the chyldren of these Princes to bee brought vp very industriously that when occasion serued it should appeare they were well gouerned wise apt to armes Among whō the second Primaleon was of such fierce courage as hee terrified Aliart doubting least afterward hee would not be benigne to other Knights but proue as sterne as his Graundfather Palmerin Wherfore Arguto sonne to Frisoll who declared himselfe to be some-what proude when he came to deale with him at his weapon woulde fight disdainfully and was desirous to kill him but Aliart who diligently regarded them would suffer them to fight no more together for héereby he gathered that when these Princes came to yeeres there woulde be mortall hatred betweene them The like strife was in Leonato and Tarnaes by reason they both delighted in Candida daughter to Belizart whose very name obscured euery one that sought to be famous by beautie For these reasons Aliart was desieous to seperate them but he could not send the one away except he did the like to the other therefore though against their wils they abode there together and he likewise desired as yet to kéep them there till matters were better established in Christendome for Fraunce Spayne Almayne and most of the other Kingdomes hauing lost their Princes were subiected to mutinous seditions whence great ruine was likeliest to ensue beside hee was the more willing to stay them still there that they might not séeke after their order of Knighthoode vntill they were growne in yeares more strong and able Oliuanto brother to Primaleon beeing yet very young gaue assured testimony that he would become valiant but Leonato sonne to Palmerin of England shewed himselfe so forward to chiualrie was so like in countenance to great Palmerin his father as wonderfull matter was expected of him because he gaue himselfe to so braue disposition Caro sonne to Gracian kept in secret by his Nurse was conuayed thence into Spayne Belcar sonne of Francian Estrellant of Rosuell Fortenbracio of Bellizart and Orino of Dramian were all of great towardlines but Tarnaes sonne to Platir was so vnlike the other in managing Armes and other behauiour as there séemed to shine in him a kind of Lacedemonian seuerity for whosoeuer had marked the image of Lycurgus the Lacedemonian law-maker euen the same that was to be séene on his Tombe haue sworne that he rather resembled his figure then that of Platir his father Franardo Almaroll of young Gyants stature declared the same spirits remained in their fathers but being children as yet no other iudgment could be made of them Now leaue we them to goe sée with what loue the Emperour Primaleon entred Constantinople The people being aduertised of their Lords returne came vppon the bridge with such sportes and feasting as neuer was the like séene in Constantinople before for Brundo the Gouernour suffered nothing wanting that might any way serue to honour him withall At the gates and crosse-wayes of the stréetes were placed triumphall arches whereon was presented the passed battailes against the Pagans to wit the death of the enemies but not of the Christian princes Both great small there humbly submitted thēselues all weeping for ioy which made the Emperour and Grydonia shed teares and according as it was appointed in the first Church of the Citty they came at the Emperiall Crowne was set on their heads to make the solemnitie more royall and this the onely ioyfull day that euer before was séene in that Citty The Emperours walke continued from morning till night not able to satis-fie himselfe seeing each ruined place newly reedified so that now hee might spend his time in ioy but for the paine of his arme Yet the death of so manie Princes was greeuous to him to whose children therefore he confest himselfe the more indebted chiefely to the Emperour of Almaigne who died both hee and Polinard his brother Wherefore by sending his Embassadors into that Kingdome there came to his Court Bazilia very aged and with her a sonne of Polinards named Trineus which he begot on a Lady of that Country whom he tooke to wife onely for her beautie The Emperour was excéeding ioyfull to beholde the young Prince who was about the age of thirteene yéeres apt and towardly to receiue his charge of the Empire After solemne welcomes vsed to his sister and the Princes that were come to the coronation of their Emperour hee caused young Trineus to sitte downe in a chayre of estate by him and with all royall pompe to bee annoynted Emperour then setting the Crowne on his head in magnificent state hee rode with him thorough the Cittie to the end hee might the better be knowne and more publiquelie honoured All the ceremonies beeing accomplished hée gaue himselfe to the hearing of weightie causes such as Brundo wanted authoritie to perfect for hée beeing but a Lieuetenant would not put his hand to euery businesse but reserued them of most importance for the Emperour himselfe whose comming was from time to time so long expected CHAP. XVII VVhat hapned in Turkie when the prisoner dissembled in the steed of Florian was led to death SVcusano according as hee had béene councelled commaunded that fifty thousand horsemen readie prepared for fight should circle the Scaffold where each of them verily beléeued that iustice was to bée performed on Prince Florian and the very same opinion was conceited in the Cittie With much adoe the prysoner was brought thether and the Christian Knights full of gréefe armed thēselues to goe to death with him for nowe they were voyd of all hope to free him Targiana because Dorina was gone to Constantinople for ayde seeing shee now shoulde remaine alone in the Castell began to be dismaied and though her fréendes laboured to comfort her yet would shee not remaine as a pray to her enemie but prouiding herselfe with Armour accordingly would needes beare them companie considering that séeing she must needs die shee could neuer haue better occasion then to spende her life in giuing helpe to her husband So she with y e foure Knights mounted on horseback hauing about a thousand Turkes with them who perceiuing that their Princesse went to this dismall stratageme were the more willing to beare her companie Great was the rumour amongst the Persians and the crowde so wonderfull as hardly could they bring their dissembled prisoner to the Scaffold but Targiana and her traine shouldering in among them got into the way where they must passe with the prisoner Dirdan fearing they would ouer-soone attaine the Scaffold with his friend made such spéede forward outstript his company so farre that he was knowne by the Persians who fiercely assailing him slew his horse vnder him and at length after he had slaine about fiftie of them he was taken prisoner They neuer minding to carry him before Sucusano but taking him by his Armour to bee a Pagan that was a fauourer of the Christians led him along with the other to behead him Pompides Dragonalte
belly and his entrayles falling foorth him selfe tumbled deade after To another whose left arme he had pittifully mangled he gaue such a suddaine fierce blowe as cutting his Iaueling in the midst wounded him likewise aboue the eye whence the blood streaming forth aboundantly he could not discerne which way he went Being thus fréed of them he ranne to stay those Giants that caried his Sonne away who séeing him comming threw Franardo against the ground and turning vpon Dramusiande he gaue them such a gentle welcome that he cut off the formost mans left arme and afterward ranne his sword quite through his breast The other two affrighted at this accident setting both their Boare-speares rudely against his breast cast him along on his back and assuredly had there slaine him but that Almaroll and Forzato hauing each slaine one of their opposed enemies and left the rest in so weake disposition as they were able to endure no longer against them came spéedily to his helpe endangering greatly their owne liues thereby in regarde of their former wounds fainting and wearines whereof the other Giants not a little triumphed But Dramusiande and Franardo recouering at one instant though both were sore brused by their falls yet did they assaile them with such courage as after some fewe blowes they fell dead at their féete and hauing there now no more to withstand them they entred a house neere adioyning appearing to be more honourable then the other there to binde vp their wounds and rest them selues CHAP. LXXXVI How two young Ladies being Giantesses declared to our wounded Knights by what meanes they should enter into the Profound Tower and finish the enchauntment IN the house which our wounded Giants had entred were many young Giantesses two whereof séemed to be of farre greater respect then the rest who perceauing our Knights to be gentle discréetly gouernd and ciuilly attired though the large effusion of their blood much altered their countenances yet had they great compassion of them Almaroll well noting this and looking aduisedly on them because their lookes likewise were modest and womanlie went vnto them and with gentle language entreated them that they would helpe to binde vp their wounds which appeared to be very