worthie Priâ—ces and knights as were at that present in the Court were assembled together in y â— field mustering of such knights as were thâ—r preseâ—â— which were a great companie in numbâ—r verie gallant stout and braue and comming nigh vnto them she new the Emperour those y â— were with him but she sawe not the knight of the Sunne in their companie whereat â—he meruailed greatlie and being ignorant of the occasion of that great preparation she commaunded one of her damsels to goe and to informe her selfe of one of those 〈…〉 where-ore that mustering was and whether the knight of the Sun were in the Court or not In the meane space that her damsell went to informe her selfe she put her selfe a horsebacke in close maner vnder the shadow of a great and mightie Pine tree which was nigh vnto the armie and for that she was of a gallant proporcion and well armed the Emperour and such as were with him séeing her iudged her to be one of the best armed and well proporcioned knights that euer they had séene So her damsel put her selfe amongst those knights and calling one a side he which she thought most fittest for her purpose the demauâ—ded of him that which her Ladie had commauÌ„ded her Then y â— knight perceiuing that the was sent from that gallant knight who was a myâ—our vnto all the companie to looke on and he verie desirous to show him that courtesie saide as followeth YOu shall vnderstand faire Damsell that the occasion wherefore our Emperour and Lord doeth ioyne together all this gallant companie of knights is for that he doth looke dayly for the greatest warre that euâ—r was made against Christians for that fewe daies past he was giuen to vnderstand that the Emperour Alicandro father vnto the Princesse Lindabrides doth come against him and bringeth with him almost all the Pagans of Asia the great and almost all the nations of y â— Orientall Ilands that are in the Ocean the occasion that moued the Emperour Alicandro to make this warre against the Emperour Trebatio as we all doe wel vnderstaÌ„d hath bene y â— knight of the Sunne for at such time as he went with the Princesse Lindabrides vnto the Gran Tartarin at his comming thether the Emperour and kings of his estate whan they vnderstoode that he had ouercome the Prince Meridian were willing that he should marrie with her as it was ordained in their demaund the knight of the Sunne not béeing willing therevnto at such time as they thought y â— marriage and all thinges to be fullie concluded without anie interruption Then he secretlie departed in the night from the court without taking any leaue of the Emperour or giuing anye 〈…〉 thereof what for this anger as also for the great desier that the Princesse Lindabrides hath to returne into Grecia by her meanes they wer indused so that the Emperour Alycandro is fullie determined to make this warre with pâ—etence to destroye the Emperour Trebatio and to crowne the princesse Lindabâ—ides for Empresse of Grecia This is the aunswere of that you asked mee touching the first and to the other coÌ„cerning the knight of the Sunne you shall vnderstand that he hath not bene in this court manie dayes since for after that hée had made battaile with a strange knight that came hether in the companie of Medea he departed and was neuer séene sincâ— neither is there any newes of him for the which the Emperour and the Empresse his brother and friends are verie heauie and sorowfull Herewith he concluded and the Damsell being certified of her demaund did gratifie him with thankâ—s for the same and returned vnto her ladie and mistresse vnto whome she declared all that which y â— knight had tolde her she vnderstanding the same and considering well thereof in her life time before she neuer felt her selfe so troubled in so great confusion for that before she was crediblye informed how that the knight of the Sunne was marryed vnto the Princesse Lâ—ndabrides and now to finde it contrarie by that which at y â— present she heard she knew not what to saye nor what to doe neither which of these contraries she might beléeue and being dobtfull to giue credit vnto that which the knight had told vnto her Damsel neither could she put her selfe in any securitie of the thing that she so much desired the better her selfe she commaunded her damsell to goâ— vnto Rosicleer and in her part as a strange knight that was verie desirous to serue the Emperour Trebatio to request him to giue her to vnderstand the occasion wherefore the Emperour Alicandro doth come as they saye againste Grecia and the trueth if they doe abyde the comming of all these Pagan enimies aforesaide So the damsell departed with this demaund vnto Rosicleer and by reason that hée was meruailouslie vertuous and full of curtesie and good manners he receiued the Damsell and himselfe gaue the answere wholie in effect as the knight before had 〈◊〉 sent her word that whensoeuer it was his pleasure to come and offer himselfe vnto them that then the Emperor his father and he would receiue him to their friend Therewith the damsell doing her dutie with reuerence departed from him and comming vnto the Empâ—esse declared vnto her all that which Rosicleer had â—olde her the which lacked nothing vnto y â— which the other knight had aduertised her But when that the Princesse vnderstood that the warres with the Emperour 〈◊〉 was certain of truth she knew not what to saie nor to doe in â— thing so confused and incertaine as that was for that one waie she beléeued to be true that which her damsellâ— Arcania had told her and another waiâ— it séemed verie strange and contrarie that the Emperour Alycandro shoulde come into Grecia with determined wars and displaied Ensignes if that the knight of the Sunne were married vnto his daughter and as she was in this great doubt and confusion shée thought vpon the wordes that Arcania had tolde her at her returne from Tartaria and did argue within her selfe finding great diuersitie and doubtfull vnderstanding for that sometime it séemed that shée had tolde her that she left the Knight of the Sunne married vnto the Princesse and straight wayes a contrarie opinion that shée sayd that she left him at the point to bee married and béeing so it might bée that it was left vndone for that the knight of the Sunne would not consent therevnto and this might bée a grâ—at occasion that the Princesse Lyndabâ—ides dyd procure and induce her Father therevnto oneliâ— for that she would reâ—ourne againe into Grecia And béeing not fullie certefiedâ— of the greate doubtfulnesse that shee had in either of these contraries shée thought it thâ— best remedie for her for that Arcania as then remained in Trapisonda for to returne thether forthwith ther to certefie her selfe throughly of al y â— she had séene passe in y â— gran Tartaria in what order and point
would haue entered thereinto especiallie the kings and Gyants that were there present who had a great desire for to shew themselues Thus this challenge being concluded amongst them it was consented to send for messenger vnto the Emperour Trebatio the king of the Gandaros a young a valiant knight who at the commaundement of the Emperour Alycandro straight waies departed being verie richlie armed with a crowne of golde vpon his head in token that he was a king When that he came vnto y â— trenches of the Christians saying that hée was a messenger they dyd let him passe till hée entered into the mightie Citie and then was carried vnto the royall Pallace whereas hée alighted from his horse and leauing him with a page that came with him he mounted into the great hall whereas he found the Emperour accoÌ„panied with all his Princes noble men valiant knights in great counsaile for to giue battaile vnto the Pagans but when the Pagan king entered they all held their peace tarried to sée what was his demand who without doing any reuerence said THou shalt vnderstand Emperour Trebatio that I am a messenger of the diuine and consecrated Emperour Alicandro Lord of the mightie Asia who doth send me vnto thée to giue thée to vnderstand that certaine knights of his camp being verie desirous to proâ—ie their strengthes with thy knights hath ordained a challenge and to be vsed ordained in this sort that the gran Campeon Lord of the Oriental Ilands his sonne Bramarant doth challenge eight knights of the principallest and stoutest that are to be found in all thy hoast and they two wil maintaine the battaile against them all likewise our precious and most renowmed Prince Meridian and the stout Brandimardo and Rodaran king of Arabia with the king of Media and the mightie Zoroastes king of Traprobana doe challenge as many more of thy knights as they be to come forth and battaile with them Al these doe â—aie that to morrow being past they will prâ—sent themselues in the middest of this great field with their â—orses and armour and abide the comming of those that will come forth against them and the Emperour my Lord saith for that all people with their ease at their wils may behold what shal passe in this battaile he concludeth a truce for two daies in the which time all such of our campe as are disposed without armour may fréelie enter