Duke Alfiran and those within thâ— City hearing of it issued out and then there began a very bloody doubtful Battel Perianeo séeing both Armies engaged and remembring his promises with the Knight of the Crowns left them to go to the place appointed he was then armed in a Sanguins Armour without any device in his Shield so that Don Billianis who expected him did not know him but he believing Don Billianis to be his Adversary told him that he was come to finish the Battel They had some words before they begun whereby they understood from each other that they both loved the Princess Florisbella and therefore at that knowledge their anger encreased and encountring one another they were both sorely shaken but both kept their Saddles their Swords being drawn they began a Câ—mbat the most furious that had ever been séen supposing one anothers Forces to be more then humane Thâ—y wounded each other in many places and complained of their ill Fortunes that they could not overcome At last Don Billianis grew outrageous and was resolved to finish the Combat with one blow he was going to give his Enemy but he was hindered off his intention by a Lady who appeared to him that resembled his Princess Florisbella who cryed to him to help and deliver her from four Gyants who drew her away he séeing that pursued her and them which was but an Illusion and went down the Valley and his Armour was changed in Colour resembling that of the Prince Perianeo who had not séen any thing of this wondering what was became of his Adversary wherefore he looked abont for him and in his Stéed saw the Sage Friston who addised him not to follow his Adversary but to return to his Fathers Camp ners Bollera he knowing him to be his very good Friend did not disobey him but went thither And there I will leave him to return to Don Billianis CHAP. XIII Of the strange Combat between Don Billianis and his Father the Emperour caused by the Inchantment of the sage Friston and how they came to know one the other and how the sage Bellona arrived and cured them and took Don Billianis with her to finish a strange Adventure how the Emperour coming to Bollera found a great Army before it and of his strange adventure there and of the terrible fight between the Dukes Army and the Souldan DOn Billianis had not long persued those imaginary Gyants before by the vertue of his Sword the Enchantments having no force ended only his Armor was changed in colour and so was that of his Father whom he saw before him and supposed him to be his enemy the Persian Prince there mistakes were alike and the Emperor séeing his supposed enemy without a Lance throwing away his and â—rawing his Sword went to assault him they both flew at one an other with like tury and gave and received many a strook that piteously wounded them and the Combat lasted with great violence until Don Bellianis giving his Father a mighty strook on the Helmet cutting the Laces his head was disarmed and he was about to give him another which would certainly have stain him but that looking on him he saw and knew him to be his Father and thereupon he cryed out Oh Heavens what billany hath béen doue by my hands and what more am I about to do and then unlacing his own Helmet his Father knew him great was the â—â—a zement of both and sitting down together they began to study how this mis fortune had happened the. Emperor aâ—â—ing him how he came to be armed in the Prince of Persia's Armour he replyed it was not so but belonger to Sabian of Trebanto and they discoursing further of this matter both concluded they had béen enchanted and resolved to depart but they were very wéek with the loss of blood Iust as they were going the sage Bellona arrived who went to kiss the Emperors hands but he took her up and she knowing they had néed of her assistance gave them somewhat to eat which when they had done their Armour came to their right colour and their wounds closing they were as fresh and lusty as they had béen before the Combat And then she having given them a satisfactory answer to all their request she told the Emperor that he must permit his Son to go with her to finish an adventure of very high consequence he willingly consented and offered likewise to accompany her but she denyed that desiring him to go back to the City of Bollera where the Duke had néed of him and that when his Son had finished the adventure she intended he might return and that it would not be long first the Emperor was contented with their reasons and his son having asked him blessing which he gave him he mounted on Horseback and went with the sage Bellona The Emperor travelling towards Bollera came thither by break of day and wondring to sée so many men in the Fields he judged them enemies and therefore rushing among the Tents he saw one wherein a Knight lay that was talking with several others that were near him him he believed to be the Sophy and near him was the Prince Perianeo they discoursed about another Assault to the City he hearking to them did not mind a Knight that was Commander of these Guards who coming near him and séeing him a stranger asked what he made there and delivered him to four others to carry him to Prison but he would not permit them so to do wounding them all one after an other and the first Knight hardly escaped him calling out for help The Emperor hearing that and knowing he must be gone resolved first to do some execution and therefore he thrust his Lance into the Tent and Bed of the Souldan but missed of his aime running betwéen his arm and side however those that were about him supposed him to be slain and his Son went out to sée who had been so hold to attempt such a déed this being done the Emperor with great fury passed on wounding and killing all those that were so bold to oppose him till he came at length into his own Camp there was he joyfully receaved though they were much troubled when he told them that the Knight of the Golden Image was gene upon a certain adventure and being arrived at his quarters he want to rest himself The Prince Perianeo returned to his Fathers Tent who told him that rhis must néeds be the Knight of the Golden Image and thereupon he counted to his Father the several Battles which he had under taken and performed I am very desirous to have further tryal of his strength said the Prince do you know him said the Souldan yes râ—plyed he and yesterday we began a Combat but was hindred from finishing it by the arrival of my friend the sage Friston This was the discourse betwéen the Souldan and his Son In the mean time the Duke Alfiron desired the Emperor in the absence
being come to himself finding that he was in the arms of a Knight he wondred But considering what had lately hapned he rested content but so did not the Knight who beholding his beautiful face was as much surprized and taken in love therewith as he had bin with the Picture of the Princess Florisbella and to that purpose he used many amorous expressions offering his service in all obsequious manner Don Billianis smiled at the Knights mistake but however was resolved to continue him therein thereby make some use of it wherefore he presently desired him to pull of his Helmet and to declare his name and quallity To this the Knight agréeed and unarming his head discovered a very lovely face and that young not being above twenty five years of age and in order to the Ladies request he told her that his name was Don Contumeliano of Phaenicia being Son and Heir to the King of that Country Don Billianis who now further desired a boone of him the Knight granted it and then Don Billianis told him that he lately left a Knight a friend of his in great distress for want of a Horse and Armes being the next day to use them upon an urgent occasion therefore the request he made was that he would so far pleasure him as to furniâ—â— him with his Don Contumeliano readily consented and having delivered the Armes helped the supposed Lady to mount and would have kissed her hand but Don Billianis would not permit it but embracing him very lovingly told him that if he would the next day come into the City he might sée his Arms used and that she would not fail to come again in the Evening to the place and restore them and thereupon he departed leaving the Prince of Phaenicia who not knowing what to do lay down there to sléep till it should be time to enter the City In the mean time Don Billianis traveling through the Wood and coming to a Cave entered there into and putting off his womans Aparrel armed himself as well as he could and hid his Clothes by cutting down some boughs and spread them thereon And the day-light approaching he mounted his Horse and entered the City where he had not ridden long before he saw the Prince of Phenicia who awaiting his comming and knowing him by the Armour soon mounting on his Squirs Horse rode along with him till they arived at the Pallace where when they came and Don Billianis was dismounted he knew not to whom to deliver his Horse which the Prince of Phenicia séeing told him that his Squire should doe him that service as being bound to do him any though unknown Don Billianis well enough understanding what he meant kindly thanked him and taking him by the hand they passed on towards the Souldan whom was accompanied by the King of Cyprus and his two Brothers who were then arming themselves for the intended Combat After the usual reverence made to the Souldan Don Billianis told him that he had some busines to impart to him but could not do it untill Duke Alfrion were present Wherefore he was presently sent for and brought thither by the Guards He being come Don Billianis acquainted the Souldan that he was to be his Champion The Duke hearing this did in all obleigeing manner render him many thanks and fréely put his Cause and Life into his hands The Knight having procéeded thus far in his designe desired to sée who was the Dukes Enemy and accuser That am I said the King of Cyprus fiercely thinking to affright him and now you have séen me do you still continue your resolution of fighting Yes replyed Don Billianis I shall now do it to chuse for by your outward appearance I cannot imagine one so monstrous as you are can be Master of no vertues and therefore I beleive your accusation false You may judge if this spéech of Don Billianis did not inrage the furious Gyant who now called out that they might presantly begin the Combat whereupon the Prisoners were sent for into the Field the Duke was there already the Princess was soon after brought But Don Billianis being sent for and the Gaurds séeing him as they supposed lye sick in his Bed they at the request