daungerous The young Ladies desirous to doo them any honourable pleasure secretly sayde that they were very ready to cure their hurtes prouided for safety of their owne innocent lyues they would but say that they had enforced them to this fauour Almaroll turning backe to Dramusiande who as yet stayed without and entred not the house tolde him what the Ladies had sayde vnto him and hee entring the roome where the Ladies were with a stearne countenaunce saide vnto them Come quickly and helpe to dresse our wounds for no iniurie shall be offered to your honours The Ladies dissembling before the rest as if they stoode greatly in feare of them came presently to them and they beeing disarmed had very soueraigne oyles and emplaisters applied to their hurts beeing handled very tenderly and with choise regarde with promise of spéedy recouerie because their wounds were not mortall Dramusiande afterward sitting downe by them demaunded if there were any other Giants in the Iland and why so many women liued together in that one house The eldest of the two Ladies showring downe teares from her eyes in great aboundance began in this manner Faire Sir we two are Nieces to the Lord of this Iland who is gone to a Castell called the Profound Tower intending to bring hether two sonnes of his to whom against our wils he will giue vs in mariage they being the most brutish and vnciuill men liuing at this day in any part of the worlde and his reason héerein is to depriue vs this way of our inheritance and make his sonnes absolute possessours thereof This vniust act in him is the cause why we would otherwayes else dispose of our selues rather then to liue with such as are loathsome to vs wherefore if there bee any Knights among you that are single and vnmaried as we are wee will yeelde our persons and honours into their power and kindly accept them as our husbands When Dramusiande had heard the Ladies iust cause of gréefe and the liberall offer they tendered withall he turned to Franardo saying You sonne shall take one of these Ladies to wife on Almaroll I meane to bestow the other Forzato beeing the youngest was in hope some remembrance would haue beene had of him but Franardo who loued Grandoâ—ya Farzatoes Sister as hath already been before declared stoode very silent to the no little meruaile of his Father and inward greefe of the young Lady whom Franardo being loath to hold in any further suspence sayde My Lord and Father I humbly entreate your pardon and the Ladies that I haue béene so slacke in returning mine aunswere for my thoughts being long since obliged to an other Ladie whose loue I can no way iustly refuse hath béene the reason of my so long silence but because this Ladie shall not be wrongd in her desires I will exchange one kindnesse with Forzato for receipt of another I loue his faire and vertuous Sister and that he may with the better will bestow her on mee in marriage I am content to resigne my right héere to him in enioying one of these woorthy Ladies Forzato being greatly enamoured of the eldest Ladie falling suddenly on his knee before Dramusiande said My Lord I may with iust reason account my selfe fortunate that your sonne Franardo so long hath accepted mee as his kinde companion on whom I fréely bestow my Sister for mariage without expectation of so gracious a requitall which makes me to glory the more that it was my good hap to promise him my Sister Hauing thus spoken he rose vp and very louingly embraced his Brother which Dramusiande perceiuing and noating withall what speeches had béene past appointed that Amaroll and Forzato should espouse the two Ladies who béeing likewise pleased to their owne harts contentment returned backe to theyr Chamber to certefie vnto the rest of the Giantesses that they had no other conference but of curing the Knights wounds Soone after our Knights sent for them againe to gather some enstructions from them how they should beare themselues against the Lord of the Iland and compasse the ending of the enchauntment but still the case was cunningly couered Dramusiande sent twise imperiously for them whereby the rest coniectured that they were forcibly constrained to come to them which the Ladies as queintly fitting by their behauiour gaue them to vnderstand That a Giant sometime a seruant to their Father but now attending on the Lord of the Iland as being his Nephew was newly there arriued and told them that his vnckle would not returne backe till tenne dayes were expired But because the slaughter of the Giants was reuealed to him that night he would carrie newes thereof to his vnckle Wherfore the Ladies aduised them to lay hold on him that hee might
throate hee thratled him in such sort as the Lyon beeing vnable to breathe began to shrincke backward Franardo pursuing this good aduantage tripping with his foote the Lyons hinder féete he fell flat on his backe and Franardo vppon him and getting loose his arming girdle the Lyon beeing much astonned with the fall he bound one of his legges which ere hée had fully doone the Lyon getting loose his other pawe and madly raging to be bound in that sort hee rent the Armour off from his side whereupon Franardo seeing in what perrill he was set his knée suddenly on the Lyons breast and getting holde on the other legge with much adoe bound it fast too so did hee his other legges afterward that he was not able to stirre any way In this while Dramusiande had strangled one of the Serpents neckes but with such difficultie as hee was greatly annoyed by the other and scantly could stirre with extreame wearines wherefore Franardo being as valiant a Giant as any then liuing caught the Serpent by the other neck and held him so strongly that presentlie he died Then was such a terrible thunder and earthquake and the ayre so wondrously darke on a sudden as they were not able to discerne one another but when the darkenesse was vanished away they sawe the Lyon changed to a man of fourescore yéeres old but bounde both by the armes legs humbly entreating the Giant to vnbinde him promising him to finish the enchauntment but Dramusiande willing to be altogether directed by his booke found that hee must not vnbinde the old man vntill the strange Garden were first quite ruined wherefore stepping angerly to the olde man he tooke him by the bosome threatning to stab him with his dagger whereat the Wizzard wexing somewhat fearefull sayde Saue my life Sir Knight and doe not kill mee and I will willingly fulfill whatsoeuer you commaund me Then praying him to let loose one of his hands he drewe a little booke out of his pocket whereon hauing read a while to himselfe he sawe the men and Giants planted in Garden run and cast themselues headlong into the Fountaine of blood so that there remained not one body but all were swallowed vp in the blood which immediatly was couered with fresh earth with a piller or Collomne of red stone aduaunced vppon it and an Idoll standing vppon the piller which helde a little briefe of letters in his hand so shadowed ouer with a veile as easily they could not be read then said the Nigromancer Nowe you must vnderstand that the enchauntment is concluded especially so much thereof as to you appertaineth now may you safely enioy your owne Iland But the Idoll which holdeth the scedule in his hande the reading whereof you cannot attaine to must stand heere still vntill a Knight as yet vnborne and sonne to the most valiant Prince this day liuing do chaunce to come hether to end the highest most perrillous aduenture that euer was heard of Hauing thus spoken they founde themselues presently to be in the Tower out of which they went at theyr owne pleasure but the old man vanished from them of whom ye shall heare more in the following history CHAP. XC How Dramusiande made his sonne Franardo Lord of the Iland assigning the Castells belonging to the Ladies to theyr Husbands Almaroll and Forzato Franardo purposing his departure thence to take Grandonya Forzatoes Sister to wife and howe afterward they arriued at Constantinople with they Ladies ALmaroll and Forzato who all this while doubted some disaster which might happen to Dramusiande and his Sonne Franardo though they had bound Tirso and the two other Giants that yeelded themselues when they saw them returne froÌ„ the Tower in so good disposition they ran cheerfully to meete them and kindly embraced each other Then did Dramusiande vnbind Tirso and the other promising on their good behauiour to vse them honourablie so they would be loyall and faithfull to him On the next morning hee caused a banquet to be prepared for espousing the young Giantesse Ladies to theyr Louers that they might the sooner set for Constantinople whether all the chiefe Knights of that Court now repaired to determine a resistance of the purposed warre which they daily expected froÌ„ Corcuto the Soldane of Babylon When the Giants and y e rest of the Iland were there thus assembled Dramusiande said that he would giue the I le to Franardo as his lawfull inheritance and then calling the Ladies they were there publiquely affianced to Almaroll and Forzato and two Castels belonging to the Ladies as theyr dowries were appointed to theyr