into the Citie those of thy part likewise in the same order may enter into our trenches This is the effect of the message that I do bring therefore giue me answere what thou doest pretend héeren also these thy knights to answere me vnto the challenge The Emperour who verie well vnderstoode the greaâ—e pride of the Pagans at the request of them all answered as followeth Of truth King the power of these two Pagans Bradaman and Bramarant is verie great but yet their pride is much more as it séemeth vnto mee for that they are not content to challenge other two knightes but will that they be eight it doth well appeare that although they haue proued the force and strength of some of these knights yet doe they not knowe the valiantnesse of their hearts Thou shalt returne vnto the Emperour thy Lord and declare vnto him and vnto them that sent thée hether that I haue heard thy Embassage and the answere of these knightes is that to morrow at their houre appointed they shall finde vs armed in the field no more but one to one as is the vse and custome amongest vs and this vauntage which they doe offer vnto vs wée doe release and pardon them of the same and giue them thankes and in all things touching the truce let it bée done as he wil command it for I shal receiue great contentment therein With this answere the king would haue departed but first he desired to know the names of those knights y â— would go out vnto the battaile and called to haue a sight of them and for that there was no agréement who they should bée many of the most valiantest that were in the hall arose vp and offered themselues vnto the battaile amongest them was Rosicleer the strong Oristedes the prince Clauerindo the king Sacridoro the Tartarian Zoilo the king Florion y â— Prince Brandizel his sonne the Emperour Tâ—ebatio in person the worthy knight Flamides the two vâ—liant knights of Spaine Don Claros Arcalus the Prince Don Siluerio and the Princes Bargandel Liriamandro 〈◊〉 Rodamarte euerie one of these requested the Emperouâ— to 〈…〉 thâ—m vnto the battaile who séeing that they were so many and so worthie it séemed vnto him that it should be a great deâ—asing of their honours to choose some leaue other some which caused him to ordaine the matter in such sorte that none should remaine discontent Wherevpon he sayd vnto the Pagan king that forsomuch as there were so manie stout and valiant knightes in their armies that they should let the battaile of challenge â—efiance be fiftéene to fiftéene then shall it be better and the more to bée looked on Then the Pagan king said that he wâ—uld returne with that message vnto the Emperor his Lord and before night he would bring him answere thereof taking in writing the names of the fiftéene knightes he departed out of the Citie and returned vnto his campe and finding the Emperour in his tent accompanied with his nobles in the presence of them all did declare the answere that he brought the which was straight waies accepted of them all sauing of Bramarant who knowing that there should come forth against him but one alone knight he refused to be in that battaile and sayde Let not the Gods permit that I go forth vnto the challenge against one alone knight into the field for that the victorie that should growe thereby should be more vnto his shame than to his honour But when that excellent vâ—liant and couragious knight Meridian heard him saie so he could not 〈◊〉 himselfe but to saie Of truth Bramarant others as good as thou art hath gone forth and doe goe forth vnto the battaile one for one and it doth well appeare that thou hast not experimented the force and strength of the Gréekes for if 〈◊〉 didâ—est knowe them so well as â— thy greate pride would 〈◊〉 be so great 〈…〉 to the which likewise sayd the stout 〈…〉 there is one that I know and preued my selfe with him 〈◊〉 thou didest enter with him into battaile before two horses were finished hee woulde make thee to sweate droppes of bloud and to loose the most part of thy brâ—uerie At whose wordes this brâ—ue Pagan receiued so greate ire and wrath that 〈◊〉 of fire seemed to flie out at his eyes and many times he was moued to buckle with them but considering the presence of the Emperour with whom he had great friendship and againe for that he was vnarmed fearing the great number that would ouercharge him he refrained
neither was there any prince in all the whole world that had the like the sight whereof dyd so trouble and amaze her that she was in 〈◊〉 dumpe with great meruaile knew not what to saye neither whether she should reioyce or be sorowfull for that one way she saw plainely that to be the Ilande whereas the knight of the Sunne ariued and an other waye those tokens with the wonderfull things which she hadde heard of that diuelish Fauno did put her in great feare that he was slaine and it séemed vnto her a thing impossible that any humaine creature could bring in subiection so diuelish and misshapen a beast Being in this thought for feare and griefe of the worst she shed so manie teares that they ranne trickling downe her faire chéekes that she was all to be bathed in them so after a while that she had bene there she mounted againe vpon her horse and went forewards but she had not gone farre from that place when as she saw the good horse Cornerino who was loose anâ— at his libertie in the fielde who like a wilde beast came running towardes her like vnto a whirle winde leaping and frisking in the ayre and neighed as though he receiued great ioye and comfort at the companie of the other horse as one that manie dayes before had bene there all alone but when the Princes sawe him and knew him verie well she thought verilie that her heart would haue burst with sorrow where with her eyes burst out with teares and hauing no power to speake one word she sayde with in her selfe Oh good horse how is it that thy maister hath left thy companie surely it cannot be well with him séeing that he hath left thée for thou art so good a péece that thou art to be estéemed of all the Princâ—â— in the world and neither thy maister nor thy selfe doth â—eserue to dwell in deserts But alas what shall I saye I am she that hath bone the occasion of all this and I beséech the soueraigne creator of all the worlde that it fall not out that I am the occasion of his death for if it be so that I haue ben y â— author and chiefe instrument of his death I will also with these my handes be reuenged on my selfe with cruell death and neuer depart from out of this Ilande but make it my sepulture for that one countrie shall possesse the bones of vs bothe so shall we remaine in death together although that cruell Fortune and my euill destinies would not permit and suffer that in our liues we could enioye the one the other In saying these words to her selfe the Princes procured for to take the horse somewhat for to comfort her selfe with his companie for that the knight of the Sunne manie times dyd ryde him but by no meanes she could not doe it for that the horse was fierce and couragious and would not suffer himselfe to be taken of anie other but of his maister the knight of the Sunne whome he dyd visit manie times and fedde diuerse and sundrie times before him in the place whereas he abode This séeing the royall Princes all to be bathed with teares which for her knights sake she shedde passed forwards on her determined iourney but she hadde not trauailed farre when as she came vnto the craggie and hard Rocke that he hadde so cutte and sheuered to péeces but yet such was his force and strength of his arme and the goodnesse of his sworde and vppon the toppe of the same shee sawe where hunge the rich sword of the knight of the Sunne with the scabbard and the hangers which were wrought and embrodered with gold and set with precious stones and knowing it verie well she was at that present more astonied amazed then she was before and comming nigh vnto it she reade that which was written in a plaine place of the same stone but when she had well understoode the effect thereof it cannot be rehearsed what she felt at that time at her heart considering of â—hrée strange meruailous things that was represented there of the knight of the Sunne The one the great loyaltie and reuerence that he had vnto her insomuch that he had stroke her with his swoord yet in the time of that great necessitie he left the same because he would not defile it with any other bloud An other in the great and soueraigne force and courage which he had for to goe fight with that diuelish Fauno without any sword The third in the great and incredible strength which he had for to cut and cleane that cragged and hard Rock sheuering of such greate péeces as verie plainely it might be séene that euerie sheuer was a blow with the sword all the which béeing by her considered the great ioy and pleasure which she should receiue in acknowledging the great loyaltie of her knight was tourned into great anguish and griefe in seing the rewarde he receiued at her hands in recompence of the great loue fidelitie he had borne vnto her And the more greater his wonderfull and excelent déedes séemed to be so much more she waxed