerin Polinarda had enough to doo to view eache other their eyes dooing their office and carrying betwéene them the mâ—ssage of their passions yet so discreetlie shaddowed as none could perceiue them Supper ended the Knights and Ladiâ—s went to dauncing and afterwarde to their Chambers because the Emperour had commaunded the next daie an other Tournament a breefe report wherof may very wel serue in that you can imagine there wanted no braue chiualrie What Palmerin did that daie it were in 〈◊〉 to tell because the former daâ—e makes knowne his woorthines and Ptolome behaued himselfe in so good sort that Brionella was as proude of him as the Princesse of her Knight and therfore presented him with a very rich Diamond as a token of his desert her loue Thus while the Ioustes endured the Duke of Lorrayne had great familiaritie with Palmerin because he had deliuered his Sister Cardonya from the false treason of the CouÌ„ty of Ormequâ— All pastimes thus finished the Emperour returned to Gaunt where Palmerin intreated his Mistresse to appoint him time place where they might more priuatlie discourse on their loue the which the promised and awaited oportunity CHAP. XXX Howe Polinarda disclosed her secrets to Brionella and of the talke she had with Palmerin POlinarda not forgetting the promise she made her Fréend to meete him in some place where they might argue on theyr loue determined to discouer her affections to Brionella the beloued of Ptolome well perceiuing that without her helpe she could not attaine the end of her desires wherefore without any longer stay shee thus began with her My chosen Freende I would make known one thing vnto thée which death can compell me discouer to no other wherefore thou must haue care to keepe secret my speeches in respect of my calling not doubting but in time to recompence any paine thou takest for me Fayre Princesse said Brionella in that you doo me such honor as to impart your thoughts to me rather will I die then fayle one iote of your commaundement and therefore assure your selfe that what you declare shall neuer be discouered Then Polinarda reuealed to her the loue she bare Palmerin what passions did torment her and in what extreamitie her desires had driuen her and therefore swéete Fréende quoth she with a déepe sigh find thou the meane that I may priuatlie talke with him Brionella admiring the earnest loue of the Princesse knewe not readilie what to aunswere but séeing that by these meanes she might more easily conferre with Ptolome whom shee likewise intirelie loued thus spake It is no wonder Madame you béeing so incomparable as I knowe no Prince liuing of whoÌ„ you are not woorthie if you haue resolued your loue on noble Palmerin in that there is no Knight in the worlde better deserues you his rare chiualrie beeing such as it cannot otherwise bee but that he is discended of royall linage béeing accomplished with so many speciall perfections Therefore Madam so like you I haue deuised well for your purpose as thus You knowe my Chamber window standes so commodious as you may with safetie confer with him at pleasure which you may let him vnderstande by his Dwarffe and appoint him time as you shall thinke conuenient This counsel did not a little content yâ— Princesse because she longed to chatte with her louer and therefore concluded at his departure to appoint Palmerin his time Nowe was the Chamber of Brionella ioyning to the Cittie wall and had a goodly prospect into the fieldes and Palmerins lodging was néere vnto it facing the wall as the other did so that one might easilie passe betwéene the lodgings nothing béeing betwixt them but a little Garden brauelie decked with flowres and goodlie fruite Trées The time appointed Polinarda called the Dwarffe to her saying Vrbanillo thou shalt goe to thy Maister from me and after thou hast saluted hym with my manifolde well wishinges wil him this night to come secretlie to Lady Brionellas Chamber where at the windowe we may safelie talke togeather and bid him not misdoubt my Lady Brionella for I haue made her acquainted with all my secrets And because thy selfe maist conduct him to the place come and I will presently she we it thee So went the Dwarffe with Polinarda to Brionellas chamber where hauing séene the windowe and gladde to carrie such tydings to his Maister beeing well assured howe they woulde content him he departed and tarried not long on his message because Palmerin thought each howre a yeere to heare from his Mistresse wherefore hee beholding the Dwarffe comming tooke him in his armes and demaunded what newes he had brought him The Dwarffe with a cheerefull countenaunce thus aunswered My Lord Fortune speede you as luckilie as the newes that I bring you doo well deserue By this beginning Palmerin perceiued that he brought such tydings as he long looked for which was howe he might speake with the Princesse wherfore embracing him againe he commaunded him to make report of that his sweete Mistresse had giuen him charge Then the Dwarffe deliuered howe the Princesse had great desire to see him and where shee did intende to speake with him Which wheÌ„ Palmerin heard â—illed with vnspeakable ioyes he recorded the words to himselfe with many itterations and the more often he spake the words the more his delights increased But tell me quoth he to the Dwarffe didst thou marke the place well where I must talke with my Goddesse Thereof doubt you not my Lorde sayde the Dwarffe for I shall not faile to bring you surely thither if it be your pleasure I shall goe with you because yâ— Princesse her selfe in company of Lady Brionella shewed it me How am I beholding to her said Palmerin for this high fauour which els were my death if I had beene denyed Uppon this he called Ptolome to whom he imparted euery circumstaunce which Ptolome reputed for his great auaile thys offering the meane for him to visite Brionella and therfore they concluded to goe togeather the night â—nsuing to the place appointed for this louing encounter The howre of rest beeing come and euery one in theyr Chambers as best beséemed Palmeâ—in Ptolome and the Dwarffe remayned
wyth vertues coullers God sende it to fall out so well arise and be it as your Cozin and you haue requested See in meane tune that you prouide all needfull occasions that when the daie comes nothing bee wanting Lewes humbly thanking his Father arose euery one present not a little reioycing because they feared all woulde be squandered Then began the Lordes and Ladies to conferre togeather and the Duchesse departing to her lodging béeing manned by the Prince did not as I thinke repent herselfe of her loue as a number of you martching vnder the same Ensigne wold doo the like in such a case In fine the Duchesse fearefull of the thwarts of Fortune that she would work her disgrace by some bad coniectures or wounding reports said I know well my Lorde the good will you beare me without anie further shewes or confirmations by actions so daungerous which I had rather die then beholde and therefore whatsoeuer you shall performe will condemne mee as vnwoorthy of so good deserts in this respect you shall therfore graunt me one thing which is that aboue all you haue care of your selfe els will perpetuall discontent cut short my date béeing bereaued of the honour of my greenâ— desires Nowe Madame quoth the Prince may I boast of my fortune not doubting to follow the deuise of a Ladie so vertuous for your swéete wordes prolong my life els ere this had death robd you of your Knight The Duchesse héereto with an amiable smile aunswered I muste not loose you yet good Prince for may I lengthen your life it shall bee for euer Many sollemne thankes the Prince returned and by this time had brought her to her Chamber wher hauing baise lâ—â— main departed CHAP. XXXIII Howe the Prince Lewes and the Duke of Sauoye sent theyr Heraldes and Horsemen into all parts to make knowne to all Knights their enterprises and the conditions of theyr Combats THe Prince Lewes ioyfull of the King his Fathers consent but of the gracious aunswere of the Duchesse most of all dispatched immediatlie his Heraldes into all the prouinces of Europe who executed their charge with such dilligeÌ„ce as there was no Court of Emperour King or Prince but they declared the enterprise of these two yong Princes So that one of the Princes Heraldes accompanied with the King of Armes belonging to the Duke of Sauoye came to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne which then was furnished with a great number of Lordes and Knights béeing there to sollemnize the day of hys byrth but especially Palmerin aboue all the rest tryumphing in the loue of his Mistresse Polinarda The Heralds béeing entred the great Hall founde the Emperour sitting in his chayre of estate with many Princes Barens and noble personages about him who graunting them libertie of spéeche the Heralde of Fraunce began first in this manner Illustrious and most redoubted Emperour the cause why we thus presume before your Maiestie is by the commaundement of the vertuous yong Prince Lewes Son to our dreade Lorde Agatiel King of Fraunce as also of the Duke of Sauoye his Cozin so good a Knight as may well commaunde what our message is so please your highnesse to call all your Knights in presence because