troth-plighted husbands the eldest Lady béeing named Ferea and the other Albana Franardo likewise taking his oath for their quiet enioying of these their seuerall Castells with all the rights and priuiledged to them appertaining This beeing doone hee appointed that Fosco should goe with his Ring and a Letter to the Castel of the Vale there to commaund a Nephew of his named Oralio to bring his Souldiours with theyr wiues children and possesse theyr dwelling in that Iland assigning them the goods and lands of the deceassed Giants Afterward he wrote to King Edward of England and acquainted him with the whole course of this victory entreating him withall to hold his Sonne Franardo as his obedient subiect and to affoord him all honourable assistance for the better performance of his loyall vassailage in right of the Iland These orders thus established hee caused the Ladies to prepare themselues in readines because they should goe along with him to Constantinople whereof they were not a little ioyfull in regard of theyr desire to sée y e Court where the Ladies Princesses were so renowned for their beauties as the fame thereof was noised thorow the world In fewe daies after Oraâ—o came thether and thinges beeing confirmed in all méete order they set away thence taking all the Giants along with them because no newe stirres should arise by theyr meanes Thence went they first to Forzatoes Castell without any accident in theyr iourney worth the rehearsall sauing it was their hap to sée vpon the way the goodly Tombe or Sepulcher the aduenture whereof was ended by Arguto the Knight of the Sunne Comming to the Tombe they found it open and in it lay the shape of an Emperour but couered with such an arteficiall veyle as they could not perfectly discerne his face But Dramusiande well noating the forme of his body imagined it to be the Emperour Primaleon as indeede it was for the skilful Magitian when he saw the aduenture was accomplished to shun his owne shame conuayed thence the Image of Alexander y e great and placed this other in stedde thereof but couered in this manner as lothe to haue it easily knowne Dramusiande and the rest grew very pensiue that the death of the Emperour was so neere as by a manifest signe they perceiued namely the vncouering of the Tombe being hourely readie to receiue him In this griefe they
enchaunted cap. 65 fol. 212 Howe Florian still pursuing in quest of his daughter was vnwittingly brought to the Pallace of Queene Melia. cap. 66 fol. 213 How and what the wizzard Aliarte wrought against the enchauntment of Drusa Velonna and what ensued to Primaleon cap 67 fol. 215 How Primaleon entred into the Pallace and accomplished a great part of the aduenture cap. 68 fol. 217 Of the daungerous fight which Primaleon had with the Knight of the Serpent and how he accomplished the whole aduenture afterward cap. 69 fol. 219 How Leonato and Tarnaes came to combate together for the loue of faire Candida vpon what conditions they were parted by Palmerin of England cap 70 fol. 223 How Primaleon and Arguto fought together neere to Constantinople and how no man could part them but the Emperour Primaleon cap. 71. fol 225 How the wise Aliarte and Prince Florian with the fayre young Lady Victoria set forward on theyr iourney to Constantinople and of a danger which happened to Aliarte from which he was rescued by the valour of Prince Florian Also how Floraman desperatly slew him selfe cap. 72 fol. 228 How as they were consulting in the Court about the mariages of Primaleon and Arguto with the faire young Ladies Victoria and Concordia the two young Knights were summoned thence to a strange aduenture cap 73 fol 230 Of a strange aduenture which happened to Primaleon in the Caue vnder ground where-into the strange Knight had conducted him cap. 74 fol 235 Howe Arguto with great perill of his life brought to end the aduenture of the enchaunted Lady and receaued freedome of his suspition that Fortune was not fauourable vnto him cap. 75 fol. 235 How the aged Magitian shewed the cause wherefore hee had enchaunted the Knight his daughter confining them to so long a date of punishment cap. 76 fol. 239 Howe Primaleon and Arguto caused the mariage to be solemnized betweene Brunoro and Rosella and afterward iourneyed toward Babylon cap. 77 fol. 244 Howe Primaleon and Arguto were taken by Corcuto the Souldane of Babylon set at liberty againe by the aged Magitian Father to Rosella returning afterward to Constantinople cap. 78 fol. 246 How the mariages of Candida with Leonato and of Tarnaes with Fior-nouella being further conferred on in the Court of Constantinople there happened a suddaine and vnexpected alteration cap. 79 fol 249 How Florian trauailing to the faire Argentina came to the Citty of Tubante where with exceeding loue he was entertained by his wife Targiana and leauing order how she should be defended against her sonne Corcuto he iourneyed thence to the Adamant Castell cap 80 fol 251 How Florian with some difficulty concluded the aduenture of the Adamant Castell and set faire Argentina at liberty cap. 81 fol. 253 What the Emperour Palmerin and the other Knights did when they found that Candida was gone away with Leonato cap 82 fol 255 How Prince Florian arriued at Constantinople with the faire Lady Argentina and the subtill Enchauntresse Drusa Velonna Heere likewise is declared how Leonato lost his beloued Candida and aftervvard by vvhat meanes hee recouered her againe cap. 83 fol. 158 Howe Leonato with his faire Candida arriued in England where their mariage was solemnized vvith great royaltie Also hovv the young trauailing Knights vvith them of greater yeares and experience returned the most part of them to the Emperours Court at Constantinople cap 84. fol 261 Hovv Dramusiande Franardo Almaroll and Forzato trauailed to conquer the Iland of the bottomlesse Lake what happened to them in the attempt cap 85. fol. 264 How two young Ladies being Giantesses declared to our wounded Knights by what meanes they should enter into the Profound Tower and finish the enchauntment cap. 86 fol. 268 How the Lord of the Iland came thether and of the victorie which our Knights obtayned against him and his cap. 87 fol. 270 Howe our Knights went to the aduenture of the Tower of the seuerall occasions that befell them vntill they found the Serpent of the Sunne cap. 88. fol. 273 Howe Dramusiande and Franardo went into the Serpent and afterward finished the vvhole aduenture cap. 89 fol. 275 Howe Dramusiande made his sonne Franardo Lord of the Iland assigning the Castels belonging to the Ladies to theyr Husbands Almaroll and Forzato Franardo purposing his departure thence to take Grandonia Forzatoes Sister to vvife and hovv aftervvard they arriued at Constantinople vvith their Ladies cap. 90. fol. 277 FINIS
sonne likewise who was called Leonato Claricia wife to Gracian Prince of France brought foorth a sonne hee had to name Caro. Onistalda wife to Berolde Prince of Spaine was brought to bed of a daughter who was named Argentina in beauty shee seemed another Miragarda but for honest curtesie much more affable Bernarda wife to the Prince Francian and daughter to Belcar had a sonne who was called Belcar after his Grandfather Sidelia Platirs wife and Primaleons daughter brought foorth a sonne named Estrellant Denisa wife to Belisart had twinnes a male and female the sonne was called Fortenbracio the daughter Candida This Lady grew so faire that she excelled all the dames of Greece and made the minds distracted both of Palmerin and the Emperour Primaleon because each of them for this rare and singuler beauty without regard of honour or kindred made choyse of her as their chiefest Patronesse Clariana wife to Dramian she had a sonne named Orino Leonida daughter to the Duke of Pera wife to Frisoll brought a sonne called Arguto This was no lesse an enemie to Primaleon the second then was Frisoll his Grandfather who was named in those times the Knight of the Sunne to Palmerin d'Oliua according as in fit place shall be declared Arlencea brought her husband Dramusiande a sonne of great stature who had to name Franardo excéeding his father in valure and dooing seruice like him to the Empire of Constantinople Cardigea daughter to the Giant Gatarin and wife to Almaroll had likewise a sonne who became no lesse faithfull and valiant then his father and therefore after his name was called Almaroll Florenda daughter to Arnedes King of Fraunce and wife to Germaine of Orleaunce had a daughter named Spira who was so faire but yet arrogant withall that not contenting her selfe with any Knights offer to her seruice thinking her selfe to be the onely woman remayned without a husband as shall be declared when we come to speake of her Clariana brought to Guerin a sonne who was called Armindo The ioy was great through the whole Iland for these Princesses good successe in child-birth and when the children came to be christened they were all named as ye haue heard alreadie but as for those Ladies whose husbands were dead they remayned in griefe as they had good cause For the kinde harted woman being bereft of her husband can take no true delight in any thing else what so