of the Damosel that attended went to the Souldan and acquainted him with the low condition of the Knight he was contented that he might be excused from comming into the Field And all things being in readiness for the Combat and the Princes Don Brianel and Arselio understanding that the Duke was provided of a Champion they were glad thereof and entered the Field their Sheilds were borne by the two Kings of Armenia and Tâ—ssifanta and their Helmets by Duke Gerirano the Prince of Brandalia Don Contumeliano carried both Launce and Sheild of the Golden Image these Knights méeting saluted one another courteously and Don Billianis caused his Armour to be closer buckled on and now did Don Billianis mount his Horse with his usual dexterity but he strained himself so much that his wounds bled afresh through his Armour The two Princess Aurora and Persiana who sat on a Scaffold together seeing that and beleiving it was Don Billianis called to him and so perswaded him that he discovered himself to them The Cerimonies of the Field being performed they all six ran one aginst another Don Billianis undertooke the Gyant and two Princes the two Brothers the last four were by the fury of their Encounter forced to leave their Saddles all were wounded but Don Brianel was in the worst condition having one foot so intangled in his Stirop that he could not rise Most furious was the Encounter of Don Billianis and the Gyant for Don Billianis his arme was run through and fastned to his body with a péece of the Gyants lance that stuck in it and the Gyant was thrown to the ground with great fury Don Billianis was forced to dismount to encounter the Gyant who made up to him but before he dismounted séeing Don Brianel's foot ingaged in his Stirrop and the Gyant his adversary ready to mischief him he threw down the King of Cyprus while he was on Horse-back and then leaping off he went to asist Don Brianel but was hindred by the Gyant his adversary and in short time the King of Cypius being agen on his féet being as much inraged as any Tyger came also and assaulted him so that he was forced to defend himself against two who both gave him many weighty straokes which did so inrage him that he gave the Kings brother who had anoyed him so puissant a stroak on the Helmet that it was cut in two and wounded him on the head so that he was astonished but withall his Sword flew in péeces and he thereby left without a weapon Great was the fear and sorrow of the two Princesse of Duke Alfrian and of the Damsels of the Tower who looked from thence to behold the Combat and of the Prince of Poenicia by the badness of
Death and of that which happened to them there THe Sage Fristone made such haste through the air with the wounded bodies of Perianeo and Gramalis that in short time they arrived at the end of their journy where being arrived the Sage Fristone caused them who were all this while in a Trance to be taken out of the Chariot and placed in beds in two several Rooms and then commanded several Damsels to attend the end of their fainting which they accordingly did the Prince Perianeo was the first that came to himself when opening his eyes and looking about him he fetched a great groan the Damsels who were left to attend him hearing thereof presently came to him and séeing his eyes open they presently gave him something to drink out of a vial which he â—â—â—k and then with a weak voice asked them in what place he was They desired him to rest satisfied for the present and he should know more of that hereafter and in the mean time they desired him to permitâ— them to dress his wounds to which he consented and they presently being very skilful in that mystery applyed such Remedies that they assured him that in few days he should be able to walk about his Chamber and they further desired him for the present to dispose himself for rest which he did accordingly and they departed to inform the Sage Fristone thereof who was marvellously well satisfyed in what they had done Gramalis continued in his swooning fit twelve hours longer then Perianeo but so soon as he had recovered any sense he cryed out by the Gods I will soon be revenged of this blow and therewith endeavoured to rise from his bed but could not through loss of blood but fell down again whereupon they who were left to attend him gave him a cordial and then dressed his wounds without speaking to him Perianeo after he had taken a sléep of about six hours awaked and séeing no body neer him he drew one of the Curtains of his bed and perceived a Candle by the light of which he déemâ—d that he was in a large Chamber all hung with black and that there was no other light in the Room but what one Candle afforded wherefore finding his wounds to be bound up and remembring that he had some company endeavoured to arise but through faintness could not then he called to mind the Eattel in which he was lately engaged and remembred that he had well nigh overcome his ad versary but remembred nothing of the two last blows that he had received which had brought him into this condition Thus lay he musing and wondring with himself what place he was in sometime believing all that he saw to be only fancy and another while supposing himself to be in his Fathers Court laid out for dead in some Chamber there and this he was perswaded to by reason of the blackness of every thing about him At length two Damsels entred the room at a door placed in a corner thereof they were both habited in black the one carried a Candle in her hand and the other followed her with a Box wherein were Dyntments and Plaisters coming to the Bed-side they found him awake and in pretty good condition He séeing them continue their silence began thus to them Ladies I have received one kindness from you already for which I render you thanks and desire you to binde me to you for another which is that you will tell me in what place I am and how I came hither The Ladies hearing him speak with so great moderation gave him this Answer Sir Knight how you came hither we know not but yesterday you were brought in hither by the Lord of this place whose name is Fristone and delivered to our kéeping telling us that we must apply these Medicines to your wounds shewing us likewise that you were such a person as was very well able to requite what kindness we should afford you As for the name of this place we cannot tell you for it is not long since we were brought hither by an adventure of which we shall tell you more hereafter Thus after they had ended their discourse they desired him to permit them to searth his wounds which he consented to and they after they had applyed remedies to his wounds departed leaving him somewhat better satisfied than he was Thus these two Knights continued in this place several days till at length they were so well recovered of their wounds that they could walk about their Chambers All this while was Fristone in his study turning over many Books to find out what should be the fortune of the Prince Perianeo and finding that when ever he should méet with Don Bellianis his life would be much endangered and well knowing that the Prince would endeavor to go to Babylon if he were out of his possession and that there he would méet with Don Bellianis he resolved to prevent that méeting wherefore one day as Perianeo was walking in his Chamber the â—age â—ristone entred to him and told him that he was very glad of his so sudden amendment in his health to which Perianeo knowing him replied Reverend Father many have been the obligations wherein you have bound your poor Knight but this last hath béen the most conâ—â—derable in that you have given help and assistance to me when I was not capable of helping my self and good father I have now but one request in you which I pray you to grant me which is that you will tell me by what adventure I came I came hither and what waâ— the iâ—â—â—e of the Comâ—â—â— To which discourse Pristone thuâ— anâ—meneâ— Sir Knight it was not of a long time unknown to me of the Battel that you and your friends 〈◊〉 undertake against the Emperor of Greece his son and friends and of the danger that you should underâ—â— therein which I ondeavoured to prevent by my Art but your enemy Don Bellianis by reason of aâ—sword and â—rmor which he hath lately won cannot be hindred from the performance of any adventure notwithstanding all the art of incantations that I can use wherefore finding it in vain to attempt any thing by art to hurt him I therefore applyed my self to help you when there should be occasion and understanding that your life and that of two of your friends would be in great danger and knowing that by my art I should be able to help you self and one other of your friends I therefore provided me a Chariot in which I mounted the air at such time as you and your friends were â—ntred the Combat and arrived at the place of your fight just as it had like to have béen unfortunacely finished for Don Bellianis was just then about to deprive you of your pretious life and then he recounted to him how he found him in the field in a Trance and how that Gramalis of Thrace and Caroliano being in as desderate a condition as himself he chose Gramalis