penitent and repented her selfe and with so great griefe that it séemâ—d her soule would depart her bodie she saide as followeth OH my verie good friend if you be a liue how dare I presume to come into your presence that in recompence of so great fidelitie and loue which your déedes doe make manifest you had vnto mée and I to haue showed my selfe so cruell and contrarie vnto you And if it be so that you be departed this world what reuenge may I take of my selfe to make it equall vnto the great errour which I haue committed of trueth no other but with this thy sword I will open my entrailes and take out myne owne heart that ioyntly it may remaine in this solitarie and vnfortunate Iland as a signe and token of thy great fidelitie and faithfull good will vnto mée and contrariewise my great crueltie towards thy guiltlesse person and yet this wilbâ— but a small reuenge for so great an euill committed for the death of so high and eâ—cellent a Prince cannot be reuenged by my death In saying these words and other more of great dolour griefe and in shedding great abundance of teares she ouerwept her selfe and was verie desirous to proceede forwards to knowe what was become of the knight of the Sunne leauing the sworde hanging whereas shee found it shée departed from thence and as she trauailed for a great space with a sodaine feare that came ouer her heart in such sorte that all her members shaked that shée coulde not almost go forwardes still misdoubting the successe of the knight of the Sunne Then after a while hauing not trauailed the full quantitie of a mile a great waie before shée came whereas the Fauno was slaine shée sawe from a farre off the great bulke of the monstrous and mis-shapen bodie which seemed to be a great house ouerthrowen
horse necke he hadde surely fallen to the ground And as ye he hadde not well righted himselfe in the saddle when that this stronge Pagan stroke him an other blow ouerthwart the healme that he daseled the sight of his eyes and it lacked little to depriue him of his remembraunce Then this valiant knight séeing himselfe so entreated of his enimie being all kindeled in wrath raysed himselfe in his stirruppes and with his sword in both his handes dyd strike such a furious blow at this stout and diuelish pagan vpon his enchanted healme that being depriued of his sight and remembraunce he declyned backewards so much that his head almost touched his horse buttockes in such sorte that if he hadde not straight wayes come to his remembrance and with all the strength of his legges and bodie procured to bustle vp himselfe againe with that alone blow hée hadde bene ouerthrowen to the earth then with great furie and wrath they began to charge the one the other with their heauie and fell blowes and according vnto the terrible force with which they stroke it séemed that the battaile began anewe Meridian and Brandimardo who dyd behold all that hadde passed sayde it may be that this is the knight of the Sunne who so long time hath bene absent and could not be heard in all the countrie of Grecia for that it is not to be beléeued that any knight in all the whole world should doe that which this worthie and valiant knight hath done in our presence except the knight of the Sunne They dyd also on the other part beholde the cruell and 〈…〉 had with the Gâ—aâ— Campion who likewise they dyd not knâ—w whereat they were greatly wondered and it séemed vnto them that those foure which at that present dyd there combat were foure of the most 〈…〉 in all the worlde and they sayde within 〈◊〉 that the Emperour Trebatio had not in all his court a knight that one to one could resist the great and mightie strength and furious rages of the two Pagans but onely the valiant Rosicleer whome they dyd iudge of a truth to bee the same that dyd combat with the stout Bradaman Now was it a good houre and a halfe since the battaile was begunne at which time the stoute and furious Bramarant séeing that his aduersarie endured his mightie and heauie blowes so long before him was readie to burst with anger and began to blaspheme and curse himselfe for that at one blow he could not cleaue him a sunder right downe from the toppe of his head to the wast the which strong resistaunce made him to thinke verely that he should be one of his false goddes or else all they together hadde placed their force and strength in that alone knight for to battaile against him which caused his great pryde the more to encrease and being troubled with that thought he forced himselfe by his pride for to surmount the diuine Goddes he tooke his heauie sword in both his handes and raysing him selfe all that euer he could in his stirruppes and like a furious whirle winde he went against the good knight of the Sunne and his wrath was such that I thinke there was no stéele or Diamonde nor any other hard thing in all the world that could make any resistance against that mortall and diuelish blow for that this fierce Pagan for to accomplish his furie forced himselfe all that euer he could to haue bereaued the valiant knight of the Sunne of life and â—im and his wrath was suche that the wise and learned clarke Lirgandeo was in doubt that againste that mightie force should support any thing the inchauntement of the armour which the wise man sent to the good knight of the Sunne but he who saw him come so wrathfull and furious with a mightie and valiant courage dyd abide him And at such time as he would haue discarged his heauie sword vpon his helme he lift vp his sword with both his hands for to ward the same and receiued that mightie 〈…〉 same for that the edge of his sworâ—e was 〈◊〉 finer fiâ—er and sharper then his it cut the sword of Bramarant a sunder in the middest and the péece which remained towards the hilt lighted vpon the healme of the knight of the Sunne and although it was not much yet dyd it depriue him of his sight Then the good knight being greatly amazed at the mortall furie of his enimie dyd pray vnto God from the bottome of his heart for to remember him not to forget leaue him in that perilous conflict It séemed at that time that he had great néede of the diuine fauour for to get victorie in that battaile at which time his wrath and yre increased with so great anger to sée himselfe so intreated before his mistres by one alone knight that he retyred backe somewhat from the place whereas they made the battaile from whence hée set spurres vnto his horse came against Bramarant with so great furie that the earth séemed to tremble vnder him and his fiercenesse was such that it séemed to put some dread into the heart of that fierce Pagan in the which before neuer entred any feare for I insure you who so euer had sene that furious knight with his sword aboue his head in both his hands and with what wonderfull furie he came against him would haue had no lesse feare of him then of the thunderbolt that falleth out of the ayre so in this sorte when he approched vnto the Pagan he stroke and chaunsed such a blow vpon his great thick and inchaunted healme with so great furie that it hadde bene sufficient for to haue clouen a Smithes stithe asunder in the middest and for that the fine cutting edge of his sword could not cut the magical arte and inchauntment of his strong healme yet dyd that blow so ouercharge his head by the great waight thereof that it tooke his remembrance cleane from him and lyke a dead thing he fell forwards vppon his saddle bow and horse neck hanging downe his head and out at the ioynts of his helme issued great 〈◊〉 of bloud and his mightie horse being tormented with the force of that blowe â—anne out of that place and put himselfe into the thickest of that wildernesse with his Lord then the knight of the Sunne who desired not to folow him retourned vnto Meridian and Braâ—dimardo saying Sir knights I doe desire you to pardon mée if you haue any anger against mée in that I tooke vppon mée the battaile with that proude knight that did combat with you for I ensure you that his great pride would not let mée to giue place vnto y â— I am bound to your great courtesie and bountie Then dyd Meridian and Brandimardo verie much behold him and were greatly amazed at his great strength and said within themselues that he was the most valiant in all the whole world for that he alone hath done that which the whole armie of the Emperour