euer CHAP. V. VVhat happened for the buriall of the dead Princes bodies ALiart beholding the wounded Princes so well recouered presently began to bethinke him on buriall for the dead that due honour might be done to each one to remayne for all their succéeding posterity And that the Ladies might not knowe whether he went hee secretly tooke shipping and so passed to the place where the dead bodies were Comming néere the shoare he espied Argentao with others accompanied who noted the Ships making thitherward hastning to the Port and there they met together euen as Aliart landed Argentao with a loud voyce told him how Satrafort Gouernour of the Castle had taken into his custodie the Princes dead bodies by reason of a strange accident there happening in this manner The day before in the chamber where Aliart found the bookes of the skilfull Vrganda was heard a wonderfull noyse and going to know the reason thereof they beheld round about the chamber many faire Toombs equalling the number of the dead Princes whereby they found themselues disburdened of their former care which was how they might finde meanes to interre the Princes with such honour as they had all highly deserued And holding this aduenture to be very important they stoode conferring héereon with Alfernao at the Castle euen as they beheld this Shippe comming vnder saile when Satrafort meeting Alfernao on the bridge and ioying to be accompanied with so wise and woorthy a Lord as Aliart began to acquaint him with the whole accident It nowe remayneth sir quoth Argentao to Aliart that your arriuall héere in so happy an houre may thoroughly resolue vs in many doubtfull cases because though all these Toombs are of most beautifull Marble yet know we not how to appoint each Prince the place best beséeming him As for you my Lord to whom farre greater aduentures then this are reserued in knowledge you can best appoint how matters shall be ordered in that you are to dispose both of them and vs. Aliart very ioyfull of these good newes perswading himselfe that whosoeuer prepared these Toombs so ready had likewise appointed them to the dignity of each person without shaping them any aunswere at all entred the Castle where being conducted to the Toombs and assaying to remooue them thence but could not he meruailed not a little thereat and standing in a solemne conceite héereon he bethought himselfe that it were necessary to haue al the other liuing Princes there in defence of whom all they had lost their liues but especially the wiues of these slaine Knights that they beholring their honourable buriall should take their losse the more contentedly Héere-vpon he dispatched thence Satrafort by whom hee aduertised Primaleon Don Edward and the rest that with conuenient spéede they should come thither and bring with them all the Princesses Within two dayes following they had there personally present the Emperour Don Edward Florendos Palmerin of England Platir Gracian Berolde Floraman Francian Dragonalte Blandidon Pompides Dramusiande who now began to walke a little leaning on a speares trunchion and Dirdan with him But Almaroll could not be there by reason of his weakenes marrie all the Princesses were there together with ioy and great kindnes did Aliart welcome them that all their passed gréefes were vtterlie forgotten and each had their lodgings seuerallie appointed that such as were not soundlie healed might haue the better attendance CHAP. VI. How the seuerall Tombes were made manifest with the Epitaphs belonging to each of them THE Ladies whose husbandes were dead did not as yet behold where they should be buried but imagining it would be in y e Castle grewe into the greater pensiuenes and wept as women in like case will doo Which when Aliart perceiued hee gaue order the next day that all the Princes with the Ladies should come into the chamber where hauing caused the dead bodies to be brought they flocked all together to beholde the euent No sooner were they there assembled but appeared foorth of the wall the figure of an old woman who holding a rod in her hand made signe by her lookes bent on Aliart that he should commaund to bee brought into the midst of the Chamber the bodie of Arnedes king of Fraunce which no sooner was done but a goodly Tombe like a bed presented it selfe vnto them which was bedect with flowers of golde so curiously formed as it was most meruailous to beholde and in the midst of a cloth rarelie wrought thereon was written this Epitaph The honour of Fraunce is not heerein enclosed Which nor to
time nor place can be disposed Policia the wife and Quéene to Arnedes standing before this Tombe with Flerida the other Ladies made great lamentation ouer the Kings dead bodie which they would haue continued both that day and the next if the Sepulcher after it was closed had not béene suddenly taken away they knew not by whom and then againe beheld if placed in the midst of the wall vnder the féete of the figure of the same Policia his Queene When presentlie another tombe most richlie wrought was séene to stand in y e others place hauing this Epitaph on it Spayne grieue not thou sith death cannot depriue Thy fame and honour which thou heldst aliue For thou in greater glory doost suruiue Melissa his Quéene would haue stept before it to witnes her inward gréefe by her teares but the third Tombe as pleased the power that sent it to hinder her laments intruded it selfe and the second was likewise conueyed to the other in the wall Each one meruailed at this third Sepulcher séeing there was nere a Crosse thereon nor anie Christian signe vsed on such monuments yet béeing verie huge great wherefore they imagined that it was made for the Graund Cane Maiortes who was a Pagan and the doubt héereof was fully resolued so soone as they read the Epitaph which was thus From man became a dogge then changd to humane state He seru'd me with a dogs firme loue for times to woÌ„der at All the Princes shed teares when faithfull Maiortes was layd in his Sepulcher especially Don Edward who had him with him in the forme of a dog and afterward a man as in Primaleons historie is declared coulde not refraine from weeping It pleased Aliart to behold all these testimonies of loue and hee laboured to conuert all this gréefe to ioy in regard the totall ruine of Constantinople had not happened but that the other Princes whose death were once as much to be doubted were now to be séene in so good estate But as in like cases gréefe is not easilie remooued so still they helde on till this Tombe was lifted vp and conueied thence marie foorth of the Chamber because hee was not a Christian And then was placed another Tombe before them so roially adorned as they were verie desirous to knowe for whom it was when looking on the Epitaph they read thus Belcar heere sleepes heauen hath his soule by right The world his spoyles all won in fayrest fight With such rare honour as became a Knight Belcar enclosed in his hearsse with many silent passions of his wife Alderina his sonne and all the rest because Aliart had intreated no more accesse to the bodies it was coÌ„uaied thence and as the former placed at the foote of his wiues figure the statue séeming to shed lifelie teares such wondrous arte had the skilfull Vrganda vsed on them all Then appeared to them another Tombe the fore-part whereof was ingeniouslie formed and béeing couered with a sumptuous cloth all of golde they read thereon this Epitaph Frisols fayre deedes doe merrite more regard Then earth can yeeld true fame is his reward The successe of this Tombe resembled the former wheÌ„ another was immediatly presented not one iote lesse beautified or adorned whereon appeared the instability of Fortune and thus the Epitaph Belysart dyed but not infamously His vertues conquer deaths blacke obloquie This Sepulcher taken away before Denisa could do her dutie to it there was another intruded whereon in verie faire letters this Epitaph was engrauen Onistade dreadlesse of deaths crueltie With fame hath wonne faire lifes eternitie Quickly was this tombe conuaied thence and in steede thereof another containing this motto Albanis hath wonne what neuer can be lost Then death how canst thou of thy conquest boast This likewise being remoued another more rich precious was presented with this Epitaph Mourne not Bohemia though thy King be dead His life and death hath made thee famozed King Rodamont béeing in his graue and bemoned generallie it was taken to place appointed for it when Aliart séeing another alreadie in roome therof perusing the deuise found thereon this inscription Estrellant fought not for an earthly crowne Immortall life trode those affections downe The Ladies and Princes could not cease from wéeping beholding the losse of so many hardie Knights but when this Tombe was caried to the wall the next approching had this Epitaph Vassiliards fayth did testifie his end Whose deeds whole worlds of time shall still commend Next followed the Sepulcher for Duke Drapos of Normandie with these two lines thereon Normans it is in vaine to weepe for mee Country farewell my fame shall liue with thee Another faire Tombe was next presented with this sentence to be