had béen so pleasant to all in general Ah! replied the Princess with a sigh I never expect any good news again since I had that unpleasant sight of the red Purse with the Jewels which I gave to my unfortunate Son Peter Madam replied the Knight of Cupid before I shall relate to you what I intended I desire of you to tell me what you mean by that red Purse with Jewels for I know somewhat of that Adventure I shall soon satisfie you in that unfortunate story replied she and so began I had said she a Son named Peter who was a very hopeful Person and being Knighted desired as other young men do to travel abroad in the world to seek Adventures his Father and I both unwillingly permitted him and at his departure I gave him a red Purse and in it three Jewels giving him a charge to be careful of them but so it is that he in some unfortunate Sea-voyage lost them and I believe his life for the very same Purse and Jewels came since to my hands in the belly of a Sturgeon and from thence I conclude that he at that time perished for I could never hear any news of him since his departure And at this she concluded her discourse with a great sigh followed by some tears The Knight of Cupid much wondered at the strange adventure of the Purse but however he soon guessed how formerly it had happened and soon gave them a particular account of their Son Peter The old Prince and Princess hearing this joyful news were so glad that she good Lady fell into a swoon for joy but by the assistance of her Damsels soon recovered and would have embraced and kissed the Knight of Cupid for his good news but he desired her to be patient and he would relate the whole of her Sons Adventures to her and thereupon he acquainted them of his arrival in Sardinia his love to the Princess Magdalena her leaving her Parents to travel with him their shipwrack on the Isle of Sicilia the loss of the Purse and Iewels which occasioned the loss of the Princess and his great pains in searching for her in which search said the Knight of Cupid I am now engaged And thus did the Knight of Cupid finish his discourse not only to the great joy and satisfaction of the Parents of the worthy Knight Peter but also all the Family all the City all the Province nay all the Kingdom rejoycing thereat and now was the Knight of Cupid much more honoured by all then he had béen more especially by the Prince of Munster who entertained him in his own Palace and was very desirous to know his Quality which our Knight as yet concealed telling him however that he should know it before he parted And now the Court being filled with this good news it was not long before it came to the ears of Magdalena who was much joyed thereat and thought to discover her self but she was prevented by the Squire Florello who séeing Magdalena knew her and being admitted to her presence thus began I am very much mistaken if I have not formerly been very well acquainted with you and that if you look earnestly on me as I have done on you you may know me through the disguise I am now in as well as I do you though disguised as I am sure you are Magdalena Knowing that the Speaker was in the right as to her disguise she looked earnestly but all that she could answer was That indeed the features of the face were known to her but in that habit she could discover no further but said she if you do know me as you say I pray tell me of that knowledge and then I shall the better judge who you are also I know replied Florida that you are the Princess Magdalena of Sardinia and if you look well on me you may also know me to be your Cousin Florida Princess of Sicilia At these words they joyned arms and bodies and embraced one another and having spent some time in that pleasing exercise the Princess Magdalena said Dear Cousin since you know me you also know the reason of my present disguise wherefore I pray tell me the reason of yours The very same reason replied Florida Love is the occasion and now you are found my Adventures are at an end Whereupon she acquainted her with all her particular Adventures as her Love to the Knight of Cupid and her strange attending him thus disguised And now these two Ladies became pleasant and consulted what was necessary to be done to compleat their happiness and therefore it was concluded that the Princess Florida should with the first conveniency discover all to the Knight of Cupid and after that several discourses had passed betwéen them how they should manage their affairs they separated Florida soon found out the Knight of Cupid who could not well endure her out of his company and they coming into a convenient place she thus began My Lord I hope you intend in few days to leave this place and return to my Lady Yes replied he but I would gladly find the Princess Magdalena and then I would make all possible haste to see my Lady And will you replied she be married to her so soon as you see her Assure your self replied the Knight that the first moment I shall see her I will be married to her if she desires it and I will never have any other desires but what shall please her Well then replied Florida I shall tell you some news that will please you and thus it is I have heard of the Princess Magdalena and to morrow I will acquaint you further of her The Knight of Cupid hearing this desired presently to be further satisfied but Florello asked leave till the next morning to perform his promise and that being come they both arose and Florello who must now lose that name left the Palace and went to the Monastery where according to appointment a very fair Gown and other necessaries according to the quality of a Princess was provided and Florida dressed therein by such time as this was done the Knight of Cupid was come and admitted to the presence of the Principal where he thus began Madam I was informed that you could give me some account of a strayed Princess named Magdalena Truly replied she I know somewhat of her but there is a Lady in this place that can give you certain intelligence of her I beg the favor then said the Knight to sée and speak with this Lady That you may said Magdalena and thereupon coming into the Room where the Lady was dressed took her by the hand and being veyled led her out She came near the Knight of Cupid and stood some time veyled and he earnestly expecting to sée and speak to her but at length she turned up her veyl and discovered her self to be the true Princess Florida Our Knight now looking earnestly on her started back as amazed and cryed out What do
THE Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF Don Bellianis of Greece OR THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY Containing His Valiant Exploits strange and dangerous Adventures with his admirable love to the Princesses FLORISBELLA Daughter to the SOULDAN of BABILOND Now newly writen by Francis Kirkman LONDON Printed for Francis Kirkman and are to be Sold by most Book-sellers 1673. To the READER READER THou hast now in thy hand a History both Ancient Famous Pleasant and Delightful and in one Word it is equal too if not exceeds all or any of the Books of this Nature that were ever Written in the English Tongue It being properly called The Honour of Chivalry As indeed it is an Honour to all the other Books of this Quality and now you have it Compleat in three Parts without any expectation of any Alteration or Addition I my self have been so great a Lover of Books of this Nature that I have long since read them all and therefore shall give thee some Account of my experience that may be both Pleasant and Profitable to thee As first I tell thee be thou of what Age or Sex soever it is convenient for thee to read these sorts of Historyes if thou art Young begin now or else when thou comest to be Old and hast any leisure and if one of these Books chances into thy hand thou wilt be so pleased with it that read them thou must and be in danger to be laughed at by those of the Younger sort who having already read them and bâ—â—â— past that Knowledge Laugh at thy Ignorance For I have known several grave Citizens who having formerly minded the many matters of the World hath not only forborn reading themselves but forbid their Children so to do as being a vain and Idle matter and loss of time yet these very men in their latter dayes having met with a Part of this History or that of the Famous Parismus have fallen so much in love with them that they have become conceitedly Young and Amorous and so highly pleased that they have run through all the Books of this Nature and Quality This is a certain Truth therefore I say begin to Read and that presently and to the end thou mayest Read with the more Profit and Delight I will set down some of my Observations and give thee some Order and Method that thou mayest proceed in First I recommend to thee a Book called The Seven Wise Masters which is a very pleasant Collection of variety of that Witty History and for the more Pleasure of the Young Reader there is Pictures fitted to every particular History This Book is of so great esteem in Ireland that next to the Horn-Book and Knowledge of Letters Children are in general put to Read in this and I know that only by this Book several have learned to Read well so great is the pleasure that Young and Old take in Reading thereof Next to that I recommend an other Book called Fortunatus which is one entire Story both Pleasant and Profitable and also well fitted with Pictures after thou hast read these proceed to this Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece which I am sure will highly content thee for I have purposely fitted the second and third Parts with Storyes acted and done in England and Ireland Next to this Read the Historyes of Parismus and Parismenos Mountelion Knight of the Oracle And Ornatus and Artesia these I place together being all three written originally in English by one Person who indeed composed them very Ingeniously After these proceed to Valentine and Orson which is a Famous History Of the Famous King Pippin of France and his twelve Peers and of the Emperor of Constantinople his Brother and their Children who were Renowned Knights of their times Next read the Seven Champions of Christendome which tells you who those Famous Champions St. George St. David St. Andrew and St. Patrick and the rest of them were and much of their lives Renowned Actions and Deaths Then read the History of the Destruction of Troy which acquaints you with the Original nature of all the Heathen Gods Goddesses as Saturn Jupiter Pluto Mars Neptune Ceres Juno Proserpine Venus and the Renowed Heroes Hercules Hector and the rest With an Account of the Building ten years Siege and Destruction of the ever Famous City of Troy and by reading of this Book you will be enabled to understand any peece of Poetry wherein all sorts of Poets so often name the old Gods and Goddesses and their numerous off-Spring There are not many more Books of this nature Written originally English therefore you may for varietyes sake read them also as Fragosa and his three Sons Bevis of Southampton Tom of Lincolne with the Red Rose Knight Dorastus and Fawnia and a few others There are more of these sorts of Historyes which I also advise you to read as The Mirrour of Knight hood in nine Parts Many having read these are so well pleased that they are desirous of more and importunate to have them but I can assure them and you that there are no more in English nor any other Language as I could ever see or hear off although I have been curious in my search and enquiry Besides these there are Palmerin D' Oliva in three Parts Primaleon of Greece in three Parts Palmerin of England in three Parts Palmendos in one All these are one continued History of an Emperor of Constantinople Palmerin D' Oliva his Son Primaleon and Grandson Palmerin of England and others and therefore to be read in this order I have named them Then you may read the Famous History of Amadis de Gaule which is in six Parts in English a History so Famous and in its time so well accepted off that I have seen about thirty Parts thereof in French Spanish Italian Dutch and other Languages we have but six Parts in English and you are beholding to me for one of them with the sixth which I above twenty years since translated out of French meerly out of my love to that History but I hereby gained the knowledge of the French Tongue which I learned only by that means All these with The Mirrour of Knight hood Palmenus and Amadis's and several others as the four Sons of Aymon Arthur of Great Brittain Arthur of Little Brittain and the History of Mervine are translations and are now grown so scarce that you can hardly purchase them and yet they are not worth the Printing agen being now out of use and esteem by an other sort of Historyes which are called Romances some whereof are written originally in English as namely that Incomparable Book of its time called The Countess of Pembrokes Arcadia Gods Revenge against Murther Beutevolio and Vrania The Princesse Clavia Parthenissa and a few others the rest which indeed are both many in number and exceed all but the last named Parthenissa in worth and quality are translations out of French and other Languages as namely Astrea Polexander Eromena