worthie knightes his friendes from the other but the most that he could discouer was that those which were of his part got ground on their enimies Now let vs leaue him in the place where he is who for a greater destruction vnto his enimies is refreshing himselfe and taking aire and let vs returne to tell of them that remaine in the battaile where are so many of renewmed worthie and famous knights dooing and executing so great wonders and meruailous déedes that for to tell them perticularlie it were needfull of another great Hystorie On the other parte goeth the Emperour Alycandro accompanied with those kings his vassals and his deformed Gyantes that it is great lamentation and griefe to behold the slaughter that they doe Againe what is to bée sayde of those two valiant Pagans Meridian and Brandimardo of truth not one that beareth good will vnto the Emperour Trebatio would see it On thâ— other side goeth that mightie king Balardo and the king â—â—hiderio ouerthrowing to the ground all that commeth before them but yet for their euill were they séene by the 〈◊〉 Princes Clauervndo and Brandizel being together for they went against them so that betwixt them began a rigorous and furious battaile but yet in the end the two Gyants were slaine and the two Princes procéede forwards doing great meruailes in the middest of the battaile As much as that doth the Tartarian Zoilo and the king Sacridoro who in séeking of Rosicleer doth put themselues in the middest of the battaile making brode waies whereas they went till such time as they met with two strong and stout Pagans who staied them a while they had inough to doe for to cléere themselues from them All this while was not idle but did their partes in ample manner Bargandel and Lyriamandro and the king Alamades Flamides and Florinaldus and the Prince Don Siluerio Rodomarte Rodofeo all these together did wonderfull things aiding and helping whereas was most necessitie yet was there none that was with Rosicleer for he was all alone and did verie well cleere the waie whereas he would goe and dyd so much on euerie side that in the ende he came whereas the Emperour his Father was and sawe that hee alone with those two Spanish knightes were in combat with the fiue Gyants of the king Balardo and waxed verie faint and wearie but when that he sawe it lyke a hungrie Lion he went towards them and when he came whereas they were he stroke such a blowe at the first vpon his shoulder that he cloue him downe to the breast and ouerthrew him to the earth and straight waies tourned vnto another whome he slew with another blowe stroke off his arme wherewith he hâ—ld his sword and as he was turning for to strike another that did charge much the Emperour he saw that the Emperour at one blow ouerthrewe him to the earth for that he stroke him ouerthwart the wast in such sort that his sword entered into his bowels that hée fell downe dead And when he sawe the good succour that he had of his sonne in the tune of so great extremitie he was verie glad and ioyfull Likewise at this time the two valiant brethren Don Claâ—â— and Arcâ—lus had so wounded the other two Gyants that in the end they ouerthrew them to the ground Then Rosicleer seeing that the Emperour was meruailouslie accompanied for that the other Princes were come vnto him set spurres to his horse and put himselfe in the thickest amongst his enimies and neuer rested till he came whereas the stout Pagan Brandimardo was and séeing the greate slaughter that he and Meridian made he went towardes them and at his approching betwéen them was dealt mightie strong and terrible blowes in such sort that Brandimardo thought verilie within himselfe that his aduersarie should be the knight of the Sunne with whom he did combat in the wildernesse of Grecia for that he supposed Rosicleer was not of so great strength although many times hée heard him greatlie praised and spoken of which gaue him great good will to proue himselfe with him And for that at that present Brandimardo did shew the vttermost of all his force and strength it gaue Rosicleer to vnderstand that hée was one of the strongest knights that euer he had proued he was so valiant and full of dexteritie You may well beléeue that in all this time was not that furious Pagan Bramarant vnoccupied but with inâ—ernall furie he destroyeth and ouerthroweth all that commeth before him who when he sawe that the most part of the daie was past and sawe that there was no aduantage gotten on their part but rather they had lost ground thought verilie that there was no other occasion thereof but onelie the worthie famous and valiant knights that were of the Greekes part and it séemed that it did profit verie little for to kil and sâ—aie so many of the common people before that first he had ouercome the principall knightes So this infernall and diuellâ—â—h Pagan hauing his mind occupied theâ—ewith he presentlie left off the slaughter which he made before tooke a mightie great and big Speare from one of his men and setting spurres vnto his furious horse he put himselfe into the thickest of the battaile looking round about where hée might â—ee anie knight of valour and prowesse and vppon a sodaine he saw the king Oristedes who at that present concluded and slew the king of the Paâ—tos with one blowe wherewith he cloue his head asunder in the middest Bramarant raâ—ne against him and made his encounter on the one side in â—uch sorte that he ouerthrew him on the other side of his horse with his saddle betwixt his legges and hadde with that blowe slaine him if that his inchanted armour had not resisted his furie so that he departed from thence and wenâ— whereas hée found the Tartarian Zoylo and the king Sacridoro and ouerthrew them both to the ground in iusting and passing forwardes on hée sawe the stout king Florion who at that instant slew a mightie Gyant and making his encounter against him hée thrust both horse man to the earth This mightie and furious Pagan stayed not in this place but passed forwards and came whereas he found the two Princes Brandizel and Clauerindo making their combat with the king Balardo and his companion at which time they obtained the victorie with the death of those two Gyantes hée came vpon them vnbewares and one of them hée ouerthrew with the iust of his Speare in such sort that his valyant strength and courage coulde not profite him anie thing at all and the other he iustled him with his horse who ranne with so excéeding greate furie that hée ouerthrew him to the ground and as hée procéeded forwardes on in the battayle looking round about him he sawe a farre off the worthie Emperour Trebatio accompanied with a great number of Princes and valyant knightes who dyd great meruailes and wonders vppon their enimies and
that ranne out of their wounds but by reason that they were so boistrous and so stout they so doubled their blowes with so great furie vpon Rosicleer that it had bene sufficient to haue hewen a rocke in péeces so that in a short time they made him verie faint and wearie brusing his flesh and bones although their swordes could not enter nor cut his inchanted armor And of truth if that this battaile had endured long hée had béene brought into the greatest perill that euer he saw himselfe in in all his life for that these two Gyants were young-men and the most strongest that were to be found amongst all Gyants But yet at this instant Acorante was so weak and féeble by the losse of much bloud that he coulde not stand on his féete but fell downe to the ground as though he had béene dead Then he finding himselfe alone with Rubero the battaile was more indifferent the one did charge the other verie stronglie striking whereas they thought they should doe most harme each to his aduersarie but Rubero for the death of his brother was so full of wrath and ire that he made little account of the blowes that Rosicleer did strike him although his â—ine cutting sworde had so sore wounded him in many partes that his death could not bée long dilated by reason of the great quantitie of bloud that ranne out of them These Gyantes had certaine knightes which alwayes went with them who at this verie instant came vnto the same place whereas they made their battaile but yet in anie manner of wise they durst not helpe their Lordes for that many times before they had plagued them and giuen them warning that whensoeuer they were in battaile with equall knightes that none of them shoulde aide or succour them for which occasion they stoode still and were in quiet till such time as they sawe one of their Lordes lie along vpon the ground as though he had bene dead and the other so sore wounded that he could not long indure neither could they anie longer refraine themselues but all together who were more than fifteene all wel armed went against Rosicleer and began to charge him with verie thicke and strong blowes but Rubero when he sawe this did put himselfe before them and cried out that they should departe and let him alone but they would not retire but still pressed on all that euer they coulde Then he returned against them with his sword and did so much that against their will hee made them to retire Then would he haue returned againe vnto the battaile but Rosicleer liâ—t vp the vizor of his heâ—me and sayd God forbid that I should be ouercome at thy hands more than at one time for this which at this time thou hast vsed with me hath rendered mee so much that I will put my selfe wholie into thy power â—or to doe with mée according to thy pleasure vpon this condition that you giue vnto this Damsell free and whole libertie who was the occasion of this battaile which hath béen begun and continued betwixt vs. You shall vnderstand that all the sonnes of Roboan were by nature well conditioned and this Rubero the third sonne was the best of them all who acknowledging the greate vantage that Rosicleer had of him although all the knights had hâ—lpen him and how that his