read thereon Tremoran no better way could finde to die Then in stoute warre by fairest chiualrie Euerie one stoode silent except such as sighed not knowing what to say seeing the Tombes so strangely carried from place to place and yet not discerned by whom vpon the next were these lines Fierce Tenebrant when death had him in chase Turnd manfully and died with deaths disgrace His bedde of honour béeing couered and gone another as magnificent was produced deliuering these verses No blame can Orleaunce to my death impute That lost my life in honours swift pursute Then Luymans Tombe was the next in course bearing this testimonie of his vertues Vertue the obiect of my high desire Bestowed on me what most I did require Next was to be seene another Sepulcher not of white stone as all the former were but more red and bloody cullored containing this Epitaph Though Rosiran were not the greatest Lord His honour heere doth with the rest accord Nowe euen at the dayes shutting vp Dramians hearsse presented it selfe with this deuise So sweetly Dramian dyed among the rest That now he liues as famous as the best And when it was conuaied thence as all the rest had béene Aliart looked about and behelde no more Tombes thus to be offered wherein the greater states were to bee enclosed then looking on the old Womans figure it turned the face thereof toward the wall as if it séemed to commaund them now to depart Heereupon he caused the Ladies whose husbands were liuing to lead the widdowed Princesses by the hand and hee followed comforting them in this manner Fayre Ladies séeing it pleased GOD that your Lords should loose their liues in defence of his faith you ought to conforme your selues to his will and with-drawing yée to more quiet of minde be carefull of your owne health least your losse be a greater endamagement to Christendome To morrowe we shall sée in what manner these greater Lords are to be buried for I cannot beléeue that the wise Vrganda would prouide such rare Sepulchers for these and haue no care of them of higher desert Héere-with they departed the chamber meruailing at the strange accidents they â—ad séene CHAP. VII How Pandricia hauing hid herselfe in the Chamber among the Tombes was found
withall who beeing as yet but verie young could not withstand the shock but fel backward ouer the crupper of his horse when presently Fortenbracio made against Tamarco and such was his successe that Tamarco lost his stirrop and nodded forward verie neere falling but Fortenbracio had such a stroke on the side as he had kist the ground but that very quickly hee recouered himselfe againe Franardo who beheld a Giant of Trebisonde preparing himselfe to the Ioust made forth to encounter him but by reason of his great strength more agility to armes then the Pagan had he made him try his length along vpon the earth hurte both with the Launce as also the fall Thys highly did content the Emperour to behold shining in him the vertues of Dramusiande his Father and Arlencea his mother who among the other Ladies stood to sée the sports was not a little delighted to see this sight to behold her son so especially honoured and to beare away the victory from his enemy A brother to the Giant so lately dismounted woulde néedes reuenge the others disgrace but hee dealing with Almaroll the sonne to valiant Almaroll though small inequalitie séemed to be betwéene them yet the Giant felt his braines somewhat dizzied and distracted Caro encountred with the Prince of Apuglia Estellant with the Earle of Antwerpe Orino and Armindo with two Kings one of Lamech the other of Cusco Estrellant afterward Iousted with an vnknown Knight who tooke disdaine to be shooke in his saddle albeit he saw it apparantly noted and therefore it stood him to sit the surer He gallantly managed his horse about the Listes vnhorsing euery one that came to deale with him and the mixture of the Knights was nowe in such a confused manner as he could not suddenly apprehend which part was of most valour nor to which side he might best appoynt himselfe wherefore at aduenture hee tooke the Pagan side which euen then was ready to forsake the place because that Tinto of Armenia the onely flower of all the Pagans had receiued a blow not seene from whom and hee lifting vp his arme as it were to aunswere his enemie that had wounded him he felt his strength faile him for his hurt had entred his very hart so downe hée fell dead a sight no lesse offensiue to the Emperour then to the Pagans Arguto beholding that the Knight vnknowne had dismounted Estrellant Belcar Armindo and was now to giue the like curtesie to Almaroll gaue forth himselfe to reuenge their mis-fortunes and the vnknowne gallant perceiuing him they ranne three Launces with such furie as all the beholders expected nothing but death on each side and no aduauntage as yet could be discerned but that Arguto was somewhat dazzeld at the third shocke whereas the Knight vnknowne sate still fresh and lustie to the admiration of all the Knights which had runne already expecting nowe some matter of great valour to be performed betwéen these two Knights Arguto who little dreampt on so sharpe an entertainement grew excéedingly ashamed of himselfe that the Infant Victoria who was in the window with the other Ladies should sée him so disgraced therefore to amend that mischaunce he verily purposed the death of the vnknowne Knight who stil demeaned himselfe so worthily in Armes as the Pagans thinking him to be the like greatly triumphed ouer the other So comming with a péece of a very sharpe poynted Launce hée gaue a thrust there-with at the flanck of the Knight vnknowne which happening where the Vaunt-plate was not well ioyned might much haue endamaged him and but that he rarely shunned it by an encounter of Franardo who at that instant was coping with him he there had slaine him This discourteous deed so displeased the Emperour and all the by-standers as presently there grew a generall murmure euery one saying that a Knight neuer ought to sake aduantage by trecherie or by any base meanes to dishonour his owne reputation The vnknowne Knight foreséeing the harme intended made forward to Arguto and hauing nothing to hurt him withall caught fast hold about his middle the like did the other by him and tugging so together for an indifferent while their striuing was so troublesome to their horses much wearied with Iousting that they both fell downe vnder their maisters but themselues recouered footing againe very quickly and catching like fast hold on each other as before the strength of all the by-standers in the Listes could not part them no nor the out-cries made to them by the Emperour who fearing to sée the death of two so valiant Knights forsooke his Scaffold of state where hée sate and entred the Listes with his weapon drawne accompanied with Tryneus Emperour of Almaine who could not make one in this Tournament because hée found himselfe very vnapt and sickly The Knights beholding the Emperours so néere let goe theyr hold of theyr owne accord and stepping forward to him to request his departure thence againe the Helmet fell off from Primaleons head for Arguto still pursuing his intent of aduantage in the time of their so strict bustling together had cut the laces in sunder But when the Emperour had knowledge of him very graciously he embraced him and taking him by the hand conducted him to the Empresse Grydonia and the other Ladies who were not a little desirous to know of whence he was Nowe they perceiuing him to be the young Primaleon the Empresse caught him by the hand and plucking him gladly to her kissed him oftentimes but Miragarda beeing ouer-come with excéeding ioy could not brooke with patience his so long stay from her and therefore without excuse or otherwise shée went and tooke him in her armes and that in such manner as she wrested him quite out of the Empresses hand whereat both the Emperour and all there present laughed hartily The mother satis-fied with her kinde embracings gaue him leaue else where to dispose himselfe and he who was not meanely instructed in courtship went first and kissed the hand of his Aunte the Empresse Bazilia afterward to the Quéenes and all the Princesses but when he came to doe that curteous office to the Infant Victoria he felt himselfe suddenly surprized with an vnaccustomed passion and noting wel her face remembred that he had elsewhere beheld her but neuer bethought him of his dreame The Lady who as yet had neuer felt any amourous fire was so well pleased with his affable presence as shée forgot to with-draw her hand backe from him but continued on such kinde discourse with him and amiable gestures that Arguto who stood and aduisedly marked this behauiour thought he should haue died with extremitie of affliction For albeit hee had made many signes of loue to her yet shee as yet had neuer requited him with any or declared that he was estéemed by her at all And heere began a hatred of long continuaunce till marying with a Sister to the said Primaleon which Miragarda was deliuered off in Constantinople and