it chéefelie concerneth them we with duetie will deliuer it The Emperour presentlie called for all Knights and Gentlemen of his Courte who desirous of the newes were not long in comming before whom he saide Dreade Lord the Prince Lewes of Fraunce my Maister commends him to your Maiestie with this Letter may it please your grace commande it to be read and you shall soone sée the effect of our Embassade The Emperour caused his Secretarie to reade it openlie and because it contained what you haue heard alreadie it shall be needelesse to wast longer time in talke thereof but the Letter béeing read the Heralde thus proceeded The Prince my Maister woorthie Emperour giues the Knights of your Court as els where to vnderstande that he intendes to prooue by deedes of Armes howe no Ladie in the worlde is comparable in beautie to the Lady he loues which he will bee readie to maintaine in Combat the first of Maie next and seauen daies following in his Tent before the Gates of Parris there will he verifie it against all commers that dare auerre the contrarie Afterwarde he rehearsed all the conditions to bee obserued in this Combat and the King of Armes to the Duke of Sauoie made known his Maisters challenge likewise as you haue hearde The Emperour meruailing at this message said Without doubt the Ladies had neede to be faire and my Cozins your Maisters valiant and hardie els it is doubtful howe such an enterprise will fall out for yâ— affections of persons are diuers and theyr fortunes daungerous neuerthelesse I desire the issue may sort to their honor These Lordes and Knights haue hearde your message and I iudge some of them will prouide to be there because they prize the beautie of theyr Ladies at as high a rate as your Masters doo estéeme their faire Freendes yet let them doo what they thinke most expedienâ— beâ—ause they are olde enough to make you answer As for me you may salutâ— on my behalfe the King my Brother and my Cozins to whom I sende thanks with all my hart that they thus acquainted me with their honourable endeuours All this while the Knights conferred together with diuers iudgments of these pretended Combats some were either fearefull or too forwarde others well aduised and prouoked with discréete courage Among whome repute we noble Palmerin all pensiue his eyes fixed on the groundâ— and not a wordâ— hauing in his spirite discoursed howe bitter the diuorcâ— would be of the eye from his swéete obiect in the ende concluded the Combat perswading him selfe not in Christendome nor in the other thrée habitable parts of the earth eyther Empresse Queene or Ladie was more accomplished with perfections then his gracious Mistresse Polinarda And in respect of this Embassage it seemed to him vituperous and a dishonour not sufferable if he should not iustifie the trueth haue so good occasion wheruppon he desired a thousande deathes rather then he would defer so braue a voyage and so on his knée before the Emperour thus began Gracious Lorde and my woorthy Patrone I intende with your good lyking leaue to depart with all spéede possible to the Ioustes and Combats of Fraunce and Sauoye let it not therefore displease for the honour of Chiualrie that I leaue your Courte a while but maie commit my selfe to this iourney with your fauourable opinion The Emperour verie lothe to let Palmerin goe aunswered In sooth Palmerin I greatly doubted so soone as I heard these newes from Fraunce that it would not passe without your presence which displeaseth mee not so much for their follie as your absence which is and wil be to mee greater gréefe then you iudge but let mee intreate that thy returne may be spéedie and stay no longer then thou hast good
occasion I would gladlie knowe would you graunt it me what Ladie she is for whom you thus aduenture you néede not Palmerin hide it from mée My Lord ê™ he the Dame for whome I enter the Combat is such as none may or ought compare wâ—th so singuler 〈◊〉 and aboue all vertuous and neuer would I think my selfe worthy to beare Armes if feare of danger mis-fortune or death it selfe should haue power to pluck me from my duetie As for my staie she Ioustes ended within one Moneth or sooner will I returne to your Maiestie and let mee intreate you not to feare anie thing in my iourney because I goe for your honour and my sword shal ring on the stoutest Creast the euer continuing honours of the Emperour of Allemaigne The Emperor vnwilling to forgoe him and loth to hinder knightlie chiualrie said Without question Palmerin the Ladie is indebted to you and you declare vnspeakable loue that for her beautie you deliuer your selfe to so great hazard but as for your intent to my honor I rather delight to haue it by your presence then thirste after such applause with your absence But séeing you will néedes to Fraunce happie fortune goe with you and make you victorious in all your attempts which I doubt not but by your valour vertues of your Mistresse the French wil not braue so much on the seauentéene of Maie as perhaps they wil on the first Prouided that before you depart you demaund and haue all thinges for your iourneie as well for such as goe in your companie as for your owne necessarie prouision and some wil I appoint to trauaile with you that may preuent anie trecherous inconuenience Palmerin not refusing thys bountifull offer with great obeisaunce thanked the Emperour and taking his leaue for that night returned to his Chamber determining to depart with expedition because the daie of the Ioustes were at hande Nowe was Trâ—â—eus the Emperours Sonne a yong Prince and had not yet receiued his order of knighthoode hee hearing of Palmerins departure was meruailous desirous to beare him coÌ„pany whereuppon he knéeled before his Father intreating him not to denie him one request Demaunde what thou wilt my Sonne quoth he I graunt it thée Then I beséech you good Father saide he to suffer mee sée Fraunce with noble Palmerin that I may bee acquainted with the courtesie and ciuilitie of that nation not doubting but soone to deserue my knighthoode And yet if before I receiue my order I see these high and woorthie déedes of Armes happilie they may entice me to follow their vertues beside if nowe I loose so good an occasion offered I knowe not when I shal compasse the like commoditie therefore good Father let me not be denied The Emperor offended for his rashe promise to his Sonne laboured to change his minde but all woulde not serue for the Prince promised to goe so couertlie as none should knowe him Wherefore he called Palmerin who as yet was not departed the Hall saying I sée Sir Palmerin you shall not goe alone in your voyage for my Sonne Trineus desires to be your companion for which cause I commit him to you and desire you to conceiue so well of him as at your returne we maie be all merrie togeather Which Palmerin promised whereuppon the Emperour called for the Maister of his Horse commanding him that all things might bee in readines against their departure all which was doone with such diligence as the thirde daie following all thinges prepared they tooke their leaue of the Emperour and the Ladies who at their departure shedde manie teares a common matter with them wishing the victorie and honor to Palmerin Thus with Trineus and twentie other Knights a great number of Squires and seruants in good equipage they iourned towards Parris without anie hinderaunce by the waie or matter of memorie Nowe before we passe anie further you shall vnderstand that after the Heraldes of the Prince of Fraunce and Duke of Sauoie were departed and that Palmerin had obtained leaue of the Emperor the Princesse Polinarda aduertised heereof was greatlie displeased with this suddaine departure wherfore calling Vâ—banillo the Dwarffe to her she saide Vâ—banillo thou must goe to thy Maister and will him this night to meete me at our appointed place that I maie confer with him of a secrete néerelie concerning mee Which when Palmerin hearde the earth béeing couered with her blacke Mantle and euerie one in their dead sléepe he called Ptolome and Vâ—banillo who were well acquainted with this loue walke and béeing there in presence of their Ladies the Princesse with a great sigh thus began Alas my Lord what mind is this in you thus to voyage towardes Fraunce and leaue mee alone sad and sollitarie Alas not content to hazard so long a iourney but a daungerous Combat beside for my beautie which is of so slender estimation as may not parragon with the Ladies of Fraunce béeing péereles as I haue hearde among those of highest perfection Ah my Lorde more comfort and content is it to me to haue your companie then to be crowned Quéene of anie Realme conquered by your vertue prowesse Therefore swéete Fréende I intreate you with all my hart and by the vnfained loue you beare me to leaue such dangerous enterprises where death is commonlie more frequent then life These wordes came with such amiable coniurations from the Princesse as Palmerin though loth to be disswaded answered Let me preuaile with you so farre good Madame as not to mislike my enterprise for your gracious loue for the honour you haue doone me in making mee your Knight I prize at no lesse valew then my déerest blood and shoulde I be helde from these French exploits vnwoorthy were I to bee your Seruaunt in that as you knowe no Knight but caries the honour of his Ladie in such account as he preferres that before his owne life If then Madame in religion of this office I absent my selfe for a while I shal accomplish nothing but my duetie wherto your selfe bound me and I hope to execute with such successe as you shall beare the prize for beautie not onelie from the Ladies of Fraunce and Allemaigne but from all Christendome yea the whole worlde may I liue to trauaile it Doo not then swéete Mistresse mislike if I absent my selfe for a cause so reasonable and continue me still in your fauourable conceit as he that was borne to doo you seruice And albeit I can not depart without excéeding gréefe and anguish yet perswaded of your rare arguments I arme my selfe with patience and yéelde to reason béeing present with you alwaies in that I carrie your diuine Image in my soule and leaue hart life and all with you till I come These wordes were sealed with manie deuoute kisses and Ptolome had like paine in perswading Brionella yet this coÌ„tented them in the ende that the honor of their trauaile was the renowne of their beautie and so with forced content they louinglie departed The