wordes which hee hadde spoken proceeded of great vertue hée then vnlaced his healme and sayd Let not my fortune permit that against him who hath so great vauntage on me as well in vertue as in strength that I make anie more contention or farther 〈◊〉 for that in the ende both in the one and in the other I cannot choose but néedes must bée ouercome and loose the victorie This damsell is thine and thou hast wonne her and nowe looke what is thy pleasure to be done with vs for that all shall be accomplished as you wil command Then Rosicleer did embrace him with great loue and both of them together went to helpe vp Acorante who was so féeble that he could not moue himselfe but when that they had pulled off his healme and giuen him aire hée began to come better vnto himselfe and gather some strength Then the Quéene Iulia with a péece of a vaile which she had bound vp his wounds and stanched the bloud by vertue of a stone which she had in a ring as one that in all things was a damsell verie wise and of great discretion When all this was done the Quéene sayd vnto Rosicleer Happie and fortunate knight if you doe well remember the condition wherewith you got this sword that you now possesse in great Britaine it was that you should combat with two Gyants together for the deliuerie of a Damsell When Rosicleer heard these wordes being greatlie amazed how she should come to the knowledge thereof he said I doe well remember the same Well then said she now may you well vnderstand and sée how that the condition is well accomplished for that you haue had the battaile with these two Gyants for to deliuer me that am the Quéene Iulia she who with her owne handes did forge the sword that you now haue at your girdle hauing experience before how much it should profit you in this battaile for my deliuerie Good Ladie saide Rosicleer what fortune hath brought so wise and high a Damsell in this sorte into this Countrie That fortune sayd the Quéene that could ouerthrowe the mightie Alycandro from the high throne wherevnto he was exalted and bring him to bée prisoner â—oyntlie with the Princesse Lyndabrides his daughter in the power of two Gyants who carryed them yesterdaie vnto the high Castle that standeth vppon yonder mountaine This is shée that no force nor humane wisedome is able for to deliuer from the subiection of her tumbling and tourning whéele And as I came with the Princesse thinking for to escape from the prison whether as they carryed her I ran away secretly and put my selfe amongst these Rocks but yet in the ende I chaunced to fall into a daunger no lesse perillous then that out of the which I thought to haue escaped At which words Rosicleer was greatly amazed and saide is it possible to be true that the Emperour Alicandro and the Princesse Lindabrides are prisoners It is of trueth sayde the Quéene for that two Gyants did carrie them vnto yonder castell Well then let vs goe thether out of hand sayd Rosicleer for with a verie good will I will aduenture my life for to â—et at libertie so high personages It shall not be nedefull said Rubero for that those two who did carrie theÌ„ be our bretheren and sonnes vnto Roboan our Father therefore let vs go straight waies thether for by your intercession they and all those that be prisoners in the castell shal be set at libertie Rosicleer receiued great contentment at that which Rubero had sayde and gratifying him they all together went towards the castell and their knights did carrie Acorante
he passed forwards and kept his saddle and for that he séemed to haue the vauntage on his aduersarie he dyd alight from his hose made his battaile on foote Then against Rosicleer for that he seemed to be the biggest and most valiantest of them all he was encountred by the two most valiantest and stoutest knight of the foure who was Carmelio Lord of the Albâ—â—â— and Anibard Lord of Marchomandia And for that neuer at any time before they met with their equalls they thought verely at that encounter to lessen the number of their aduersaries by one But it fell out vnto them contrarie for that 〈◊〉 of them brake their speares vppon Roâ—â—cleere without mouing him any thing in his saddle but he made his encounter vpon the stout Carmeliâ— in such sort that thrusting him out of his saddle he bare him to the ground ouer his horâ—e crouper and he had enough to doe afterwards to arise againe he was so tormented with the fall The king was wonderfully amazed and all those that dyd behâ—lde 〈◊〉 to see those gallant encounters betwixt them and could not 〈◊〉 that the 〈◊〉 of Lusiano were of so great force and strength that so lightly had ouerthrowen their aduersaries and from that time forwardes had a better hope of the victorie Then the Dutches who was as one halfe dead being comforted with those newes with a better good will then before put her selfe at the window for to behold the battaile Then the worthie Rosilceere finishing the furie of his swift course with great lightnesse he tourned his horse about retourned vpon Ambardo who remained on horsebacke and stroke at him such a blow with his sword that the shylde he lift vp for to ward the furie thereof although it was of fine and hard stéele hée cloue it in two péeces and from thence descended vpon his helme with so great furie that it made him to stoope with his head declyning it to his horse necke And this stout Ambardo when that he felt him selfe ouercharged with that mightie blow being greatly amazed he said within himselfe what is this mée thinketh I féele all the furie of the world against mée is this by fortune the sonne of Trebatio that passed this way when he slewe Aridon or else is that strong Achilles sonne vnto Peleo risen againe from death to life or that first begotten of Priamus for according as I doe féele the great force of this knight it is not possible but he must néedes be one of theÌ„ And in saying these wordes for that he was a valiant and couragious knight with all the furie of his armes he stroke such a blow at Rosicleere vpon the head that he gaue him well to vnderstand that he was a verie valiant and chosen knight All this time Liriamandro and Ricardo combatted together in such sort that the battaile was worth the beholding they were both stout and valiant knights and charged the one the other with so great power strength that it made them all to meruaile But he that was most oppressed and had greatest trauaile in this battaile was the prince Luâ—iano for that being in battaile with the Duke came also against him the stout Carmelio and although he was of great bountie yet had he enough to doe for to cleere himselfe from either of them and he had passed great euell betwixt them two if that at this instant had not chaunsed that the worthie Rosicleer being in battaile with Anibardo séeing himselfe before his graundfather his courage so increased in him that with the furie of all his force he stroke so mightie strong and furious a blow vpon his helme that he had clouen him downe vnto the wast if that his helme had not bene the finer and forged by art magicke which was the occasion that his fine cutting sworde could not enter nor cut it but yet by the great force of the valiant Anibardo cleane from himselfe fell from his horse to the ground not without great wondering vnto all them that saw that terrible and furious blow and looking on the one side he saw the Prince Lusiano how he was in fight against both the other knights who then with a trice leaped from his horse and went and put himselfe before the Duke and stroke his first blow at him in such sorte that he made him to stoope with both his hands to the ground Then the Duke who was of a valiant and stout courage let Lusiano in battaile with Carmelio and began to charge Rosicleer with such mightie and strong blowes that he made him to vnderstand that he was a valiant and worthie knight And it gréeued Rosicleer verie much to thincke that in the Duke should remaine so great treasoÌ„ he being a knight of so great bountie and valour in armes And being verie desirous that the truth thereof might be knowne he forced himselfe all that euer he could for to ouercome the Duke who for a while did defend himselfe very valiantly being greatly amazed at the strange bountie and force of his aduersarie and could not immagine who it should be except he were sent from heauen for to punish the great treason which hée had done against the Dutches as one worthie thereoff All this time the prince Liriamandro séeing himselfe in the presence of his father and mother and desirous to get honour before them dyd so ouercharge his aduersarie that in a smal time he abated the courage of Ricardo y â— the vauntage was on Liriamandros part Likewise y â— gentle Lusiano the stout Carmelio who were almost equall in bountie with great force charged the one y â— other with such blowes y â— they semed to be all on fire with the great quantitie of sparkes that flew out of their armour and although for a good while there was knowen no aduauntage betwixt them yet in the end the couragious force of the Prince endured longest and he did so intreate his aduersarie that he would haue giuen a great part of his estate so that he might haue béene cléered of that battaile with honour The which grieued nothing at all the faire Polisena who séeing her knight so stout and light in the battaile receiued great ioye and pleasure and with shedding of many teares praieâ— vnto God for to deliuer him cleere from that battaile as one that made no reckning to liue anie longer than the sawe him aliue but quicklie she was brought out of that care for that the inclite and worthie Gréeke that dyd combat with the Duke â— charged him so fast with his terrible and furious blowes that hée made him all astonied and amazed that he knew not whether he went nor where he stroke his blowes and â—éeing him in that perplexitie with his right hand hée tooke him fast by the goriet and pulled him with so greate strength that hée ouerthrew him at his féete and before he could arise again he put his knée vpon his breast and pulled his healme from his head and