their seuerall iourneyes Leonato dooing all things hee could best deuise to please his Mother who trauailed still with feareful and distracted thoughts by the time hee had ridden about the space of two leagues happened on a small Foist whereof Almaroll was Captaine the sonne to Almaroll who hearing great report of the Iland belonging to Dorina would needes saile thether to seeke the Knight of Fortune as desirous with him to vndergoe some great enterprise and in regard of the intire affection he bare him Leonato riding without his Helmet on was the easier knowne a farre off by Almaroll who was walking vp and downe vpon the shoares side and gotten vp at last vppon a little rising bancke to see what occasion might befall him from the Land or any accident which might be offered froÌ„ the Sea The young Giant not a little glad of his presence went met him with very chéerefull countenance but when he beheld the Princesse Polinarda hee could not be much more iocond then before he was because all hope was lost in Constantinople of euer séeing her againe Almaroll made them a banquet sufficiently of such prouision as he had aboard in his Foiste and hauing with foode and sléepe that night well refreshed themselues the next day they fell in some discoursing together Polynarda earnestly entreating Almaroll that with his vessell he would bring her to Constantinople The Giant desirous onely to méete with the Knight of Fortune and hearing howe lately they had parted from him stoode a while pondering with himselfe and but that he had respect to the Ladies great degrée and his Fathers Castle béeing likewise in some subiection to her hee could hardly haue béene diswaded from his former purpose but perceiuing it was in vaine to denie her foorth-with they set saile with intent to kéepe off farre from the Land least they should méet with any accident to be their hinderance but matters hapned beyond their expectation as shal be declared in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVII Of the fight that chaunced at Sea betweene these guydes to the Princesse and an vnknowne Knight POlinarda was nowe not a little contented seeing her-selfe in so faire likely-hood to reuisite Constantinople but giddy vnconstant Fortune who will permit no confidence in any worldly blisse of what apparant securitie soeuer it seeme troubled the Sea with such furious and tempestious windes as the Foist beeing in no safetie if it should saile néere the shoare they were inforced to launch out into the height of the Sea where tossing vp downe till by a storme of raine the rough windes began to be more calme they were at last carried toward Turkie and farre off they might discerne a Turkish Shippe which mainly made toward them with ful spredde sayles whereupon they prepared themselues for the fight and the Ships béeing ioyned they encountred together Leonato doubting least feare might be hurtfull to his Mother especially if the Turkes should happen to boorde the Foiste leapt into the enemies Shippe where killing euery one that durst stand against him at last he chaunced to meete with the Captaine who boldly comming forth against him there chaunced a very sharpe conflict betweene them The Turkes seeing with what valour their Captaine defended himselfe hauing another Captaine in companie among them they would néedes goe fight with them in the Foiste which Almaroll perceiuing came forward to withstand them and to kéepe them from entring into his Foiste he likewise leapt foorth into their Ship The Captaine that led the way to fight with the Foiste doubting least his fellow Captaine should be slaine by Leonato forsaking his owne Ship got into the Foiste where setting sayle quickly and the winde aptly seruing they were twentie leagues off from the other in a verie short space The Marriners beeing but few in number he menaced them with present death to tell him of whence their Foiste was and what other passengers they had aboorde whereupon they told him that they were Christians and that Polinarda the Emperour Primaleons daughter was there aboord The Knight right glad to meete with so great a Ladie putting off his Helmet bad one of them goe and comfort the Princesse telling her that he was Dragonalte King of Nauara and in the other shippe where Leonato and Almaroll were was King Platir her brother they by commission of the Princes that remained at Tubante were sent to require ayde of the Emperour in fauour of Blandidon The Princesse doubtfull of euer seeing Constantinople againe or enioying the long desired presence of Palmerin her husband lifted vp her head at these tydings and taking truce a little with her disturbed cogitations came forth to the Knight who curteously taking her by the hand said Reioyce faire Princesse that from suggestion of feare so great hope is thus deriued mistrust not danger of your sonnes life for there can no such sinister chaunce happen but one signe or other will disclose him to the King of Lacedemonia So breaking off conference they turned back againe to recouer the Shippe wherein they left Platir and Leonato fighting Almaâ—oll hauing put all the slaues and Mariners vnder custodie because they yeelded themselues for safety of their liues stoode to behold the successe of this combate and looking aduisedly on the Knight of the Ship vnder his Creast he discerned a little golden Crosse which giuing him cause to thinke he was a Christian made him steppe betwéene theÌ„ vsing these words Stay your weapons a little gentle Knights and heare me but speake then turning to the Knight of the Ship he thus proceeded Woorthy Sir I know not whence or what you are but the Crosse that I haue espied in your Helmet perswades me you cannot but be a Christian as we are Platir hearing these wordes and thinking the Giant might be Franardo or Almaroll lifted vp his Beuer and before he spake they knew him Leonato perceiuing how he had iniured his vnckle threw his sword at his féete and falling on his knée to kisse his hand was staied vp by Platir who smiling thus spake I would neuer desire better proofe of your valour then in this tryall you haue made on mée and now I sée the Empire of Constantinople may hope of long continuance when her young Knights deliuer such assurance of theyr man-hood and chiualry Leonato blushed to heare himselfe so praised but returning then no aunswere because gréefe had surprized his thoughts for the losse of his Mother at last hee demaunded what Knight it was y t had departed thence with the Foist but when he heard it was Dragonalte he became greatlie comforted knowing him to be a man of no meane valour So they set saile for Constantinople and hauing a prosperous winde for their purpose within two dayes both the Foiste and they arriued there together where Polynarda béeing gone first on lande to passe to the Citty looking backe by chaunce shée saw her brother followe after accompanied with her Sonne and Almoroll You may
Lady Candida yet to keepe his honour from noted touch thereof hee couerd it very cunningly and seeing that his sonne must néedes enioy her in mariage to crosse the match and compasse his owne hopes in after time hee practised how to hinder their proceeding The Emperour Primaleon in like manner without any regard of his age and imbecilities hee was also ouercome with such amorous passions and so enflamed with loue to Candida that it was hell to him to heare talke of her mariage but Leonato and Tarnaes relying wholy on Palmerins promise were the bolder to breake their minds to the Emperour finding him accompanied with Florendos and the wizzard Aliarte who likewise made loue to the same Candida By the Emperours aunsweres it plainly appeared that he was not willing she should be so maried but said he had purposed in his priuate thoughts to bestow her on Oliuanto young Primaleons brother which he vrged the rather because Oliuanto was not at that present in the Court so the more surely to deferre off the mariage but Leonatoes resolution continued in such sort as the Emperour not knowing easily howe to get him out of Constantinople was enforced to say that it was not meete time to marry so worthie a Lady without performance of some higher attempts for her sake then as yet he or any else had vnder-taken When Leonato saw his hopes frustrated with such peremptorie speeches he stept boldly before the Emperour saying Since I see your highnesse is my onely hinderer in the long expected felicity of my desires which but for you I might now freely enioy were you as other men are I would then tell yée that age will not let you performe the office of a Knight and I will maintaine against him whosoeuer dare combate in your cause that you doo me most vnkingly iniurie Palmerin hearing these proud spéeches of his sonne stept forth and checkt him with a sharpe reprehension for being so carelesse of his duty but Leonato scorning to be baffuld by any man in his loue or that the greatest Monarch on the earth should intercept his desseignes drewe foorth his sword saying Whosoeuer dare denie that beautious Candida shall not be my wife let him come forth of Constantinople there like a Knight will I expect him and there let him try whether I be worthy of her or no. Palmerin called presently for his armour to defend as he saide the