was readie to fall beside his horse with euermuch gazing But Palmerin suddainly twitching him softly sayd Fie my Lorde what meane you to forget your selfe thus sée you not her that is ordayned yours and will you not triumph in your happie sight but sitte as one vtterly discouraged For shame let passe this pusillanimitie and with chéerefull countenaunce goe giue her the good morow The Prince did so but with such timerous conceits as hauing saluted the Mother hée durst not speake to the Daughter who imagining the best and that bashfull reuerence did so with-holde him shée came to him in this manner Are not you sir the Knight in the gréene Armour that not long since promised one of my Ladyes to ayde my Father in his warres I am fayre Princesse quoth hée and what I haue done was at your commaundement the vertue wherof gaue me such strength as some of the Scots haue felt to their cost but had I gone vnprouided of such fauour I am perswaded I could neuer haue returned aliue It now remaines swéete Ladie that according to the request I then made by your Ladie it would please you to remitte his offence who deserued the sharpest punishment can bée deuised for not honouring that Princesse which carryes the Palme from all Ladyes liuing In trueth my Lorde sayde the Princesse not onelie is your fault to bée forgiuen if it could be named a fault but also ought I to recompence you to my vttermost power séeing by your meanes my Father in safetie and the Realme of England deliuered from the tyrannous serâ—itude of the Scots wherefore you may assure your selfe that if I can stande you in any stâ—dde towards the King my Father you shall commaunde mée to my vttermost The Prince returned her a thousand thanks and sayde Beléeue mée Madame the verie least title of your good will is recompence to mee more then sufficient and would prouoke such affection in mée towards your seruice as you could not commaunde the thing but I shoulde with dutifull willingnesse performe it as I doubt not but better occasions shall make manifest vnto you Then entred they the great Hall where such a â—umptuous banquet was prouided as will aske more time to report then leysure will admit Likewise here to set downe the wonderfull passions of the amorous Prince Trineus in regard of a Ladie so excéeding in perfections surpasseth my capacitie but hée that is seated so opposit to so faire a creature and loues so earnestly as Trineus yet dare not speake least he should bee spyed may iudge of that which I cannot vtter But séeing the libertie of spéech was denyed the spéedie eye posted betwéene them with swéete conâ—eyances and still must shée countenance the straunger Knights till fearing to be taken tardie she closely conferred with the Princesse Eufemia daughter to the Duke of Norgalles saying What thinke you Cozâ—n of these strangers are they not the séemelyest personages that euer you sawe both in fauour conntenaunce good grace and hardinesse I am of the opinion that although they report themselues but as simple Knights errant they bée doubtlesse great Lordes discended of noble and princely parentage as one may easily gather by their ciuill and vertuous behauiour which is euermore the witnesse of true nobilitie These words caused Eufemia to marke well Trineus as her Cozin Agriola did which hée perceyuing and iudging that they talked of him his alterations were so sensible as they might be easily discerned for the more they eyed him the greater was his torment till the Table béeing withdrawne he had some â—ase in opening his minde to Palmerin whose comfortable wordes were as good to him as restoratines Agriola on the other side escaped not frée for her ease was no greater when the arose then when she sate downe and that must be little hauing so daintie a dish before her to fill her stomacke Thâ— next morning the King and the Ladies mounted on horseback setting towards London and God knowes the Prince was not farre behinde them liuing onely by the regard of her with whose rare beautie hée coulde neuer satisfie his eyes And as they rode thorowe a Forrest the King séeing the Trées so greene and delightfull and because the heate of the day hindered their trauaile hee caused his Pauilions and Tents to bee there presently pitched and intended to dine there vnder the coole trées Dinner béeing ended hée would néedes go course the Hare wasting the afternoone in that pastime and on the next day rode to chase a Hart which was taken in the toyles and therewithall a huge wilde Bore the mightiest that euer was seene hauing wounded him in so many places as the Dogs and Bloodhoundes migâ—t easily tracke him Afterwarde they rowsed a fallow Déere when the Huntsmen made the woods ring so brauely with winding their Hornes and the Greyhoundes pursued the course so spéedily as Palemedes chose was not comparable to this till in the ende the Déere was fallen These pleasures finished the King with his companie returned to his Tents shewing to the Quéene and her Ladies the fruits of theyr pastime saying I promise you Madame I thinke these Grecian knightes excell in euerie thing for as in chiualrie so this day haue they shewed themselues excellent woodmen as none in our trayne may compare with them By this time the Tables were couâ—red for Supper all which time was spent in discoursing of theyr sports till the good night giuen on all sides the thrée knightes withdrew themselues into their tent All these pleasures made not Vrbanillo forgetfull of his Maisters charge wherefore practising how to accomplish it effectually hée founde meanes to come acquainted with the Ladyes attending on the Princesse and in respect the attended on the knights of Greece he was licenced the oftner into theyr companie The next morning the king and the knights walking into the Woods the Dwarffe watching time to deliuer his message made so many walkes and returnes before the Princesse Pauillion as at last she espyed him and calling him to her sayd I pray thée my Fréend by the â—aith thou bearâ—st thy Maister tell mée the trueth of a matter I shall aske thee Madame quoth the Dwarffe vpon his knée commaund what you please for there is nothing my mistressâ— preiudice excepted but I will truely tell you Which of the thrée said the Princesse is thy Maister My Maister quoth the Dwarffe hath not his second in all perfections he it is that was in the blacke Armour who in the battell for your Father did so manie woonderfull exployts as farre excéedeth the fabulous reportes of sir Gawen or Launcelot du Lake In sooth quoth she so haue I heard and beside thy dutie reserued to thy Maister I sée thou canst sette him foorth for a most hardie knight but tell mée of whence he is what are his companions and why to they make it so daintie to be knowne Herein Madame sayde he I cannot with my dutie aunswere you for I am restrayned by a