The Banished Virgin Coralbâ— Ariana The Illustrious Bassa Grand Cyrus Clelia Cassandra Cleopatra Pharamend and Grand Seipio and some others for I pretend not to be exact in this Catalogue All which although they are excellent Peices and were not long since in great esteem with the French and English Nobility and Gentry yet they are also thrust out of use by the present slighting and neglect of all Books in general by the particular esteem of our late English stagâ— Plays I could and would give you some particular Character and Account of all these several last mentioned Romances but that I have not conveniency at present wherefore agen recommending to you Historyes in general and this of Don Bellianis in Particular I rest your Friend FRANCIS KIRKMAN THE Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF DON BELLIANIS of Greece OR THE Honour of Chivalry PART THE FIRST CHAP. I. How Don Bellaneo Emperour of Constantinople was married to the Princess Clarinda Daughter to the King of Spain of the birth of Don Bellianis and how being a hunting he parâ—ed from his Father by a strange adventure and how the Emperour went in search of his Son THe great City of Constantinople whose Foundation was laid and stately buildings erected by the Emperor Constamine who made it the Metropolis of the Grecian Empire had not enjoyed many Emperors before that Imperial Crown and Scepâ—er was swayed by one named Don Bellaneo and such an Emperor he was both for strength of body and all other Princely Endowments as was hardly equaled by any of his Predecessors and was excelled by none The death of his Parents had put him into possession of his Empire when but young and he being desirous of novelty left the Government thereof to travel about the World and sâ—ek out strange and hard Adventures and in this employment he exercised himself so long that he thereby gained Iâ—â—ortâ—l Renown and being thus full fraughted with thâ— Honor of his Worthy and Heroical Atchievements he at length returned to his own City of Constantinople He was so well and deâ—rly beloved by his Subjects that their joy for his return was Vniversally great and that they might still enjoy the blessing of his presence they propounded a Marriage to him which he so well approved of that in short time after the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Macedon both were Relations to the Emperor with many other Princely Personages were sent Ambassadors to Tolojâ—n King of Spain to desire the beautiful Princess Clarinda his Daughter in Marriage with the Emperor And so good success they had in their Embassay that they were not only royally welcomed by the Spanish King in his City of Haspâ—lis but by a full and free consent of him and his Parliament had the fair Princess delivered to them who being conducted by them to the Emperor was joyfully and lovingly received of him and solemnly married to him By this Marriage was produced thrée Valiant Princes who were thus called Don Bellianis of Greece Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly Sons to the Emperor who were educated in his Court in the Company of Don Brianel Son to the Prince of Macedon and Don Arsileo Son to the King of Hungaria all these Princes were bred up in the exercise of Arms and in the knowledge of Arts especially that of Mâ—sick in which the Prince Don Bellianis was excellent but when this Prince arrived to the Age of twelve years he wholly applyed himself to his Sword and Lance that he became an excellent proficient in all feats of Chivalry and he had not practised Arms above two years before he had occasion to make use of them in an Adventure that then befel him For one day attending his Father and Mother and being accompanied by the Princes Arsileo and Don Briaâ—el his Cousins with many other Knights and Ladyes they rode some Miles from the City on hunting but their intended sport was spoiled by the arival of a furious Lyon and â—â—ngly Bear The Lyon run strait to Don Belâ—ianis who drawing his Sword defended himself but not so well but that the Lyon sorely wounded him but in the end was vanquisâ—ed by the Prince who Weary as he was looked after the Bear who he saw had not only overthrown his Cousin the Prince Arsileo but did then drag him over the adjacent Mountains Our Couragious Prince vvas so concerned in this specâ—â—câ—e that notwithstanding his Mothers cryes his own Wounds and the perswasions of all he pursued the bear not only over the Mountains but through a most dismal Grove where for sâ—me time he lost the sight of the Bear and his Cosin and thereupon being possessed with a déep Melancholly he sat him down but long had he not rested before he again saw both the Bear and his Cousin the Bear did then leave his Cousin to assault him but he being sensible of the Devilish fury of that monâ—â—ruous Creature let him pass by and saw him enter into an adjoyning Cave Although the Prince was joyful at the sight of his Cosin yet he could not be perswaded from entring into the Cave to see what became of the Bear and therefore being accompanied by his Cousin Arsileo he entred the same but although he with much difficulty entred his Cousin was in spight of all his strength violently cast out and our Valiant Prince met with mighty opposition in his passage but at length passing through that dark Cave he arrived at a fair Hall where he saw a large Pillar with some Arabian Characters which he going to read was hindred by a most furious and monstruous Gyant who was accompanyed by the forementioned Bear who both at once assaulted him and although he drawing his Sword gave them both many and mighty blows yet he was not at all advantaged for he could not Wound or hurt them but was so Wounded by them that he fled to the Pillar to defend and rescue himself and there by good fortune he saw an excellent Sword fixed which he laying hands to soon drew out and thereupon was a most horrible noise and great Earthquake and now being Master of so good a Sword he again assaulted the Gyant and Bear but with better success then before for he soon overcame and flew them both and now his Cousin attempting to enter the Cave did it with much ease and coming into the Hall and finding him was very â—oyful for his Victory and so they both going to the Pillar read as followeth A Prophesie The fearful Keepers of my Cave being slain by the couragious Lyons and the Sword won shall occasion the loss of the living and finding of the dead who shall be then restored Both the Princes were amazed at what they had read and séen but the Prince Arsileo was much troubled at his Cousins wounds which were many great and dangerous however he supported them with much chearfulness and whilst he and his Cousin were in discourse about the wonders of the place they
as astonished him and forced the horse to set his knées on the ground never was seen so fierce a Combate as was between these Knights who â—â—rived to exceed one another so that they were also very much Wounded At the same time thirty Knights and four Gyants entred the Field and seeing the Knight in the Azure Armor in danger they all pressed on towards Don Bellianis to assault him but the Knight that was Prisoner cryed out to them to forbear telling them they were mistaken and that he was the party that they took the other for they then coming to him knew him to be Don Gallaneo and he acquainted them that the other who was in the Azure Armor which had been his was the Emperor Don Bellaneo as indeed it was and the new Knight was Don Brianel who were travelling with Don Gallaneo their Prisoner towards Constantinople but were thus met with as you have heard and now Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants understanding the whole matter from him that their chief enemy the Emperor was before them they all set upon him and Don Bellianis understanding that it was his Father with whom he had fought so Wounded was much troubled but however resolved to assist him against his Enemies to the last gasp and the Emperor seeing the danger he was in drawing his Signet from his finger delivered it to one of those that came from the Castle vvith him commanding him to hasten to the Court and deliver it to the King of Hungaria and let him know the condition he was in and that he should immediately send him aid and then séeing all the Troop ready to assail him he prepared to defend himself and was assisted by Don Brianel his Son Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo and the two Old Knights who attended the Princess Aurora and thus did this unequal Battle begin wherein we will leave them and follow the Messenger who made such hast that in short time he arrived at Constantinople and finding the King of Hungaria delivered the Signet and related the Case at which the King immediately assembled the Guards which was two thousand Knights and vvith them departed tovvards the place of Combate commanding all the City to Arm and vvith all expedition to follovv him vvhich command vvas in short time executed accordingly CHAP. III. The end of the fight between Don Gallaneo and his Forces and the Emperor and Princes and how the Princes departed without discovery and what befel them and the Lady in the dangerous Grove and how the Emperour after their departure knew who they were VEry bloody was the fight between the Emperor and his small party being only those whom we have told you and eight more who came out of the Castle and that band of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants who all made it their cheifest aim to kill the Emperor but he so well defended himself being also powerfully assisted by his Son Don Bellianis that although Don Gallaneo himself getting Armor and assaulting him yet all that party was in the end vanquished and Gallaneo very much Wounded but scarcely had the good Emperor time enough to return thanks for his deliverance but he found himself in greater danger then ever for he beheld all the rest of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants to enter the Field and ride fuâ—iously towards them all that the Emperor could do was to hearten himself and encourage his Companions who were all resolved to do their utmost and if they must dye to sell their lives at the best rate they could and therefore taking the body of Don Gallaneo and placing it before them they provided to receive their enemies with great courage who now coming on conducted by one Don Galfeo Cousin to Don Gallaneo he séeing the body of his Cousin would not suffer those of his party to ride over him but to alight which was some comfort to the Defendants who received their enemies with admirable courage and kept them so long in play that they saw the King of Hungaria coming with his Forces and then being in hopes of the Victory they laid about them like Lyons and as if they had but then freshly entred the Fight although the Emperor himself acted Wonders yet he saw himself out-done by his Son at which he greatly marvelled for he sometimes saw him kill two Knights with one blow and when it was to rescue his Father from danger he made nothing of cleaving one Gyant to the Wast and of cutting another in two at the middle so prodigeous were his blows and he was very well seconded by Don Arsileo and Don Brianel who that day performed Wonders so that in short time the Field was indifferent clear from their enemies which Don Galfeo seeing and also that more Forces were coming from the City he privately causing the body of Don Galianeo to be laid on a Horse before him left the Field and fled to his Ships where he with all speed embarqued And now was the Battle soon after finished by the Death of all these Knights and monstruous Gyants who were pursued and slain by the other Forces that were novv come from the City and now did the Emperor give great thanks to Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo for their assistance desiring them by all means to tell who they were and to disarm themselves that their Wounds which were many and dangerous might be dressed but they disguising their Voices refused to do either desiring by all means leave to depart which the Emperor refused to grant And search being made for Don Gallaneo they understood that he was carried away by Don Galfeo at which they were all troubled especially the Princess Aurora who told Don Bellianis that in his Death half of her business would be finished but since he was escaped Don Bellianis told the Emperor that the first time he saw him although in the presence of the Souldan his Lord he would rid him of an Enemy by giving him his Death The Emperor was still desirous of detaining and knowing them telling them that next to the search of his Son and Kinsman he most desired to know them to this Don Bellianis replyed that he néeded not further to trouble himself in searching for the two Princes for that they were both well and were not long since before that Castle and that there they had béen acquainted with them although this did somewhat please and satisfie the Emperor yet he was still displeased at the departure of Don Bellianis and his Company who carried the two pieces of his painted Shield with him and so they Rode on three miles to the top of a hill where they were disarmed to have their Wounds dressed but they were found to be so many and dangerous that the Damsels 〈◊〉 were well skilled in Surgery were very much dismayed and troubled which caused great grief to their Lady the Princess while they were thus lamenting they saw a Chariot in the Air coming towards them
which séemed to be of Chrystal and was drawn by sixty Griffons in it was only two Dwarfs who told the Princess that they were sent by the Sage Bellona to fetch the two Princes who were in great danger without her assistance wherefore at their request the two Princes were laid in the Chariot and the Princess and her Damsels likewise mounted thereinto We left the Emperor troubled at the departure of the Princes joyful that he heard of his Son and Kinsman but withall very dangerously Wounded for being retired into the Castle and his Wounds dressed he was light headed by reason of one large Wound he had received in his Head very much grieved were all there present but most of all the King of Hungaria but he was much comforted by the arrival of a Damsel who told him she could cure the Emperor and therefore desired to be brought to his presence the King accordingly conducted her to the place where the Emperor lay in great danger but she by applying some Dyntments to his Wounds first refreshed him and then causing him to drink off a Glass which she gave him fully restored him to his former health and strength she having thus done departed telling the King of Hungaria that the Emperor was aided by the nearest of Kin to them both They both wondred at these passages and the Emperor and the King did then conclude that the two that fought so valiantly were the lost Princes their Sons but considering they were very much Wounded and could not be gone far they sent abroad to find them and in the mean time they went to see Don Brianel who was also very much Wounded but when they came to the Chamber where they had left him they found he was gone and on his beds head a Letter to this effect The Grecian Lyon shall be much endangered by the Unknown which shall be the greatest Tryal of my Skill And now great Emperor leave off the search of thy Son aad guard thy Dominions which will be in danger And further know 〈◊〉 thy Fame will be exceeded by that of the new Knight which will be for thy greater glory They were both satisfied with this Letter and resolved to return to the City but they were first visited by the old Prince of Macedon and the Empress with thirty thousand Men. who came from the City and now nothing but Ioy was heard only they still doubted what was become of the Princes but the Emperor remembred there were two old Knights with the Ladies and Knights who were killed or Wounded these Knights were sought for and found but were very much Wounded wherefore the Empress went to them and they supposing her to be their Princess answered her all questions she proposed so that she not only understood from them that the two Knights that assisted the Emperor were her Son and Cousin but discovered all their designs so that she acquainting the Emperor with the certainty of these matters it caused a Vniversal Ioy and the Emperor understanding that they were gone towards Antioch was resolved to assist them with a sufficient Army whereby they might perform their Enterprize and now the two Old Knights being cured of their Wounds they all departed to Constantinople where they began many Tryumphs the Emperor making several Knights among the rest Don Castidel of the Rose and Don Sabrian of Trebento Sons to the Duke of Trebento Don Persiano the Courteous Son to the Duke of Pontus and Don Briamore Son to the King of Argos all which put themselves in search of the valiant and redoubted Prince Don Bellianis travelling in Moorish Habits to the City of Antioch CHAP IV. How the Princes being drawn in the Chariot with Griffons were cured of their wounds by the Sage Bellona and then travelled towards Antioch how they happened into the Company of Duke Alfiron the Courteous and of the adventure of the Unhappy Bridge and of a combat between Don Bellianis and the Knights of the Bridge THe Princess Aurora with her Attendants being entred the Christaline Chariot were drawn so swiftly through the Air that in short time they arrived in Persia near to the famous City of Persepolis where on the top of a Mountain the Griffons descended hard by a dark Cave out of which there issued a Woman who seemed to be above two hundred years old but she was quickly known by the Princess to be the Sage Bellona who soon told Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo who she was and that now they were out of all danger being so near her greatest friend The Sage Bellona saluted them very all courteously telling them how she had healed the Emperor who she had left at home and also Don Brianel who was within her house Don Bellianis was joyful at his Fathers health and at her request entred her house which was so excellent within that it resembled the most stately Pallace he and his Cousin being laid on rich beds had their wounds cured dressed but not healed so soon as those of the Emperor and Don Brianell who being healed was walking in his Chamber much wondring at what had happened and whilest he was in serious meditation of what had passed the Sage Bellona led the Princess Aurora into his Chamber he soon remembred her and their ordinary salutations being passed the Princess acquainted him with all things that had happened at which he was mightily astonished wondring at the great valor of his Cousin Don Bellianis whom he earnestly desired to sée wherefore the Sage Bellona gave him that satisfaction leading him to the Chamber where the Princess lay Great was the content they all received in this enterview and conference in which they spent some time so that in fiftéen days they being all able to travell the Sage Bellona told Don Bellianis that it would be necessary for his safety for him to conceal his Religion being to travel to the Souldan of Babilons Court where he should be in very great perill but she would always be his friend he kindly thanked her and thus they all spending some more time with the Sage Bellona and being ready to depart she furnished them with several suits of Armour the richest and fairest that could be seen These of Don Bellianis were of a Tauny colour imbossed with many Pearls and on his sheild was pictured the same face and Motto he had in the former which face was known by the Princess Aurora to be the lively portrature of Florisbella daughter to the Souldan of Babilon she also gave him a Rich Scabbard to his enchanted Sword The two others Armours vvere also rich and glorious and novv the Knights being so vvell accourred the Princess Aurora vvas also presented vvith a garment of cloth of Gold and the Knights with very little Dwarfes to attend them that of Don Bellianis named Ordino being very small but witty and now being fitted at all points and having taken their leaves of Bellona they merrily began their journey They intended their journey