honour of the Emperour but indeede hee rather sought to disappoint his sonne and compasse the meanes of his owne fond desires The Emperour who was not wont to beare such an iniurie caused his Armes to be brought with intent to aduenture the combate with his Nephew but Aliarte as forwarde in affection to Candida as any of them albeit he gouernd it with greater modesty falling on his knée before the Emperour tolde him that he ought by no meanes to hazard his person in fight against Leonato because to whatsoeuer issue the combate sorted he could not but repent it beside he would neuer presume so rashly on such an enterprise but that in generall opinion it would passe for currant that he was growne amorous of the faire young Lady which would be a great disgrace to his reuerend yeeres When the Emperour found his gréefe toucht where it pained him indeede he stayed his hastines yet to shew that he was mooude with the zeale of his owne honour he intended to banish Leonato froÌ„ Constantinople holding it as great grace in that hee proceeded with no other seueritie against him yet he determined within a while to repeale his banishment vpon some earnest entreatie of his father Palmerin who verily entended nothing lesse or declared himselfe offended a iote at his sonnes exile but rather was highly contented there-with hoping by meanes of his absence the easier to proceede in his amourous purpose When Leonato heard that the Emperour had banished him he closely went to the lodging of the Princesse Polynarda where he thought him selfe safe albeit the Emperour should vnderstand of his being there and such speeches past betwéene him and his mother who already was iealous enough of her husband that shee hauing sent for Candida into her chamber fell into questioning with her concerning Leonato onely to heare how she stoode affected toward him he standing close hid all the while behind the Arras The young Lady being in his mothers presence whom in her soule she most intirely loued stood not on nice termes or coying ceremonies but plainly declared that none but Leonato was Lord of her desires him had she elected as her harts best choise albeit her hopes stoode nowe on desperate hazards deliuering no likelyhoode that she should euer enioy him because the Emperour had pronounced his banishment euen at the instant when their mariage should haue béene confirmed Polynarda seeing the Lady so firmely minded and that in such discréete modest manner she had imparted her true affection toward her sonne Leonato she said Swéete Lady if I worke the meanes that Leonato shall be your husband and him selfe as ready as you to accomplish it tell me faire soule what will ye say then When Candida heard the Princesse vse these spéeches a flood of ioying teares streamed downe her faire chéekes and reuerently taking the Princesse by the hand spake in this manner I know that your highnesse beeing so néere allyed to my Lord the Emperour will not determine any thing that shall returne to my blame or disparagement therefore if it please you I will assure my selfe in your presence to my Lord Leonato your sonne and confesse my selfe to be his troth-plighted wife committing all my forâ—unes afterward to your gracious direction Polynarda making a signe to Leonato he came foorth to her where after some duty done to his mother falling on his knée at Candidaes foote he caught her hand in his and sweetly kissing it was so strangely transported with an amourous passion as he knéeled there silently a pretty while together but she remembring at last his ouer-fond errour raysing him in her armes said My noble Lord doo not so much wrong your worth and reputation that I being your humble and obedient spouse you should thus humiliate your selfe to me rise therefore I beseech you and doo as your princely mother shall aduise yée Polynarda seeing matters in so good a forwardnes sayde Since you hold both one solemne purpose and that I haue no doubt of my sonne but his behauiour shall be as become a loyall Knight by your hands plight your harts in a religious contract and afterward we will take order for other kinde of proceeding So ioyned they hand and harts mutually together nothing wanting but the ceremonie of the Church to confirme them Such was Leonatoes ioy for this high good hap that speaking somewhat louder then needed he was ouer-heard by one of his fathers followers who presently aduertised his Lord therof which Polynarda perceauing shifted Leonato away into the lodging of Lucilla her wayting Gentlewoman and
now at some aduantage quickly conduct me into the Castell that I may sette the young Lady Argentina at libertie Velonna fearefullie trembling by teares and intreates laboured to haue him kisse her promising then to performe whatsoeuer hee commaunded but Dorina comming at the instant cryed out vnto him Kisse her not Knight for then she kills thee neyther trust any of the damned Witches promises beware beside thou goe not into the Castell for then thou canst neuer returne backe againe but commaund her that Argentina and some other Ladies enclosed with her may be brought foorth hether then take the chayne-girdle from about her and binde her hands strongly therewith that she be not able to get away from thée Florian commaunded her to haue Argentina and the other Ladies brought foorth which Velonna in very humble manner performed then issued faire Argentina out of the Castell and diuers other Ladies in company with her on whom she had wrought her damnable trecherie they beeing come before the Prince Dorina put her hand into Velonnas bosome and tooke out a booke which was the very deerest iewell for maintenaunce of her Arte wherat she was euen readie to die with sorrow And because this dangerous Castell might be guiltie of no more harme Florian entreated Dorina by helpe of the Booke she had taken from Velonna to confound it in such sort as no other Nigromancer euer after should be possessed thereof Which beeing doone accordingly hee desired Dorina that shee would goe and aduertise Targiana of his fortunate successe in gayning the libertie of faire Argentina and to certifie her withall that he was gone in companie of the young Lady to Constantinople so taking his leaue of her he went to a neere adioyning port of the Sea where finding a Shippe ready for his purpose both he Argentina and Velonna went presentlie aboord CHAP. LXXXII VVhat the Emperour Palmerin and the other Knights did when they founde that Candida was gone away with Leonato ON the next morrowe when Candida was not séene in the Court on whom the Emperor Palmerin hetherto had helde a strict eye now doubting some deceit and she being last séene in Leonatoes companie as also now generally noised abroade how déerely she affected Leonato they must needes gather that shee was gone away with him Hereat y e Emperour shewed himselfe to be highly offended and culloured this discontentment to be in regard of the true zeale he euer bare her Father and Mother and his passions grew to such extremitie as in all hast he called for his Armour and he would follow to recouer her againe But Palmerin no lesse fired with rage though more cunning in kéeping it from publique note being come into the Emperours presence said It is not méet dread Lord that you in person should pursue such an enterprise least giddie-headed censurers thereby coniecture that rather wanton follie induced you thereto then the awfull respect which ought to be in an Emperour This hee spake because himselfe intended to follow them and recouer the young Ladie from Leonato neuer remembring that a Father in such a case should be more mindfull both of his owne honor and his sonnes but it is no rare noueltie when the very wisest men are thus transported with amourous passions Tarnaes perceiuing Palmerin made no hast in giuing him his daughter Fior-nouella thought with himselfe that his best meanes for soonest obtayning her was to hinder Leonato from passing into England whether likewise if Palmerin and his daughter should post after then his loues hope might be vtterly frustrate wherefore very secretely he armed himselfe tooke the way that directed to England Palmerin also purposing to ride after his sonne went and put on his Armour but beeing prettily quipt and taunted by his wife for so manifest appearance of vnmanly behauiour not knowing with what modestie well to excuse it he was not ouer-hastie in arming himselfe Aliarte who likewise was enamoured of faire Candida but made no outward publication thereof beeing alone in the Emperours presence priuately told him that the Empresse Grydonia full well perceiued his fond loue to Candida in these decrepite yéeres when a shéete for the graue were more néedfull to be thought on then such ill-séeming young desires in so olde a body yet had shee borne it with more patience then a womans heated blood is commonlie capable of so that except shee were the sooner visited comforted y e danger of her life stood desperately vpon it These spéeches made the Emperor in a very strange taking whē he heard the weake estate of his Empresse and contrariwise his loue did mightilie torment him but because Aliarte should not repute