and Ambardo and offered great curtesie vnto the two Princes who did them great honour and made them friends with Lusiano as persons that were without blame in the treason 〈◊〉 But when these newes were published in the court there came so great number of people to sâ—e Rosicleer Liriamandro y â— the pallace wold not holde theÌ„ al people meruailed at their strange dispositions but in in especiall of Rosicleer for that they sayd that in all things he did resemble the knight of the Sunne his brother he that was so famous and feared in that Court for that they partlie vnderstood and heard of his wonderfull acts and déeds vnto the king it was notorious all the whole Hystorie of Rosicleer from the time of his first creation bringing vp with his daughter the Princesse Briana till such time as hee was knowen vnto the Emperour his father and Empresse his mother Of all the which the king was verie ioyfull pleasant and loued the Emperour Trebatio and his sons as he did his owne sonne Liriamandro and for that he had not vntill that time heard of the successe of the wars that he had against the Emperour Alycandro he was verie sorrowfull and full of care and thought long till y â— hée had heard some newes thereof and if he gaue anie aide succour of knights vnto the king Oliuerio it was not for anie hatred or ill will that he bare vnto the Emperour Trebatio but for to accomplish that wherin he was bound vnto the king Oliuerio because his sonne Prince Edward was slaine in his seruice was fullie perswaded that all the whole armie of the king Oliuerio was not of sufficient power for to doe anie harme vnto the Emperour Trebatio yet afterwards when he vnderstood of the mightie power of Pagans that were come vpon Grecia it grieued and repented him of that he had done so that if it had not bene verie much against his honor many times he was moued in conscience for to go and succour him in person with all the power that euer he could make being verie desirous to know the whole successe thereof in all points he requested the Princesse for to tell him who as those that knew the truth thereof in the presence of the Quéene and all those worthie Princes and knightes of the Court did giue him to vnderstand as well of the successe w t the king Oliuerio as with the Emperor Alycandro y â— which being published amongst them they al receiued great ioy in as ample maner as though it had touched either of them in perticular but in especial y â— king the quéene in y â— they saw how much to their honar they had accoÌ„plished their promise vnto the king Oliuerio as also of the high estate wherevnto their daughter the Empresse Briana was exalted so that they could neuer satisfie themselues in giuing thankes vnto almightie God for those great benefites shewed vnto them When these things were passed straight waies came thether Leonardo and his wife the fained parents of Rosicleer with whom Rosicleer receiued great pleasure as he that had great desire for to sée him for that which he was indebted vnto them the which he did meruailouslie well gratefie in all points their great seruice done vnto them for he carried them with him vnto Grecia whereas the Empresse Briana did make them owners of great possessions so that they were verie well content and thought their trauaile verie well emploied the which they had in the bringing vp of Rosicleer Likewise Rosicleer reioyced verie much with those Gentlewomen with whom he was brought vp in the Monasterie of the Riuer and the most part of them he carried into Grecia whereas he did verie much for them all Then for that the king dyd beare great good will vnto the Prince Lusiano and had him in high estimation he straight waies commanded that his spouse the Dutchesse of Austria should bée deliuered vnto him After this sort within few daies that their nuptialls were celebrated with great honour and triumphs which those knights his friendes dyd ordaine in the which the gentle Lusiano dyd so much that he got vnto himselfe honour for euer after And in the meane time of all these sportes and feasts Rosicleer and Lyriamandro did declare their message vnto the king desiring him in the part and behalfe of the Emperour Trebatio and of the Empresse Briana that he woulde thinke well for to goe with them vnto Constantinople for to reioyie themselues of the victorie and ioy the which the Emperour and the Empresse doe receiue Likewise they gaue great and lawfull excuses wherfore the Emperour Trebatio did abstaine from comming into y â— Countrie for that he had in his court such mightie Princes and Lords that there had ben no reason for him to leaue theÌ„ Then the king and the Quéene as they which desired no other thing coÌ„manded Straignt waies that all things should be put in a readinesse néedfull for their iourney and for that we haue other matters to declare for the conclusion of the first part of this Hystorie there is héere no more to be said but that Rosicleer and Liriamndro did passe awaie the time in Hungaria till such time as they were readie to depart as shall be tolde you in the next Chapter following How the king Tiberio with the Queene Augusta Rosicleer and Liriamandro departed out of Hungaria and tooke their iourney towards Constantinople Chap. 46. WHen the daie appointed was come of their departure the king and the Quéene with all the other worthie Princes and knightes of his Court departed out of Viana tooke their iourney towards the mightie Empire of Grecia in the which they trauailed many daies without happening anie thing worthie the telling in the end whereof they ariued within two miles of the mightie Citie of Constantinople and when the Emperour Trebatio had knowledge of their comming with great ioy and pleasure he and all those mightie Princes and valyant knights together went out of Constantinople with so great maiestie that it séemed all the whole worlde were ioyned together the number was so excéeding great so that the king of Hungaria and the Queene Augusta his wife with all those that came with them were wonderfullie amazed to sée so royall and worthie knighthoode to come forth of Constantinople for of truth they neuer woulde haue thought that so many as there were might haue béene receiued in the court of anie Prince whatsoeuer he were in al the whole world But when the king and the Emperour sawe one an other they both went met together did embrace the one the other with such great loue as ought to be betwéene Father and sonne and as though they had knowen one another long time before And if before the king Tiberio and the Queene Augusta did account themselues happie fortunate to haue so high a Prince for their sonne in law yet now they did much more
would say no more till such time as the Emperour Trebatio who had him in reputation of a man of vnderstanding and greatly meruailed at those his words being spoken at that time asked of him wherefore he spake those wordes I doe speake them sayde the king for that the world doth â—se vs as children at sometimes singing at other times wéeping many times a faire and cléere morning is turned into a clowdie and sorowfull euening And there is no pleasure or pastime can be so great but that sorow and heauinesse doth disturbe iâ— we be like vnto the ayer that being so cleare and faire that we cannot almost discerne it from the firmament vpon a sodaine with a little wind that doâ—h arise is troubled and darkenot so likewise when that vnto our iudgements we are most ioyfull and merrieâ— vpon a sodaine not knowing from whence it commeth we finde our selues put in great sadnesse and teares This doth procéede for that all our felicitie and prosperitie we doe build vpon things that of themselues doe perish and decay We are also like vnto trauailer 〈…〉 Seas whose faire and calme wether is vpon the 〈◊〉 who of it selfe is moueable and of small foundation and looke so many times as they be assalted with the winde so many times their pleasure doe abate and their sorrowes double Euen so doe we put all our felieitie in thirgs wherein is no stabilitie but like vnto the loaâ—es that is caried away with euerie winde as it apeareth in high estates and dignities for the higher he is the greater is his fall In riches