I thus brought you from your Fathers house meaning by Gods grace this humor forgotteÌ„ to cause you match with him whose true loue aboue all other hath deserued you Ah miserye incomparable said the Lady I sée now it is in vaine to shun what the destenies haue appointed how falles my fortune from ill to worse Must I now go to that coward Varnan whom hitherto I haue continually despised me rather die a most shamefull death I know not Lady what you thinke said Palmerin but in my opinion Varnan is much better then you estéeme him and a better Knight then he that coulde defende his pate with no wiser pollicy woorthilye may you call him cowarde and loue the other that liues to dâ—â— you seruice So long they stood on these tearmes vntill a knight passed by them to whome Valerica cryed Helpe gentle Knight for Gods sake pittie me deliuer me from this Traytour who falselie hath be guiled me and violentlie brought me hither against my will What art thou sayde the Knight that thus dishonorest this Ladye I shall teache thée better knowledge of thine order before wee part Palmerin quicklie bridling his Horsse and clasping on his Helmet sayd to the Knight What art thou that wouldest take her from me whoÌ„ I conquered euen nowe by my Sworde followe thy way or I shall she we thee what discipline I vse to fooles that wil meddle with matters aboue theyr capacitye Doost thou so obstinatelye stande in thy trecherie sayde the Knight Marke what will be the end of thy presumption Chap. LVII Howe Palmerin hauing thus brought away Valerica conducted her to the Caue to her beloued Varnan and there confirmed the agreement of their loue BEfore we passe any further you shal vnderstande that the Knight thus contending with Palmerin was Hermes who the King sent after the Lady with Frysol to make deliueraunce of the Castle as you haue heard before he béeing Palmerins Fréende yet neither knowing the other For Hermes tooke such regard of yâ— ladies coÌ„plaint as he marked not Palmerin before he put on his helmet Palmerin séeing that Hermes woulde néedes trye his fortune encountred him with such a rough stroke as downe hee fell to the ground Hermes thinking his head was shyuered in a hundred péeces so Palmerin called Hermes Squire commaunding him to helpe vp the Lady or else he woulde sende him after his Maister The Squire alighted and hâ—lpe vppe the Ladye rewarding her with an infinite number of cursses because his Maister had sped so ill by her meanes Trust mée Lady quoth Palmerin though you thinke my labour but ill bestowed yet such is the regarde of the solitary Varnan as ending the Hell of torments he suffers I must néedes holde better opinion of my paines With these and such like spéeches hée be guiled the time till they came néere to Varnans Caâ—e who to take the ayre was there walking vnder the Trées but when hee sawe Palmerin returned and a Lady with him yea perceiuing well that it was Valerica they were no sooner alighted but he caught her in his armes saying Is it possible swéete fortune that after so long mishap and when all hope was vtterly gone thou canst affoord me this gracious faâ—our Ah happy eyes that haue powred forth such showers of teares what felicity may compare with yours coÌ„templating now the rare beauty of your mistresse May it be that after so many insupportable torments the meane therof shuld return such pleasure comfort and sollace Depart then teares pack hence lamentations gréefe torments all melancholy conceits get you else-where in the most barbarous countries of the world make your abiding for she coÌ„mands you hence in whom coÌ„sists my special coÌ„tentment O fortunate knight how may I recompence this inexplicable kindâ—es surmouÌ„ting al other that euer was heard of impossible is it for me 〈◊〉 requite this fauor though al my possessions life body and spirit were bound to your seruice But heauen will supply my want and continue 〈◊〉 in as great happinesse as your noble bountie hath brought me comfort Forbeare these spéeches sayd Palmerin albeit I had doone a thousand times as much yet should I but accomplishe what one Christian owes to another I pray you therefore let vs go into your Caue least we be espied and so preuented beside I am so ouerwatched as I cannot stand on my féete through want of sléepe Valerica séeing her selfe in such an vncouth place and in his custody she most â—etested her angry stomacke would not suffer her to speake one word but when â—he had a while rested her selfe on a seate of Hearbes and flowers which Varnan diligently preparâ—d Palmerin said â—ehold Madame Valerica sée in what place in what solitary austere and sharpe kind of life your Varnan liues by your commandement now â—éeing time and fortune is so fauourable let not your rigâ—r and disâ—aine excéede their muâ—abiliâ—y Consider a little what gréefes hee hath endured in this comfortlesse place which veryly haue béene so great as all the pleasures in the world cannot recompence the verye leaste 〈◊〉 them I beséech you then if héeretofore you haue borne him hard liking let it now be forgottâ—n and if vnaduisedlye 〈◊〉 hath any way offeÌ„ded yoâ— let his long torâ—eÌ„ts surpasâ—ing loyalty sâ—ruel now for satisfaction take him to your 〈◊〉 as yâ— most perfect and faithful 〈◊〉 in England You likewise sir Varnan without remembrance of your 〈…〉 or her too rigorous refusals héeretofore take her as your lady wife and in al honor vnite your self to her by preseÌ„t spéeches for séeing I â—aue brought her hither it will remaine a continual reproch to me if you should not accept her as your spouse and wife Ah my Lord ê™ Varnan with right good wil shall I accomplish your command so it may stand with my ladies liking for héerin is comprised the whole sum of my desires Ah miserable beyond al other said Valerica to Palmerin must I by a varlet be subiected to so vile an extreamiâ—y and constrained to take him for my husbande whoÌ„ I cannot affect he being the most false and cowardly Knight yâ— euer I knew must I against my fathers wil and by my Traytors procurement that hath so abused me as no vertuous knight would so haue wronged a Lady be coÌ„pelled to my mariage heauen cannot like héereof rather well I die then doo the thing shal return me such reproch Theâ— shriked she sopitâ—ifully as though she had bene quite distraught of her sences which Varnan beholding beganne thus to complaine Ah gentle Knight what gréefe is it to heare her in these torments whom I loue much better then mine owne life and for whom I rather desire to die then not to â—nioye her with her owne liking I cannot liue séeing her in these â—fflictions and therefore conuay her againe to her fathers house and no sooner shall shée be departed hence but life will â—orsake this forlorne Carkasse then shall 〈…〉 how faithfullye I loued
he would haue turned anotherway but one of the Knightes called to him Returne cowarde returne thou shalt not escape without tryall of thy manhoode for we must make proofe if there bee anye in thée Palmerin not knowing where to set his Hauke and very loth to loose it was not desirous to Iouste but séeing that with honour he could not refuse it aunswered It is small courtesie Sir Knight to challenge the man that hath no wil to your sporte but if there be no remedye your will be fulfilled albeit I hope you will first repent it I sée thou canst prate well quâ—th the Knight and beléeue mee thou wert wise if thou couldest so escape but séeing thou art so long before thou art readye I le bring thee to such a place where haukes shal not hinder thee and in one yéere thou shalt spare the wearing of Bâ—â—tes and spurres in such a comfortable place as the Sunne nor day light shall â—ffend thine eyes I hope I haue learned sayd Palmerin to kéepe my selfe from such places but I would faine knowe the gentle Chamber Page that is so skilfull in waiting with his Pantofies as he can teach Knights errant how to weare them The knight being angry called foorth the rest of his companiâ—â—s among whome he espied Hermes prisoner his Helmet lying by him and his armes pinniâ—nd therefore to reuenge his wrâ—nge he called his Squire saying I pray thée my Fréend looke to my Hauke a while for I am come to defendâ— thy Maisters honour and calling to the dukes Knight saying Come Sir let vs dispatch quickly for I haue earnest busines in another place the Knight laughing at him answered Why how now Captaine thinke you to passe hence so easilye Héere are sufficient to stay your hasty iourney eleuen more must talke with you the wâ—orst of them able to abate your pride for your horsse lackes a stable and wee will prouide him one So couching theyr Launces they mette togither with such force as the Dukes knight was throwne from his Horâ—â—e his shoulder béeing broken with the weight of his fall Palmerin arresting the Knightes horâ—â—e for his â—wnâ— gaue him to Hermes squire in kéeping saying Because the Knight is not willing to get on horse-backe againe hâ—ld this for mee and he maye lie at ease to sée the fortune of his fellowes Then came another Knight from the tent whom Palmerin welcommed in so fréendlye manner as he lay not able to stirre hand or foote with this one Launce hée vnhorssed foure more and brake it so valiantlye on the seauenth Knight as while he liued he meant to ioust no more With a fresh Launce hée dismounted all the rest none of them being willing to deale with him any further wherefore Palmerin came to Hermes saying What doo you 〈◊〉 Knight Why take you not the best Horse among all the 〈◊〉 That â—â—all I Sir séeing you commaund me albeit not loâ—◠〈◊〉 you serue me as thâ—se Knights are yet God be thanked that by your meanes I am deliuered from imprisonment wherein these knights intended to kéepe me because I vnhorsed foure of them and at the fift encounter my horse was killed which was the cause of my foyle and taking The knights quoth Palmerin haue nowe leysure to resâ— them for they were troubled before with watching for passengers I doubt not now but we may quietly passe the bridge for I sée none of them offer to hinder vs. Hermes mounting on horse backe commauded his squire to take a fresh one for him likewise and so they rode on together reioycing at this good fortune They had not ridden the space of a mile but Hermes demauded Palmerins name which when hee knewe in great reioysing he saide Ah worthy knight now is my trauel ended in search of you trust me I would refuse the best citie in England in respect of the great friendship I haue found at your hands as also for the comfort your presence will