unto her the good success of his Embassie and how that by the assistance of those two Knights there present and of their brother Don Bellianis as also by the advice and help of Palineo and Damartino he had flain the Vsurping King Tramolcano and the Count Garino and reduced the Kingdom to her obedience and that there was nothing now wanting but her presence to make her subjects happy and that they were all ready to obey her in every thing and in the mean time till she could come thither they had sworn Oaths of Allegiance to Damartino according to her orders and command This news greatly contented the Princess and she returned many thanks to Don Brianel and his Companions after which they departed from her presence and went to the place where the Emperor his Son and Duke Alfiron wich the rest of the Commanders were in Counsel about what was necessary to be done as well for the defence of themselves as for the offending of their enemies and there it was concluded to send Don Clarineo to Persepolis to attend the landing of two hundred thousand men who were come from Greece with the Emperor and â—ave him orders that he should conduct these Forces directly to Persepolis to assault it that thereby the Souldan hearing thereof might be enforced to withdraw his Forces to aid that City and so they should be left frée This determination was immediately put in execution and Don Clarineo in company of fifty Knights presently departed and travelled so long that night that the next morning they arrived within two leagues of Persepolis and then they took another way and went somewhat about that they might travel undiscovered and so they did till they arrived at the Sea-side where they immediately embarqued themselves and ranging about the Sea for some time they at last discovered the Navy and approaching to them went aboard the Admiral and immediately causing the principal of the Captains and other Commanders to come aboaâ—d he declared the will of the Emperor to which they all promised ready obedience and thereupon they presently set sayl for Persepolis and they had not sayled six hours before they discovered the shore where they landed without any interruption and leaving a sufficient company to guard the Navy they immediately marched on to Persepo is where they arriving endeavored to enter but were strongly repulsed by the Souldans Forces and the place being very well fortified they were forced to retire and fortifie themselves in Trenches near the City till they had further orders from the Emperor The City of Persepolis being thus assaulted some of the Forces went immediately to the Souldans Camy before Bollera to certifie him thereof where hey arrived one morning early just as the Souldan and his Son wit all their Forces were going to assault the City but they were much astonished with this news and did greatly wonder from whence all those Forces should arrive however commanding the Messengers to silence they resolved to give the on-set to the City before they departed and thereupon went forwards with all their accoutrements of War Perianeo Knight of the Images being extraordinarily enraged immediately got a Ladder and mounted the wall where he soon either cut in pieces or tumbled down all such as were placed there to oppose him and was ready to have descended the wall and entred the City when the Emperor himself and several other valiant Knights in his company came and resisted him Many fierce and hardy blows were given and received on both sides for they had both an implacable hatred to each other and the Emperor knowing that if he could vanquish that enemy he should easily force the rest to retire laid mighty strokes on the Knight of the Images so that in the end he put him quite out of breath and inforced him to retire from the wall in despite of all the resistance he could possibly make all this while the rest of the Knights and Giants on both sides were not idle but did their uttermost endeavors the one to posses and the other to defend the wall which indeed was to well guarded by so many valiant and magnanimous Knights that indéed the flower of all Chivalry was there present and therefore the Moat which incompassed the City was in a manner filled with the blood and dead bodies of the assaylants which the Souldan perceiving and knowing that his presence was required and endéed more necessary in another place he caused his Forces to recreat which he could hardly effect in regard of the desperateness of the Fight in all places at last he withdrew his Forces and finding that he had gained nothing but that this onâ—â—e had cost him the loss of fifty thousand men he resolved to depart that might and retire to Persepolis Those in the City séeing their Enemiés withdrawn in good order returned to their several Quarters where they greatly rejoyced in their good fortune The Emperor and his Son with all the rest of those couragious Knights resolving the next day to issue out of the City and set upon their Enemies in the open field but when the next morning was come and they were read to put this their resolution in execution they found that all their enemies were departed having taken the benefit of the night for that purpose wherefore they went and disarmed themselves and then went again to counsel where they resolved to 〈◊〉 as followeth CHAP. III. How Don Bellaneo the Emperor and the rest of the Knights and Forces followed the Souldan to Persepolis and that which happened ethre THe Emperor Don Bellaneo and the rest of the Knights being entred into Council it was concluded that every one should provide himself to depart from that City and follow the Souldan they very well knowing that the Forces of the Emperor under the command of Don Clarineo being arrived at Persepolis and the Souldan being informed thereof was the cause of his so sudden departure wherefore Don Alfiron the Emperor Don Bellianis and the rest of the knights went immediately to put their Forces in readiness which when they had done they came to the Court to the Ladies to take their farewel of them The Princess Parsiana was much troubled and perplexed that she should so soon leave her husband the Duke and was greatly discontented that all this War was occasioned thorough her Marriage with the Duke whereby the lives of so many brave Knighes were put into continual jeopardy wherefore she besought the Duke her Husband Don Bellaneo and his son Don Bellianis to use their utmost endeavors to reconcile this difference betwéen her husband and het Father without the effusion of any more blood which they promised to endeavor The Princess Aurora was like wise much troubled that her affairs was thus hindred by these Wars but her discontent was the greater in that Don Brianel and she must pâ—rt wherefore she applyed her self to Don Bellianis and calling him Her Deliverer desired him to make
which were accustomed at the Coronation with free liberty for all Knights as well Christians as Pagans to go and come at the same time and during their stay to shew their Valor and Manhood in Tilting Iousting and all other Knightly Exercises This proclamation being sent abroad occasioned many Knights to resort to the Court so that by the time prefixed for the Triumph as well the fields adjoyning to the City as the City it self was silled with Knights so that it was a most delectable sight to behold and most delicious to hear the sound of so many Warlike Instruments as was at that time heard And the King caused certain Rayls to be made on the out-side of the City within which the Knights were to Tilt and perform their Deeds of Knighthood and causes a Throne to be placed there for himself and his Queen and Seats for the rest of the Nobility where they might sit and see the Tournaments and he further ordained twenty Knights of his own who were commanded by one Don Lorino Son to his Brother Don Gorino a young and hardy Knight to resist all strange Knights These things being thus ordained all people with a great deal of impatience till the appointed day for the Solemnity of the coronation was come which day being now come there happened that which shall be declared in the chapter following CHAP. XV. How the Day of the Coronation being come there entred into the Court a Knight who termed himself to be The Knight of the Island of Pearls and demanded the Kingdom of Shyraz as his right and offered to defend his Title in single Combate against any one Knight which Combate Don Bellianis undertook and vanquished him and of his departure for Babylon THe Kingdom of Shyraz whereof the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana were now in possession had for many years belonged to the Souldan of Persia Father to the Princess who had given the same to his Daughter as hath already been declared but wee have not yet told you how the Souldan of Persia came by the same So it was that the Father of this Souldan onely had tribute for the same of one Gozmin a valiant Knight but the said Gozmin for some trayterous enterprize was dispossessed of the same He being executed and his sons for ever disenabled to possess the same for a just reward of their fathers treason and then the Souldan took the same into his own possession and ever after that took the immediate Profits thereof to his own use onely appointing a Governor there whom he placed and displaced as often as he thought fit and in this condition he left it to his Son when he died who as I told you gave it fréely to his Son in Law Duke Alfiron as a Portion with his Daughter Now this Gozmin left two Sons behind him both valiant and stout Knights the eldest whereof lived in an Island in the Persian Gulph called The Island of Pearls The day being come wherein this great Ceremony of Crowning the King and Queen was to be performed every one arose early either to assist at or behold the Ceremony The King and Quéen being ready mounted in a Triumphant Chariot and by four Vnicorns were drawn to the great Temple where they being arrived mounted on a Scaffold prepared to that purpose and then the Chief Flamin of the City after the ordinary Ceremonies placed two Crowns of Gold enriched with many pretious Stones of inestimable value on their heads praying to the Gods to bless them with perpetual blessings and blessing all their friends and true and loyal Subjects and cursing all such as were or should be their enemies This Ceremony being performed they both descended from their Thrones and walking through the Temple remounted their