difficultie in the getting with care in the kéeping and sorow in the losing vnto manie it causeth death and depriueth all of their case The most fairest in a short time doth 〈◊〉 and fade a way like a flower and he that is of most force strength is ouerthrowen with a little Feauer When a friend doth dye or is lost in especiall of children then swéete mingled by-tternesse Honey mixt with gall miserable fortune rarefull pleasures and many times sorowfull successours of follie vnto them that alonely doth recreate themselues with the blossome of the trée we our selues doe it in that we doe reioyce and shew so much pleasure and pastimes vnto little children who are no lesse subiect vnto misfortunes then the delicate flower Of many things that I haue spoken of you haue had experience so likewise verie shortly you shall see the proofe of the rest that lacketh if that Nature or Fortune doth not disturbe or lette it I will saye no more vnto you for that it is not giuen vnto vs to affirme that which we doe deuine but to declare that which the order of Nature doth show vs to 〈◊〉 the inconâ—eniences which might happen â—f that peraduenture we should be deceiued Héerewith the olde king concluded his reasons for that all those Lords that were there present were wise of great vnderstanding they well vnderstood that his words did extend vnto some thing that should happen vnto that faire young child Claramante and could not let but receiue some trouble of minde but yet for that his Father and brethren were or noble and valiant hearts they did not onelie with equall and quiet minde abide that which the starres did permit but also referred all things vnto the determination of the soueraigne creator so that they answered nothing vnto that which the king had said but the wise Artemidoro that had more vnderstanding in the art Magicke than the king answered vnto his wordes and sayd By your word we do vnderstand wise king of Gedrosia that you would declare some things that should happen vnto this faire child Claramante as of truth it is so for that his parents shall sustaine great sorrow and griefe for him but according as his good fortune and destinie doth promise vnto him it shall be for a greater glorie and extolling of the Gréekish Empire and so much more ioyful shal his prosperitie good fortune be than his sorrowfull peruerse fortune which is ordained great reason hath his father to reioyce of such a son for the excellent frâ—it which shall procéed of so worthie a blossome yet there is no peruerse fortune that can be so contrarie vnto him to be compared in equalitie vnto that which happened vnto his brothren in their first age who hauing now passed all their misfortunes with more ioy and pleasure do inioy the time of their prosperitie So shall it bée of this faire Claramante for that his high and strange birth doth not prognosticate anie other thing When the wise Artemidoro had concluded these words it gaue great conteatment vnto them all whereas before the words of the king of Gedrosia did cause in them great sorrowe thinking that some euill hap and misfortune had béene ordained against that most singular and gracious childe Claramante but most especiallie the beautifull and exouisite Princesse Lindabrides who scarcelie dyd shed many teares as one that dyd â—ouâ— him more then her owne parents onely for the loue of that figure that he dyd represent And for that it is now time that the great griefe ouermuch sorrow of this precious Princesse should cease this Historie doth declare what the two wise men Artemidoro and Lirgandeo dyd for to put remedie in the same ¶ How the faire Lindabrides by arte of the two wise men Artimidoro and Lirgandeo was inchanted and the order of her inchantment Chapter 48. NOw saith the Historie the Emperour Alicandro remaining manie dayes in the Court of the Emperour Trebatio was the occasion that the griefe of the faire Princesse Lindabrides dyd euery daye increase more and more one waye for that the presence of the very faire and worthie Princes Claridiana dyd make her suspect that which her knight he of the Sunne had determined within his heart an other way in remembring that in the ende the Emperour her Father would 〈◊〉 into his countrie againe and that forseably she must 〈◊〉 with him all the which she could not suffer with pacience neither immagine that it should be possible for her to departe out of Gâ—ecla 〈◊〉 â— that in thinking hereof her dolour and griefe was such that many times it brought her â—o the point of death And for that all this was not hyd from the two wise men Liâ—gandeo and Arâ—einidoâ—o and vnto the Quéene 〈◊〉 her damsell many times hauing great compassion on this faire Princesse they dyd determine amongst themselues to put some remedie in the same in such sort that she might not liue in so great sorow and griefe Being fully persuaded in their determination and knowing what afterwards would happen and come to 〈…〉 together all those worthie Princes and knights Ladies and damsells in the emperiall pallace the daie being verie faire and the Sunne cléere and bright vpon a sodaine there came ouer the Citie a great cloude that was so blacke and darke that béeing together they could scarcelie sée one
their hands for to kisse theÌ„ for the great curtesie they offered vnto her and therewith she returned with them towards the Citie againe and sayd Oh that it were Gods will Sir Knightes that my fortune might be this daie so happie and prosperous as it was vnto another damsell in times past who brought vnto this Court a strange knight for to defend an honourable Ladie from the power of the stout Aridon who alonelie dyd not kill him in battaile but afterwards had so much power and force for to defend himselfe from all the power and force of the King 〈◊〉 maintaining battaile a great part of the daie with more than two thousand knightes till such time as night drew on and they all thought it best to leaue him so that he went free awaie and none of them all able to hurt or doe him anie outrage who afterward was tolde vs to bée the knight of the Sunne and sonne vnto the Emperour â—rebatio and of the Empresse Briana daughter vnto my Lord the king Tâ—berio and if it were not for the greate warres as is tolde vs that doth detaine him and also for the great 〈◊〉 that the king hath against him the Dutchesse would haue sent vnto him in commending her whole cause in hope that hée woulde haue had some compassion on her All this time Rosicleer and Lyriamandro did greatlie reioyce to heare tolde the wonderfull acts and déedes of the knight of the Sun for wheresoeuer they went they found all the world full of his great fame Thus in trauailing they talked of these and many other things till at thrée of the clocke in the after noone they entered into the mightie Citie of Viana at such time as the great place was full of people tarrying for to sée the battaile that should bee made betwixt the Prince Lusiano and Duke Roberto Then they put themselues into such a place whereas they were verie secret and commanded the damsell to goe forth at such time as the Duke and his knightes were in the place that then she should come and tell them for that they woulde not bée séene till such time as they were in the field and for that in this next Chapter you shall vnderstand the whole truth of all that which passed I doe conclude this and referre mée to the next Of the great treason that the Duke Roberto ordained for to haue the faire Polisena to bee his wife Chap. 44. NOw the Hystorie faith that all that which the damsell had told vnto Rosicleer and Liriamandro was most certaine true but yet there was another secret vnknownen and knowen vnto none but vnto the Duke and another damsell of the Dutchesse which was this insomuch as the Duke Roberto had lost all his hope for to haue at his wil the faire Dutchesse Polisena he determined within himselfe to vse some other meanes which was the worst that euer was procured or done by anie knight for when hée sawe nothing could preuaile him he then laboured with all diligence for to know which of the damsels that waighted vpon the dutches was y â— basest of linage poorest for y â— these two things in inconstant minds be easiest to accoÌ„plish their lusts and desires And when he had learned out this and found that there was one amongest them that serued the Dutchesse which had these qualities or better to saie inconueniences he did secretlie practise to talk with her the which being done what with requests gifts and faire promises in the end he brought her vnto the bent of his bow and hauing her at his commandement as he would wish vpon a night at such time as the Moone did shine most cléerest hée practised with her that she should apparell her selfe with the same apparell attire of her head that the Dutches her Ladie did weare the daie before being so attired shée shoulde come forth into a gallant fresh garden which was vnder the window of the Dutches whereas many times shée would recreate her selfe with her damsells and could not bee seene of anie by reason that the wals were so high being there she should present her selfe to be the faire Polisena