bring to our dread Lord and your noble companions who long time haue expected your desired returne As they rode on in these spéeches they came to a fayre fountaine where Palmerin would alight to refresh himselfe and to bind vp such smal wounds as he had taken in iousting against the knights of Gaule Chap. LIX ¶ How Frisol was deliuered out of Palmerins handes by the meanes of Colmelio his Squire THe same day that Palmerin â—ousted with the knights of Gaule the duke himselfe was gone on hunting by meanes whereof he lost the sight of the pastime which afterward hée repented because he had with him the most part of his knights so that no one was left in his Castle but Frisol that might bee counted of any value who beholding so many knights â—oyled by one maruailed not a little what be might bee and after long consideration of his haughtie exploits hée saide to himselfe I cannot thinke this knight to be the man against whom I combatted sometime in Fraunce yet know I no man liuing but 〈◊〉 that could performe such rare chiualrie Now because Palmerin had changed his armor he verily imagined that it was not he yet was he desirous to know but doubtfull to follow him by reason of his former experience againe if he should suffer him to passe without some triall he iudged it would returne to his great dishonour wherefore he resolued to aduenture his fortune And in this determination he came to the dukes sister who loued him intirely as you heard before she beginning with him in this manner I cannot sufficiently maruell 〈◊〉 Frisol how you haue suffered in your own view my brothers knights to be so shamefully conâ—â—unded by one passenger I deâ—â—re you swéet friend if euer you brake launce for a Ladies loue that for my sake you will deale with that proude knight and make him know that you can abate his courage were his head framed of yâ— hardest hammered brasse If you fulfill my request you shal do an acceptable déed to my brother to me such seruice as I shal hereafter requite to your own content Madame quoth Frisol I did intende to fight with him but séeing it pleaseth you so graciously to coÌ„mand me no danger can withhold me because the world can witnes what great auaile so honorable a Ladyes fauor is to the knight that liues to renowne her name So departing from his lady he presently armed himselfe mounting on a lustie Courser followed the way that Palmerin was gone the 12. knights not a little glad therof wel hoping yâ— he wold reuenge theyr dishonour Frisol continued his trauaile so long til at length he came to the fountaine where Palmerin refreshed himselfe who had no sooner espied him but surprisâ—â— with great ioy sayd to Hermes I am sure this knight comes hither is to seek me wherfore I intreat you by the reuerend loue you beare to your best beloued not any way to hinder yâ— fight betwéene vs til the end deliuer victorie to one 〈◊〉 or other for
Lord matched not with you the greatest Princesse in Europe would not triumph in his loue Yes certainly Madam when you may at leysure sit downe recount your 〈◊〉 which you sustained by flatterers parâ—sites Think what will be the danger after our departure the Emperour his father not minding to pocâ—â—t the losse of his late armie will send such a puissaunt strength into England as the King your father nor 〈◊〉 duke your husband that must be wil scant excuse yâ— who le ruine of this country The mean to preuent this mishap and assure your continual tranquilitie is in entertaining the counsell I haue giuen you where otherwise your selfe conceit makes way to manifold misfortunes dangers Thus concluding his spéeches in great heauines he turned from her wherat the Princesse inwardly gréeued for the Ring which he had giuen her was of such vertue that after she had put it on her finger shee was wonderfully affected toward Trineus as she could not thinke on any other wherfore in this sudden change and trembling with the doubtful conceit of her owne spirit she called Palmerin to her thus answering Alas my Lord and only comfort in these heauy passions what feare hath these hard and rigorous spéeches brought me into It is very true that folowing the counsell of yong Ladies like my selfe I haue béene perswaded to cast off the Princes loue accounting him but a simple knight errant but now being assured of his nobility loialty and great gentlenesse that he would not request as I hope any thing contrary to vertue and honor I beléeue what you haue said submit my selfe to your discretion as willing to obey any thing you shall commaund me Yet this I must request that aboue all things mine honour may be defended for rather would I suffer mine own losse for euer then this famous realme or my father should be any way endangered Beléeue me Lady quoth Palmerin if thus you continue you may wel venture to gain this generall benefit for henceforth there will none be so hardy as to molest your father with warre hauing matched his daughter with the great Emperours sonne of Allemagne To confirme this promise you shall giue me this swéete hand which I kisse as the hand of the soueraigne Lady Empresse of high Allemaigne that you will not shrinke hereafter froÌ„ this honorable determination but for your owne regard you must conceale this contract from your most trustie friends and dispose in such sort of your selfe for I hope to compasse the meane and opportunitie that you shal leaue England and go to the noble regions of your worthy Lorde and husband What I haue promised sayd Agriola I will performe and with what spéede you shall thinke conuenient albeit I repose such trust in you that hauing béene so fortunate hitherto in your interprises you wil be carefull in accomplishing these daungerous intentions Thus before they departed the mariage of Trineus and Agriola was concluded and because they would not as then bee suspected they stept into the daunce next the yong prince shewing very amiable pleasant gestures which Trineus in his often turning diligeÌ„tly noted imagining that Palmerin had not so long conferred with his Lady but some assured resolutioÌ„ was determined yet he dissembled his inward ioies so cunningly as he could Ech eie was fixed on these two braue knights the Ladies and Gentlewomen perswading themselues that they neuer beheld more noble personages deseruing like estimation for their special chiualrie as also for their bountie and Courtly â—iuilitie Thus passed the feast in all kinde of pleasures and these two Knights withdrawing themselues into their chamber Palmerin discoursed to Trineus his talk with Agriola and how he had with such cunning pursued the matter that in the end be obtained what he demaunded reporting the gentle conclusion hee made with the Princesse These ioyfull newes droâ—e the prince into such a quandarie as he could not expresse his secret content wherefore Palmerin awaking him out of his musing said As I am true knight I neuer thought yâ— a man of your estate could be of so slender courage What countenance woulde you vse in a matter of sorrow when such dainty tidings make you so effeminate Be of good chéere man Agriola is your owne and none but Trineus must bee her Lorde and husband I must confesse my lord said Trineus that my behauior but little beséemes my calling but yâ— cause therof is that I know no desert in my selfe yâ— may be estéemed worthy yâ— least fauor of my Lady Beside these newes brought me such special contentmeÌ„t as I am no longer mine own but in her onely I liue and shée holdes the ballanâ—â— of my daunger or felicity in that I was borne to be her â—eruant But now I desire you my Lord séeing the occasion offereth itself we hinder it not by any negligence for if now we loose the fauour of the time we neuer I feare shal recouer the like therefore let vs so soone as we can proâ—â—dâ— al things ready for our departâ—â—e Refer that to me quoth Palmerin be you as ready as I shall make prouision The next day he went to the maister of a ship to knowe when time would serue for their secret departure who answered him that the time was then very conuenient the winde seruing prosperously and the Sea calme and nauigable and he would furnish him with all necessaries for his passage Quoth Palmerin sée that your men and all things be in readines yâ— we may launch away vpon halfe an houres warning So departed the maister about his busines and Palmerin to the prince Trineus whom he informed with these glad tydings now nothing remaining but to know the princesse pleasure â—he being 〈◊〉 wiâ—e as ready to depart as yâ— most forward But quoth Palmerin how shall we safely get you foorth of the Court I will sayd the Princesse this night feigne my selfe sicke and for my greater quiet cause my Ladyes to absent my Chamber and so secretly will I escape disgâ—â—sâ—d to the 〈◊〉 gate of the Pallace which is not far from my todging wherto I may passe vnséene of any and from thence go with you saâ—â—ly to the Hauen This practise was faithfully concluded betwéene them and Agriola withdrewe her selfe closely to her chamber where at night she began her câ—uÌ„terfeit sicknesse commanding her Ladyâ—â— to 〈◊〉 hâ—r alone because â—he 〈…〉 Her Ladyes little thinking of 〈…〉 went to their owne lodgings very peâ—siue and sorowful which Agriola perceiuing couered her self with her night mantle and came to the place where the Knights staid her comming Palmerin taking hir vnder his arme conuaied hir in that maner to the princes chaÌ„ber where they altogither laid downe the order for their embarking Trineus extolling his happy fortune séeing his Lady so ready to accomplish his desire They arming themselues and taking with them the princesse costly iewels wherof she had plentifully stored her self they came to the hauen where they fouÌ„d