Chariot riding therein through the City with their Crowns on to the Court where they were no sooner arrived but the Tables were spread with all manner of delicious Viands that the Country could afford many Healths going round the Table for the prosperity of the King and Queen After Dinner was ended before any person did arise from Table the Herald at Arms according to custome did after the sound of an innumerable company of Trumpets again proclaim the said Duke and Princess to be King and Queen of Shyraz Larr and Jaarown Lord and Lady of Ormus Maqueroon Kermoen Chusestan Sigestan and Farsestan Prince and Princess of the Culph of Persia and of the Isles there These words he pronounced twice and at the end of every such Proclamation he said if any one had any right to the same or any part thereof he bid them come forth and declare the same This had been done twice and the Herald was about to begin the third time when a Knight armed in an azure Armor commanded him to hold his peace which he obeyed and then the Knight going up to the place where the King and Queen sat spake as followeth Duke Alfiron for by no other name shall I own you It is not unknown to most of the people here present that my Title to this Crown of Shyraz and all the Territories thereto belonging is just and good when they shall know that I am Son to the famous Gozmin sometimes King of this place I had long since expected that the Souldan would have restored me to my undoubted right but since I see that he hath been so unjust as to give it away I am to tell thee that if thou wilt enjoy it I must first be dead and therefore I will thee presently to appoint at thy Champion to defend thy Title and to enter into the Lists with me immediately not questioning but the Gods will so far do me justice that I shall be enabled to destroy thy Champion Having thus said he held his peace This Spéech gave a wonderful astonishment to all the persons there present and gave the King and Queen a sensible trouble to be thus interrupted in the midst of their Solemnity The King answered That he was so well satisfied in the Iustice of the Quarrel that he was ready himself to enter the Field to vindicate his Right but the Queen diswaded him therefrom not questioning but that they should find some other Champion Many Knights presently arose and desired the King and Queen that they might have the Honor of the Combate but the King was resolved not to venture his Title in the hands of any but such a one as he should be very confident of his worth Don Bellianis thinking himself obliged to do somewhat was resolved to undertake the Combate and therefore arising from his seat desired the King and Queen to admit him to be their Champion and to put the tryal of their Cause into his hands The King would willingly have excused it by reason of the many Obligations which he had already received from him but Don Bellianis who vvas resolved not to be denyed pressed them so hard that at length they condescended Whereupon he desired that the
who fled informed themselves of the manner of the fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolvdd to receive them but they still made haste and arriving near the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirrops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blows they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had slain and dismounted above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with theie Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him he coming nearer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great paines have you taken to come thus far to my assistance the Phenician courteously replied to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Glarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Florispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keys and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through his Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he slew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were near him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to sée who it was that hindered his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken Prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead none of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the Night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up near the City Walls and the prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two Prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he saw the Superscription to be thus For the most accomplished Prince and valiant Knight Don Bellianis of Greece but he was astonished when he had opened it and found therein these Lines The LETTER of the Souldan of Babylon to Don Bellianis of Greece Noble Prince I Must beg excuse for the mean Treatment I gave you the cause was my ignorance of your Quality had I known your Princely Extraction I should have used you like the Son of so great an Emperor as is the Emperor of Greece but your Vertues and Magnanimity did well enough declare your Descent wherefore I once again ask your Pardon and do promise you as a requital my true Friendship and so soon as by your incomparable Valor you have put some end to this War I shall desire your presence that we may by some Action testifie the Esteem we have of your Friendship We question not but you will receive a satisfactory Answer from the Princess our Daughter who testifies not onely a Respect but some Affection for you and assure your self that we shall not
least accompany thée in death Having thus finished her Lamentation she with extream grief fell down to the ground but bethinking her self that she was a Christian and therefore was bound to preserve her life so long as she could she arose and sought about for a place at present to ly down more conveniently to repose her self till the morning after some travel she found a place near the water side that was somewhat commodious for that purpose being encompassed with great Réeds where she laid her self down expecting the morning which being come she not having taken any rest arose and not knowing what to do nor whither to go being in a great Wood at length with much difficulty climbed up a Trée and being come to the top looked about her to sée if she could discover any Houses or People At length she saw some People afar off walking being glad of that descended the Trée and went forwards to that place which was a Common Road and séeing people coming she retired into the Wood a little way to consider with her self what was necessary to be done Then she resolved not to go home to her Father but rather to travel towards Ireland the Countrey of her dearly beloved Knight believing that if he escaped with life he would go thither and thither she intended to go and expect him but the habit she was in being very gorgeous and costly she knew that it would be very inconvenient to travel in and therefore she resolved with the first conveniency to alter her Apparel she quickly had the opportunity of putting this her resolution into execution for the next woman that went by was a Pilgrim to whom she went and desiring her to come a little out of the way they retired into the Wood where the Princess told her that she had a request to make to her which she desired her to grant and that it could not be in the least to her prejudice The good woman séeing her in so rich Apparel thought that it would be ill manners in her to deny her any thing and therefore she consented to her Request Then the Princess told her that she desired her to exchange her Apparel with her The woman at first was unwilling but at length she consented and so changing their Habits the Princess likewise gave her some money and so they parted The Princess being thus accoutred desired to know the way to the next Port Town to which she travelled and being come thither she desired to embarque her self and enquiring for shipping she found one going for England into which she embarqued her self resolving never to return to her Father but still to travel in search of her Knight The Ship in short time arrived at England and there she was exposed to a new travel through that Countrey and then taking shipping again she went for Ireland where when she arrived she travelled towards Wexford the place of her dear Knights Nativity At length she arrived there and enquiring for the Earl his Father found him and all his Family in much discontent for the absence of his Son Thus being arrived here and resolving to abide in this place she caused Workmen to build a small Monastery with the Money she brought from her Fathers Court and when it was builded she Dedicated it to the Honor of Saint Peter the Holy Apostle in memory of her dear Knight In this place she enclosed her self resolving to live a religious Life all her days in expectation of the return of her dearly beloved Knight Here she got an acquaintance with the Earl and Countess Father and Mother to the Knight of the Keys who séeing her of so Religious a Life and Conversation acquainted themselves with her delighting much in her Society and likewise did very much countenance her in her Vndertakings and oftentimes invited her home to their Habitation to which place she sometimes went otherwise she never departed from her Monastery still entertaining poor sick Travellers therein Thus did she shut up her self from all the world while he was much afflicted for her absence and was in continual care and trouble for her Loss CHAP. XXIII How the Earl of Munster and his Wife the Countess did believe their Son Peter to be drowned and how they informed the Holy Magdalena thereof and of the great Sorrow they all made THus continued these Personages the Earl and his Wife and the Holy Magdalena in continual care and fear but they were all continually in hopes one day to hear of the safe Return of their Son and Friend but they were much perplexed at an Adventure that hapned one day which was in this manner Certain Fisher-men having béen abroad at Sea a fishing amongst other Fishes which they caught one hapned to be a very fair Sturgeon at which they wondred and at their return to Wexford they went to the Earl and presented the Fish as a great Novelty to him the which be thankfully received and shewing the same to his Countess she caused it immediately to be cut in pieces But oh strange Accident in the Belly of this Fish she discouered somewhat that was red which having taken out they found it to be a red Purse of Cloth and having opened the same there was in it thrée Iewels which she earnestly beholding knew to be the same she had delivered to her Son Peter at such time as he departed from her when he first began his Travels This sight gave her great astonishment and she going immediately to the Earl her Husband shewed them to him and he knowing them was as much troubled and then they certainly concluded and saw that all their hopes of the Return of their Son Peter was in vain for they verily believed that he had béen east away at Sea and the Fishes had devoured him and in this opinion they remained making great Lamentations for the loss of him never more expecting to sée him Then they immediately put themselves and all their Family into Mourning Apparel and hung all their House in Mourning and ordered every thing as if he had béen certainly dead and they had séen him buried so confident were they of the truth of this adventure And thus continued they in geeat and private mourning for many days being séen of none but their own Family So soon as the Countess went abroad she went to the Monastery to visit the Holy Magdalena where when she was arrived she expressed by her outward looks and habit the inward sorrow of her minde The Holy Maid being desirous to know the occasion of this believing it to be some extraordinary matter desired the Countess to inform her of the cause of her immoderate sorrow the which she did with many tears and the Holy Maid accompanied her in her tears verily believing this to be true and that now she should never more sée her dear Knight Peter The Countess supposing that she shed those tears out of affection to her loss thinking to be consolated by her was