him as a man quite reasonlesse hee went presently to her chamber and finding her in a verie contagious agonie hee spake to her meruailous kindly when she opening her eyes and looking right sadly vppon him said Goe goe my Lord to the young beautie that hath bewitched your age and leaue mee poore old Woman here drownde in mine owne teares yet you might remember some of your knightly deedes done for my sake when you made me fond credulous foole to beléeue that neuer could any other Lady haue power of your thoughts These words made such a deepe impression in his mind as he presently resolued to shake off this vnbeséeming humour and embraced the Empresse with such signes of true affection that her former dispayring thoughts were confidently reuocated with absolute perswasion that henceforth all such folly in him would be quite abandoned Nor did hee hold any longer spleene against Leonato but the very next day repealed his banishment vnder this promise that hee had doone no act of villanie to Candida When Aliart sawe the Emperours doating loue so well reclaimed he immediatly prouided that Palmerin should no further pursue Leonato and caused a Post to bring a Letter as if it had been written by Leonato himselfe the summe whereof in briefe thus followeth The Letter brought by the supposed Poast to Constantinople as written from Leonato to his Father Palmerin ¶ The superscription To his most noble Lord and Father Palmerin the right royall Prince of England at Constantinople or wheresoeuer GRacious Lord and Father your wonted kind and honorable fauour standing betweene me and my loue-fault committed in the true duty of a sonne I humbly salute you Giuing you to vnderstand that in a mutuall simpathy of our soules desires I haue espoused the beautiful Lady Candida whose loue before I leaue or can endure any riuall in I haue rated it at the deerest droppe of my blood I humbly craue pardon of my Lord the Emperour in my so bold neglect of his sacred worth and please his Highnesse but to remember that it was loues rash presumption and no vnciuill rudenes in Leonato his wrong will the easier be repayred and my trespasse pardoned I am now bound for England to visite my royall Grand-father King Edward and in his Court to celebrate my marriage So with my
Aliart who had caried with him thence the Knights aliue and dead but because on the contrary side they were some-what fearefull least the Pagans should renue their forces seaze on the Citty and so all hope be vtterly lost in repossessing it they began to strengthen their walls and take order for matters concerning gouernment And studying to elect one who might be fit for such affaires there thither came as hath beene declared Brundo accompanied with foure thousand Horse who slewe and put to flight all the Pagans remayning there-about wherefore it was generally iudged that God had sent him to be Gouernour of their Citty vntill such time as their owne Prince returned Héere-vpon by publique voyce he was elected to his owne no little contentment not so much for desire of the gouernment as that he estéemed it a matter glorious to preserue the Grecian Empire to the progenie of Palmerin Being thus enstalled as Gouernour he gaue himselfe to refortifying the walls and leueying summes of money for maintenance of the state To this end he would often assemble his forces and accompanied with people of the Citty likewise would sack and destroy the enemies holds neerest the Sea for therein were found abiding many Pagans which had not as yet beene dealt withall by the people there likewise were hid great summes of treasure which brought much benefit to the weale publique helping well to enritch both the Souldiours and Cittizens The walls being fully perfected and the ruined buildings in better forme then before they had béene such diligence on all sides was vsed that within two moneths the Citty was as beautifull as euer it was so y t nothing else wanted but the noble presence of the absent Knights which made it most of all to be regarded but by the assembly of people from all parts it séemed to excéede the former populous estimation and Brundo with soundest iustice still preserued them in peace Yet often was the breach héereof endangered by the Embassadours from Spaine Fraunce and other Kingdomes who came to demaund the dead bodies of their Princes and not finding them there lamented excéedingly because they would not credite what was said concerning their carrying thence But Aliart fore-séeing this danger by his Art suddenly shewed himselfe amongst theÌ„ when by vertue of his authority and vnreprooueable reasons he vrged them to rest satisfied saying That he had prepared for their Lords more honourable buriall then euer could be bestowed on Princes euen as the wise Vrganda who in the time of Amadis his sonne Esplandion fore-seeing what would be the end of the passed battailes had prouided the like The Embassadours contented with this aunswere returned to their seuerall Countries and Aliart confirmed the Regiment of Brundo giuing order for many matters that might redound to the Cittizens profit He likewise told them newes of the Princes who being caried thence with so little hope of life were yet now reduced into so good estate as within little while they should haue their Emperour Primaleon though no more he might aduenture the life of a Knight at Armes The people of Constantinople were very ioyfull of these tydings because now they were assured to see their Prince againe whose vertues they did both loue and reuerence So abiding in prouident caâ—e for their Citty they entreated Aliart that so soone as might be he would send their Prince Primaleon which he promised to doo and so returned to the Perillous I le CHAP. IIII. How the Princes that were in the Perillous I le were now recouered past any danger And what happened to Madam Leonarda in child-trauaile How the other Princesses in like manner were deliuered of children and how the Prince Florian of the Forrest departed thence ALiart being gone from Constantinople toward the Perillous I le perceauing by his skill that there would happen a mischaunce sufficient to disturbe the Princes quiet made his arriuall there the sooner finding all things wel as yet that the Knights had indifferently recouered their great losse of blood and walked about the Iland albeit their wounds were not thorowly healed which some-what offended them made them in a manner scorne Aliarts wisedome as the like they did in foreiudging the issue of the perillous battaile handled at large in the end of the second booke of this History But tenne dayes were not fully expired till they found themselues in better disposition ioying more entirely in each others amendment Nowe the Quéene Leonarda ouer-charged with the irksome panges of child-bearing hauing foure dayes together endured the bitter agonies incident thereto was at length deliuered of a faire daughter named Victoria who being no sooner borne but the weake Mother folding her armes together and lifting her eyes to heauen departed this life This her suddaine death which the wise Aliart before suspected not very much troubled all the royall company but especially Florian who was wonderously enamoured of her he ranne about in such fury as at euery instant he would haue slaine himselfe and he had done it but that Palmerin Pompides and Aliart his brethren were still enforced to kéepe him company At length growing into extreame hate of the Iland because he had lost the company of his beloued Leonarda one day taking Aliart aside he thus began My Lord and brother eyther giue me leaue to dispatch my selfe that I may not out-liue her whose beauty remeÌ„bred makes life loathsome to me or let me depart this Iland to the end I may not sée the place which daily renuing the memory of my loue wil vrge me but to the greater impatience All the Princes liked wel this determination of Florian who was not yet perfectly healed albeit his dexterity vsed in the battaile hindered his hurts from being so déepe as others were by meanes whereof he was the best recouered amongst them all All the Lords Ladies greatly laboured to comfort Florian pacifie his greefes but all their endeuour amounted to nothing for hée was so transported with griefe passions as he liued the most despised life that euer malcontent did When Aliart made proofe of his Art and industry and saw all was in vaine to remooue these humors he prouided him a Ship and causing him to put on like Armour as hée was went to weare as also a shield with his former sauage mans deuise accompanied him foorth of the Iland to the great griefe of all the Princes especially Don Edward his father whose age made his wounds more offensiue to him His brethren would gladly haue borne him company but hee reiecting all comfort would not permit them so taking his leaue of them all lastly of Aliart gone is he for all aduentures whatsoeuer The griefe for Florians departure was partly qualified by ioy of y e princesses who now were to behold y e fruits of their labors Miragarda was deliuered of a son so like her selfe as in beauty he excelled all the youth of those times was named Oliuanto Polinarda had a