her custody a iewel of such vertue as no one can dishonour her against her owne lyking Comfort your selfe then in the power of the highest and repose your selfe on the constancie of your Ladye with this certaine perswasion that this crosse and aduersitie hath fallen vpon vs for our greater good and aduauncement héereafter Then came Olimael and interrupted theyr talke commaunding nine or ten of his people to conuay Trineus into another Galley and Ptolome into that where his Maister was that so they â—ight depart to recouer the rest of theyr Galleyes which were scattered from them by reason of the tempest And sâ— they departed one from another the Galley wherein Trineus was discrying a goodly Ship of Christians whereof they béeing glad sette sayle with the winde towardes the Christians who rode awaye so fast as thâ—y could and had escaped but that they met full with certaine Pyrates of Natolia who ioyning with the Gallies in the ende boorded her and parted the spoyle among them the winde suddenly began to chaunge so that they were constrained to â—lye for succour to an Islande in the Kingdome of Persia which they reached in good time glad to sheelde themselues from daunger These Pyrates thus come to the Hauen went all on shore to refresh themselues but they hadde no sooner sette foote on land such enchauntments were there dispersed through the whole Isle as they presently knew not one another But to acquaint you with the manner of these enchauntments you must note that the Isle where they landed was called Malfada which name was giuen it by the Lady thereof who was called likewise Malfada the most subtill Magitian of her time so that wee may say of her as the Poets feigned of the auncient Circes And albeit she was issued of Christian parentes yet hauing such familiaritie with the diuell and his maligne spirites she would not acquaint her selfe with any goodnesse towardes Christians but daily practise their harme and destruction And for this intent shée had long time enchaunted this Island with such charmes that what Ships arriued there could neuer depart thence againe much lesse such as entred within the Isle They being thus staied Malfada would come her selfe and chuse such as shée lyked the rest shée transformed into Hartes Wolues Dogges Boares and all manner of beastes Such likewise as shée tooke with her into her Fortresse when she had abused them to content her owne pleasure shée would cast them foorth transforming them as shée did the other in bréefe she was worse then a Diuell and the whole Isle a very disguised hell This wicked woman knowing that more vnfortunate people were landed at the Hauen called her seruaunts and came to see them but she made no great account of them wherefore she commaunded her seruaunts to take all the riches foorth of the Shippe conuerting it by her inchauntment that it séemed lyke a bottomlesse gulfe Afterward at her pleasure shée transformed them that came in it among whome Trineus was chaunged into the shape of a very fayre Dogge not that hée was so for that is a thing against nature and which God no way will permit that man shall take any brutish shape or a brute beast any humane forme For the Magicall dispositions thus holde theyr Arte that the enchaunted estéeme themselues beastes and of that sort was this 〈◊〉 Mastiue notwithstanding these distressed captiues had naturall reason and humane power but the benefit of spéech was taken from them And thus was Trineus transformed which he séemed not to mistike for not remembring himselfe he forgot all his heauie passions maruelling only at his suddaine mutation And here will we leaue him in his straunge deformitie to report what befell to the Princesse Agriola after that dolorous separation betwéene her Lord and her THus Gentlemen haue wee left the Prince Trineus transformed into the shape of a Dogge in the Isle of Malfada by the Enchauntresse the English Princesse Agriola in the custody of the Turkish Pirate Olimael Ptolome and Colmelio carried into Aethiopia and Palmâ—rin raunging in the Islande with his Hauke for his delight Right straunge will bee the meeting of all these friendes againe after the hazards of many perillous fortunes For Agriola thus separated from the Prince her husband is maried to the great Emperour of Turkie howe wonderfully the ring which Palmerin gaue her preserues her chastitie will be worth the hearing How Palmerin counterfeiting himself dumbe doth many rare exployts in the Isle of Calpha will be as acceptable How Palmerin gaines his Polinarda 〈◊〉 his chast wife Agriola Ptolome his Brionella and all Honors meeting togither in the Emperours Court of Allemaigne wil be so strange as the like was neuer heard and all this performes the second part which shall be published so soone as it can be printed A. Mundy FINIS Honos alit Artes. THE Second Part of the honourable Historie of Palmerin d'Oliua Continuing his rare fortunes Knightly deeds of Chiualrie happie successe in loue and how he was Crowned Emperour of Constantinople Herein is likewise concluded the variable troubles of the Prince TRINEVS and faire AGRIOLA the Kings daughter of ENGLAND with their fortunate Marriage Translated by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine LONDON Printed by Thomas Creede 1597. To the worshipfull Maister Fraunces Young of Breâ—t Pelham in the Countie of Hertford Esquire and to Mistresse Susan Young his wife and my most kind Mistresse this worldes ioy and heauenly felicitie intirely wished PRomise is debt worshipfull Syr as the Prouerbe auoucheth and debt must needes be paide as reason requireth the one not arguing so much liberalitie in speech as the other doth vertue in accomplishing When I presented ye my first part of Palmerin of England I promised to hasten these likewise that should preceede it because this Historie of Palmerin d'Oliua is the beginning and inducement to all those that followe thereon Wherfore hauing sent ye the first so likewise doe I now the seconde and will make what speede I can in translating the third and last if your kinde fauour spurre me on as I doubt not but it will So still remaining yours euen to my vttermost I humbly take my leaue this first of August Your VVorships euer to be commaunded Anthony Mundy To the Freendlie READERS THough long yet at length this second booke of Palmerin is finished and he hauing endured so manie bitter brunts in search of aduentures after all nowe remaineth either to bee commended or condemned by your censure Condemne him you cannot with reason considering all his actions haue beene so honourable as too malicious were the man would deale so hardly with him that hath giuen no occasion of offence Commend him then you must in respect of his manifold vertues thrust altogither in the face of Fortune onelie for your delight and recreation As concerning his Sonnes Palmendos and Primaleon the one is kept vnder his mothers wing the Queen of
them home with excéeding ioy but they answered that they ought rather to thanke the Knight in gréene Armour for hee deliuered vs from the Moores and Infidels without request of any ransome Olorico amazed at these signes of ioy as also when hee sawe Palmerin pray knew not well what to thinke which Palmerin presently perceiuing and to resolue him of all doubts whatsoeuer sayd No longer neede I know my good Lord and Friende to hide the affaires and secrets of my heart from you know therefore that I am a Christian and a Gentleman of the Emperours Court of Allemaigne But that which most of all gréeueth me is that I am constrayned to forsake your companie and returne againe to my Lorde for too much should I offend my God to go with you to the Soldanes seruice Wherefore my louing friend let me intreate you to holde me excused swearing to you by the faith of a Knight that whether else it shall like you to go I will accomplish your minde in any thing I intreate you likewise to entertaine al my Squires and Gentlemen into your seruice and among them to share all my treasure in the Shippe because I will haue nothing with me but my Horse and armour And notwithstanding all this feare nor to present your selfe before the Soldane and Alchidiana for to them will I write such matter of you as they shall accept you in my place and with as great honour as euer they did mee If heauen so fauour mee as I may come to the knowledge of my father I will certifie you with the truth of all As for my counterfeiting to be dumbe was onely but to awaite opportunitie when with safety I might escape thence If Olorico at the first was amazed what may be iudged of him nowe notwithstanding hee loued Palmerin so perfectly as hee returned him this answere Although Syr Palmerin wee are of contrary faith and opinion yet hath your noblenesse and humanitie gained such priuiledge ouer me that as you haue long time liued a