for the future it shall be my endeavors to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish-Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forwards and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their Horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came near the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliment and made a Congratulory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the midst of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Ferters of Gold and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladias The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her divine countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies represeneing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious that the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazléd the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess amay he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly banquet being prepared they all sate down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all the Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Sâ—lemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came tither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to tender their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were excream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness those great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by the Princess Mattarosa of Numidia and the fair Princess Cynthia Sister to the Prince of Mesapotamia the rest of the Princesses and Princes Ladies and Knights in great state and very good order attending Being come to the Temple and the usual Solemnities performed they returned back again to the Pallace where a most rich and gallant Dinner was provided The Tables being furnished with all manâ—er of Delicates which the Luxury of Asia could produce Afner Dinner was ended every one made haste to the place appointed for the Tournament the Princesses and Ladies seating themselves on a Scaffold erected on one side of the Tiltpard for that purpose in the middest of which Scaffold was placed two Thrones on the one was seated the Souldan of Babylon and his Emperess and on the other the Prince Don Bellianis and the Incomparable Flonisbella his Bride and the rest of the Kings and Quéens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies in several places appointed for that purpose No sooner were they all seated but silence was commanded and
Emperor my Brother but the love of and my duty to my Country requires my assistance of it in this extremity As for those Trophies you won in the Field as I cannot hinder so I shall not forbid your using them as you please And as you desire me to consider your condition with your Uncle so I think you ought to consider of mine with my Brother and my Country to whom I am more obliged then you can be otherwise setting this aside it may be I should be as generous as you I confess you might have prosecuted your Victory against us with somewhat more rigor for you did spare where you might have killed but I hope if the War continue I may have the same advantage against you when you may expect I will make the same use of it This is all at present from her who although she is obliged to be your Enemy yet she will endeavor to answer your generosity Floreza of Trebizond The Prince of Numidia was highly contented with this Letter and had great hopes of a handsome prosecution in his love which although it was not encouraged yet he was not bid to despair But as he was a Lover so he was the General of an Army and his care was to be employed in prosecuting the War he had some inclinations to propose of a Peace to the Princess but he thought it would be better to wait till the arrival of those Forces who he heard were approaching under the command of the Knight of Hope which in few days came up to the Army It was then supposed necessary to procéed and lay a close siege to the City but they were hindred from doing so by the arrival of sixty thousand men under the conduct of Perisano Knight of the Panther who was one of the principal of the Nobility of Trebizond and withal was amorous of though not beloved by the Princess Floreza This Knight of the Panther was a proud ambitious Person and had carried himself so arrogantly in the count ship of the Princess that she had wholly refused him but he now supposing he should either oblige her by fair means in bringing this assistance to her in this extremity or else be able to compel her by force he therefore had raised these Forces and now came to her assistance Although she knew his pretensions yet she took no notice of that but welcomed him and told him that the Emperor her Brother would acknowledge this as a very remarkable service and that she would endeavor that her Brether should in due time recompence him He returned this answer that he did not nor could not expect any recompence from him who was himself in prison and whom he looked upon as one out of the World but his reward he expected from her self whom he acknowledged his only Sovereign and the recompence he expected she very well knew of and in requital of it he questioned not but to rid her and that Empire of all their Enemies that they together might reap the fruits of such a Peace as he would assuredly give her She hearing his arrogant expressions answered that she should never think otherwise of her self then as a Subject so long as her Brother was living and therefore to be wholly disposed by him but if he would joyn with her in opposing their Enemies she was ready to accept him He replied be was come for that purpose but withal that she knew his mind This valiant and discréet Princess was very much troubled at the arrogancy of this vain-glorious Knight but was resolved to dissemble her knowledge of his intentions and if possible to gain the Chiefs of his Army to her dispose but as yet she thought it would be convenient to be silent and sée how the fortune of the War was likely to procéed and therefore proposed to issue out of the City and assault their Enemies in their Camp The Knight of the Panther was very ready to entertain this proposition and therefore told her that he was provided to execute her commands when she pleased and promised to do great marvels on the day of Battel but when the day came and he and all his Forces were joyned with their Enemies yet although he was sâ—â—â—â—e and couragious enough he found such warm entertainment in the Enemies Camp that he was in short time forced to retire into the City with the loss of ten thousand men of his party He stâ—â—ing that the War was likely to continue much longer then he expected and believing that he should not by force gain his enâ—s was resolved to try what he could do by treachery and to that end he intended to take the same course with the Officers of the Princesses Army as she intended to do with his by gaining them to him And the Prince Baltazano was full of uncertainties what course to take in the prosecution of his love for he had intelligence that the Knight of the Panther who commanded the Forces that lately relieved the Princess was also her Servant but whether he was accepted or countenanced by her he knew not Wherefore in these irresolutions we will at present leave him before the City of Pharez engaged both in Love and War in both which he will be for some time engaged and now we will return to Babylon where we left the Souldan and his Empress accompanied by their valiant Son in Law Don Bellianis and their fair Daughter Florisbella the two valiant Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and several other great and worthy Personages The Court of the Souldan of Babylon was never filled with more joy and tranquillity then on this occasion especially when it was known that the fair Princess Florisbella was with Child this was very pleasing not only to the whole Court but to all the Subjects of this great Empire and the time of her lying in being come great and splendid provision was made to entertain the Princely Babe But the joy of all was more then ordinary when she was brought to bed not only of a brave Son but he was accompanied by as lovely a Daughter These two were wonderfull in their births for besides that the ordinary lineaments of their body were in the highest perfection they had extraordinary marks the Son had the perfect figure of thrée Crowns on his breast lively represented and the Daughter had as many Roses on her left arm At the sight of these so remarkable marks all the Cout was full of discourse what should be the meaning for it was concluded by all that they did admit of some extraordinary interpretation Various were the opinions of all and nothing being agréed upon the Sages and Wise Men of the Kingdom were sent to who sent this answer A Prophesie IT shall not be many moneths before as great sorrow shall possess the Court of Babylon as now it is filled with joy and it is impossible to hinder it the Fates having decreed that the two Princes shall be lost but not