and hee would méete with her in the sayd garden whereas betwixt them they would plight their faith troth of matrimonie how that he would take her into his armes as though she were his spouse and lawfull wife When this and all the rest which the Duke requested was concluded with that damsell he then began to increase the friendship which before he had begun with those thrée knighâ—s Ricardo Carmelio Ambardo who were thrée of the principallest knights of most credit that were in all the Court vnto whom many times before because he would haue their friendshippes more surer he did impart the secret great loue which hée haâ— with the Dutches did not onelie declare vnto them the sharpe answeres which she gaue him but rather sayd that he was verie well beloued of her and how that she had promised him many times to receiue him for her husband although shée dyd delaie the time from one night vnto an other Then after a while when that they were partlie perswaded of the truth the daie before the night that he had conâ—orted with the Damsell to come forth into the garden hée went vnto these three knights and in great secret he sayde vnto them these wordes It is not vnknowen vnto you my Lordes how long time I haue trauailed with sorrow for to conclude this loue that I haue alwayes had with the Dutchesse to no other intent and purpose but to marrie with her and to haue her in that honour as her high estate and great worthinesse doth deserue shée hath driuâ—n mée off from daie to daie dilating the time and hindering mée of that great glorie and contentment the which I hoped long ere this to haue inioyed as you doe verie well knowe but now by the good successe that alwayes I hoped for of this my Matrimonie it hath pleased God that the Dutchesse hath now conserted with mée that this next night that commeth she will come forth into a garden that is on the backe side of her lodging where as she willeth me to méete her and there she wil accomplish all that I haue desired and for that I doe know and haue proued by experience the inconstancie and varietie of womens heartes I am verie desirous that you my Lordes would shew me so much pleasure as to go with me thether and to be in secret there whereas you may heare and sée all that passeth because if it shoulde so fall out by my euill fortune that the Dutchesse of Austria for feare of displeasing the king or Quéene or by anie other occasion that shuld moue her now pretended purpose shall denie and flie from this her promise that then you if occasion did so serue as witnesses of that ye sawe may declare the truth of all that which you haue séene
and heard And againe I being in my glorie with the Dutches in the garden should chance to bée discouered and bewraied to haue your helpe and succour as of my verie perfect and good friends When the Duke had concluded this his fained protestation the thrée knightes who were so much his friendes dyd promise vnto him for to accomplish all his request Then when the night was come about twelue of the clock at midnight at such time as the Dutchesse and all the rest were in their found sléepe the Duke with the thrée knights went vnto the garden and although the walls were verie high yet by Ladders they went vp to the top thereof the wall was somewhat broade aboue and on the inside towards the garden hard vnto the wall dyd growe a great number of thickâ— and high Cypres trées which shadowed all the wall in such sort that the thrée knightes might remaine vppon the wall and heare and sée all that should passe in the garden and they not to be séene and discouered of anie In that place did the three knightes remaine and the Duke descended downe by those trées into the garden whereas he remained till within a little while after he heard a little posâ—erne to be opened whereat came forth that false damsell who by reason that the Moone did shine so bright yea nigh hand shée did seeme to bée the Dutchesse for that shee was faire and of her owne stature and was apparelled with a gowne of gréene veluet set full of brouches of golde wherein was set many fine presious stones shée also had her haire hanging about her shoulders which reached downe to the ground and vpon her head a garland set full of Diamonds and rubies of great price with the which garment and garland the thrée knightes dyd sée the Dutchesse the daie before in certaine bankets and feasts that were made and by reason that it was night although the Moone did shine verie cléere yet because shee was somewhat a farre of they coulde not discerne anie other but that she was the Dutchesse Likewise shee had in her hand a bunch of feathers wherewith this Damsell did dissemble and hide her face in such sorte that shée could not bee knowen Then so soone as the Duke had spied her to come forth he straight wayes went knéeled downe before her and sayd Oh my Ladie Polisena what Prince or knight in all the worlde was euer worthie to receiue so great curtesie and fauour as this is Giue mée these your faire and white handes that I may kisse them as one vnworthie to receiue so great honour and glorie and yet I cannot thinke but that it is a dreame My Lord sayde the Damsell giue thanks vnto almightie God who hath done so much for you that you do deserue this at my hands the which I haue done for your sake arise vp from the ground for that your state 〈…〉 courtesie vento any damsell in all the the whole world much lesse vnto the Dutches of Austria who is altogether yours and in saying these wordes she tooke him by the hand and caused him to arise from the ground and the Duke straight waies began to embrace and kisse her and tooke their wayâ— towards a fresh fountaine there at hand compassed rounde about with Iasmires and Muske Roses And before that they could come thether the Damsell sayde My Lord you doe well know that I doe not come hether for any other thing but to plight vnto you my faith and troth to be your wyfe and you my husband and spouse and that to the contrarie I would not come for all the world into this place so much against my honour My desire is that this should bée done out of hand and that we might depart for that I feare to be discouered My good Ladie Dutches sayd the Duke this is that the which I so long haue looked and hoped for And now séeing that we are both agréed and conformable in our good wills now I doe saye that I doe receiue my Ladie the Dutches Polisena for my welbeloued spouse and wife and that I doe renounce all other and cleaue my selfe onely vnto her so long as we shall liue Well then my good Lord sayd the Damsell Héere your true and faithfull Polisena doe receiue and take Roberto Duke of Saxonia for her spouse and will that no other shal be her husband but you alone All this that passed betwixt them was very well heard by the thrée knightes that were in secret and surely they were out of all doubt to the contrarie but that should be the Dutches of Austria For if they had knowen otherwise or had any other thing in their thoughts they were such knights that they would not haue affirmed that which they had sayd for all the kingedome of Hungaria When that this communicacion of matrimonie was concluded betwixt them two the Duke went with the Damsell towardes the Fountaine and at their coâ—ming thether she making the matter somewhat strange so that it might be heard by the thrée knights although they could not sée any thing by reason of the thicknesse of the trées whereas they were there the Duke did accomplish his wil with the Damsell And when it was houre and time for to withdraw themselues they went hand in hand together vnto the posterne where she came forth and there the duke with many imbracings and kissings did take his leaue of her and she entred in and went to sléepe leauing the apparaile of the Dutches in the place whereas she tooke them and was not séene by any And the Duke retourned vnto the thrée knights and departed from thence It fell out within a while after happened all that this Historie hath declared vnto you the which fell out to be vnto the Prince Lusiano great sorrow and griefe for that hée dyd loue the Dutches so entirely and was so fully certified of the good will loue she bare vnto him that it brought him into a great alteration of minde and almost from him selfe to sée the witnesse that was brought against the Dutches by those thrée knights whome he had in estimation to be loyall faithfull and of great credit and beleeued verely that they would not but tell the trueth in that behalfe if that to either of them should be giuen a whole kingdome And to the contrarie he had so great a confidence in his ladie and mistresse that he was fully determined first â—o bée sâ—aine then to consent that any such shame should be offered vnto her But his great bountie did little profit for to deliuer him from the death for that euerie one of the foure were so strong and valiant knights that in all Hungaria was not to be found one that could match any of them But yet for that aboue al things Iustice is of greater force God dyd permit for that Lusiano had Iustice on his part that he should be succoured in this his great extremttie as shal be told you