Christian among the Turks so for your sake will I liue a Turke among the Christians dissembling in like sort as you did and neuer shall any occasion force mée to forsake you till you haue found your Father and know if he be discended of the Soldanes bloud No honour will it be for me nowe to returne again to the Assirian Princes and as for my people I force not though they go backe againe with my treasure for on my Knighthood I will bee no richer then you nor will reserue any thing with mée then what belongs to a Knight errant which is Horse and Armour For the rest let Fortune do the worst she can I hope for all this one day to be King of Arabia Then noble friend be not offended for I will beare you companie if death and strong imprisonment doo not withhold mee Palemrin embraicng him saide Ah worthie Prince so noble is your minde and repleate with fidelitie as perswade your selfe to find me your loyall Brother and fellow in Armee neuer to forsake you while I can lift my Sword so please you to abide with mee So calling the chéefest of them in the ship they sayde as much to them as you haue heard commaunding them not to stir from Arabia before they heard some other tydings As for their strange conceit at these newes I bequeath to your iudgements yet durst they not gainsay their Maisters but launching into the deepe sayled backe again into their own Countrey Palmerin and Olorico for this night lodged in the Cittie to refresh themselues and the next morning after they had taken leaue of the Merchants they deliuered they set forward on their iourney Continuing their trauaile thrée daies together at length they mette a Knight who séeing them armed after the Turkish manner sayde Gentlemen God saue ye if I should not seeme troublesome to you because I iudge you to be strangers I would gladly knowe if you could tell me any tidings of two Knights which long since left this Countrey Howe were they named quoth Palmerin Syr saide the Knight one of them is Trineus Some to our dread Lord the Emperour and the other the most valiant Palmerin d' Oliua Two yéeres and more since they left the Court without any newes what became of them sauing that wee heard they were a while with the King of England and thence they conuayed his Daughter the Emperous continuing so sorrowfull for theyr losse as euery houre his death is expected May it be quoth Palmerin that all this while Trineus is not returned What daunger will noble Allemaigne receiue by loosing their young Prince Ouercome with exceeding griefe and sorrow by report of these vnhappie tidings to himselfe he beganne in this maner What shall I doo dare I be so presumptuous as to present my selfe before my Mistresse what sufficient excuse can I make for the loue of her brother Doubtlesse if it were such a hell to me to finde the meane for my departure from that long captiuitie in the Soldanes Court much more will it be to me now in the search of the Prince for without him I dare not approach the Emperours presence While he thus secretly discoursed with himselfe he became so excéeding passionate as Olorico thought he had lost his sences which was the cause that without any further enquirie the Allemaigne Knight departed from them when Olorico amazed at this suddain alteration said How now Sir Palmerin what hath moued you to this heauinesse I beséech you conceale not the cause from me for if it be by any offence that the Knight offered which spake to you soone shall I deliuer him his penance Therefore tell me I pray you for vndoubtedly I will not suffer you to rest vntill you haue acquainted me with the truth Palmerin knowing how déerly y◠Prince loued him and that for his sake he had left Country parents and friends reposing on his loyaltie imparted his loue to him as also the lesse of Trineus and the Princesse Agriola Olorico then laboured to perswade him aduising him to compasse some secret spéech with his Ladie of whome hée might learne how to recouer her lost brother and the faire Agriola of England againe Palmerin following this counsell pacified himselfe and kept himselfe so closely as he could from being knowne to any Chap. XX. How Palmerin by the meanes of Vrbanillo his Dwarfe spake with his Lady Polynarda with whom he stayed fiue daies to recompence some part of his long absence and to the great contentment of them both SUch expedition in their iourney made these noble companions that at length they arriued néere a castle which was foure leagues from Gaunt where the Emperour as then was disposed to hunting for the delight of the Ladies but chéefely to expell his owne melancholy for the losse of his sonne as also to recreate the Princesse Polynarda who shadowing the cause by her Brothers absence lamented continually for her noble Friend Palmerin of whome
and lords of Greece for so many ioyfull and vnexpected accidents might not be compared with the pleasures of the Prince Olorico and Frysoll who would nowe no longer kéep his bed in respect of his ioy for the good fortune of his friend wherfore putting on his garments and accompanied with Olorico he came downe into the great Hall as the Prince of Macedon was betrothed to his Ladie when Palmerin stepping from al the rest welcommed them with very gracious courtesie After they had béene generally saluted Frysoll came before the Empresse and on his knée began in this manner Most excellent and gracious Madame may it please you pardon mine offence in shedding the bloud of your kinsman Notwithstanding as the Law of iudgement and reason exhorteth me of two euilles I choose to take the least so did I rather thinke it good to bathe my handes in the bloud of mine owne Couzin then permit him by the Prince Florendos offence to suffer open violence This speake I Madame as being the Sonne to your Nephew Netrides whom long since his eldest Brother disinherited and banished him his Countrey to a little Castle where at this time he remaineth in good disposition Now iudge which of these euents is most admirable that of your noble sonne Palmerin or this which I haue now rehearsed But may it be quoth the Empresse that my Nephew Netrides is yet liuing and can it be possible that thou art his Sonne Trust me Madame saide Frysoll I haue tolde you truth and by Gods leaue you shall haue more ample proofe therof within these few dayes Héereuppon the Emperour the Empresse Florendos and Palmerin with inexplicable reioycing embraced Frysoll not a little extolling theyr fortune that such hardie knights were discended of their linage Then Frisol rehearsed before them all the thrée Combats hée had with Palmerin and what great honour he woonne at the Tourney in France which report greatly contented the Prince Florendos hearing the honourable Chiualrie of his sonne nor would hée forget to ioyne therewith his conquest on the Mountaine Artifaeria with his Combats both in Bohemia and Durace At these reports the Emperour somewhat amazed saide before all his Lords I beléeue my Friendes that the maruailous rare fortunes of these two Cozins Palmerin and Frysoll with the strange aduentures they haue finished in their youth promise greater matters in their following yéeres Then an auncient Knight of Hungaria who was named Apolonio said to the Emperour how in time past hee had béene Page to the Father of Tarisius by which meane hee knew Netrides right well if hee might sée him And if he be yet liuing quoth hée in regard of his manifolde princely vertues the Realme of Hungaria néede no better Gouernour nor will the people themselues mislike of so good a change Wherefore may it so stande with your highnesse pleasure to grant mée companie beséeming the cause I wil do my dutie in the search of him and bring him hither with mée to the Court. Willingly the Emperor consented thereto and like order tooke the Prince Florendos that Cardyna with her Brethren and other Gentlemen should go to the Mountaine of Oliues and enquirâ— for Gerrard Palmerins foster-father Marcella his Wife and Dyoâ—ena their Daughter Palmerin séeing all things sort to so good ende falling on his knée before the Emperour and his Father saide Séeing it hath pleased God to make me knowne for your Sonne I will not conceale a matter from you which concerneth mée very néerely and although it be of great importaunce yet will I not further procéede without your aduise So discoursed he all his seuerall apparitions while he continued with his supposed Father whereby he was prouoked to go séeke the lady who by fatall destenie was promised him nor did he hide his troubles in her search but therewith bewrayed that her name was Polynarda daughter to the Emperour of Allemaigne and his Wife by solemne vowes passed betwéene them He declared moreouer how he trauailed to find the Prince Trineus whome hée lost on the Sea with the Princesse of England and them hée would recouer againe in respect of his faithfull promise to his Ladie Notwithstanding quoth he if you thinke it conuenient I would gladly sende to aduertise the Emperour and my Lady his Daughter of my present good fortune that his Maiestie may confirme our priuate agréement because I doubt the Prince of Fraunce whose Ambassadours haue béene there to conferre on the matter may otherwise present me of mine onely choyse In like manner if Netrides shall be founde to bee made King of Hungaria and the Princesse Armida to be bestowed in marriage on Syr Frysoll who is such a Knight in my iudgement as well deserues one of the chéefest Ladies in the world So God helpe me my Sonne quoth the Emperour no reason were it to disappoint what thou hast so well contriued for séeing things haue beene fore-pointed by fortune méere folly it is for men to contrarie them And because I haue héeretofore heard that the Emperours Daughter is the flower and choyse Ladie among all other whose vertues challenge the man beyonde compare in Chiualriâ— I will sende mine Ambassadours to the Emperour as well for the perfection of the marriage as to comfort her in her despayres with certaine assurance of our health and welfare and so shall your intended trauaile not bee hindered Notwithstanding before you begin your iourney you shall receiue the homage of all the Princes and Lords of Greece as their liege Lord and supreme Gouernour which béeing doone I will likewise take order for my Nephew Frysoll so soone as his Father shall come to the Court. Then calling for the Maister of his Horse commaundement was giuen for spéedie dispatch of messengers to all parts So leauing the Emperour busied in these affayres Florendos and Palmerin went to the Quéene who causing them to sitte downe by her after shee had very graciously welcommed them sayde I pray you tell me which of vs thrée is most beholding to Fortune the Father the Mother or the Sonne Doubtlesse who so considereth the condition of our aduenture will â—â—â—nde it such as seldome hath the like béene séene héeretofore And in sooth my Lorde Florendos the gréeâ—ous torments I haue endured since the losse of my Sonne and my great disloyaltie towards you by breach of my promise I iudge may bee equalled with the burthen of mine offence Neuerthelesse if you estéeme not your selfe satisfied let your noble regarde excuse what nature hath perfected which is to endure much more then as yet wee haue done Madame answered Florendos in time of ioy remember not our passed misfortunes but thinke what now is doone our gracious starres haue graciously furthered and limitted to this end that my loyaltie with the bountie and prowesse of our sonne should be laid open to euerie iudgement Héere had the Prince occasion to rehearse his afflictions in loue endured twentie yéeres space and more for her sake which
great Turke the Calâ—â—â—â— of Siconia and the heyres to the Prince Amarano of Nigrea not much inferiour in this condition is the Soldane of Babylon whose daughter with her Husband I héere beholde The victorious Ambimar King of Romata and Griscâ— the worthie Maulerino and the puiâ—â—aunt Soldane of Persia my Maister Husbande to the vertuous Quéene Zephira who with their Brother haue sent your highâ—esse thrée Shippes laden with the most wealthie riches their Countreyes can yéeld My Lord and they humbly kisse your Maiesties hande desiring you to forget his disceurâ—â—sie to the gentle Knight Tâ—yneus when hee became â—â—amoured on the Princesse Aurecinda But if their loue then sorted to a philosophicall trope or figure it hath sithence prâ—ued effecâ—â—uall in procreation to the no little ioy of my Lorde and Maister The Princesse was deliuered of a goodly Son growing in such exquisite forme and feature as it is expected hée will one day resemble his Father in châ—ualrie as he dooth alreadie his Mother in amiable perfection Ambassadour quoth the Emperour for the great vertue and nobilitie I haue founde as well in the Princesse Zephira as also her noble Brother I graunt the fréendly allâ—ance thou demaundest Yet heereof am I sorie that the Son to the Prince Tryneus should be nourished and spend his youth among Maâ—umetists without knowledge of hiâ— God and Redéemer for in such sort should hée be instructed after he is come to the yéeres of vnderstanding that all the Alchoran is tales anâ— fables and doubtlesse God will so deale with him in time as hée shall imitate the steppes of his noble Father As for the presents sent Vs by the King Maulerino the Solâ—aâ—e and his Queen Zephira we accept them as from our Fréenâ—s and will returne them some remembraunce of our thankfulnesse His Maiestie commaunded the Persians to bée lodged in his Pallace and continued still their former ioyes and tryumphs but to alter those Courtly pastimes and delights this misfortune happened which héereafter followeth Chap. LXV Howe the great Turke refused to assist Lycado Nephewe to the Admiral Olimaell against the Emperor Palmerin and what trouble happened to Constantinople by the Traitor Nardides Nephew to the King Tarisius Lycado Meuadeno and their father SUch was the humanitie and pittie of Palmerin when hee finished the enchantments at the Isle of Malfada as he gaue libertie to all the Turks and Christians which were before transformed as you haue heard among whom was Lycado Nephew to the Admirall Olimaell hée that at the taking of Agriola had the Prince Tryneus for his prisoner This Lycado séeing himselfe in his owne Countrey and out of daunger where he heard howe the great Turke was slaine and his Uncle likewise hée came before the Sultane that then raigned saying Worthy lord as men are naturallie inclined to bemone their losses so are Subiects bound to aduertise their Soueraignes of any shame or iniurie done to their Maiesties This speak I my Lord because you haue not as yet reuenged the death of your deceassed Brother now sléeping in the Armes of Mahomet albéeit traytâ—rouslie slaine by Palmerin and his Companions at which time my noble Uâ—cle was likewise murthered with many Knights of cheefe and especiall account And least you should be ignoraunt in the truth of the déede and who also â—arryed hence the Princesse Agriola I haue credibly vnderstood that Palmerin is Nephew to the Emperour of Greece one of his companions is the Emperours Sonne of Allemaigne and all the rest were Princes and Lords of Greece onely sent as spyes into Turkie Wherefore séeing you now holde the state in such peace and quietnes it were necessarie you should leauie a mightie Armie and please you to commit the charge thereof to mée I will loose my life or make an absolute destruction of all Greece I remember said the great Turke that your Unckle made like entraunce into my decâ—ased Brothers Courte as you by your spéeches now labour to doo but I will so warilie looke to such intrusions as no Traytors shall rest héere if I can hinder theÌ„ Your Unckle vexed the Christians what followed thereon the death of his maister and a daungerous confusion By you likewise may â—nsue as bad fortune departe you therefore from the Court and but that we are loth to bee noted with tyrannie thou shouldest presently be drâ—wne in péeces with Horses False Traytour thou that commest to counsaile vs in a matter wherein we cannot meddle but with great dishonour it behâ—ues thée first to regard the end of thy intent and what he is that gouerns in Greece Go villaine go and on perill of thy life neuer presume before our presence againe Lycado was greatly astonied at this sharpe answere and séeing he could haue no better successe hee went to his Father the Brother to Olimaell béeing one of the chéefest Magitians in all Turkie to him he made his complaints saying he would die in that resolution but he would cause the Turke to knowe that hee was no Traytour and this quoth he shall be the meane whereby I will compasse it I meane to disguise my selfe and trauaille to the Cittie of Constantinople where priuily I wil murder the Emperor Palmerin so 〈◊〉 my Lorde the great Turke tâ—uch mée with no further suspition but will reward me with greater benefits then euer my Unckle had My Sonne answered his Father thinkest thou that thy deuise will sort to effect thy Brother Menadeno would helpe thée héerein but hée is too yong yet when time serueth for thy departure I will not onely tell thée but conduct thee my selfe I beséech you good father saide Lycado further me in what you may for neuer will my hart be at rest till I haue paid Palmerin with the selfe same coyne the great Turke was In meane while do you studie and search all our Bookâ—s of 〈◊〉 Diuination Magique and Nigromancâ—e as Zabulus Orpheus Hermes Zoroastres Ciroes Medea Alphonsus Bacon Aponius and all the rest that write of the blacke speculatiue reade them againe and againe deuiâ—e such spâ—lles exorcismes and coniurations as the very â—pirits may speaâ—e of the feast I will make at the Cittâ—e of Constantinole Héereupon the olde man made his Sonne Menadeno Knight and with Lycado betooke themselues to Sea saying My Sonnes I will bring ye to Constantinople where by vertue of mine arte we will arriue before thrée dayes be expired remember your vnckles death and behaue your selues in such sort as you may be Registred for euer The time doth nowe fauour you with sufficient reuenge and therein shall you be assisted by a Christian Knight whome we shall finde readie landed there for the same cause Their Ankers being wâ—yed they launch into the déepe and cut through the waues with such violence as if the deuill himselfe were in their sailes so that they tooke landing at the selfe same houre as Nardides arriued at Constantinople As concerning what this Nardides was you remember the two Traytors Promptaleon and Oudin Nephewes